A trip to Brokenstraw Creek
Brokenstraw Creek originates near Clymer, New York and flows roughly 40 miles south to its confluence with the Allegheny River downstream of Warren, PA. The waters of this generally wadeable stream are stocked with trout each spring. Some of these fish hold over throughout the year. Brokenstraw has naturally reproducing populations of both smallmouth bass and northern pike. Access to the creek is available along PA Route 426, between Corry and Pittsfield, where landowners allow trout stocking and within Pennsylvania gamelands. In between Pittsfield and Buckaloons Campground, there are several places to access the creek. Public access near Youngsville is found at the Island Park Recreational Area.
On a recent visit to Brokenstraw Creek, I stopped to fish at a section of the stream popular with anglers. The misty fog rolled from the water’s surface and a kingfisher called out before vanishing through the sycamores. The kooky sound, then a flash of blue and white, was followed by a loud flapping of much heavier wings. The sight of a juvenile bald eagle immediately caught my attention. The mottled plumage at first made it difficult to identify. This large majestic bird exited through the trees in the same direction of the kingfisher.
As I continued to fish, I worked a lure through the deep pool and hooked into a small pike on a 1/4 ounce marabou jig. Upon releasing the fish, I heard an alarm sound from a buck on the other side of the stream. I must have woken him up from his morning bed in the tall grass across the pool. A few casts later, I hooked up with a feisty smallmouth bass. Despite aggressively attacking my lure, this fish had a 3 inch sculpin sticking out of its maw.
Venturing upstream, I landed a beautiful spotted rainbow trout near a mossy bank. There was a hatch occurring that picked up when the sun began to peak through the tree limbs. This had the fish feeding on the surface. The small winged insects fluttered upstream by the hundreds. I noted the increasing activity while wading further upstream. A small long-legged shore bird also meandered upstream scanning the shallows for its next meal.
It’s kind of wonderful that a place this wild and remote, yet close to civilization, still exists. A great deal of relaxation is felt while visiting the banks of this secluded stream. Conservation efforts have much to do with areas like this enduring into the future. While limits set by the PFBC ensure fish are not over harvested in streams like Brokenstraw Creek, public land is also important so anglers can gain access to places like this. The money spent on hunting and fishing licenses is used towards maintaining and purchasing areas that allow public access. I feel blessed to be able to enjoy these places. Overall, the developing autumn colors, fresh valley air, wildlife, and peaceful solitude left an imprint on a good trip to Brokenstraw Creek.
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