Big Spring Creek
Big Spring Creek near Newville, Pennsylvania is a limestone creek famous for wild brook trout and rainbows.
- 7 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 5Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Big Spring Creek
Big Spring Creek is a short limestone spring creek near Newville in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It runs about 7 miles. The name comes from the large spring that feeds it, which keeps the water cold and steady all year.
The creek is famous for wild brook trout, and anglers talk about big ones. Rainbow trout live here as well. Joe Humphreys and other well known anglers spent time on this water. A state fish hatchery once sat at the head of the creek, and the property is no longer in operation.
The upper stretch is Class A wild trout water with special fly fishing rules. Below that the creek is stocked and open to more anglers. Always check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations for section boundaries.
Hatches include blue-winged olives, sulphurs, tricos and caddis. Scuds are a staple, and winter fishing can be steady.
Big Spring Creek at Big Spring, PA
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Nearby gages
- Mountain Creek near Pine Grove Furnace, PA10.2 mi away 3 cfs Below normal 4.02 ft USGS 01571184
- Bixler Run near Loysville, PA14.6 mi away 6 cfs Normal 2.98 ft USGS 01567500
- Bermudian Creek at Oxford Road near Heidlersburg, PA18.0 mi away 3 cfs Below normal 1.81 ft USGS 01573849
- Conodoguinet Creek near Hogestown, PA21.1 mi away 175 cfs Normal 1.37 ft USGS 01570000
- Tuscarora Creek near Port Royal, PA24.6 mi away 42 cfs Normal 3.27 ft USGS 01566000
- Juniata River at Newport, PA26.2 mi away 1,010 cfs Normal 43°F · 3.57 ft USGS 01567000
- West Conewago Creek at East Berlin, PA26.5 mi away 29 cfs Below normal 2.63 ft USGS 01573825
- Yellow Breeches Creek near Camp Hill, PA26.9 mi away 113 cfs Below normal 1.13 ft USGS 01571500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Brook Trout
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Lower Susquehanna watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 12 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing Big Spring Creek
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Handle brook trout gently
Big wild brook trout live here. Keep them in the water and release them fast.
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Use small dries and scuds
Spring creek trout see a lot of flies. Light, careful presentations help.
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Know your section
The upper creek has special regulations. The lower creek near Newville is stocked and open to more tackle.
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Fish winter if you like quiet
Spring water keeps this creek fishable when other streams freeze up.
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Park where it is allowed
Roadside spots are limited. Follow signs and respect nearby homes.
Every access point on Big Spring Creek, in your pocket.
- 5 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near Big Spring Creek
Big Spring Creek FAQ
Where is Big Spring Creek in Pennsylvania?
It is near Newville in Cumberland County. The creek starts at a big spring and flows toward the Conodoguinet.
Can you wade Big Spring Creek?
Yes. It is a small, cold creek that most anglers wade.
What flies work on Big Spring Creek?
Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, scuds and blue-winged olive patterns are good classics. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in Big Spring Creek?
Big Spring Creek holds rainbow trout and brook trout.
What is the best time to fish Big Spring Creek?
Spring and winter are favorite times, and hatches can build in spring. The cold spring water keeps fish active year-round.
Are there special rules on Big Spring Creek?
Yes. The upper creek is Class A wild trout water with special regulations. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules.
