laurel hill creek
overview
40.00860 N Lat /-79.23249 W Long This is the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) and Keystone Select section upstream 2.3 miles to Jimtown Road (T364).
Stream is heavily covered with old growth hemlock forest and is a combination of riffles, runs and pools. This stream is a 38 mile long tributary of the Youghiogheny River. All trout caught in the DHALO section must be released between Labor Day and June fourteenth. Between June 15th and Labor Day, three trout per day may be harvested but must be a minimum of nine inches. See the Pa Fish & Boat Commission web site for additional rules and regulations. www.fishandboat.com
This stream offers a Montana like setting, cut through the Laurel Mountains and surrounded by hemlocks, rhododendron and hardwoods. It is not uncommon to see a bald eagle, deer or fisher in this section. The only sound is that of the stream.
“This section of Laurel Hill Creek is truly a treasure,” notes Mike Mumau, Park Operations Manager for the Laurel Hill State Park Complex. “A short walk from your vehicle and you are surrounded by towering hemlocks and thick rhododendron and mountain laurel. You can feel quite inconsequential in the grand scheme of nature. Lots of riffles and runs that hold promise of a tight line. Many memories are made here by anglers every year.”
The Hemlock Trail parallels the steam from the head of Laurel Hill Lake upstream to Buck Run making for easy access. Parking is available at both ends of the trail. The GPS readings provided are for the head of the lake. The stream can also be accessed via the Conestoga Boy Scout Camp/Buck Run Roads except during winter. That road is then restricted to hiking, snowmobile and cross country ski use only.
Next to the parking lot at Buck Run is ADA access to the stream. Those pools along the road are easily accessible and hold water and trout into early summer. The water from that point upstream provides more pools and open water making it easier to use a dry fly. There are trails back to the stream from Buck Run up to Jimtown Road bridge.
Delayed Harvest ARTIFICIAL LURE ONLY (DHALO)
The DHALO section of the stream is stocked in the fall and maintains good flow through the end of spring. Being a PA Select Stream, it receives a stocking in the spring that includes trout 14” to 19” long. This section of stream is located in Laurel Hill State Park which includes camp sites, picnic areas and hiking trails. The lake, which is also stocked with trout, includes a boat launch and swimming area.
The stream banks are steep in places and heavily wooded, but access is usually available from one side. Hip waders and wading staff are recommended. Wading away from the banks makes dry fly fishing a little easier. The stream supports a healthy population of caddis, stoneflies and mayflies. And it is not uncommon to catch wild brook trout. Anglers are encouraged to carefully handle and release them.
STREAM
ACCESS
additional
RESOURCES
Check with local tackle shops, listed elsewhere on this web site, for hatches and recommended patterns throughout the year. Tackle shops in the area include PA Fly Co, S&S Bait and Tackle, B & L Bait N Tackle and B & G Bait & Sport Shop. Another reliable resource for recommended patterns as well as other nearby trout streams is “Keystone Fly Fishing” guide published in 2017 by Headwater Books.
more to explore
There is another DHALO section on Laurel Hill Creek further downstream below Trent. It is slower and more open water and easier dry fly fishing. Other nearby trout streams include Kooser Run and Jones Mill Creek, both small, high gradient tributaries of Laurel Hill Creek. Other points of interest include Hidden Valley Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Glade Run Winery and Kings Covered Bridge on Rt. 653 over Laurel Hill Creek.
See www.golaurelhighlands.com for lodging, restaurants and other local attractions.