Stillwater Wild Trout Spots

Flyfishanthony

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Does anybody know any good Stillwater Wild Trout spots, I know only a few in Pennsylvania, some are a decent. I Can’t find much information on any good spots any recommendations?
 
I've fished many beaver ponds that held native brook trout. The biggest one was probably about 3 acres, and I've fished a few that were around 1 acre. Most are much smaller than that.

Beaver ponds come and go. The one that was 3 acres is now totally gone. You can often see beaver ponds on aerial imagery.
 
There’s definitely some spring fed ponds and/or small impoundments that have them (typically Brookies, but not always) on public land, typically in the headwaters of more mountainous areas. Naturally, I think you can expect folks who know about specific spots to be pretty tight-lipped about it. Google maps, and boots on the ground is where the answer most likely lies. You’ll figure it out as you go.
 
Agree with Swattie - Most worthwhile still waters in PA are small, and usually well kept secrets. PA doesn't have a ton of natural lakes, so most of water that is worthwhile trout water is smaller. Definitely study some topography maps, and you'll find some.

Additionally, if you ever do water to focus on stillwater fly fishing, I'd look a bit further north. Lots of NE states have great stillwater fly fishing.
 
I've fished many beaver ponds that held native brook trout. The biggest one was probably about 3 acres, and I've fished a few that were around 1 acre. Most are much smaller than that.

Beaver ponds come and go. The one that was 3 acres is now totally gone. You can often see beaver ponds on aerial imagery.
That sounds incredibly fun esp in winter
 
Upper woods pond is probably my go to. State puts a ton of fish in there and it’s hardly ever pressured. Usually fish balanced leaches, large midge patterns and blob flies. Generally summer time fish are around 20 feet deep. You’ll need a paddle board/kayak or boat.

Other places I know locust lake hold trout year round. They have a spring by the camp ground.
If you looks of cool water lakes on pa fish and boat they will tell you which lakes have trout populations that can survive the winter. There are a handful of full of others I won’t speak of because I have never fish them.
 
It would be a long trip for folks in PA, but back in the upper Midwest, a few states maintain stocked brook trout spring pond fisheries: WI, MI, MN.

I am most familiar with WI's program. Their fisheries people select ponds deep in the woods on public lands, way up in northern WI, with adequate spring/winter oxygen (most winters) to give the stocked brookies the best chance to survive several years to reach good sizes.

These are ponds that can be fly fished most effectively with a kayak. Other than that, I know guys with sleds will use them to get into those ponds in the depths of winter for ice fishing.

I know they aren't natives, but its an interesting fishery that can produce some very large brook trout, this side of Labrador. The secluded nature of these ponds (meaning they are way back in), despite being named, generally ensures a solitary experience.

 
And here I though this was a thread about the spot patterns on trout found in still waters...

If it matters any, at the places I know, they look the same as the fish in the streams that feed them. 😎

FWIW - Swattie's advice is spot on. Of the three that come immediately to my mind, all fit his description including the part about "folks who know about specific spots to be pretty tight-lipped about it." 🙂
 
Beaver ponds have a high bust potential, too.

Sometimes they warm the water enough to be detrimental to trout; and if there are otter, mink, fisher in the 'hood, they will be 'fishing' the beaver pond, too.

Best to pick streams with some amount of spring influence, in secluded areas, at high altitude/shaded/shadowed to allay any thermal concerns with any beaver dammed stretches of pools.

That said, they for sure can be great. 1/2 the fun is in the adventure exploring new water, and the sights you see along the way to finding a true diamond, rhinestones and all.
 
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