Northcentral Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Fishing Report: May 16, 2026
Pine Creek is slightly falling but still near the 3-foot danger threshold at Cedar Run, making wading the limiting factor.
- Status
- tough
- Flow trend
- falling
- Best window
- Bank access only; better after levels drop
- Best methods
- streamers, nymphs
Quick Summary
Pine Creek is not the best wade choice today. USGS showed 1,350 cfs and 2.95 feet at Cedar Run, only slightly below the 3.0-foot level local guidance treats as very dangerous or no-wading water. The river is falling, but bank fishing and waiting for lower water are the safer calls.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Tough |
| Flow | 1,350 cfs at Cedar Run at 5:15 PM |
| Water Temp | High 40s F from local report; not reported by USGS IV |
| Clarity | Slightly off color |
| Trend | Falling |
| Best Window | Bank access only; better after levels drop |
| Best Method | streamers; nymphs |
| Wadeability | Near unsafe wading threshold; fish from bank or wait for lower stage |
Weather
The Renovo and Slate Run area was partly sunny near 78 F late today with southwest wind around 9 mph. Tonight has a slight shower chance and mostly cloudy skies, with Sunday warm again.
River Notes
The main issue is safety, not bug activity. At 2.95 feet, Pine is close enough to the danger threshold that crossing and mid-channel wading should be avoided. If you fish, stay on the bank, choose protected edges, and look for trout in slower margins or side water until the stage drops.
Hatch Activity
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March Brown | 10-12 | Worth carrying when water drops into shape |
| Gray Fox | 12-14 | May mix with larger mayflies |
| Tan/Brown Caddis | 14-16 | Useful near edges |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-20 | Cloud-cover option |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Cheech Leech | 2-8 | Bank and edge-water option |
| Streamer | Peanut Envy | 2-6 | Use in off-color water |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 12-16 | Fish slower edge seams |
| Nymph | Stonefly nymph | 8-12 | Use as a heavier anchor fly |
| Wet | Soft Hackle | 10-12 | Swing near softer seams |
Tactics
Do not force wading. Fish from stable banks, inside bends, and side channels, or choose a smaller water nearby until Pine drops. Streamers are the practical choice in the current volume and color; nymph only protected seams where you can control depth safely.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Creek at Cedar Run PA | 1,350 cfs | Not reported | USGS 01548500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 01548500 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Slate Run and Renovo, PA area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.