Cedar run Slate run

[frankm205]

Camping in NE PA this weekend. Anyone ever fish Cedar Run or Slate run creeks? Supposed to be Wild Browns and native Brookies?
Thanks in advance

[SaboVT]

I fished Slate Run for the first time Monday morning with little luck. Even still, it was definitely worth the trip for the scenery. I talked the the older fellow at the Slate Run fly shop, he thought the numbers of smaller trout were down due to low water conditions over the last couple of years, but he thought the bigger trout were still there in the same numbers. In terms of hatches, I saw a little of all the hatches listed for these waters this time of year, but nothing in any good numbers. A couple words of advise if you fish slate, bring a wading/hiking staff. Although the water is low enough for hip or wet wading, the rocks are slippery, but more importantly it will help you climbing in and out of the valley the stream is in. Also, be aware that there this area is known for rattlesnakes, I didn't see any, but just be aware that you don't place your hands or feet where you can't see them.

As a side note, there seemed to be enough stockies to be had on little pine creek upstream of the dam, particularly if you get away from the main pulloffs, if you don't have much luck in the runs.

[cmartin]

I have a camp not too far away and fish both of them often. In low water conditions they can be very tough. This time of year the best time to fish them is if you can hit them after a good rain. (Stay out of the water) as much as possible and concentrate on the heads of pools as well as pockets and riffles. Dont wade up a run and expect to catch any fish. I would hike around the longer flat pools because you will probably end up spooking any fish in these spots and spoil the whole run for yourself unless you are (extremely stealthy). I also think the overall trout numbers have declined the past couple of years but thats mountain freestone trout fishing. The populations will and do fluctuate. They still have alot of fish and scenery is 2nd to none. The fishing is better the farther up the runs you go. Here is a link to the fly shop. They also have a deli and grocery store and their subs are fantastic.
http://www.slaterun.com/stream-conditions.php

Definitely watch your steps for rattlers on Slate. Timber rattlers are beautiful animals and are not aggressive snakes unless you step directly on one or **** with them. Give them a wide berth.

Their is a ton of good water in the area. If you are having a frustrating day on Slate or Cedar another good stream to try is Right Branch Young Woman's Creek. It has a 3.5mile catch and release area.

Please let us know how you do.

[frankm205]

Back from PA's Slate run and Cedar run creeks. I fished Slate first on Friday, and was amazed on how beautiful this stream and the surrounding area is. I started at the mouth of Pine Creek and fished my way up stream. The first thing I noticed was just how clear the water was. I t was like it was filled with Poland Springs! Almost impossible to approach a pool without getting spotted by the fish first!! The water level was a bit low and the fishing was tough. I averaged about a fish an hour. All the fish were wild browns around 8 inches. Saturday I went to Cedar run and after learning much about stealth and figuring out how to present these flys without too much commotion, I was able to double my production in this stream. All fish were native brookies about 5-6 inches. Pics to follow , the wife had the camera for the weekend so I only managed a couple! We were fortunate to see a huge black bear, a timber rattlesnake, and countless deer and birds on our trip. This is truly a beautiful place to visit. We camped at the Little Pine State Camp grounds and I have to say the state of PA does a great job keeping these campgrounds not only open but clean, and in great shape.

[cmartin]

Frank,

Glad to here you had a good success. Those 2 streams can be humbling. I love that region up their. It is small stream nirvana. A wildlife memory that's burned in my mind is a day that we were hiking out of Slate. We were about 75yards away but in sight of my truck. I saw a large shape by the front bumper about the size of a small Labrador retriever. As we got closer we realized that it wasn't a dog but a large male bobcat. He was rubbing his face and body against my front tire just like a regular housecat would do. As we got closer he ambled up the mountain side and sat in a small clearing looking down at us surveying his kingdom.

[frankm205]

Yea, those are sights I'll remember forever. I can't wait to get back there and try some of the other small streams in that area. It seems like there is a bunch of them.

[sholgate]

I will be up there this weekend camping. I think I will probably get a chance to fish Young Womens Creek. We are actually staying at Hyner Run SP. I love those remote, wild trout streams. Thanks for your report.

[frankm205]

Have a great time and let us know how you do!

[akasquirrel]

i fished cedar run about 3 weeks ago and i was completely covered in big black flies and falling caterpillars from about 10 am to 6pm....not much fun to fish. were their many bugs biting you while u were on the stream? i was in tioga state forest.

[frankm205]

They were worse on Slate than Cedar. Enough to be a pain in the ass but not bad enough to stop fishing. Seemed like it was better in the Am. Cedar was fine.