Fly Fishing Pennsylvania Hammersley: Reel in Adventure at This Hidden Gem

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Fly fishing in Pennsylvania’s Hammersley Fork is a dream come true for anglers seeking a remote and unspoiled wilderness experience. This stunning stream flows through the largest roadless area in Pennsylvania, offering a unique opportunity to fish for native brook trout in a pristine setting.

The Hammersley Wild Area, with its mature second-growth forest dominated by Eastern hemlocks, provides a beautiful backdrop for your fly fishing adventure.

If you’re looking to explore this hidden gem, you’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a trek.

The Hammersley Fork is not easily accessible by road, which adds to its charm and helps preserve its natural beauty.

Many anglers combine backpacking with their fishing trips to fully experience the area. This remoteness ensures that you’ll have plenty of space to cast your line and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

As you fish the clear waters of Hammersley Fork, you’ll have the chance to test your skills against wild brook trout. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and spirited fights.

The stream offers a variety of fishing spots, from deep pools to fast-moving riffles, giving you plenty of opportunities to try different fly fishing techniques.

Unlock epic fly fishing: crystal currents, fierce fish, memories made. Plan your trip right now!

Key Takeaways

  • Hammersley Fork offers a remote fly fishing experience in Pennsylvania’s largest roadless area
  • The stream is home to native brook trout and requires some hiking to access
  • Fly fishing in Hammersley combines wilderness adventure with the chance to catch wild trout

Essential Gear for Hammersley Fly Fishing

When fly fishing in Hammersley, having the right gear can make or break your trip. You’ll need a good rod, reel, line, and flies to catch fish in this beautiful Pennsylvania stream.

Choosing the Right Fly Rod

For Hammersley, a 9-foot, 5-weight rod is ideal. This size works well for the mix of small and medium-sized trout you’ll find here.

Look for a rod that’s light and easy to cast all day.

Graphite rods are popular because they’re strong and sensitive. They help you feel even the lightest bites.

If you’re new to fly fishing, a rod combo that includes a reel and line can be a good choice.

Remember, your rod should match the size of the fish and the type of flies you’ll use. In Hammersley, you’ll mostly use smaller flies, so a lighter rod works well.

Reels and Lines Selection

Your reel holds the line and helps you land fish. For Hammersley, a simple, durable reel is all you need. Look for one that matches your rod weight.

Fly lines come in different types.

For most fishing in Hammersley, a weight-forward floating line is best. This type of line helps you cast accurately and keeps your fly on the water’s surface.

Don’t forget about leaders and tippet. A 9-foot leader is good for most situations. Bring extra tippet material to replace the end of your leader as it wears out.

Essential Flies and Tackle

The right flies can make a big difference in Hammersley. Some must-have patterns include:

  • Elk Hair Caddis
  • Parachute Adams
  • Pheasant Tail Nymph
  • Woolly Bugger

Bring a variety of sizes to match what the fish are eating. A small fly box can help keep your flies organized.

Other important tackle includes:

  • Nippers for cutting line
  • Forceps for removing hooks
  • A net for landing fish
  • Waders and boots to keep you dry

Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from the sun and help you see fish in the water.

Best Fly Fishing Spots in Hammersley

Hammersley offers two prime fly fishing locations. These spots provide diverse experiences for anglers of all skill levels.

Hammersley Fork

Hammersley Fork is a hidden gem for fly fishing in Pennsylvania. You’ll find rainbow trout in its clear waters. The stream is surrounded by beautiful forests, creating a peaceful setting.

The best time to fish here is during spring and early summer. Water levels are higher then, making it easier to navigate.

You’ll need to be prepared for some rugged terrain. Wear sturdy boots and bring a wading staff.

Popular flies for Hammersley Fork include:

  • Mop flies
  • Nymphs
  • Dry flies (during hatches)

Remember to watch out for rattlesnakes in warmer months. Stay alert and stick to clear paths when possible.

Pine Creek Gorge

Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, offers excellent fly fishing. You’ll find a mix of wild and stocked trout in its waters. The scenery is stunning, with steep canyon walls rising above the creek.

Best fishing spots in Pine Creek Gorge:

  1. Near tributary mouths
  2. Deep pools below rapids
  3. Undercut banks

Early morning and evening are prime times to fish here. The trout are more active and feeding then.

You might see hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, or stoneflies.

Bring a variety of flies to match the season and conditions. A 9-foot 5-weight rod is a good all-around choice for this area.

Fly Fishing Techniques for Hammersley Waters

Hammersley Fork offers great opportunities for fly fishing. The techniques below will help you catch more trout in these pristine waters.

Dry Fly Fishing Methods

Dry fly fishing works well in Hammersley Fork. Use small dry flies like size 16-20 Blue Winged Olives or Elk Hair Caddis. Cast upstream and let your fly drift naturally with the current.

Hammersley’s wild brook trout often take flies gently. Watch your fly closely and set the hook at any subtle disturbance.

In faster water, try attractor patterns like stimulators or royal wulffs. These draw fish up from deeper pools.

During summer evenings, look for trout rising to feed on caddis hatches.

Nymphing Strategies

Nymphing is very effective in Hammersley’s deeper runs and pools. Use a strike indicator and split shot to get your flies down.

Pheasant tail nymphs, hare’s ears, and caddis larvae imitations in sizes 14-18 work well.

Fish the Hammersley’s pocket water by casting upstream and letting your nymphs drift along the bottom.

Concentrate on seams between fast and slow currents where trout often hold.

Try a two-fly rig with a heavier nymph trailing a smaller one. This covers different depths and offers trout multiple food options.

Conservation Efforts in Hammersley

You might not know it, but Hammersley Fork is a special place for wild trout. People have been working hard to protect and improve this area for fish and nature lovers like you.

Some big changes have happened recently. They’ve moved Hammersley Fork back to where it used to flow. This is great news for the trout! It will give them better places to live and grow over time.

The Kettle Creek watershed has seen lots of care over the past 15 years. Many groups have joined forces to help:

  • Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Department of Environmental Protection
  • Clinton and Potter County Conservation Districts
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

These teams work together to make long-term plans. They want to keep Hammersley healthy for years to come.

When you visit, you’ll see why it’s worth protecting. The Hammersley Wild Area is a big, public space with no roads. It’s perfect for fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature.

Remember, your actions matter too! By following fishing rules and respecting the land, you help keep Hammersley special for everyone.

Conclusion

Fly fishing at Hammersley Fork in Pennsylvania can be a great adventure for you. This remote stream offers a unique experience in one of the state’s largest roadless areas.

You might want to plan your trip carefully. The best times to visit are usually late spring or early fall. The weather and water conditions can be more favorable then. Remember to bring the right gear. Waders, a sturdy rod, and some local fly patterns will serve you well.

Don’t forget to respect the environment. Practice catch and release to help preserve this special place for future anglers.

With some planning and patience, you can enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in a beautiful, unspoiled setting. Hammersley Fork is waiting for you to explore its waters and make lasting memories.

Photo of author

Louis McCarthy

With over 40 years of fishing experience, I am a true veteran of the sport with a passion for reeling in the big ones. From coast to coast, I have lived in some of the best fishing spots the US has to offer. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for the sport, one catch at a time. Join me as I explore the great outdoors and share my expertise in the art of fishing. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

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