Fishing in Adams County, Pennsylvania, offers anglers a serene and picturesque escape into nature. Nestled amid rolling hills and lush landscapes, the county boasts a variety of trout streams and scenic lakes, making it a destination for fishing enthusiasts.
The county is home to multiple well-stocked trout streams, where the thrill of catching a trophy-sized trout awaits. These streams have abundant trout populations and are popular spots for both fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing. Each year, 43,000 trout provided by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission are stocked in the county’s streams and waterways by Adams County Trout Unlimited volunteers.
Whether you’re casting a line in a picturesque stream or casting from the shores of a serene lake, Adams County’s diverse fishing opportunities promise a memorable and rewarding experience. The combination of abundant trout stockings and bass populations makes this region an opportunity for any fishing enthusiast.
Want more information? Check out the brochure Catch a Great Day in Adams County!
Planning Your Fishing Trip
Licenses can be obtained HERE or at a local license retailer, including:
For further information on fishing in Adams County, download the “FishBoatPA” app.
Stream Etiquette
As you enjoy your time on the water, it’s important to remember that you are a guest on the land that you pass through. You must respect the rights and livelihoods of landowners. Stay out of plowed or planted fields, remain within the designated stream corridor, and honor all posted signs, including No Trespassing notices.
When parking, be sure not to block gates, field entrances, or farm access routes. Practicing good is simple – use common sense and courtesy. Treat the land as you would your own land and show landowners the same appreciation you feel for the river itself. As a thoughtful, respectful angler, you will help ensure that these places stay open and welcoming for everyone who follows.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission-Approved Trout Streams
The eight PFBC-approved trout streams in Adams County are: Conewago, Latimore, Toms, Opussum, Bermudian, Little Marsh, Marsh, and Middle Creeks.
Conewago Creek – Our Home Stream
The largest stream in the county is a freestone waterway that originates in western Adams County and flows just north of Gettysburg.
The stream supports a trout fishery from US 15 upstream to its headwaters. It is stocked heavily with trout multiple times every spring, and trout fishing stays good until late spring or early summer, depending on the weather. The stocked section extends from Arendtsville Bridge to Twin Bridges. The stream has some good mayfly hatches including Blue Winged Olives, Blue Quills, Hendricksons, March Browns, Sulphurs, and Caddis.
The Catch and Release, Fly Fishing Only section is 1.2 miles in length, from 0.1-mile below Russell Tavern Road downstream to Rt. 34, and is open to fishing year-round (except during the deer gun season).
Latimore Creek
The creek is a 7-mile long tributary of Bermudian Creek. ACTU hosts a free, annual Youth Fishing Derby on a section of the creek regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for kids-only. At the derby, scores of children experience first-hand the fun of fishing with their families. The stocked section extends from Mountain Road Bridge to Bridge at Latimore Valley Road.
Toms Creek
Flowing 21 miles from South Mountain through Iron Springs and Emmitsburg, Toms Creek is part of the Monocacy River watershed and valued for its trout habitat and historical significance. The stocked section extends from Gums Spring Road to Zoo Road.
Opossum Creek
Stretching 13 miles, the creek originates near Bendersville and joins Conewago Creek east of Biglerville, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking. The stocked section extends from the bridge at Wenksville Road to Center Mills Road.
Bermudian Creek
A 25-mile tributary of Conewago Creek, Bermudian flows through Adams and York Counties and supports designated trout waters, including Latimore Creek as a subbasin. The stocked section extends from Cranberry Road Bridge to Greenbriar Road.
Little Marsh Creek
Located a few minutes west of Gettysburg, where it joins Marsh Creek just downstream of Knoxlyn Road. The creek is about half the size of Marsh Creek and also has a steeper gradient. The creek is known for its brown trout stocking and scenic boulder-strewn runs. The stocked section extends from the bridge at Moritz Road to the bridge at Knoxlyn Road.
Marsh Creek
A 27-mile tributary of the Monocacy River, the small creek winds through southern Adams County and is popular for trout fishing, kayaking, and its proximity to Gettysburg’s historic battlefield. Like most streams in Adams County, it has a gentle gradient that makes it easy to wade. The stream is stocked multiple times throughout the spring with rainbow trout and brown trout from the bridge on Cashtown Road, Biglerville, down to the bridge on Route 30
Middle Creek
Originating on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the creek flows 17 miles through Adams County into Toms Creek and is considered one of the county’s highest quality trout streams. The stocked section extends from Strawberry Hill Nature Center to McGlauglin Road.
Fishing Tips and Reviews
Tips For Anglers
With the best anglers in the business, Trout Unlimited regularly gathers and shares tips to make you a better angler. Click HERE to access TU’s Trout Tips.
Gear Reviews
Trout Unlimited put the newest and best gear to the test. From rods to reels, rafts to sandals, we’ve got you covered. Click HERE to access TU’s Gear Reviews.
