Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 6

The Wissahickon Creek has numerous historic structures along its route, like the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1855. It is the
only covered bridge remaining in Philadelphia.
The stream gradient in this reach is steeper near
Bells Mills, and then slows as it descends toward the
Schuylkill River. Anglers looking to find active fish
will have their best trout luck below fast riffles, in
runs, and along bouldery banks, especially as water
warms from late spring into early summer. Trout
will also seek out coldwater inputs and seeps as the
weather warms, often found at the mouths of small
creek valleys and steep bluffs. When trout are not
cooperating, abundant sunfish and Smallmouth Bass
make for fun fishing. If the stream is clear, try to get a
nice vantage point from above to see if there are large
fish in the run or pool. There are also plenty of suckers
in the stream, so do not confuse suckers with a school
of trophy trout.
Fort Washington State Park
Located just upstream of Philadelphia, trout fishing
opportunities are readily available on the Wissahickon
Creek at Fort Washington State Park. On multiple
parcels in Montgomery County, its 493 acres provide
access to the stream along West Mill Road and is an
excellent place to get on the Green Ribbon Trail. The
trail follows the creek in Montgomery County and
features numerous parking areas and access points.
Anglers targeting trout should note that the stream is
stocked from Lafayette Avenue downstream to Stenton
Avenue. The stocked trout move within the watershed,
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
but anglers are more likely to find warmwater species
as they proceed upstream.
Fly fishing on the Wissahickon Creek
Fly anglers looking for an excellent place to learn
and a pleasant spot to fish will enjoy Wissahickon
Creek. Shortly after trout season has opened, small
nymphs and streamers work well. Stocked trout are
often caught on small Woolly Buggers, rabbit strip
leech patterns, or similar flies. Beadhead nymphs
like Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare's Ears, and Copper
Johns are excellent choices. As the season progresses
and hatches start, caddisflies are the most important
insect in the watershed. Elk Hair Caddis patterns in
sizes 12-16 work well, often with olive, tan, or gray
bodies. Impacts from suburban runoff have limited
the mayfly hatches, but some remain and can be
worth fishing in April, May, and June. Keep small
Blue Winged Olives in sizes 14-18 around, as well as
sulphur patterns. The extensive forest cover of the
creek leads to plenty of opportunities to fish terrestrial
insect patterns. Pack some Foam Ants and beetles,
especially if visiting the stream in May and June. As
the season progresses, trout become more scarce.
Fly anglers may find success covering water with
streamers and other searching patterns to find groups
of fish, and then switching to smaller patterns to
convince fish to bite.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022

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