River Open — summer

Swatara Creek

Pine Grove, PA · about 70 min from Carlisle (typical, off-peak)

The state-park Swatara, not a random farm stretch.

Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first

Around now

Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.

Smallmouth bass
Trout
Sunfish and crappie

Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel.

Season

Legal on most trout water. Limestone springs stay cooler. Confirm PFBC. Official rule

License

Pennsylvania fishing license (PFBC)

Park

Swatara State Park lots and trail access along the creek.

Walk in

Park trails.

Wading

Confirm flow before you step in.

Usual window

After opening day; confirm PFBC for this week.

Thursday conditions

SW 1 mph around dawn. Fine to go.

Sky: ⛅ 79° partly
Sun and moon: Rise 6:27 · 🌕 Full moon · Set 7:48
Wind at dawn: SW 1 mph · Mostly Clear · 56°F
Wind later: dawn: SW 1 mph

10am: S 1 mph

2pm: NW 3 mph

dusk: NW 6 mph
Flow: 125 cfs · 0.39 ft · 5:15 pm · Swatara Creek at Harper Tavern · USGS gauge

A setup that belongs here

5-wt.

Notes

State park. Confirm PFBC and DCNR.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.

Shops

TCO Fly Shop (Reading / West Lawn)

2229 Penn Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609
Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm — confirm

Reading desk. Tulpehocken, Blue Marsh, SE limestone.

Call Website

TCO Fly Shop (Boiling Springs)

2 First St, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
Call — limestone hours

Yellow Breeches desk. Cumberland Valley limestone.

Call Website

Guides

Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.