Hammer Creek
Hammer Creek in Lebanon and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania holds brown, rainbow and brook trout in a freestone creek.
- 25 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 24Access points
About Hammer Creek
Hammer Creek is a freestone creek in Lebanon and Lancaster counties in south central Pennsylvania. It flows to Cocalico Creek and runs about 25 miles. Speedwell Forge Lake sits on the creek.
The creek holds brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. Fish do not get very big, but a trout slam with all three species is possible. Much of the creek is private. The Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary is a place anglers look for access.
Some parts are stocked, and some sections support wild trout. Winter is a favorite season for local anglers. Restoration work is going on in parts of the watershed.
Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules, and follow posted signs and preserve rules before you fish.
Conestoga River at Lancaster, PA
Hammer Creek has no USGS gage. This one is 12 mi away, so use it as a rough guide.
Flow, last 24 hours
USGS readings, provisionalIs Hammer Creek fishing today?
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Other gages nearby
- Tulpehocken Creek near Bernville, PA14.8 mi away 56 cfs Normal 52°F · 1.65 ft USGS 01470779
- Quittapahilla Creek near Bellegrove, PA15.6 mi away 65 cfs Normal 3.42 ft USGS 01573160
- Tulpehocken Cr at Blue Marsh Damsite near Reading17.9 mi away 84 cfs Normal 56°F · 2.74 ft USGS 01470960
- Swatara Creek near Palmyra, PA18.1 mi away 172 cfs Normal 52°F · 3.05 ft USGS 01573208
- Swatara Creek at Harper Tavern, PA18.6 mi away 114 cfs Normal 0.39 ft USGS 01573000
- Kreutz Creek at Strickler, PA19.4 mi away 13 cfs Normal 52°F · 1.65 ft USGS 01576007
- Swatara Creek near Hershey, PA19.6 mi away 196 cfs Normal 1.67 ft USGS 01573560
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.
Fish you'll catch
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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 Hammer Creek
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Try for a trout slam
Brown, rainbow and brook trout all live here. Landing all three is a fun goal.
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Start at Upper Hopewell Forge
The wildlife sanctuary is one of the better public spots.
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Fish winter
Local anglers favor the cooler months.
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Go small
This is small water. A short rod and light setup help.
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Watch for posted land
Most of the creek crosses private property.
Every access point on Hammer Creek, in your pocket.
- 24 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near Hammer Creek
Hammer Creek FAQ
Where is Hammer Creek in Pennsylvania?
It is in Lebanon and Lancaster counties and flows toward Cocalico Creek.
Can you wade Hammer Creek?
Yes. It is a small freestone creek that most anglers wade.
Where can I fish Hammer Creek?
The Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary is a common public starting point. Most other water is private.
What flies work on Hammer Creek?
Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tails and Elk Hair Caddis are good classics. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in Hammer Creek?
Hammer Creek holds brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout.
Are there special rules on Hammer Creek?
Parts of the creek are stocked and some sections support wild trout. Check current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations.



