Welcome to Fly Fishing in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love. This site is broken down into a few different sections, each a bit different in design and feel. This Welcome section is a quick introduction to a couple of nice trout fishing locations in the Philadelphia area.

The Gear section offers some reviews of gear that I use or have used, and is constantly changing as I am always on the search for new gear. Generally the gear I look for is affordable, reliable and extremely functional. Functionality over design if necessary.

The Blog section is written about some of my fishing experiences, often with my son, and thoughts about fishing in general. To me it is a passion, a way to become one with nature, a time to look inward, and just something to get away from everything. After a day on the stream life just seems a bit better, in a different perspective.

The Family fishing section is just about taking the family fishing. It is geared toward the beginner. With that in mind, I have listed some ideas on what to bring when you go fishing, especially if you are taking the kids.

I hope you enjoy this site, and please send me your thoughts if you would like to see something additional or different.

The Philadelphia area offers some great opportunities for fly fishing. The Wissahickon Creek and Valley Creek are 2 local waterways that have easily accessible fishing with a variety of species.

                    

            WISSAHICKON CREEK

  

The Wissahickon Creek offers Trout, Bass, Panfish and even Carp. In addition, many of the fishing spots are easily accessible. If you are in the “Valley Green” section of the the creek, there is a restaurant and snack bar. If you want to bring the kids along it is also a great place. There is parking near the restaurant, and a number of park benches to just relax and feed the ducks in the water.

    Amazingly the creek runs for 23 miles, much of it in woodlands surrounded by hiking paths, bike paths and amazing wildlife. There are many secluded fishing spots, but you have to search for them, because there are many visitors to the Valley Green area. There are also many fisherman, of all types. The link below will give you more interesting facts and history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wissahickon_Creek

  

                            VALLEY CREEK

    Valley Creek offers an amazingly beautiful fishing opportunity. Natural Trout are the only type of trout in this cold water stream, making it much more challenging compared to the local stocked creek.

    At it’s widest the stream is only 25 feet across, making some areas pretty tight. This year I will be fishing it with a 7 foot 4 weight, as the 5 weight last year was too much for the really delicate presentations. Also, there are some areas where backcasting is tough, if not impossible. Make sure you have a roll cast down because you will need it.

    Some of the amazing offerings of fishing Valley Creek are in Valley Forge National Park. Imagine fly fishing in the same spot that General Washington and his men camped. You are fishing in history.  Check this out:

    http://www.nps.gov/vafo/

    Access in and out of the park is easy, because it is a Federal Park. However, getting to different areas of the stream can mean a bit of work. Because you are in the middle of a National Park, I suggest that if you are going fishing you are prepared for a full day and maybe more.

    Last August I went out without a hydration bladder and thought I was going to die. Rather than trek all the way to my car, drive to the visitor center, get water, drive back etc. I decided to tough it out. Not a great idea.