Copyright 2010 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the Little Juniata River
Pennsylvania
The Little Juniata River, better known as the Little J, is
one of Pennsylvania's best trout streams. It's a rather
large tributary of the Juniata River. Fly fishing the Little
Juniata River is as good as it gets in the Eastern U. S.
The upper section flows from Altoona through the Logan
Valley for about fifteen miles and is primarily a stocked,
freestone stream. It has some small tributaries such as
Bells Gap and Tipton Runs, and one large tributary,
Bald Eagle Creek. These streams help improve the
water quality near their confluence but all things
considered, the upper freestone section is rather
marginal for trout.
The section that's gives the Little Juniata River is
reputation as a top trout stream lies downstream of
Tyrone. Its water chemistry is greatly enhanced from the
flows from several large limestone springs. This section
flows through a very scenic area referred to as the
narrows and is bordered by limestone cliffs. The added
water from the many springs not only cools the river, it
greatly increases it's aquatic insect and crustacean
population providing the perfect habitat for large brown
trout. In essence, it changes the freestone stream into a
Limestone Spring River.
The lower section of the Little J flows through Rothrock
State Forest to Petersburg. This section flows through a
gorge area that can only be accessed by foot. This
section features some large, rather deep pools that are
connected by riffles and runs. Wading can be difficult
anywhere in the Little Juniata River due to its slick
bottom from its high pH, but especially in this section of
the river.
The Little J's wild brown trout grow at an excellent rate
and are able to attain a very large size. The state of
Pennsylvania also stocks brown trout fingerlings each
year. These small trout grow fast and adapt well enough
that within a few months, one would be hard pressed to
tell the difference in the stocked brown trout and the wild
brown trout.
Seasons:
The season follows the general Pennsylvania trout
season.
Spring:
Springtime is the best time for fly fishing the Little
Juniata River because of the plentiful hatches.
Summer:
Summertime is okay in the middle and lower sections of
the river.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to catch the large brown trout
Winter:
Wintertime can be tough on the coldest days but
productive on warm days.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies
Pennsylvania
The Little Juniata River, better known as the Little J, is
one of Pennsylvania's best trout streams. It's a rather
large tributary of the Juniata River. Fly fishing the Little
Juniata River is as good as it gets in the Eastern U. S.
The upper section flows from Altoona through the Logan
Valley for about fifteen miles and is primarily a stocked,
freestone stream. It has some small tributaries such as
Bells Gap and Tipton Runs, and one large tributary,
Bald Eagle Creek. These streams help improve the
water quality near their confluence but all things
considered, the upper freestone section is rather
marginal for trout.
The section that's gives the Little Juniata River is
reputation as a top trout stream lies downstream of
Tyrone. Its water chemistry is greatly enhanced from the
flows from several large limestone springs. This section
flows through a very scenic area referred to as the
narrows and is bordered by limestone cliffs. The added
water from the many springs not only cools the river, it
greatly increases it's aquatic insect and crustacean
population providing the perfect habitat for large brown
trout. In essence, it changes the freestone stream into a
Limestone Spring River.
The lower section of the Little J flows through Rothrock
State Forest to Petersburg. This section flows through a
gorge area that can only be accessed by foot. This
section features some large, rather deep pools that are
connected by riffles and runs. Wading can be difficult
anywhere in the Little Juniata River due to its slick
bottom from its high pH, but especially in this section of
the river.
The Little J's wild brown trout grow at an excellent rate
and are able to attain a very large size. The state of
Pennsylvania also stocks brown trout fingerlings each
year. These small trout grow fast and adapt well enough
that within a few months, one would be hard pressed to
tell the difference in the stocked brown trout and the wild
brown trout.
Seasons:
The season follows the general Pennsylvania trout
season.
Spring:
Springtime is the best time for fly fishing the Little
Juniata River because of the plentiful hatches.
Summer:
Summertime is okay in the middle and lower sections of
the river.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to catch the large brown trout
Winter:
Wintertime can be tough on the coldest days but
productive on warm days.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies
| Type of Stream Freestone and a Limestone Spring River Species Brown Trout (Wild and stocked) Rainbows (Stocked) Size Large Location Central Pennsylvania Nearest Town Tyrone Petersburg Spruce Creek Season Middle of April through February Access: Good Special Regulations Catch and Release Section Non-Resident License State of Pennsylvania Weather National Weather Service Link USGS Streamflow Data @ Spruce Ck Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies |
 | |  | |  |
Little
Juniata
River
Pennsylvania
Juniata
River
Pennsylvania
Free Shipping Continental U. S.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Photo Courtesy Steven Lamb
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |