Monocacy Creek
Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a limestone trout stream with a trophy section and large brown trout.
- 25 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 36Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Monocacy Creek
Monocacy Creek runs through Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. It is about 25 miles long and joins the Lehigh River. It is a coldwater limestone creek with a lot of insect life. Parts are Class A wild trout waters and other parts are stocked.
Brown trout and smallmouth bass live here. The trophy trout section above Illicks Mill gets most of the attention. The creek is easy to wade and has public parks along it. In fall, large brown trout move up to spawn, so early fall is a well known time to fish.
Stoneflies, midges, Tricos and Sulphurs are the insects anglers talk about. Nearby creeks include East Branch Monocacy Creek, Bushkill Creek and Saucon Creek. It is a small stream and a short rod suits it well.
The trophy section has special regulations. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules before you go.
Monocacy Creek at Bethlehem, PA
Is Monocacy Creek fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Lehigh River at Bethlehem, PA5.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 01453000
- Bushkill Creek above Rt 33 bridge at Tatamy, PA7.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 01446775
- Bushkill Creek below SR2017 bridge at Tatamy, PA7.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 01446776
- Lehigh River at Glendon, PA7.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 01454700
- Little Lehigh Creek at Tenth St. Br. at Allentown8.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 01451650
- Delaware River at US Route 22 at Phillipsburg, NJ9.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 01446995
- Little Lehigh Creek near Allentown, PA9.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 01451500
- Cedar Creek at Mouth near Allentown, PA9.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 01451630
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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Brown Trout
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Delaware 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 Monocacy Creek
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Start at the trophy section
The water above Illicks Mill is the best known stretch.
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Go in early fall
Large browns move up to spawn. It is the season in our records.
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Respect spawning fish
Avoid walking on redds and release fish quickly.
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Check the gage
A creek this size changes fast after rain.
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Use the app for access
The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points on Monocacy Creek so you can find parking near the park sections.
Every access point on Monocacy Creek, in your pocket.
- 36 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 Monocacy Creek
Monocacy Creek FAQ
When is the best time to fish Monocacy Creek?
Early fall is a well known time for trout. Spring hatches also draw anglers.
Where can I fish Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem?
The trophy trout section above Illicks Mill and the parks along the creek are well known areas.
Can you wade Monocacy Creek?
Yes. It is easy to wade in most places.
What flies work on Monocacy Creek?
Stoneflies, midges and Dungeons work, plus Tricos and Sulphurs in season. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in Monocacy Creek?
Brown trout and smallmouth bass.
Are there special rules on Monocacy Creek?
The trophy section has special regulations. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules.
