Nominations for the Best Fly Fishing Town in Pennsylvania 2024

A recently resurrected topic has inspired me to explore the idea of the "Best Fly Fishing Town in Pennsylvania." This question was asked and a poll taken back in 2009, but it is time to see if it's time to crown a new town for the illustrious title.

I'm asking for nominations before I set up a poll to vote on the "Best Fly Fishing Town in Pennsylvania." Please feel free to post your favorite town and what makes it a special fly fishing town. Yes, it should be a town in Pennsylvania.

Some criteria for the best town could be:
Fly fishing streams
Nearby fly shops
Food options including restaurants, taverns, and bars
Overnight options for campgrounds, Airbnbs, or hotels
Travel distances to the town
or whatever inspires you for your favorite town

We will leave nominations open for a couple of weeks. Afterward, I will close the thread and tally up the top nominees. I will take the top five nominees and create a new thread with a poll to determine our winner.

Instructions: Post a reply to only this thread about the topic, include the Pennsylvania town at the top of your reply and reasons you might like to add for your reasoning. A reminder you must put a name in for nomination to count and only one nomination per person. Any towns nominated that are not in Pennsylvania will be deleted.

 

Slate Run. Orvis flyshop, sandwiches at the general store, several bar/ restaurants, campgrounds and cabin rentals. Big stocked trout waters and wild trout streams in every direction. The whole community is based on recreational opportunities in Pine Creek Valley.

 

Reedsville, PA

Okay, okay, I am biased. I am Miff-Co proud. I shouldn't even put this town out there, but COME ON.....IT'S A GEM.

It is right on the convergence of Kish, Honey, and Tea. It has small stores, a local dairy, a local coffee shop, an amazing restaurant (Revival), and small town charm nestled among the mountains. Plus, way, way less traffic than Bellefonte, State College, etc.


Closest fly shops are Fly Fisher's or TCO or Feathered Hook, though.

 

Carlisle PA.
Yellow Breeches, Big Spring, Letort and Falling Spring not far and all the nearby lesser known streams. The rich fly fishing history in the area is in large part a big reason for the modern day fly fishing techniques.
Connie also there for muskie, small mouth and large rouge browns.

The town itself is unique.

What isn't to like?

 

Six foot fenwick is spot on.

 

Stroudsburg, PA

Brodhead, McMichael's, Bushkill, a gazillion small wild trout streams in a reasonable distance, the Delaware for shad and other warm water opportunities and a rich fly fishing history that is only rivaled by the Catskills.

There are also numerous restaurants and places to stay or camp, a fly shop in town and two on the outskirts, plenty of shopping if you need other supplies and lots of other stuff to do if the weather doesn't cooperate.

 

Stroudsburg, PA

In addition to everything Bamboozle noted, you are still within reasonable striking distance to the Lehigh Valley streams. Plus there are a multitude of things to do if the non-fishing contingent of the family (i.e. wife) tags along on the adventure. Outlets, breweries, wineries, cute little zoo on 209, casino, and resorts if that's your lodging preference.

 

Is Local Whiskey still in business in State College? Highly relevant to my decision.

 

I know it will not win as a top "trout" town but Franklin has a lot going for it as a general outdoorsy destination. Although, it certainly has nearby stocked and wild trout options. The area also has good access to the Allegheny, offers miles of bike trails, and several large state gamelands and Oil Creek state park nearby. The town hosted the Fly Fishing Film Tour and has a variety of other events that might interest the outdoorsman. For food and drink there's a nice brewery in Trails to Ales, and a few other restaurant options along with conveniences and fast food. There's no fly shop in town, but I understand The Fly Stop was opening in nearby Oil City.

 

I have to go with Jim Thorpe. Plenty of great trout fishing in the general area, both stocked streams and some great wild trout streams. Plus, this little town has lots of history to it as well. It's like going back in time when you visit this little storybook town. The railroad line offers some scenic trips along the Lehigh River too!

 

Stroudsburg.

See prior posts. Not familiar with any fly shop in town though.

 

Stroudsburg.

See prior posts. Not familiar with any fly shop in town though.

Dunkelberger's on Main Street that also has a location in Brodheadsville plus AA Outfitters in Blakeslee and the Evening Hatch in Lake Harmony...

 

If Cross Fork, PA was a town I'd vote for it. But it's a village.

 

I’m giving my vote to Lock Haven, Pa.

Famous limestone streams to the south/west. Great Freestone streams to the North/east. Multiple lakes fairly close by for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappies, perch and bluegills. Multiple dams close by in rivers. Muskies in multiple drainages nearby. Good mix of wild and stocked trout streams nearby. Several carp streams nearby. Susquehanna River for smallmouth. Lots and lots of public state forest land/ state gamelands nearby. Lots of hiking trails. Some of the better vistas in the state close by. Uncle Joes Woodshed is kind of a Fly Shop in town.
It gets my vote just simply due to the variety of waterway options and variety of target species within a fairly close proximity.

 

Erie
Big Lake Run Steelhead and Brown Trout, Smallmouth bass of large proportions and Largemouth bass.

Presque Isle State Park
Lake Erie
Tributaries to Lake Erie

Folly's End fly shop, Fishusa, Tudor Hook n Nook, Other Bait tackle shops.
Treasia's Deli
Outis 21
Multiple hotels

Where Have All the Steelhead Gone? - Fly Fisherman

Great Lakes catch rates are plummeting and anglers don't know why.

www.flyfisherman.com

The fishery supports approximately 539 jobs in Erie County and provides more than $13 million in income for Erie County residents. The steelhead fishery is the biggest segment of this economy, with 27% of fishermen targeting them, and 26% identifying themselves as walleye fishermen.
Fly Fisherman Magazine Nov 19, 2021

Assessing the Economic Impact and Significance of Recreational Angling on Lake Erie Waters: Final Report - Sea Grant Pennsylvania

The overarching goal of the study was to assess the economic impact and significance of the recreational angling industry within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie. For a guiding framework, this study utilized an exploratory mixed methodology with three connected phases which resulted in...

seagrant.psu.edu

Assessing the Economic Impact and Significance of Recreational Angling on Lake Erie Waters: Final Report​

The overarching goal of the study was to assess the economic impact and significance of the recreational angling industry within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie. For a guiding framework, this study utilized an exploratory mixed methodology with three connected phases which resulted in 1,189 completed online and mail-back questionnaires (Phase I), 516 completed on-site questionnaires of Lake Erie anglers (Phase II), and approximately 15 hours of stakeholder interviews (Phase III). Readers are encouraged to review these findings as reflective of anglers within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie, and not representative of all Lake Erie anglers.

Phase I key observations and findings:

• The majority of anglers surveyed in Phase I with either an online or mail-back survey were middle-aged white males from the local area or the state of Pennsylvania who had reported earning moderate levels of education and household income (see Section 2).
• Most anglers purchased either a Combination Trout-Salmon fishing permit, a Lake Erie fishing permit, an Adult Resident fishing permit, and/or a Lake Erie fishing permit and were likely to fish from either the shoreline or a private boat for either steelhead, walleye, or yellow perch.
• The primarily experienced, specialized, and skilled sample indicated they frequently fished the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie and intended to fish in the 2017 Lake Erie angler season.
• Anglers strongly identified with the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie and were moderately dependent and attached to the community and social elements associated with the area to engage in their angling pursuits.
• Anglers identified and largely attained a variety of reasons and motivations for visiting the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as “to be outdoors”, “to get away from the regular routine”, “to do things with your companions” as well as “for the challenge or sport of fishing”.
• The majority of anglers indicated moderate levels of satisfaction with their overall 2016 Lake Erie angling season and were highly satisfied with the environmental conditions such as the water quality, cleanliness, and condition of the habitat. However, anglers also noted moderate levels of satisfaction with the fishing opportunities, fish harvest, and social conditions within the Pennsylvania section of Lake
• Erie.
• On average, respondents noted that two anglers and five trips to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie in 2016 were covered by their annual expenditures.
• The highest proportion of angler expenditures among all anglers spending something were within the categories of automobile gasoline and oil, restaurants, bars, etc., and groceries.
• Anglers rarely reported spending within the categories of camping, parking, boat launching fees, boat mooring fees, tournament entry fees, and/or entertainment.

Phase II key observations and findings:

• During the Phase II on-site survey, the majority of anglers indicated being middle-aged white males from the local area or the state of Pennsylvania who had reported earning moderate levels of education and household income (see Section 3).
• Most anglers purchased either an Adult Resident fishing permit, a Lake Erie fishing permit, and/or a Combination Trout-Salmon fishing permit and were likely to fish from either a pier or the shoreline for yellow perch, walleye, or steelhead.
• The primarily experienced, specialized, and skilled sample indicated they frequently fished the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie, were mostly repeat visitors, and intended to participate in the 2017 Lake Erie angler season.
• Anglers identified a variety of reasons and motivations for visiting the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as “relaxation”, “enjoyment of nature”, “challenge seeking”, and “social and family togetherness”.
• The majority of anglers indicated moderate levels of satisfaction with their overall angling trip and were highly satisfied with both the social and environmental conditions within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as the number of anglers fishing nearby, the water quality, cleanliness, and condition of the habitat.
• However, anglers also noted moderate levels of satisfaction with the fishing opportunities and fish harvest within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as the species caught and total number of fish caught.
• On average, respondents noted that two anglers were covered by their daily trip expenditures to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie.
• The highest proportion of angler trip expenditures among all anglers spending something were within the categories of bait, automobile gasoline and oil, and groceries.
• Anglers rarely reported spending within the categories of camping, parking, boat launching fees, and boat mooring fees.

Economic Impact and Significance key observations and findings:

• The total economic impact of the Pennsylvania section of the Lake Erie recreational angling industry upon Erie County, Pennsylvania was estimated to be $40.6 million for the 2016 season. Economic impact is the amount of money spent by non-local residents in a host economy (e.g., Erie County) that creates income and jobs for the local host economy.
• The total economic significance of the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie recreational angling industry upon Erie County, Pennsylvania was estimated to be $49.5 million for the 2016 season. Economic significance is a measure of the importance or significance of the recreational angling industry within the local economy as it shows the size and nature of local and non-local economic activity associated with visits to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie.
• The average total amount spent by anglers residing within Erie County Pennsylvania during the 2016 season was $454. The highest expenditure categories among all anglers residing within Erie County Pennsylvania included automobile gasoline and oil, equipment, and groceries.
• The average total amount spent by anglers residing outside of Erie County Pennsylvania during the 2016 season was $503. The highest expenditure categories among all anglers residing outside of Erie County
• Pennsylvania included lodging, automobile gasoline and oil, and restaurants, bars, etc.
• Angler expenditures supported approximately 539 jobs within Erie County Pennsylvania in 2016. This included both wage and salary employees including both full and part-time workers. The top industries within Erie County, Pennsylvania impacted by angler expenditures in 2016 included full-service restaurants, hotels and motels, and retail sporting goods and hobby stores.
• Angler expenditures provided more than $13 million in income for Erie County Pennsylvania residents in 2016. This included all forms of employee compensation (e.g., wages and benefits) as well as proprietor income.
• A total of $19.9 million of employee compensation, proprietor income, indirect business taxes, and other property type income was generated in Erie County, Pennsylvania as a result of angler spending in 2016. For every $1 spent on recreational angling within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie in 2016, $1.65 was generated for the Erie County, Pennsylvania gross regional pro

​

 

If Cross Fork, PA was a town I'd vote for it. But it's a village

For the love of Zeus, I would never except a village as a nomination. Villages are the ruin of the state.

 

Erie
Big Lake Run Steelhead and Brown Trout, Smallmouth bass of large proportions and Largemouth bass.

Presque Isle State Park
Lake Erie
Tributaries to Lake Erie

Folly's End fly shop, Fishusa, Tudor Hook n Nook, Other Bait tackle shops.
Treasia's Deli
Outis 21
Multiple hotels

Where Have All the Steelhead Gone? - Fly Fisherman

Great Lakes catch rates are plummeting and anglers don't know why.

www.flyfisherman.com

The fishery supports approximately 539 jobs in Erie County and provides more than $13 million in income for Erie County residents. The steelhead fishery is the biggest segment of this economy, with 27% of fishermen targeting them, and 26% identifying themselves as walleye fishermen.
Fly Fisherman Magazine Nov 19, 2021

Assessing the Economic Impact and Significance of Recreational Angling on Lake Erie Waters: Final Report - Sea Grant Pennsylvania

The overarching goal of the study was to assess the economic impact and significance of the recreational angling industry within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie. For a guiding framework, this study utilized an exploratory mixed methodology with three connected phases which resulted in...

seagrant.psu.edu

Assessing the Economic Impact and Significance of Recreational Angling on Lake Erie Waters: Final Report​

The overarching goal of the study was to assess the economic impact and significance of the recreational angling industry within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie. For a guiding framework, this study utilized an exploratory mixed methodology with three connected phases which resulted in 1,189 completed online and mail-back questionnaires (Phase I), 516 completed on-site questionnaires of Lake Erie anglers (Phase II), and approximately 15 hours of stakeholder interviews (Phase III). Readers are encouraged to review these findings as reflective of anglers within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie, and not representative of all Lake Erie anglers.

Phase I key observations and findings:

• The majority of anglers surveyed in Phase I with either an online or mail-back survey were middle-aged white males from the local area or the state of Pennsylvania who had reported earning moderate levels of education and household income (see Section 2).
• Most anglers purchased either a Combination Trout-Salmon fishing permit, a Lake Erie fishing permit, an Adult Resident fishing permit, and/or a Lake Erie fishing permit and were likely to fish from either the shoreline or a private boat for either steelhead, walleye, or yellow perch.
• The primarily experienced, specialized, and skilled sample indicated they frequently fished the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie and intended to fish in the 2017 Lake Erie angler season.
• Anglers strongly identified with the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie and were moderately dependent and attached to the community and social elements associated with the area to engage in their angling pursuits.
• Anglers identified and largely attained a variety of reasons and motivations for visiting the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as “to be outdoors”, “to get away from the regular routine”, “to do things with your companions” as well as “for the challenge or sport of fishing”.
• The majority of anglers indicated moderate levels of satisfaction with their overall 2016 Lake Erie angling season and were highly satisfied with the environmental conditions such as the water quality, cleanliness, and condition of the habitat. However, anglers also noted moderate levels of satisfaction with the fishing opportunities, fish harvest, and social conditions within the Pennsylvania section of Lake
• Erie.
• On average, respondents noted that two anglers and five trips to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie in 2016 were covered by their annual expenditures.
• The highest proportion of angler expenditures among all anglers spending something were within the categories of automobile gasoline and oil, restaurants, bars, etc., and groceries.
• Anglers rarely reported spending within the categories of camping, parking, boat launching fees, boat mooring fees, tournament entry fees, and/or entertainment.

Phase II key observations and findings:

• During the Phase II on-site survey, the majority of anglers indicated being middle-aged white males from the local area or the state of Pennsylvania who had reported earning moderate levels of education and household income (see Section 3).
• Most anglers purchased either an Adult Resident fishing permit, a Lake Erie fishing permit, and/or a Combination Trout-Salmon fishing permit and were likely to fish from either a pier or the shoreline for yellow perch, walleye, or steelhead.
• The primarily experienced, specialized, and skilled sample indicated they frequently fished the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie, were mostly repeat visitors, and intended to participate in the 2017 Lake Erie angler season.
• Anglers identified a variety of reasons and motivations for visiting the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as “relaxation”, “enjoyment of nature”, “challenge seeking”, and “social and family togetherness”.
• The majority of anglers indicated moderate levels of satisfaction with their overall angling trip and were highly satisfied with both the social and environmental conditions within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as the number of anglers fishing nearby, the water quality, cleanliness, and condition of the habitat.
• However, anglers also noted moderate levels of satisfaction with the fishing opportunities and fish harvest within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie such as the species caught and total number of fish caught.
• On average, respondents noted that two anglers were covered by their daily trip expenditures to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie.
• The highest proportion of angler trip expenditures among all anglers spending something were within the categories of bait, automobile gasoline and oil, and groceries.
• Anglers rarely reported spending within the categories of camping, parking, boat launching fees, and boat mooring fees.

Economic Impact and Significance key observations and findings:

• The total economic impact of the Pennsylvania section of the Lake Erie recreational angling industry upon Erie County, Pennsylvania was estimated to be $40.6 million for the 2016 season. Economic impact is the amount of money spent by non-local residents in a host economy (e.g., Erie County) that creates income and jobs for the local host economy.
• The total economic significance of the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie recreational angling industry upon Erie County, Pennsylvania was estimated to be $49.5 million for the 2016 season. Economic significance is a measure of the importance or significance of the recreational angling industry within the local economy as it shows the size and nature of local and non-local economic activity associated with visits to the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie.
• The average total amount spent by anglers residing within Erie County Pennsylvania during the 2016 season was $454. The highest expenditure categories among all anglers residing within Erie County Pennsylvania included automobile gasoline and oil, equipment, and groceries.
• The average total amount spent by anglers residing outside of Erie County Pennsylvania during the 2016 season was $503. The highest expenditure categories among all anglers residing outside of Erie County
• Pennsylvania included lodging, automobile gasoline and oil, and restaurants, bars, etc.
• Angler expenditures supported approximately 539 jobs within Erie County Pennsylvania in 2016. This included both wage and salary employees including both full and part-time workers. The top industries within Erie County, Pennsylvania impacted by angler expenditures in 2016 included full-service restaurants, hotels and motels, and retail sporting goods and hobby stores.
• Angler expenditures provided more than $13 million in income for Erie County Pennsylvania residents in 2016. This included all forms of employee compensation (e.g., wages and benefits) as well as proprietor income.
• A total of $19.9 million of employee compensation, proprietor income, indirect business taxes, and other property type income was generated in Erie County, Pennsylvania as a result of angler spending in 2016. For every $1 spent on recreational angling within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie in 2016, $1.65 was generated for the Erie County, Pennsylvania gross regional pro

​

You had me until we got to Phase II

 

For the love of Zeus, I would never except a village as a nomination.

I guess that Bloomsburg is the winner then, since it’s the only “town” in Pennsylvania.

 

Stroudsburg.

See prior posts. Not familiar with any fly shop in town though.

Fly shop not required, just your needs to be a nomination of your favorite FF town

 

I guess that Bloomsburg is the winner then, since it’s the only “town” in Pennsylvania.

You caught me it was a trap