What Little Pine Creek offers and where to find it

Little Pine Creek runs roughly 40 miles through central Lycoming County, flowing north from its headwaters near Elimsport down to the West Branch Susquehanna River near Williamsport. The creek splits into two distinct sections: the upper reaches above the dam near Blackwell hold native brook trout and wild browns in pocket water and small pools, while the lower section below the dam is warmer and holds smallmouth bass, sunfish, and some carryover trout from stocking. Most anglers focus on the 8 miles between Blackwell and the confluence, where access is easiest and the fishing is most consistent.

The creek itself is small — rarely more than 30 feet wide in the main channel — which makes it ideal for wading and fly fishing. The gradient is moderate, creating a mix of riffles, runs, and deeper pools that hold fish year-round. Water clarity is usually good except after heavy rain, when the creek can blow out for a day or two. The streambed is a mix of bedrock, slate, and gravel, with plenty of undercut banks and root wads that hold trout.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper creek above Blackwell Dam holds native brook trout and wild browns; the lower section holds smallmouth bass and stocked trout.
  • Access points include Blackwell Road near the dam, Elimsport, and several pull-offs along Route 44 in the lower section.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for trout; summer requires early morning fishing or focusing on deeper pools and shade.
  • Fly fishing works year-round with small nymphs and streamers; spinning gear with small spoons and soft plastics takes smallmouth in the lower creek.
  • The creek is open to fishing year-round, but trout season runs April through October; check current regulations before you go.

Access points and how to reach them

Blackwell Road is the most popular entry point. From Williamsport, take Route 44 north toward Elimsport. Turn left onto Blackwell Road (just past the village of Blackwell) and follow it to the parking area near the dam. This spot gives you access to both the lower section below the dam and a short walk upstream to the upper creek. The parking is informal but reliable, and the area rarely gets crowded except on opening day of trout season.

Elimsport sits at the headwaters and offers access to the upper creek's best native trout water. From Route 44, turn onto Main Street in Elimsport and follow it toward the creek. There is limited parking near the bridge, but the water here is small and technical — best for anglers who want solitude and don't mind tight casting. The creek above Elimsport is even smaller and flows through private land, so stick to the public water below the village.

Route 44 pull-offs provide scattered access to the lower section between Blackwell and Williamsport. Several informal pull-offs line the road where it runs close to the creek. These spots are good for short sessions or when you want to fish a specific pool without committing to a full day. Parking is tight, so pull completely off the road and do not block traffic.

Seasonal patterns and what to fish

Spring (April through May) brings the best overall fishing. Water temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s, and both trout and smallmouth become active. Nymphs work well in the faster water — try small Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails, and Prince nymphs in sizes 14 to 18. Streamers like Woolly Buggers and small Muddlers draw strikes from larger trout and smallmouth. Spin anglers do well with small spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) and inline spinners in silver or gold.

Summer (June through August) slows the trout bite. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, pushing trout into deeper pools and shaded runs. Fish early in the morning before the sun hits the water, or focus on the deeper sections below Blackwell Dam where the water stays cooler. Smallmouth become the primary target in the lower creek — they feed aggressively in warm water and take soft plastics, small crankbaits, and topwater lures. Nymphing still works in the upper creek if you stay in the shade and fish the deepest runs.

Fall (September through October) returns excellent trout fishing. Water temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s, and trout feed heavily before winter. Dry fly fishing can be good in September and early October, especially with small caddis and mayfly patterns. As the season closes in late October, switch back to nymphs and streamers. Smallmouth remain active in the lower section through October.

Winter (November through March) is slow but not impossible. The creek rarely freezes solid, and a few hardy anglers fish nymphs and small streamers on mild days. Most anglers take a break during this period, which means you will have the water to yourself if you do venture out.

Trout species and what to expect

Native brook trout are the signature fish of the upper creek. They are smaller than stocked browns — typically 6 to 9 inches — but they are wild, beautiful, and worth the technical casting required to catch them. They hold in pocket water, behind rocks, and in the root wads along the banks. They are spooky and prefer small flies presented with a delicate cast. A 3-weight or 4-weight fly rod is ideal for this water.

Wild brown trout are scattered throughout the creek but more common in the lower section and in deeper pools. They run 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 inches or better. They are less selective than brookies but more aggressive than the stocked trout. They respond well to streamers and larger nymphs, especially in low-light conditions.

Stocked trout are planted in the lower section by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, usually in spring and fall. These fish are easier to catch than wild trout but often less selective about presentation. They tend to hold in the deeper pools and slower runs. Check the stocking schedule on the Fish and Boat Commission website before you plan your trip.

Smallmouth bass in the lower creek

The section below Blackwell Dam is warm enough to hold smallmouth year-round, and they are abundant from June through October. These fish average 8 to 12 inches, with a few reaching 14 inches or better. They respond to small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches), inline spinners, and small crankbaits. Early morning and late evening are best, but smallmouth will feed throughout the day in summer when water temperatures are high.

Fly anglers can take smallmouth on small streamers and poppers. A 5-weight or 6-weight rod is appropriate for this water. Smallmouth are less leader-shy than trout, so you can use heavier tippet (8 to 10 pounds) without losing fish. The lower creek's slower current and deeper pools make it easier to fish than the upper section, making it a good choice for anglers new to the creek.

Regulations and what you need to know

Little Pine Creek is open to fishing year-round, but trout season runs from the second Saturday in April through October 31. During trout season, you must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout stamp. Smallmouth season is year-round, and they are not regulated by a separate stamp. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The creek is not a special regulation area, so standard statewide rules apply: three trout per day, 7-inch minimum size. Smallmouth have no daily limit in this section. Catch-and-release is not required, but many anglers practice it to preserve the wild trout population. If you keep fish, keep the smaller stocked trout and release the wild ones when possible.

Gear and tactics that work

For fly fishing the upper creek, a 3-weight or 4-weight rod with a 4x or 5x leader works well for small nymphs and dry flies. For streamers and the lower creek, step up to a 5-weight or 6-weight. Waders are essential year-round — the water is cold even in summer, and wading wet will wear you out quickly. A chest pack or small backpack is enough to carry what you need; the creek is small enough that you do not need to cover huge distances.

Spin anglers should bring a light rod (5 to 6 feet, ultralight to light action) and 4 to 6-pound line. Small spoons, inline spinners, and soft plastics in the 2 to 3-inch range are all you need. A small tackle box with a few colors in each category will cover most situations. Polarized sunglasses are worth their weight — the water is clear, and you can often sight-fish to individual trout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Little Pine Creek year-round?

Yes, the creek is open year-round, but trout season runs from the second Saturday in April through October 31. Outside those dates, you can fish for smallmouth and other species. Winter fishing is slow but possible on mild days.

Do I need a boat to fish Little Pine Creek?

No. The creek is small and wading is the standard approach. A canoe or kayak is not practical because of the tight quarters and frequent obstacles. Wading access is available at multiple points along the creek.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are peak seasons. Water temperatures are ideal, trout are active, and the weather is pleasant. Summer is slower for trout but good for smallmouth. Winter is slow overall.

Are there crowds on opening day?

Yes. Opening day of trout season (second Saturday in April) draws anglers to popular spots like Blackwell Road. If you want solitude, fish on a weekday or visit Elimsport instead of the main access points.

What should I do if the creek is high and muddy after rain?

Wait a day or two for the water to clear. The creek usually clears within 24 hours of heavy rain. If you must fish, focus on the deeper pools and use darker flies or lures that are easier for fish to see in stained water.