Compiled by Debbie Burke
The Pocono Mountains are known for their abundant waterways for fishing. There are lakes, streams and watering holes galore for every level of fisherman to explore, whether you’re a novice angler, experienced fly tyer, or just love a beautiful day out on the water.
Three long-time fishermen share their favorite fishing holes with tips on how to get your catch from sportsman’s challenge to dinner table.
Go fish, as they say – and enjoy!
Eric Baird
Pocono Pines
Fishing for: 40 years
Favorite Spots: Zacharias Pond and Gregory’s Pond in East Stroudsburg
“About 20 years ago I discovered the sport/religion/lifestyle of fly fishing, which has taken over as my preferred style of fishing. Though pursuing wild trout is my favorite way to fish, somewhere deep in the back country away from people, I can somehow still find the same solace on a little farm pond casting at sunfish.”
Photo: Eric and his son try their luck at Tobyhanna Lake
William “Billy” Broderick
Stroudsburg, Brodheadsville
Fishing Department Manager, Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter
Fishing for: 42 years
“As somebody who has fished all over the continent [New England, Florida, Alaska] and beyond, I think the Poconos are the best-kept secret for our trout fishing, which is just amazing. The best are Brodhead and McMichaels Creeks, and also Bushkill Stream, which are loaded with trout. For bass fishing, there’s Lake Wallenpaupack and I’ve also had good luck in Beltsville State Park. It’s not your normal fishing hole; it’s very deep, then gets shallow very abruptly, so it provides a wonderful challenge.”
Photo: Fly lures from Dunkelberger’s
Donald Miller
Paradise Township
Fishing for: Almost 60 years
Favorite Spots: The headwaters of Paradise Creek (Yankee Run, Tank Creek, Devil’s Hole Creek and Cranberry Creek); anywhere on the Brodhead with public access, particularly ForEvergreen Nature Preserve.
“I am a catch-and-release, small- to medium-sized streams, trout fisherperson. Pursuing trout takes me to many unique, natural places and open spaces, where there is usually a downstream breeze in your face, a constant array of viewable wildlife and all this natural beauty experienced with the soothing backdrop of ever-talking and moving water. My tips are having extra Beadhead Woolly Buggers and Beadhead Hare’s Ear Nymphs in your license holder that may save the day when your waterproof ‘holds hundreds of flies’ flybox floats away. And an extra chunky peanut butter and honey whole wheat sandwich keeps for several days in your unrefrigerated fishing vest pocket, and tastes great when the trout are rising into the dark well past dinner hour.”
Photo: Don Miller chasing Autumn Wild Trout on Devil’s Hole Creek
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