Foxfire & All:
- Definitely hit up the Little Juniata River. The stream is definitely worth exploring from its headwaters (near the r.r. yards in Altoona) all the way to the mouth.
- The Little Juniata is one of those streams that fishes better in the morning before the sun hits the water (unless there is a major hatch in progress.)
- Major grannom hatch on the Little Juniata in the spring, followed by the Sulphurs in May.
- There are five limestone spring creeks (wild browns with some wild rainbows present) within 20 miles of town. You'll need to get a DeLorme Map and start exploring.
- Speaking of wild rainbows. There seems to be more and more them with each passing year.
- If you have kids, and are looking for an easy/safe place to catch stocked trout .. then try Blair Gap Run in Duncansville, PA. There is a park near the post office that sits on PA-764. A major Trout Unlimited project was completed there about 10 years ago, and the state stocks this section several times a year. Nice place to take the kids (swing sets, pavilions, restrooms).
- Frankstown Branch near Poplar Run (near Newry, PA) about 5 miles south of Altoona, gets stocked once or twice a year. Also several private clubs/individuals stock this section. Unfortunately, this section does get a bit hot (temperature wise) in the summer.
- Frankstown Branch upstream (south) of East Freedom receives several stockings each spring. Again, this section is susceptible to the warming effects of mid-summer.
- If you want more specifics ... write me: (jpcoxey@yahoo.com)
- Hope this helps.
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@yahoo.com)