Early Trout Season Destinations
By Ken Maurer
PENNSYLVANIA’S SPLIT OPENING DAYS OF TROUT SEASON GIVES ANGLERS an opportunity to get started early in 18 southeastern counties. Trout season starts in those counties on March 31, the rest of the state opens on April 14. While there are many streams to chose from, this article will highlight five of the northern-most streams on the east side of the Susquehanna River.
In the lead-off spot is the first early opener stream northern anglers would see if heading south for some early action, the Mahantango Creek. Heading south from Sunbury on Route 147, the stream can be accesses by taking Route 225 south, just south of Herndon.
Route 225 crosses the stream near the town of Pillow. This is farm country with plenty of backroads to explore. There are areas where roads are close to the stream and areas where you can walk and get away from the crowds. The Mahantango ( “Mok” to the locals) is stocked pre-season and in-season by both the state and local sportsmen’s clubs. It is an especially good stream in early to mid-May due to warming water and club stockings. Spinners and minnows are popular here, along with orange powerbait and waxworms. Large beadhead hare’s ears nymphs (#8, #10) are excellent through the season here also.
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