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 pristine trout streams and scenic lakes, making it a haven 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 and bait fishing. Each year, an impressive 32,000 trout are stocked in the county’s streams and waterways
The ponds and reservoirs offer a diverse array of fishing experiences for many types of fish.
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.
NEED THE MAP FROM ‘CATCH A GREAT DAY IN ADAMS COUNTY” OR A LINK TO IT.
Planning Your Trip
Use the QR code for information on:
∙ Getting a License
∙ Where to Fish
∙ Regulations
Licenses can be obtained via the QR Code or at a local license retailer,
including:
∙ B And B Lures, 1017 Baltimore St., Hanover, (717) 637-9611
∙ Redding’s Hardware, 279 S Franklin St., Gettysburg, (717) 334-5211
∙ W E Sell Sporting Goods, 401 York St., Hanover, (717)632-1293
For further information on fishing in Adams County, download the “FishBoatPA” app.
Listed below are some of our best local and nearby waters with information on the fishing opportunities all around the area. Always be sure to check the state fishing regulations (TEXT LINK TO STATE REGULATIONS PAGE) and never hesitate to attend an ACTU Chapter event to meet people who can answer your questions.
Listed below are some of our best local and nearby waters with information on the fishing opportunities all around the area. Always be sure to check the state fishing regulations (TEXT LINK TO STATE REGULATIONS PAGE) and never hesitate to attend a NAME Chapter event to meet people who can answer your questions.
Stream Etiquette
As you enjoy your time on the water, it is important that you respect the rights of landowners. Please stay out of plowed fields, remain in the stream corridor, and obey no trespassing signs. When you park, do not block access to fields. Most of all, use common sense and courtesy by being a thoughtful and appreciative guest.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission-Approve Trout Streams
Eight approved streams are located in Adams County: Marsh, Little Marsh, Opossum, Bermudian, Latimore, Conewago, Toms, and Middle Creeks. The descriptions of each stream include the up- and downstream locations of the sections that are stocked for each stream.
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.
In 2019, ACTU, in partnership with the nearby Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, constructed a walking bridge at the site of the derby so kids could have more access for fishing.
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 Wenksvlle 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.
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