All trout caught in the DHALO section must be released between Labor Day and June 14th.  Between June 15th and Labor Day, three trout per day may be harvested but must be a minimum of nine inches. See the Pa Fish & Boat Commission web site for additional rules and regulations.  www.fishandboat.com

Beginning at the Rt. 381 bridge on the lower end of that section, Indian Creek is open stocked trout water to Melcroft. Several wild trout streams add to its flow beginning with Camp Run, then Roaring Run and finally Back Creek. Camp Run and the headwaters of Indian Creek are actually classified Class A Wild Trout. The last two streams also receive stockings.   

Below where Roaring Run enters at the community of Champion, Indian Creek becomes more of a mountain stream with rhododendron along its banks and faster moving water with a combination of riffles, runs and pools. The creek can be accessed via several side roads that cross the stream down to Melcroft. And the Indian Creek Valley Trail parallels much of the stream from Jones Mill almost to Normalville, but in many places is undeveloped. 

The stream has been impacted by Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) for decades and mining continues in some areas. The Mountain Watershed Association, based in Melcroft, has built AMD treatment systems that continually treats the mine water before being discharged to Indian Creek.  Thanks to their efforts, water quality in the lower reaches has improved and supports both trout and small mouth bass fisheries.

hatches

The stream does not have an abundance of aquatic bug life. Streamers and Woolly Buggers can be effective especially in early spring. Other recommended patterns include Adams, Blue Dunn, soft hackle nymphs, Hare’s Ear, BWOs, March Brown, midges and terrestrials. Local tackle shops include PA Fly Co just 4 miles west of the Donegal Turnpike interchange on Rt. 31. And, B&G Bait & Sport Shop in Normalville at the intersection of Rts 711 and 381.

attractions

There are a number of visitor attractions and small eateries along the length of the stream. Seven Springs and Hidden Valley Resorts are just a short drive away. See www.golaurelhighlands.com for lodging, restaurants and other local attractions. 

overview

40.08911 / -79.33578 Indian Creek begins in Forbes State Forest near the PA Turnpike and meanders nearly 25 miles to its confluence with the Youghiogheny (Yough) River between Ohioplye and Connellsville.  It passes through the old lumber and coal mining communities of Kreger, Jones Mill, Champion, Melcroft, Indian Head and Normalville paralleling PA Rts. 381 and 711.  The stream is never far from the roadway and there are ample parking areas at stream crossings. 

Indian Creek starts as what’s described as a meadow stream with low mud banks and deep pools.  The upper 1.6-mile section from Hunters Lane down just short of Rt. 31 is Delayed harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO). There is a parking area at the lower end (40.08911/-7933578) and the Blair Brothers Trail parallels the stream up to Hunters Lane.  Stream access is through brushy meadows which make back casts a little challenging. However, there are some deep pools that can harbor holdover stocked and wild trout.