A Non-profit, grass roots, cold water conservation organization based in the beautiful rolling hills of South Eastern York County, Pennsylvania. Our River in Words
You would not imagine the beauty of our watershed while driving through this agricultural area. The vast pastureland and endless crop growth give way to a watershed stretching from the south eastern suburbs of the City of York to the S
usquehanna river near the Maryland border. The main stem of Muddy Creek is formed by the confluence of the North and South Banches at the Muddy Creek Forks. Two small tributaries located on the North Branch contain a biomass of wild trout great enough to be classified as Class A wild trout streams. Access, to these gems however is a problem due to landowner posting. Several carry Class B ratings and are improving in their status as wild trout waters. The South Branch and Leibs Creek both have wild trout. Below the Forks the stream widens to a size rivaling most larger Pennsylvania streams. The appearance of this scenic gorge resembles that of a mountain river. As it flows through the upper end near Rocky Glen and Bruce the beauty begins. Huge bouldered pools, steep gradient riffles and very long flat pools provide very suitable habitat for trout. The banks of the stream captures a serenity for the soul. Large, rock out-croppings, ferns and mountain laurel in some places. Other areas have hemlock groves to soothe the eye. This area is only the beginning of a trip some 18 miles to the Susquehanna river. Rocky Glen to Bruce it is much the same. From Bruce to Bridgeton marks the popular, two-mile Delayed Harvest Fly Fishing Only section. Prolific Stonefly hatches make this area an exciting early season destination for many local and not so local fly anglers. License plates from distant states are present often. This area is accessable form the Bridgeton on Piney Hill Road and on Bruce Road at the sharp bend. See the (Map Page) for details. Halfway through the fly stretch the stream picks up volume from Tom's Run. The upper-middle section of the DHFFO Area is a steep gradient with many bouldered pools while the lower end is comprised of long flat pools and gentler riffles. More open water with easy access provides anglers with pleasure from Bridgeton, to Woodbine. Woodbine to Castle Fin, arguably the most beautiful section, is only accessible via the old railroad bed. You can truly get lost in the scenery here. This gorge maintains a wilderness buffer allowing the ability to truly get away from it all. A few weeks into the season, few anglers are present but many trout survive opening day crowds. May and June hatches provide for exciting times to rising fish. From Castle Fin to the river is an unstocked section but also very scenic. And don't be surprised to find a few trout too. The section from Paper Mill road to the Susquehanna is also a popular route for hiking the Mason Dixon Trial as well as adventurous kayakers willing to "shoot" the gorge. The entire stretch is canoeable in early spring. Most pull out at Castle Fin for safety reasons. Come and visit our piece of heaven on earth, and if you meet fellow anglers streamside, ask about the effects of our efforts. And please always ask permission when confronting posted land. We welcome your support and respect of our treasured watershed
