4 Great Fishing Spots for Summer Trout in Western Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most outstanding trout water in all the country.

Anglers from far and wide flock to the Keystone State in search of trout, and for good reason!  Our waters abound with brooks, browns, and rainbows as the commonwealth boasts more miles of trout stream than any other state except Alaska.  It’s no shock that Pennsylvania is truly a destination fishery for many.

The thing is, most anglers associate the famous spring and limestone waters of central PA with these great fishing opportunities. Here are four spots in the western part of the state that can rival anything else Pennsylvania has to offer!

Neshannock Creek

Located in Lawrence County, a bit north of Pittsburgh, sits Neshannock.  Over two and a half miles of delayed harvest water bring anglers in, but it’s the quality of trout that keeps them coming back.  A very active TU chapter, along with a Keystone Select designation, makes for tremendous fishing opportunities. Stopping in to Neshannock Creek Fly Shop can get folks up-to-date info on everything that’s hatching and which flies are fishing best!

Meadow Run

Tucked in the heart of the Laurel Highlands is Meadow Run.  This mountain freestone stream has a 2.2-mile section of delayed harvest, artificial lures only that features some outstanding summer fishing.  Cool tributaries and excellent hatches make Meadow a can’t-miss fishing destination for anglers throughout summer. As an added bonus, private trout clubs that own property in headwater streams flowing into Meadow stock gigantic fish that sometimes wash into the main stem.

Oil Creek

If wide streams with plenty of bug life and few things to obstruct a back cast appeal to you, then venture to Oil Creek in Venango County.  A well-maintained bike trail parallels this gem, making it extremely accessible. Large browns haunt the deep pools of this Keystone Select stream and the summer caddis hatches are intense enough to bring them up to the surface to feed. Wildwood Outfitters, near the town of Franklin, provides guiding opportunities as well as updated information on stream flow and fishing reports.

Dunbar Creek

While 4.4-miles of fly fishing only designated stream are the main attraction, excellent fishing abounds in this second Laurel Highlands stream.  The French and Indian War started in the headwaters of Dunbar, and now native brook trout teem in the shadows of these historic glens and hills. In the project water, stream improvement devices have created superb habitat that holds fish all year!

Fly fishers looking to get their summer fix need not focus solely on the famous waters that litter the central corridor of the state. Western Pennsylvania holds its own and then some with terrific fishing!