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Pennsylvania fly fishing

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
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In the FlyFishFinder app Live Conestoga River at Lancaster, PA 171cfs Normal Vs normal for the date6% above Gage height3.36 ft Today's rating Premium Open in the app

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.

Closest USGS gage

Conestoga River at Lancaster, PA

USGS 01576500 Normal Updated 3 hours ago

Hammer Creek has no USGS gage. This one is 12 mi away, so use it as a rough guide.

Flow
171cfs
6% above normal for Nov 12
LowNormalHigh
Gage height
3.36ft
−0.01 ft in the last 6 hrs
Trend
Falling
−1.7% flow over the last 6 hrs

Flow, last 24 hours

USGS readings, provisional

Is Hammer Creek fishing today?

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Data 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.

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 Hammer Creek

  • Try for a trout slam

    Brown, rainbow and brook trout all live here. Landing all three is a fun goal.

  • Start at Upper Hopewell Forge

    The wildlife sanctuary is one of the better public spots.

  • Fish winter

    Local anglers favor the cooler months.

  • Go small

    This is small water. A short rod and light setup help.

  • 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
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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.

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