Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 5

Fishing Philadelphia's
WISSAHICKON CREEK
by Carl Haensel photos by the author
A
s I parked my car in a lot not far from
Forbidden Drive, the Wissahickon Creek
burbled along just out of sight in the forest.
Sunlight filtered through the tall trees. The lot was
filled with walkers, joggers, families, and other folks
looking to enjoy Philadelphia's massive park system.
Only one other angler was upstream along a trail. I
heard a splash from the stream, and headed to the
creek. Fish were rising, and it was time to get my line
in the water.
Fishing along the Wissahickon Creek in
Philadelphia, it is easy to forget you are in one of the
largest and oldest metropolitan areas of the United
States. The stream rises in suburban Montgomery
County, near Lansdale. From there, it flows
roughly south, traversing 23 miles until it reaches
the Schuylkill River. Along its route, it flows past
stately homes, under historic bridges, and over dam
remnants that were built before the Revolutionary
War. Wissahickon Creek offers one of the most scenic
and enjoyable fishing opportunities near Philadelphia.
From early settlers catching eels in the creek to the
more recent trout stockings, Philadelphia residents
have long enjoyed their time on the stream. The
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and golden Rainbow
Trout into the stream. Wild, naturally reproducing
warmwater fish like Smallmouth Bass and Redbreast
Sunfish add to the fishing opportunities. Occasional
additional species wander upstream from the
Schuylkill River.
Wissahickon Valley Park
The park system in Philadelphia was created to help
preserve water quality along primary water sources like
Wissahickon and Pennypack creeks. After the Civil War,
over 2,000 acres of parkland were created and protected
along with other areas throughout the city. This land
was preserved to protect the creek valley, limit runoff,
and keep the stream clean and healthy. Transferred from
the Fairmount Park system and created as Wissahickon
Valley Park in 2010, the park continues to provide robust
protection to the stream. The shade and other benefits of
the mature forest help it remain a viable fishing location
in the city. A well-engaged friends group advocates for the
park and its upkeep.
Access in the park is excellent with more than six
parking lots. Forbidden Drive, an iconic trail that
parallels the west bank of the creek, runs for 5.3 miles.
It provides an easy way to move up and down the valley.
Graveled and pleasant to walk or bike, it is a great way to
get around. The stream is stocked over this entire length,
from Germantown Pike downstream to Monoshone
Creek at Lincoln Drive.
May/June 2022
5

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022

Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 14
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 16
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 18
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 19
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 21
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 22
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 26
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 27
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 28
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 30
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 31
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 37
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 38
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 39
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 40
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 41
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 42
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 43
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 46
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 50
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 51
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 52
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 53
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 55
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 57
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 60
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 64
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - Cover4
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