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:

  1. Smallmouth Bass: Known for their exciting fights, they can be most frequently found in rocky or sandy bottoms of the river.
  2. Walleye: This fish species is highly prized for the delicious taste and provides an adventurous run for your fly.
  3. Northern Pike: Northern pike likes to hang out in weedy areas, hence providing a intriguing challenge for fly fishers.
  4. Carp: Carp are large and challenging to catch, making them a favorite for many fly-fishers on the Schuylkill River.
  5. Channel Catfish: This is the most abundant species of catfish and can provide a heavy-weight challenge for anglers.
  6. Muskellunge: Muskies are the ultimate trophy for freshwater anglers due to their size and elusive nature.
  7. Crappie: Crappies are smaller but tricky to catch, offering lots of fun for both new and seasoned fly-fishers.
  8. 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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