There are so many places to fish in Montgomery County that you could go out every weekend for a year and probably still find new angling spots. Some are well known and others more off the beaten path. Here are a few of our local favorites!
l
Valley Creek
Near Valley Forge, you will find Valley Creek – a prime spot to catch bluegill and brown trout. Bordering both Chester and Montgomery counties, you can find large wild browns up to 20 inches in length here. The creek is about 30 feet wide. There are no-kill regulations, no stocking and cold water, helping the fish to thrive here. Wild browns about 16 inches long are common and anglers often report catching larger ones.
This creek originates in East Whiteland Township and flows 12 miles before meeting the Schuylkill River. The lower half is more accessible for anglers who can find a few easy places to park just across from the stream, including one spot located in a park just off Route 29. A two-mile long part of the stream is in Valley Forge National Park and is easily accessible from Route 252, which has plenty of pull-off areas. This part of the creek is “first choice” for fishing by most anglers. Keep in mind that Valley Creek is a cold, wild fishery, so you can enjoy fishing here throughout hot summers. Bring along a light rod and a few boxes of flies when you visit.
l
Green Lane Park and Reservoir
The park has many locations to enjoy fishing. The Green Lane Reservoir offers shore line fishing at Hill Road Day Use Area, take Rt. 29 North through the borough of Green lane, then turn left on Hill Road.
Also Walt Road, behind the Upper Perkiomen High School, take Rt. 29 north, turn left on 11th Street, follow straight to the Park entrance. Deep Creek Lake is stocked with Trout in the spring and fall. Take Rt. 29 North, turn left onto Deep Creek Road, follow ½ mile to Snyder Road. Entrance and lake on the on the right.
In addition, the park also stocks a small stretch of the Perkiomen Creek, north of the reservoir, on Church Road, with trout for delayed harvest-fly fishing only. Drive north on Rt. 29, turn left on Knight Rd, cross over Rt. 663, turn right onto Church Rd. drive 1 mile. Fly fishing area on left at creek bridge.
l
Fishing Regulations for Pennsylvania Fishing
Whether you are a Pennsylvanian or from out of state, you need to be aware of the State’s regulations for freshwater fishing. Fishing licenses are required for anyone age 16 and over to fish or angle for any type of fish in Pennsylvania waters. The costs vary by length of time you want the license and age of applicant.
Here are a few tips you might need. For example, if you are a trout angler, there are different regulations that apply to specific areas where you will be fishing. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County, trout season opened this year on March 29th. Approved trout fishing is available at:
• Deep Creek Dam – East Branch Perkiomen Creek (from near Salfordville Road downstream to Bergey’s Mill Road – in season only)
• Kepner Creek
• Loch Alsh Reservoir
• Manatawny Creek
• Pennypack Creek (Lorimer Park)
• Perkiomen Creek (county line downstream to first unnamed trib downstream of Fruitville Road (T-414)
• Skippack Creek
• Stony Creek
• Unami Creek
• Wissahickon Creek (from Lafayette Ave. downstream to Stenton Ave.)
l
In addition, there are approved trout waters open to year-round fishing at Valley Creek, at Valley Forge and the tributaries including Little Valley Creek. Be aware that Valley Forge National Historic Park has some special bait restrictions. You should check local posters if you intend to fish for trout there.
Catch and release trout fishing is open in Pennsylvania year-round, but no trout may be killed or kept. Fishing with artificial flies, lures, streamers, natural bait, baitfish and fishbait is allowed. Any spinning or fly-fishing gear may be used in these areas as well.
Pennsylvania also offers two Fish-For-Free-Days that allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish without a fishing license. No fishing license is required to fish on Pennsylvania’s waterways on these days. All other fishing regulations still apply so it is good to familiarize yourself with the regulations in any case. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will answer any questions you may have.
l
Tips on Lures and Baits for Catching Freshwater Fish in Pennsylvania
Trout fishing aficionados recommend using small tube jigs, crappie jigs or mealworms (or a combination of those) to catch trout through the ice. The experts say to try different colors to see what works best, but recommend chartreuse or pink and add, “Make sure to do some light jigging with it; keep it moving slightly.” Ask your bait shop owner in the local area you will be fishing to recommend the best baits or lures you will need for success in that lake or stream.
Have fun and fish often in Montgomery County!!!
l
This Sponsored Article was brought to you by Joe Laing, Marketing Director for El Monte RV, a nationwide RV rental company. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States.
We Are Supported By:
