You could possibly not anticipate a fishery named Oil Creek to be the most scenic stream, but never choose a e book by its protect, or, in this situation, a creek by its title! The Creek is not only a beautiful stream, but also delivers an abundance of trout and an superb aquatic insect inhabitants.
Whether you are a starter just getting your waders damp, or an knowledgeable angler seeking for the ideal Pennsylvania trout streams, the Creek has a thing to offer you. Take a seem at our guide so you will know the very best way to tackle the wily trout of Oil Creek.
Contents
About Oil Creek
Fly fishing Oil Creek in northwest Pennsylvania
Oil Creek is a 46.7 mile very long tributary of the Allegheny River, situated in Venango and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania. The stream is substantial, and in some sites is close to 100 feet in width. Its drainage space is about 319 sq. miles. The Creek joins the Allegheny River at Oil City.
Its distinctive name comes from the oil that could be discovered alongside its banking institutions, ahead of the famous oil strike in Titusville, led by Edwin Drake. The stream is well known with canoeists and kayakers and flows as a result of Oil Creek Point out Park. It is joined by its tributary, Pine Creek, above the Condition Park.
The Creek has two delayed harvest sections, which are generally the most well known locations to fly fish. At the Creek, you are going to locate holdover and stocked brown, rainbow, and brook trout. You will also uncover smallmouth bass in the stream.
Oil Creek Map and Fishing Obtain Web sites
![PA_Oil Creek_map map of fishing spots on Oil Creek in Pennsylvania](https://riverlures.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DIY-Guide-to-Fly-Fishing-Oil-Creek-in-Northwest-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Get Instructions to the Fishing Obtain Points revealed previously mentioned with the Diy Fly Fishing Map
Open up Map
Finest Spots to Fish Oil Creek
The first Delayed Harvest segment flows from the Drake Well Museum downstream to the Oil Creek Point out Park mountaineering trail bridge. This segment is about just one mile in size. The other Delayed Harvest area is a bit more time, at about 1.6 miles extended. This area commences at the bridge from Petroleum Middle downstream to the railroad bridge at Columbia Farm.
The very best place to fish Oil Creek is underneath Pine Creek, downstream to the Allegheny River. This spot addresses both equally Delayed Harvest sections, and is the ideal fly fishing location, complete with riffles, pools, and runs. The stream is obtainable to fly fishermen.
You can entry this spot from Pennsylvania Route 8. There are bridge accessibility areas in this section, but you will want to take a small hike to get to certain locations.
Stream Move and Present-day Disorders
Be absolutely sure to check the stream conditions ahead of heading out to fish. The USGS stream gauge near Rouseville, PA presents a excellent sign of existing circumstances.
The graph below exhibits the stream circulation (discharge) for the previous 7-times. If flows are significantly above or below historic norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing circumstances may possibly not be great.
Oil Creek at Rouseville, PA
- Temperature: 46.76 ° F
- Streamflow: 643 ft³/s
- Gage height: 3.55 ft
USGS
Finest Time to Fish Oil Creek
The season for Oil Creek is common Pennsylvania trout year, but the Delayed Harvest sections are open up all year. Spring could possibly be the greatest time to visit due to the aquatic insect hatches, but drop is also an great time to deal with the Creek.
In the summer, the stream can get as well heat for trout fishing, especially in the higher reaches of the Creek.
Most effective Flies for Oil Creek
At Oil Creek, you will experience a assortment early time mayflies standard of a Pennsylvania freestone stream but caddis flies are extra widespread. In this article is a record of typically recommended fly patterns:
- Blue Quill (#16 – 18)
- Hendrickson (#12 – 14)
- Quill Gordon (#12 – 14)
- Red Quill (#12 – 14)
- Tan Caddis (#16)
- Brown Caddis (#14 – 16)
- March Brown (#10 – 12)
- Gray Fox (#12 – 14)
- Mild Cahill (#14 – 16)
- Sulphur (#16 – 18)
- Terrestrials (several) (#10-18)
Equipment Tips
A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is great for fishing dry flies and little nymphs on the Creek. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet dimension 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is quite normal.
Oil Creek Fishing Reviews
There are not any spot fly shops and guides (that I know of) that regularly publish an Oil Creek fly fishing report.
Fishing Laws
Pennsylvania demands all anglers 16 and older to have a common fishing license and a exclusive allow for trout fishing, which can be obtained on the web or in most sporting goods shops in the state.
Fishing restrictions are out there on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission internet site.
Excursion Arranging Guidelines
The closest significant airports to Oil Creek would be Erie International Airport or Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport. Scaled-down airports, such as Venango Regional Airport and Port Meadville Airport, are also nearby selections.
If you are hunting for lodging choices in the spot, The Parkside Motel is only about 10 minutes absent from your place, and provides sensible costs for the spending budget acutely aware fisherman.
If you would fairly remain at a campground, Meadville KOA Campground is a entire support campground that offers a lot of occasions all 12 months and shut proximity to other attractions. There is a good deal to continue to keep you and your loved ones active, if trout fishing doesn’t get up your entire vacation itinerary.
Searching for additional sites to fish? Go to our Do-it-yourself Information to the Most effective Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania.
Feature Picture by VitaleBaby
The article Diy Information to Fly Fishing Oil Creek in Northwest Pennsylvania appeared 1st on Do it yourself Fly Fishing.