Get the FlyFishFinder app

Free on iPhone and Android.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Pennsylvania fly fishing

Codorus Creek

Codorus Creek near Hanover, Pennsylvania is a spring-like tailwater below Lake Marburg with wild brown trout.

  • 56 miRiver length
  • 1Game fish
  • 44Access points
Want to see the top 10 fishable rivers near you right now? Check them free
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
In the FlyFishFinder app Live Codorus Creek at Spring Grove, PA 12cfs Below normal Vs normal for the date75% below Gage height0.81 ft Today's rating Premium Open in the app

About Codorus Creek

Codorus Creek in York County, Pennsylvania, runs about 56 miles. The tailwater near Hanover flows from Codorus State Park and Lake Marburg. It is known for its spring creek look and feel. The state park says fly fishing is permitted on a two mile section along Porters Road below the Glatfelter Dam.

Brown trout are the fish here. The creek is a Class A wild trout stream in places and also gets stocked. Fish on average are not as large as some Pennsylvania waters, but the creek can hold some very big ones. Fishing is best closer to the dam where the water is colder.

The tailwater is tight, with overhanging trees and small casts. A shorter rod helps. Midges, scuds and Pheasant Tail nymphs are the local favorites. Spring is the season in our records.

Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations for special rules on the tailwater.

Live conditions

Codorus Creek at Spring Grove, PA

USGS 01574500 Below normal Updated 2 hours ago
Flow
12cfs
75% below normal for Nov 12
LowNormalHigh
Gage height
0.81ft
−0.04 ft in the last 6 hrs
Trend
Falling
−20.0% flow over the last 6 hrs

Flow, last 24 hours

USGS readings, provisional

Is Codorus Creek fishing today?

See today's top 10 rivers near you, free. Go Premium to score Codorus Creek, or any gage, on demand.

See how it's fishing

Data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.

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 Lower Susquehanna 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 Codorus Creek

  • Fish near the dam

    The cold water is closest to the dam. It stays cooler in summer.

  • Use short casts

    Trees overhang the creek. Roll casts and a shorter rod help.

  • Fish scuds and midges

    Spring creek style flies like scuds and midges are common here.

  • Park legally

    Follow Codorus State Park and Porters Road signs for parking.

  • Use the app for access

    The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points on Codorus Creek so you can plan your parking and entry.

Every access point on Codorus Creek, in your pocket.

  • 44 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
Get the free app

Codorus Creek FAQ

When is the best time to fish Codorus Creek?

Spring is the best known season. The tailwater stays cooler in summer.

Where can I fish Codorus Creek near Hanover?

The two mile fly fishing section along Porters Road below the Glatfelter Dam in Codorus State Park.

Can you wade Codorus Creek?

Yes. It is a small creek and wadeable at normal flows.

What flies work on Codorus Creek?

Pheasant Tails, midges, scuds and Hare's Ear nymphs are staples. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.

What fish are in Codorus Creek?

Brown trout.

Are there special rules on Codorus Creek?

Yes. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations for the tailwater.

Get the free app