Schuylkill River - Reading - Pennsylvania
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Schuylkill River – Reading - Water Flow Chart
Schuylkill River – Reading - Weather report & radar
Schuylkill River – Reading - General 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 |
Schuylkill River – Reading Access Points
The Schuylkill River – Reading is a pristine location for fly fishing, loaded with diverse species of fishes. Here are some prime access points:
- Berks County Heritage Center: Located near Wyomissing Creek, it’s a great spot to fish for trout with easy public access.
- Blue Marsh Lake: This reservoir is located north of Reading and is a reservoir open for fishing. Species include catfish, panfish, and bass.
- Peter’s Creek: This creek connects with the Schuylkill River, providing good fly fishing opportunities for trout.
- Kaercher Creek Dam: This public fishing spot on the east side of Hamburg is another good access point.
- Reading Area Community College: Near the Schuylkill River, the access point near the college is another superb spot for fly fishing.
These access points are all public, but remember, a fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is necessary.
Schuylkill River – Reading Fishing Spots
The Schuylkill River in Reading offers a wealth of great fly fishing spots.
- Kernsville Dam: This area is popular with experienced anglers, offering deep waters and a robust population of trout.
- Leesport: Just downstream of Reading, the Leesport area is a hotspot for fly fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass and muskellunge, also known as Muskies.
- Tulpehocken Creek: This tributary of the Schuylkill is renowned for its brown and rainbow trout fishing. It’s also stocked regularly, ensuring there’s rarely a poor day for catches.
- Blue Marsh Lake: Although technically a reservoir, the outlet of Blue Marsh Lake feeds into the Schuylkill River and is a favored spot among local fly fishers.
- Forks of the Schuylkill River: Where the east and west branches of the Schuylkill meet can be a great place for fly fishing, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
Schuylkill River – Reading Local Fish Species
The following are the top 8 targeted fish for fly fishing in the Schuylkill River – Reading:
- Smallmouth Bass: Known for their exciting fights, they can be most frequently found in rocky or sandy bottoms of the river.
- Walleye: This fish species is highly prized for the delicious taste and provides an adventurous run for your fly.
- Northern Pike: Northern pike likes to hang out in weedy areas, hence providing a intriguing challenge for fly fishers.
- Carp: Carp are large and challenging to catch, making them a favorite for many fly-fishers on the Schuylkill River.
- Channel Catfish: This is the most abundant species of catfish and can provide a heavy-weight challenge for anglers.
- Muskellunge: Muskies are the ultimate trophy for freshwater anglers due to their size and elusive nature.
- Crappie: Crappies are smaller but tricky to catch, offering lots of fun for both new and seasoned fly-fishers.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth bass are recognized for their acrobatic jumps and long runs when hooked, which makes them a popular target for fly fishermen.
About the Schuylkill River – Reading
The Schuylkill River – Reading is steeped with fascinating history. Originating from the Native American name which translates to ‘hidden river,’ it’s a crucial waterway in Pennsylvania. This awe-inspiring 135-mile-long river was once an important transport route during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- It was used extensively for the transportation of coal from mines.
- In the 1800s, the Pennsylvania legislature introduced the Schuylkill Canal, adding momentum to the Industrial Revolution.
- Today, the river is known for the splendid Schuylkill River Trail, a recreational path stretching over 75 miles. Perfect for running, biking, and walking.
Over time, conservation efforts have drastically improved the river’s water quality, protecting native wildlife and making it a vibrant place rooted in history, industry, and natural beauty. The Schuylkill River – Reading offers a glimpse into the past while serving the community in the present.
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