The Creek

Living in the Lehigh Valley, I am blessed with many great trout streams to fish. The Little Lehigh, Lehigh River, Bushkill Creek, Delaware River, Hokendauqua Creek and many others are all fun to fish. One that has been my “home water” for many years has been the Monocacy Creek. The headwaters of the Monacacy Creek start in Moore Township near Klecknersville and flow south along Route 987 into the center of Bath. From there, it continues south along Route 512 and through Bethlehem where it empties into the Lehigh River. This creek meanders approximately 12 miles through woods, pastoral fields and city. In some places it resembles a classic limestone spring creek and at others a typical Pocono freestone stream. It is significant in that it runs through a major metropolitan population center and still has naturally reproducing trout. Although a good portion of the creek runs through private property, a good portion of it is open to fishing thanks to cooperative landowners and the municipalities along its route.

Where to Fish

The most enjoyable stretches of creek for me are the Monacacy Nature Center and the Trophy Trout Project. The nature center lies between Illik’s Mill Road to the North and Elizabeth Avenue to the south. Public parking is available at the Illik’s Mill Parking lot. Usually, I’ll walk through the nature center to Elizabeth Avenue and fish upstream back to the park. This section of the creek is stocked, but after the first few stockings early in the season the fishing pressure is light. You can fish Illik’s Mill Park but the pressure is always heavy. Although I fished it one Christmas morning (in the snow) and it turned out to be one of my most memorable days on the creek. The fish commission and the local sportsman’s club always throw in a few trophy fish in the 5+ pound class here.

The Trophy Trout Project starts above the falls in Illik’s Mill Park and goes upstream to Bridle Path Road. My usual plan of attack is to park near the bridge on Bridle Path Road and walk downstream on the railroad tracks to the trestle. There is a great fishing pool at the trestle. Then wade upstream fishing back to my car. From the bridge downstream about 150 yards the water is like glass. Accurate casts and long leaders are required.

Another place to try would be between Bethlehem and Bath. The creek is low and clear in this section and in a good portion it resembles a chute no more than 4’ across with heavy vegetation on both banks. You can get access from the railroad tracks that run along the creek, but please be mindful of the landowner’s private property. I have found a surprising number of fish in this section and the fishing pressure is almost non-existent.

Equipment

A light 3 or 4 weight rod in the 7-8’ range will work fine. My favorite flies for this creek are PMD and BWO Comparaduns tied with a flared antron tail (this represents the trailing shuck of a newly emerged fly), Trico’s, Hares Ear and Copper John nymphs, Ant’s and Hoppers. My favorite pattern for the summer and fall is a size 12 or 14 Letort Cricket.

How to Get There

Route 22 runs east/west through Bethlehem. Get off at the Route 512 (Center Street) exit.