Elk Creek Steelhead
Located in Erie County in the northwestern portion of the state, Elk Creek has become one of the top steelhead fishing destinations in the country due to the huge numbers of adult steelhead that return to this creek each fall, winter and spring. With an annual stocking of 250,000 juvenile steelhead each season, this fishery remains strong thanks to a high survival rate that produces large numbers of mature steelhead that return each season to spawn. With miles of public access on Elk Creek, there are plenty of places to wet a line in search of these lake run rainbow trout. Whether you choose to use a fly rod or drift bait, these fish will readily bite a variety of presentations.
Marsh Creek
Located in Centre County on the Interstate 80 corridor, Marsh Creek is managed as Pennsylvania Approved Trout Water. This means that that the creek has public access and is stocked annually with trout to enhance the fishery. Marsh Creek receives both Brook and Brown Trout stockings each spring from the Pleasant Gap State Fish Hatchery. The only time trout season is closed on Marsh Creek is from March 1 to April 16, with opening day of trout season on April 17. A variety of bait and fly fishing tactics will work on Marsh Creek, but be sure to use light line and small presentations when the water is low and clear.
Lake Arthur
This 3,200-acre lake in Butler County is located within the Moraine State Park. Offering popular sport fishing species such as largemouth bass, musky, walleye and hybrid striped bass, there is something for everyone to catch at this impressive lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has installed a variety of fish habitats around the lake in order to provide cover for both adult and juvenile fish species. The locations of the fish habitats can be obtained at the park office and are a good bet to have a trophy fish lurking near by. There are boat marinas at Davis Hollow and Watts Bay, as well as boat ramps located within the park.
