CLEAR SHADE CREEK

overview

40.14800 / -78.78400 Clear Shade Creek begins along the Allegheny Front north of the village of Ogletown in Somerset County. Above Ogletown the headwaters are brushed in, and much of the stream flows through private property. From Ogletown to its mouth virtually the entire stream is open to fishing. There are only four access points the first at Ogletown on Route 56, the second at fisherman’s path from a state forest road (Fire Road) that connects route 56 to Crumb Road, an area called the Iron Bride on Crumb Road, and finally from route 160 along the access road to the Windber Area Water Authority’s former water dam property.

Fly Fishing Only, Catch-and-Release AND HATCHES

The area from the Iron bridge downstream to route 160 is the most popular and contains the Fly Fishing Only catch and release section, However, the Fly Fishing Only section is most easily accessed via Route 160. The Route 160 access road is located just west of the stream junction, there are twin stone pillars and a blue gate at the entrance. The gate is only open from the earliest stockings in March through approximately July 4th. When the gate is closed it can be rewarding to hike or bike in, you will most certainly have the stream to yourself and the fish not being disturbed move into the best/obvious feeding lies.

The area upstream of Crumb Road flows through a remote section of state forest which is designated as a wild area. This section is the most challenging to fish as the forest canopy generally covers the stream, back casts can be limited. Brook trout and a few wild browns can be found, the fish will be small. Anywhere you fish on Clear Shade will force you to challenge your casting skills.

Below Crumb Road the stream opens and is more pleasant to fish. This water receives multiple stockings from the state and local sportsman’s clubs. It is a walk in only and there is a gated road that parallels the stream which connects with the access from route 160. Be advised when fishing Clear Shade pop up thunderstorms can sneak up on you when you are half hours walk away from the vehicle. These storms don’t move in they form directly above you. Shade Creek is negatively impacted by acidic conditions; the mountain soils cannot buffer acidic precipitation and there are many brackish bogs and swamps that drain into the stream.

The insects are not overly plentiful, which makes artificial offerings attractive to the trout. The major hatch on Clear Shade is the Green Drake (size 10 or 12) which will appear in late May early June depending on water temperatures and run for about two weeks. Often during the Drake hatch the Fly Fishing Only water can be crowded as fisherman stake out the holes, but the spinner fall occurs mostly in the riffles.

When fishing the Drake always stay until dark. In the spring during strong flows try wooly buggers, muddlers, and beaded nymphs.

Any surface attractor will work from late May through summer and into fall. Start with an Adams or caddis pattern and experiment from there, some years inch worms are abundant, pay attention. Ants and beetles are especially effective wet or dry.

Drifts are generally short. In late summer and fall the flow can become low and slow, during these periods try the area below the former water dam where Piney Run enters adding volume, also in this area the gradient increases supporting adequate drifts.

This section is rocky and the banks are steep it is recommended to have studded boots and a wading staff. Phone service is limited to nonexistent along Clear Shade Creek so check the maps make plans before you arrive.

One last point Clear Shade Creek offers plenty of habitat, is remote, scenic, picturesque, and full of natural beauty year round.