Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Laurel Hill Creek - Ursina - 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 Warmest part of day #20-26 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns
February Midges Warmest part of day #20-26 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns
March Blue-Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Little Black Caddis Late afternoon #18-20 Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns
April Blue-Winged Olives Afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Hendricksons Late afternoon #12-14 Hendrickson Dry, Emerger
Grannom Caddis Afternoon #14-16 Grannom Pupa, Elk Hair Caddis
Quill Gordons Late afternoon #12-14 Quill Gordon Dry
May March Browns Late afternoon #10-12 March Brown Dry, Emerger
Green Drakes Late afternoon to dusk #8-10 Green Drake Dun, Cripple
Sulphurs Evening #14-18 Sulphur Dun, Emerger
Gray Fox Afternoon #12-14 Gray Fox Dry
Tan Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns
June Sulphurs Evening #14-18 Sulphur Dun, Emerger
Light Cahills Late afternoon #12-14 Light Cahill Dry, Emerger
Golden Stones Afternoon #8-12 Golden Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns
July Tricos Morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Dun
Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Little Yellow Stoneflies Late afternoon #14-16 Yellow Sally Dry, Nymph
August Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Tricos Morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Dun
September Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
White Flies Evening #12-14 White Fly Spinner, Dun
October Blue-Winged Olives Afternoon #18-22 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
November Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, afternoon #18-22 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
December Midges Warmest part of day #20-26 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns

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

If you’re an avid fly fisher, Laurel Hill Creek – Ursina offers some of the best spots including:

  • Kooser State Park: With a blend of shallow and deep waters, it’s perfect for beginners and experts. Trout, bass and panfish are common catches.
  • The Middle and Lower Youghiogheny River: Known for its wide variety of trout, it’s a hotspot for fly fishers.
  • Laurel Hill Lake: Offering tranquil settings, it’s a popular site for fly fishers who prefer remote, peaceful locations.
Additional spots off the beaten path include:
  1. Cranberry Glade Lake: Although smaller, this lake is teeming with fish species such as trout, bass and panfish.
  2. Laurel Hill Creek’s Tributaries: Ideal for those looking for solitude, these untouched tributaries offer a diverse range of fish species.

Best Access Points

The Laurel Hill Creek – Ursina is a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering various access points to maximize your fishing experience.

Notable Access Points Include:

  • 1. Kooser State Park: Abundant with trout, it provides an ideal spot for fishing by the banks or using a boat.
  • 2. Laurel Hill State Park: Provides multiple access points and a boat launch. Trout and smallmouth bass are common catches.
  • 3. Ursina Municipal Park: Known for its clear waters, you can fly fish for trout, bass, and sunfish.
  • 4. Confluence: Where the creek meets the Youghiogheny River, offering an interesting mix of species.
  • 5. Humbert: Great access near the old mill with adequate parking, offering bountiful supply of trout.

Don’t forget to check local regulations as some sections are strictly catch and release.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Popular for its fight and beautiful markings, Brown Trout is often a primary target of fly fishers on Laurel Hill Creek – Ursina.
  • Rainbow Trout: With its strong leaps and long runs, the Rainbow Trout makes for an exciting target for anglers.
  • Brook Trout: A native species to Pennsylvania, Brook Trout are often smaller but provide a uniquely local fly fishing experience.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Known for its tenacity and agility, Smallmouth Bass offer a challenging catch for experienced anglers.
  • Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass have a reputation for their exciting topwater takes, making it an ideal species for fly fishing.
  • Bluegill: Bluegills are a common favorite among fly fishers for their aggressive nature and their tendency to easily take a fly.
  • Rock Bass: Despite their smaller size, Rock Bass put up a tough fight making them an interesting fish to target.
  • Pumpkinseed Sunfish: Known for their stunning colors, these fish are a joy to catch and a favorite among fly fishers.

About The River

Known for its scenic beauty, Laurel Hill Creek runs through the heart of Ursina, a small borough in Pennsylvania. Famous for its abundant nature, it provides a serene place for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Originating from the breathtaking Laurel Hill State Park, it meanders for about 39 miles.
  • Incorporated in 1868, Ursina holds a rich historical significance associated with this creek.
The creek draws anglers with its vibrant fish population that includes trout and smallmouth bass. The history of Laurel Hill Creek is entwined with Ursina’s economy as it powered countless grain and textile mills in the 19th century. Conservationists around the world applauded in 2009 when the creek, damaged by decades of pollution, was designated the region’s ‘most endangered river’. The subsequent cleanup by locals has been exemplary. The creek is not just a stunning natural monument but also stands as a testament to the people of Ursina’s resilience and love for their environment.
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