Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

La Juniata River - Spruce Creek - Pennsylvania

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 20-22 Zebra Midges, WD-40
February Midges Afternoon 20-22 Zebra Midges, Griffith's Gnat
Blue Winged Olive Late afternoon 18-20 BWO Emerger, Olive Comparadun
March Midges Afternoon 20-22 Zebra Midges, WD-40
Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 18-20 BWO Emerger, Blue Quill
Little Black Stoneflies Early morning to mid day 14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph, Little Black Stone
April Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 18-20 BWO Emerger, Blue Quill
Hendrickson Early evening 16-18 Dark Hendrickson, Hendrickson Spinner
Grannom Caddis All day 14-16 Grannom Caddis Pupa, X Caddis
March Brown Early afternoon 12-14 March Brown Wet, March Brown Dry
Grey Fox Early evening 12-14 Grey Fox Spinner, Grey Fox Dry
May Hendrickson Early evening 16-18 Dark Hendrickson, Hendrickson Spinner
Grannom Caddis All day 14-16 Grannom Caddis Pupa, X Caddis
March Brown Early afternoon 12-14 March Brown Wet, March Brown Dry
Grey Fox Early evening 12-14 Grey Fox Spinner, Grey Fox Dry
Sulphur Evening 16-18 Sulphur Dun, Sulphur Emerger
June Sulphur Evening 16-18 Sulphur Dun, Sulphur Emerger
Green Drake Evening 10-12 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Spinner
Yellow Drake Evening 10-12 Yellow Drake Dun, Yellow Drake Spinner
Brown Drake Evening 10-12 Brown Drake Dun, Brown Drake Spinner
July Yellow Drake Evening 10-12 Yellow Drake Dun, Yellow Drake Spinner
Terrestrials (Beetles, Ants & Hoppers) All day 12-16 Foam Beetle, Flying Ant, Dave's Hopper
August Terrestrials (Beetles, Ants & Hoppers) All day 12-16 Foam Beetle, Flying Ant, Dave's Hopper
September Terrestrials (Beetles, Ants & Hoppers) All day 12-16 Foam Beetle, Flying Ant, Dave's Hopper
October Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 18-22 BWO Emerger, Olive Comparadun
Terrestrials (Beetles, Ants & Hoppers) All day 12-16 Foam Beetle, Flying Ant, Dave's Hopper
November Blue Winged Olive Afternoon 18-22 BWO Emerger, Olive Comparadun
December Midges Afternoon 20-22 Zebra Midges, WD-40

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The La Juniata River – Spruce Creek offers several top-notch spots for avid fly fishers. These locations provide wonderful catches year-round.
  • The Green Drake Hatch: This spot is notorious for its late May to early June hatches. The slow, meandering water provides a living for heavy hatches of insects and, consequently, an array of trout.
  • The Little Juniata River: This stretch, home to brook, brown, and rainbow trout, is favorite for many regular fly fishers. Exceptional mayfly and caddis hatches also occur here in the spring.
  • The Spruce Creek: Spruce Creek is a limpid, freestone creek known for its majestic domiciles of brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Frequent hatches of mayflies and consistent flows make it ideal.
  • The Sulfur Hatch: Located at the lower end of the river, this spot is acknowledged for its gray drake and sulfur hatches. It’s most effective during late spring and summer.

Best Access Points

The La Juniata River – Spruce Creek is a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the best access points:

  • Curtin Bridge: Located close to the town of Spruce Creek, this spot is popular for its excellent trout population.
  • Spruce Creek State Park: With well-maintained facilities, this state park is ideal for a fly fishing day trip or weekend outing.
  • Barree Bridge: This location is known for its picturesque view and diverse fish species.
  • Huntingdon: The river stretch along Huntingdon is easily accessible and offers a good fly fishing experience.
  • Goodville: Near the scenic village of Goodville, here you’ll find less crowded waters.

Each of these offers unique fishing experiences, but always ensure to have the correct fishing permit and follow fishing regulations.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Species native to Europe, but well-adapted to La Juniata River. Highly pursued by fly fishers due to their size and fighting spirit.
  • Brook Trout: A small species native to the eastern United States. Known for its distinctive coloration and tendency to jump when hooked.
  • Rainbow Trout: Vibrant fish originally from the west coast, but have found a suitable habitat in La Juniata River. Known for their acrobatics and endurance when hooked.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Thrive in the faster, rocky water sections of the river. They are fun to catch as they fight hard and jump high.
  • Yellow Perch: Common species in La Juniata River, popular among fly fishers for their size and aggressiveness when biting.
  • Northern Pike: Although not native, these large, aggressive fish are a fantastic prize for the adventurous fly fisher.
  • Walleye: Known for their excellent meat, these fish inhabit the deeper slower moving areas of the river.
  • Channel Catfish: Although not traditionally fly fished, they are a common species in the river and provide a serious challenge for any angler.

About The River

The La Juniata River – Spruce Creek has a history steeped in charm and significance. Originating from the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania, this majestic waterway was used by Native Americans and later by European settlers for transportation and sustenance.

In the 1700s, the river played a crucial role in the area’s fur trade, acting as an essential conduit. By the 19th century, it became a key artery for the booming coal and iron industries.

  • Native Americans: The Creek was initially home to the Susquehannocks, and later the Lenape tribes.
  • Fur trade: The Juniata River was a bustling hub for engaging in the fur trade with Native Americans.
  • Industrial Revolution: During the Industrial Revolution, the creek transported coal and iron.

Today, the La Juniata River – Spruce Creek is loved for its natural beauty and rich fishing ground, providing a perfect blend of history and outdoor adventure.

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