whites creek

overview

39.75516 / 79.31404 Whites Creek is a small mountain stream located south of Confluence, Somerset County, and part of the Casselman River watershed.  It can be accessed by following PA Rt. 523 (Listonburg Road) east out of Confluence. Rt. 523 soon crosses the Casselman, turns south and parallels Whites Creek. At Listonburg, follow Whites Creek Road to access the upper stretch of the stream. The road crosses Whites Creek and there are multiple pull offs for stream access. The headwaters of Whites Creek, roughly nine miles upstream, is formed by Christner and Zehner Runs at (39.73801, -7922379).

Whites Creek has approximately eight miles of stocked water but it also supports a healthy population of wild trout, especially above Listonburg. While access is relatively easy, this stream does not see crowds like other stocked streams in the region, especially after opening day. The stream is relatively remote. The stream is surrounded by heavy forests with a few open meadows. Very little of the private property is posted. It is a gentle gradient mountain stream with enough plunge pools and riffles to supply ample dissolved oxygen to support trout and trout bugs. Most of the stream is 10 to 25 feet wide and is easy to wade in hip boots or waist waders. See the Pa Fish & Boat Commission web site for stocking schedules and locations.  www.fishandboat.com

The stream provides healthy and diverse populations of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies. Mayflies starting in April include Blue-Winged Olives, Slate Drakes, Sulphurs, Blue Quills, Cahills and Quill Gordans. Many of the streams in this region have a Green Drake hatch that coincides with Memorial Day weekend. This stream has Black Stonefly hatches in late winter and the usual terrestrials during mid to late summer.

Flows drop rather quickly the beginning of summer. Stealth fishing with a low profile is more critical during lower flows and especially in the more open meadows. Outfitters and tackle shops in Ohiopyle typically report the hatches for the Yough River and Laurel Hill Creek. The timing is similar for Whites Creek. 

The middle Youghiogheny River, Laurel Hill Creek and Meadow Run are all within an easy drive. The tailrace below Yough dam is heavily stocked and maintains a relatively steady flow and temperature. It too is easy access via the Armey Corps of Engineers camping area. Plus, the Casselman River offers both stocked trout and small mouth bass fishing. If trout don’t cooperate on one stream, try one of the others nearby. 

 There are tackle shops that offer guided fishing trips in Ohiopyle. Small restaurants are available in Confluence and Ohiopyle. The Great Allegheny Passage bike/hike trail parallels the Yough River with access in Confluence and Ohiopyle. See www.golaurelhighlands.com for lodging, restaurants and other local attractions.