Elk Creek is Pennsylvania's largest tributary to feed Lake Erie. It is generally a slow to moderate flowing creek with some fast pools, riffles, and runs. The Elk is historically know as one of the best steelhead tributaries of the Great Lakes Region. Anglers have flocked to this area every fall and spring to enjoy catching steelhead. 
As I shared earlier, Greg introduced me to the Elk back in November of 2009. I have spent entirely too much time there ever since. I made 3 or 4 more day trips back to NW PA after November and was never disappointed.
Elk Creek features fast pools, riffles, and runs. The run-off tends to be pretty rapid after significant rain fall. These conditions makes it ideal to fly fish for steelhead most days of the season. One look at a typical stretch of the Elk and the fly fisherman begins to salivate.
Nearly all of the steelhead I caught on the Elk this season were on the swing. During the fall and then again in the mid to late spring, I had my best success swinging some sort of streamer. A simple woolly bugger has brought more fish to hand for me than anything else. During the winter months, I was successful with Glo Bugs, sucker spawn, and various nymph patterns.
As I shared earlier, Greg introduced me to the Elk back in November of 2009. I have spent entirely too much time there ever since. I made 3 or 4 more day trips back to NW PA after November and was never disappointed.
Elk Creek features fast pools, riffles, and runs. The run-off tends to be pretty rapid after significant rain fall. These conditions makes it ideal to fly fish for steelhead most days of the season. One look at a typical stretch of the Elk and the fly fisherman begins to salivate.
Nearly all of the steelhead I caught on the Elk this season were on the swing. During the fall and then again in the mid to late spring, I had my best success swinging some sort of streamer. A simple woolly bugger has brought more fish to hand for me than anything else. During the winter months, I was successful with Glo Bugs, sucker spawn, and various nymph patterns.
On many of the days I hit the Elk, the water was Gin clear. This is a real problem on some tribs due to the lack of cover or deep slots. The Elk has a nice amount of cover that holds fish in clear water on bright days.
Surprisingly, the Elk was not as crowded this year compared to reports I have heard in the past. On one March day I had several miles of the creek to myself. On other outing, I would run in to folks complaining about the poor fishing quality this year. I'm not sure I remember one time on the Elk this season (other than my November 2009 trip) that I did not land double digits. As with the other tribs this season, fishing was a little tough at times, but the fish were there. Next steelhead season, if you are looking to take a short trip for some steelhead action, consider hitting Elk Creek. You will be rewarded with great scenery and PA's famous bruiser steelhead.
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