Equipment

     Almost all streams in the Stonycreek-Conemaugh watershed are easy to traverse and can be waded with hip boots.  The exception is the Stonycreek River where chest waders are desirable at times of high flow.  Also, no one should venture into the Stonycreek at any time without the aid of felt soled boots and a wading staff.  

     Spinning rods of six to seven feet long and four- to six-pound test line are suitable for most waters.  Bait should consist of salmon eggs, minnows, cheese and the ever-popular earthworm.  Fishing these offerings slow and deep, especially in the first few weeks of the season, is the key to success.  Artificial lure anglers can score well throughout the year with small spinners.  Fly-and-spinner combinations can also be productive.  

     Fly-rod anglers have many choices.  A rod of 7 1/2 to nine feet with a four- or five-weight line is ideal.  Early-season fly fishing means going deep with caddis larva and stonefly nymphs.  The woolly bugger and flashabugger work well in discolored water.  Crayfish imitations and streamers should be part of the arsenal.  As late spring and summer arrive, hatches of caddis is a wise choice.  Bluewinged olives, light cahills and sulphurs are the mayfly hatches to watch for.  As water levels drop, longer leaders and finer tippets are the rule.