Slate Run Pennsylvania

Slate Run General Discussion:

The stream is formed by the confluence of Francis Branch and Cushman Branch, both little wild trout streams with browns and brook trout. Not far below that, Morris Run and Manor Fork add their water to Slate Run. The seven mile creek is a tributary of Pine Creek and located in Pine Creek Valley.  It flows through a narrow flood plain in the bottom of a 1,000 foot gorge in a relatively unpopulated portion of the state. Slate Run is one of only a few freestone streams that can be found in Pennsylvania which is better known for its limestone streams. However, it is important enough to be mentioned in the Trout Unlimited list of 100 best streams. It has the unique name of Slate Run because of the horizontal beds of shale that that outcrop along its banks. Slate Run has been designated as "Heritage Trout Water" by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission which means that it is open year around, but is restricted to fly fishing with barbless hooks.

 

The upper part of the stream is pocket water punctuated with riffles and pools; and is located in a rugged, mountainous setting. It contains large populations of wild brook trout up to 11 inches long and a few wild brown trout. However, the fishing pressure is somewhat light due to the rugged terrain. It has only a few access points that are close to a road and you must do some hiking up and down steep slopes to get to some of the upper areas of the stream.

 

The lower reaches just above Pine Creek are populated by brown trout that can become quite large so this portion tends to get more of the anglers attention.. This portion of Slate Run can be reached from the village of Slate Run or from the confluence with Manor Fork. Slate Run Road runs along the stream but it is situated high above it. You can pull off the road and scramble down any of the steep trails that lead to the gorge part of the stream.

 

Because slate Run drainage area is small, run off is not usually a problem, but the water level in summer can become quite low. None the less, the stream tends to remain cool due to its location in the bottom of the gorge and the shade offered by the trees that line the stream.

 

While Slate Run is an excellent trout stream, it is not for the faint hearted and poses dangers due to falls and due to the rattlesnakes that are quite common in the area. It is advisable for anglers to fish in pairs.

 

Fishing Slate Run:

Its lower seven miles are designated as fly-fishing only water. The stream has some rapids, and riffles punctuated with deep large pools, especially in the spring when the snow is melting. Early spring usually requires larger nymphs and small streamers because the water is normally high. When the water levels get normal and the hatches begin, anglers switch to fishing in an upstream direction with dries and small nymphs. Normal pocket water fishing techniques work well during periods of normal water levels. With clear water, it is necessary to use long fine tippets to avoid spooking the trout. The browns are more active early in the day and again just before the end of the day. The brookies in the upper regions are happy to take dry flies anytime of the day.

 

Spring:

The fishing in early spring is often affected by the snow run off but a little later in the spring, the fishing is excellent. The Blue Quill hatches start in April, followed by the Green Drakes in May.

 

Summer:

By the end of June, most of the better hatches have occurred, but there are some BWOs, Yellow Sallies and Light Cahills that still can be found. Nymphs in the smaller sizes work well as do the terrestrial patterns such as black ants, grasshoppers, etc. The water levels will be lower so great care is necessary to remain hidden

 

Fall and Winter:

The autumn season is the best time to catch a larger brown trout as they move upstream to spawn. Nymphs and streamers the primary flies to fill your fly box for this season. Winter fishing is not a great idea due to the treacherous frozen icy paths.