A hatch chart for fly fishing on Kettle Creek in Pennsylvania identifies the key insect species that emerge throughout the year, as these hatches are crucial for matching the hatch with the right fly patterns.
Kettle Creek is a popular trout stream, and its hatches are typical of many Pennsylvania freestone streams.
Below is a general hatch chart for Kettle Creek:
Kettle Creek Fly Fishing Hatch Chart
Early Spring (March – April)
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)
- Size: 18-22
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast or drizzly days.
- Fly Patterns: Parachute Adams, RS2, CDC Emerger, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- Quill Gordons
- Size: 12-14
- Time: Midday.
- Fly Patterns: Quill Gordon Dry Fly, Quill Gordon Nymph, Soft Hackle.
- Hendricksons
- Size: 12-14
- Time: Midday to early afternoon.
- Fly Patterns: Hendrickson Dry Fly, Comparadun, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- Early Stoneflies
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Midday.
- Fly Patterns: Stonefly Nymph, Kaufmann Stone.
Late Spring (May – June)
- March Browns
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Late morning to early afternoon.
- Fly Patterns: March Brown Dry Fly, March Brown Nymph, Soft Hackle.
- Gray Fox
- Size: 12-14
- Time: Afternoon.
- Fly Patterns: Gray Fox Dry Fly, Comparadun, CDC Emerger.
- Sulphurs
- Size: 16-18
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Fly Patterns: Sulphur Dry Fly, Sparkle Dun, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- Green Drakes
- Size: 8-10
- Time: Early June, late afternoon to evening.
- Fly Patterns: Green Drake Dry Fly, Comparadun, Green Drake Nymph.
- Caddisflies
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Evening.
- Fly Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis, Caddis Pupa.
Summer (July – August)
- Tricos
- Size: 20-24
- Time: Early morning.
- Fly Patterns: Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute, CDC Emerger.
- Terrestrials
- Size: 10-16
- Time: All day, especially on hot, dry days.
- Fly Patterns: Ants, Beetles, Hoppers, Chernobyl Ant.
- Midges
- Size: 18-24
- Time: Morning and evening.
- Fly Patterns: Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, RS2.
Fall (September – October)
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)
- Size: 18-22
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast days.
- Fly Patterns: Parachute Adams, RS2, CDC Emerger.
- Isonychia (Slate Drakes)
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Late afternoon.
- Fly Patterns: Isonychia Nymph, Stimulator, Comparadun.
- Caddisflies
- Size: 14-18
- Time: Evening.
- Fly Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis, Caddis Pupa.
Winter (November – February)
- Midges
- Size: 18-24
- Time: Midday, especially on warmer days.
- Fly Patterns: Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, RS2.
- Stoneflies
- Size: 10-12
- Time: Midday.
- Fly Patterns: Stonefly Nymph, Kaufmann Stone.
General Tips for Kettle Creek
- Water Conditions: Kettle Creek is a freestone stream, so water levels and clarity can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before heading out.
- Regulations: Be aware of special regulations, including catch-and-release sections and fly-fishing-only areas.
- Seasonality: Spring and fall are the most productive times for hatches, but summer and winter can also offer great fishing opportunities, especially with terrestrials and midges.
This hatch chart is a general guide and can vary depending on weather, water temperature, and other environmental factors. Always observe the water and adjust your fly selection accordingly. Tight lines!
Looking for more information on fishing Kettle Creek? Check out this DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Kettle Creek.