Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021 - 16

Native Trout Streams
in Centre County
by Nathan Woleslagle
Centre County is one of the finest destinations in Pennsylvania
to chase native Brook Trout. Pennsylvania's state fish can be
found in a plethora of tributaries and larger streams across
the county. The necessary tackle is simple for both fly fishing
anglers and spin fishing anglers alike. Fishing opportunities are
plentiful and easily accessible to all who wish to catch native
Brook Trout in the center of the state.
Before trekking to Centre County to fish, it is ideal to
have several streams selected beforehand. To locate native
trout streams within Centre County, a great resource to use
is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's interactive
trout maps. These online interactive maps can be filtered to
show only Class A and naturally reproducing trout stream
classifications in Centre County.
One of my personal favorite streams in Centre County is
Laurel Run. This stream can be found off of Route 45 towards
the town of Woodward. It flows through the Bald Eagle State
Forest in several areas, so public access is easily achieved.
Laurel Run is accurate in its name, as mountain laurel lines the
stream banks. The Brook Trout are both sizable and plentiful.
Centre County's diverse wildlife may also be spotted along this
stream. I have seen white-tailed deer, foxes, great horned owls,
and occasionally black bear. Not only will you find exceptional
native Brook Trout fishing, but the opportunity for additional
wildlife encounters are high.

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2021	

photos-Terry Malloy

Another stream to explore is Roaring Run. This stream
is located just outside of Boalsburg. Access is simple as the
Shingletown Gap trailhead parallels the stream throughout
its majority. Roaring Run consists of deep holes, log jams, and
smooth riffles that native Brook Trout thrive in. Fish can be
caught throughout the entire stream in large numbers.
A third option is Cherry Run. This stream is a tributary
to the ever-famous Penns Creek and contains not only native
Brook Trout, but also wild Brown Trout. Cherry Run does
receive a fair amount of fishing pressure, but it still contains
a high enough native Brook Trout population for anglers to
enjoy success. Access can be found along Cherry Run Road
and Old Mingle Road.
For spin fishing anglers, the required tackle to catch native
Brook Trout is simple. I prefer a shorter rod, 5- to 6-feet in
length, and in a light to ultralight action. A shorter rod allows
you to cast and maneuver around mountain laurel with
greater ease. A spinning reel spooled with 2- to 4-pound-test
monofilament or fluorocarbon line is ideal. As far as lures,
there are several that are effective. Small jigs that imitate insect
larvae work well. Spoons and lightweight spinners also draw
plenty of bites, especially when fished in deeper holes. For
live bait, red worms and waxworms are irresistible for hungry
Brook Trout.
Fly fishing anglers will find great success fishing Centre
County native Brook Trout streams. Hatches are plentiful in
the spring and fall, with caddisflies, stoneflies, and numerous
species of mayflies hatching in abundance. Nymph fishing
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021

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