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Pennsylvania fly fishing

Bushkill Creek

Bushkill Creek in Easton, Pennsylvania is a limestone creek with wild brown trout in an urban setting.

  • 29 miRiver length
  • 1Game fish
  • 37Access points
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About Bushkill Creek

Bushkill Creek flows about 29 miles through Northampton County and ends at the Delaware River in Easton. It is a limestone stream with wild brown trout, and parts carry the Class A wild trout designation.

Fish run up the creek in the fall to spawn, so autumn is a popular time for bigger browns. The best known water is in Easton, including the stretch near the dog park. It is a small stream, and the trout can be spooky.

Jacobsburg State Park farther upstream offers more room and more quiet water. Nearby creeks like Monocacy Creek and Martins Creek give you more options in the Lehigh Valley.

Hatches include Blue-Winged Olives, Sulphurs, Hendricksons and Tricos. Check the current Pennsylvania regulations since sections differ.

Fish you'll catch

Tap a fish to see every Pennsylvania river that holds it.

Hatching in November

What's on the water in the Upper Delaware watershed this month, and the fly to match.

Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, Sparkle Dun
44–58°F
Autumn Caddis
Caddis
#14, October Caddis
48–58°F
All 12 hatches this year
Little Black Stonefly
Stonefly
#18, Elk Hair Caddis
38–50°F
Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, Sparkle Dun
44–58°F
Quill Gordon
Mayfly
#12-14, Quill Gordon
48–56°F
Grannom Caddis
Caddis
#14-16, Elk Hair Caddis
48–58°F
Hendrickson
Mayfly
#12-14, Comparadun
48–58°F
March Brown
Mayfly
#10-12, March Brown
52–62°F
Green Drake
Mayfly
#8-10, Green Drake Wulff
55–65°F
Light Cahill
Mayfly
#14, Light Cahill
58–70°F
Sulphur
Mayfly
#16-18, Parachute Sulphur
55–68°F
Trico
Mayfly
#22-26, Trico Spinner
60–72°F
Isonychia
Mayfly
#10-12, Slate Drake
58–68°F
Autumn Caddis
Caddis
#14, October Caddis
48–58°F

Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.

Tips for fishing Bushkill Creek

  • Stay low and quiet

    The creek is small and clear. Long, careful approaches pay off.

  • Fish in the fall

    Fall brings bigger fish moving up from the river to spawn.

  • Respect the urban setting

    Parking and access are in town. Leave gates and property as you found them.

  • Check the rules for your section

    Regulations can change by section and by year. Read the current Pennsylvania rules before you rig up.

  • Bring the right gear for the water

    Pack polarized glasses, a wading staff if you wade, and a plan for getting back before dark.

Every access point on Bushkill Creek, in your pocket.

  • 37 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
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Bushkill Creek FAQ

When is the best time to fly fish Bushkill Creek?

Fall is the favorite on Bushkill Creek. Spring also fishes well around hatches.

Where can I fish Bushkill Creek in Pennsylvania?

Try the stretch in Easton near the dog park, and Jacobsburg State Park upstream near Nazareth.

Can you wade Bushkill Creek?

Yes. Bushkill Creek is small enough to wade across in most places.

What flies work on Bushkill Creek?

Midges, stoneflies and Pheasant Tail nymphs are staples. On top, look for Blue-Winged Olive and Sulphur hatches. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.

What fish are in Bushkill Creek?

Bushkill Creek holds Brown Trout.

Are there special rules on Bushkill Creek?

Some Easton sections have special rules and others are stocked. Check the current Pennsylvania regulations for your section.

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