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Valley Creek is a wild brown, trout fishery in Southeast
Pennsylvania, just a short distance from Philadelphia.
This spring-fed, limestone creek remains cold through
the summer, providing excellent year-round fishing. Large
wild browns, up to 20 inches, can be caught on this 30-foot
wide creek. No kill regulations,
no stocking, and cold water enable these wild fish to
thrive here. It is due to PCB problems that Valley Creek
was given no-kill regulations. Thanks to these regulations,
a wild population of trout have been able to establish
themselves here. Wild browns up to 16 inches are fairly
common here and larger ones are often caught.
The creek originates in East Whiteland Township and
flows 12 miles before it meets the Schuylkill River.
The top part of the creek, from Route 76 upriver, is
not as accessible as the lower half. Posted land makes
it somewhat difficult to find open fishing water. The
river can be accessed by hiking upriver, you'll just
need to abide by the posted signs along the way. You'll
also find a few places to park to directly access this
portion of stream; one is located in a park off Route
29. |
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Little Valley Creek enters just below Mill Road, upriver
from Route 76. This creek also has wild browns. The lower
half of the creek, from Route 76 downriver, flows through
Valley Forge National Park. The Valley Forge National
Park stretch is two miles long and very accessible from
Route 252, which parallels this section. Pull-off areas
are abundant here, providing places to park and access
the creek. This section is the "first choice" for most
anglers to fish. |
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Valley Creek is made up of some beautiful water. Fast
runs, pockets, and pools characterize this creek. Large
boulders, fallen trees, and undercut banks help provide
shelter for the trout. Cold water is the final ingredient
that makes this a special creek.
Hatches here include Blue-winged
Olive, Sulphurs, Light
Cahills, and a few other Mayflies. Caddis and
a few Stoneflies also are abundant here. Terrestrials
make up the late- season fishing during summer. Nymphs
and streamers also are important to include in your
fly box. Hares Ears, Zug
Bugs, Prince Nymphs, and Pheasant
Tails are a few nymphs to carry along with you.
Streamers should include Woolly Buggers, Small Buck
Tail Streamers, and Matukas. Other dries, nymphs,
and streamers also are effective at various times.
Keep in mind that Valley Creek is a cold, wild fishery,
so quality fishing is readily available even through
hot summers. Bring along a light rod, a few boxes
of flies, and the next time you're in the Philadelphia
area, be sure to give Valley Creek a try. |
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