Tipton Run/ Bell's Gap and tributaries

[dcoffey]

Greetings,

I am beginning to plan out my 2016 “to fish” list of streams. I probably won’t start fishing these streams until water temps. and levels are appropriate since my main focus is on very small streams. I plan to start local with exploring the Little “J” watershed. My main focus is going to be Tipton Run/Bell’s Gap area and their tribs.

I do not mind a healthy hike, and actually prefer to explore as much as I can. I see that both streams have smaller feeder/tribs. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I’m not asking you to give up your “secret” spot, just a bit of info on where to start on these waters.

Donny

 

[troutbert]

My advice is to get the maps of the public lands for the region, and/or find them online.

Then just start looking at streams on those public lands (state forests and gamelands.)

And go fish them. There is no particular place where you should start.

 

[dcoffey]

Hello,
Thank you for your response, but I am looking for a few more pieces of info. I have looked at the maps, which are almost all online. I was hoping that someone would have more info if they have fished these areas recently.

Donny

 

[evw659]

Bells Gap is a "larger" mountain stream with brookies above the dam. Very pretty stream and area, but I haven't explored that much of it.
I fish Tipton once or twice a year. above the dam it is almost all brookies. access is good.
Below the dam: there is browns and brookies. It's a nice sized small stream, and has some nice fish in it, but I've found it to be a pretty challenging stream most of the time. There's only about a mile and a half of SGL that if flows through below the dam before it becomes posted. Both of these streams are worth exploring.

 

[dcoffey]

Thank you very much for the info. I will definitely have to give both a try. I just purchased a 6' 2wt. and I am itching to give it a go.

Donny

 

[IneFishent]

There's a pretty big pull off to park above the dam on Tipton. I also believe there are some stockies in it, maybe hold overs from the spring. I have only ever tried it in the fall but found a few fish.

 

[Chaz]

You'll find the 2 wt. 6 ft. rod a bit light for Bells Gap Run. I'd call it a medium sized stream. That being said, you can fish it with a 2 wt. but I like a rod that's got some casting distance to depend on.
Tipton Run though is small. But fish them both.

 

[dcoffey]

Thanks gentlemen for all the replies. Great info.

Donny

 

[John96]

Sorry I'm a little late to the party. You can access Shaw Run via the Bells Gap Rails-to-Trails, It's a nice hike, make sure you go when the mountain laurel is blooming. There is a decent amount of water to cover in the area you described. I fish Tipton Run a couple of times a year, for me it is a pretty tough stream to fish.

I hope this helps!