Fly Fishing the Little Schuylkill River

The Little Schuylkill River starts from up above Tamaqua making its way through the Lower Section of the Blue Mountain Range on its way to Port Clinton where it meets with the Big Schuylkill. Fly Fishing the Little Schuylkill River has become a mainstay stream of Top Water Trips and a hidden gem in Schuylkill County. This stream has had an amazing rebound from years of mine drainage runoff and anthracite coal mining in this region of Pennsylvania. Fly Fishing the Little Schuylkill  We have found a healthy population of Wild Brown & Brooke Trout and holdovers both above and below the Dam in Zenner’s/South Tamaqua. This Freestone Stream provides many aquatic insects & hatches throughout the Spring, Summer, & Fall

Sections of this Article

• Book A Trip or Lesson
• Fly Fishing/Wading Locations
• Flies We Use
• Kayaking 
• Stocking Locations
• Important/Additional Wading and Fishing notes. 
• For Flow Levels Click Here

Wading Spots for the Lil Schuylkill

    There are some great wading opportunities on the Little Schuylkill that we wanted to provide you with, Here are 3 locations to check out when looking for wading spots-

1.   Middle Stretch | 40.688105, -75.999935  At This location you’ll find easy parking not far from the water. This spot is behind the Firehouse in New Ringgold. Behind the Park, you’ll find trails that lead to the water and a nice stretch of water that is easily wadeable just above the stocking section in New Ringgold. 
2. 
   Bottom Stretch | Port Clinton Stretches Through this Port Clinton Stretch you find a number of parking spots along Penn Street by the River.  This stretch (upstream from the mouth to behind 3C’s Restaurant) has provided great success. In the Spring & Fall, this area brings a lot of rising fish. Bring a Wading Staff & a few Quills! This stretch is slick.
3. 
   Upper Stretch | Tuscarora Park Road – You Will find parking by the railroad tracks here. In this stretch, you’ll find some nice wild fish.  Certain parts of his stretch have some nice holes, dump pockets, and big drop-offs so keep an eye out.

Important Note for Wading

Look out for Private Property. There are a lot of great wading locations that would include trespassing on Private Property. So, look for signs and ask for permission. In my experience, everyone I’ve met along the Little Schuylkill River has been very nice. I have also been denied at potential access points so please respect the private property along the river. So, that’s part of why we love to Kayak Fly Fish down the Little Schuylkill!