A hatch chart for fly fishing the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek in Pennsylvania identifies the key insect species that emerge throughout the year, as well as their approximate timing.
This creek, located in north-central Pennsylvania, is known for its excellent wild trout fishing and diverse insect life.
Below is a general hatch chart and fly recommendations tailored to this specific waterway. Note that exact timing can vary depending on weather, water temperature, and other environmental factors.
First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek Hatch Chart
Early Spring (March – April)
- Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis spp.)
- Size: 16-20
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast or drizzly days.
- Patterns: Parachute Adams, RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph, WD-40.
- Early Stoneflies (Capniidae)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Late morning to early afternoon.
- Patterns: Black Stonefly Nymph, Pat’s Rubber Legs.
- Quill Gordon (Epeorus pleuralis)
- Size: 12-14
- Time: Midday to early afternoon.
- Patterns: Quill Gordon Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
Late Spring (May – June)
- Hendrickson (Ephemerella subvaria)
- Size: 12-14
- Time: Midday to early afternoon.
- Patterns: Hendrickson Dry Fly, Comparadun, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- March Brown (Maccaffertium vicarium)
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Late morning to early afternoon.
- Patterns: March Brown Dry Fly, March Brown Nymph.
- Caddisflies (Brachycentridae, Hydropsychidae)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Afternoon to evening.
- Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Caddis Pupa.
- Sulphurs (Ephemerella invaria/dorothea)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Patterns: Sulphur Dry Fly, Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
Summer (July – August)
- Tricos (Tricorythodes spp.)
- Size: 20-24
- Time: Early morning.
- Patterns: Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute.
- Terrestrials (Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers)
- Size: 10-16
- Time: All day, especially on warm, sunny days.
- Patterns: Foam Ant, Chernobyl Ant, Dave’s Hopper.
- Caddisflies (Various species)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Evening.
- Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis.
- Midges (Chironomidae)
- Size: 18-24
- Time: Morning and evening.
- Patterns: Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat.
Fall (September – October)
- Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis spp.)
- Size: 16-20
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast days.
- Patterns: Parachute Adams, RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- Isonychia (Isonychia spp.)
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Late afternoon.
- Patterns: Isonychia Nymph, Isonychia Dry Fly.
- Caddisflies (Various species)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Evening.
- Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis.
- October Caddis (Dicosmoecus spp.)
- Size: 8-12
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Patterns: October Caddis Dry Fly, October Caddis Pupa.
Winter (November – February)
- Midges (Chironomidae)
- Size: 18-24
- Time: Midday to afternoon.
- Patterns: Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat.
- Winter Stoneflies (Taeniopterygidae)
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Midday.
- Patterns: Black Stonefly Nymph, Pat’s Rubber Legs.
General Tips for Fishing the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek
- Match the Hatch: Pay close attention to the insects on the water and in the air. Use a seine net to sample the stream if needed.
- Nymphing: During non-hatch periods, nymphing with patterns like Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Stonefly Nymphs can be highly effective.
- Streamers: Streamer fishing can be productive year-round, especially during high water or when targeting larger trout.
- Weather: Overcast days often bring more consistent hatches and active fish.
- Regulations: Check local fishing regulations, as sections of the creek may have special rules (e.g., catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only areas).
This hatch chart is a general guide and should be adjusted based on observed conditions. Tight lines!
Looking for more information on fishing the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek? Check out our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the First Fork Sinnemahonig Creek.