Brodhead Creek
Pocono Mountains · East Stroudsburg
Monroe County, Pennsylvania, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Brook, and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 01440400. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 56 cfs and 57.9°F, the Brodhead is approaching prime Green Drake conditions as early June typically triggers this iconic hatch. Water temp just crossed the 55°F threshold that activates major mayfly emergence, with sulphurs still producing evening activity. Hot afternoons ahead (87°F+ next two days) will push feeding windows to early morning and dusk. Focus evening sessions around pools and slower water where drakes will emerge — these large mayflies bring every significant trout to the surface when conditions align.
- Flow: 56 cfs — ideal summer level with clear water and good wade-ability. Well within the productive 60-300 cfs range for prime conditions.
- Hatches: Green Drake season arriving with 57.9°F water. Evening sulphurs (#16-18) still active. Watch for drake emergence in slower pools.
- Water Temp: 57.9°F — crossed key thresholds for major mayfly activity. Ideal for drake emergence but approaching heat stress range.
- Best Window: Early morning before 9am and evening 6-8pm. Midday fishing tough with 87°F+ air temps pushing trout to cover.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Apr–June & Sept–Nov, peak Apr–May
Brodhead Creek in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains is one of the oldest continuously fished trout streams in the United States. Its pools and riffles produce good numbers of wild brown trout, and the lower sections hold holdover fish of notable size. The surrounding Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a scenic and accessible setting close to the Mid-Atlantic metropolitan corridor.
Brodhead Creek near Henryville was the home stream of Theodore Gordon, the American angler who adapted British dry fly techniques to US trout fishing in the late 1800s.
January Outlook
January on the Brodhead Creek is winter in the Pocono Mountains — the birthplace of American dry fly fishing lies dormant under cold freestone conditions. Theodore Gordon's historic waters are largely iced or near-freezing. This is a planning month, not a fishing month, on the Brodhead.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — Brodhead not fishable in typical January
- Midge Nymph (mild days only)
- Small Hare's Ear
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
The Brodhead is a freestone Pocono stream with limited limestone influence — it does not fish well in cold winter conditions. January is for planning spring trips, studying the Hendrickson and Sulphur hatch timing, and tying flies. Focus on the March–June window for the best Brodhead experiences. The limestone sections near Henryville may hold some winter midging opportunities on mild days above 45°F.
Water Notes
30–200 cfs. Water 32–42°F. Freestone winter conditions. The Brodhead is not a year-round fishery — wait for March.
February Outlook
February on the Brodhead. Deep Pocono winter continues. Some mild weather windows can produce midge activity in the lower sections near the Delaware Water Gap NRA where the stream widens and receives more sun. Still primarily a planning month.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season
- Midge Nymph #20-22 (mild days only)
- Small Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
February fishing on the Brodhead is possible only on mild days (above 45°F) in the lower sections below Canadensis. The limestone seeps near Henryville provide slightly warmer water in winter. Plan your Quill Gordon and Hendrickson trips for March and April — the Brodhead's true season begins with spring.
Water Notes
30–200 cfs. Water 34–44°F. Late winter Pocono conditions. Lower sections near DWGNRA are more fishable on mild days.
March Outlook
The Brodhead Creek in the Pocono Mountains is where American dry fly fishing was born — Theodore Gordon fished these limestone-influenced freestone waters in the 1880s. March brings Hendrickson hatches, some of the finest early-season dry fly fishing in the Northeast.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson #12-14
- Red Quill
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The Henryville section below the catch-and-release water is the most historic stretch. The Hendrickson hatch here has significance beyond the fishing — it represents the birthplace of American dry fly tradition. Approach slowly in low, clear early-season water.
Water Notes
50–400 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Freestone character with some limestone influence. Clear and wadeable by mid-March.
April Outlook
Peak season on the Brodhead. Hendrickson, Blue Quill, and March Brown hatches in sequence. One of the finest April dry fly streams in the entire Northeast.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson Dry
- Blue Quill #18
- March Brown
- Quill Gordon
Tips
April on the Brodhead is a pilgrimage for dry fly anglers. The historic Henryville section, the Delaware Water Gap NRA section, and the reaches above East Stroudsburg all produce excellent hatches. Gordon's influence on American fly patterns is everywhere.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Prime spring conditions. Watch for mid-month spikes from Pocono snowmelt.
May Outlook
Sulphur, Caddis, and Cahills define May on the Brodhead. Evening Sulphur hatches from 7–9pm are the highlight of the Pennsylvania limestone season.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun #16
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Light Cahill
- March Brown Wet
Tips
The evening Sulphur hatch is the signature Brodhead experience. Position in a good run by 6:30pm and wait — the hatch comes on quickly and fish rise confidently. The catch-and-release sections hold exceptional numbers of large wild brown trout.
Water Notes
80–400 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Prime spring conditions through mid-May before summer heat.
June Outlook
Yellow Sallies, Caddis, and morning Sulphur fishing continue. Early summer on the Brodhead is excellent before heat arrives. The Green Drake hatch arrives in early June.
Productive Patterns
- Green Drake #10
- Yellow Sally
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur Dry
Tips
The Green Drake hatch on the Brodhead is a legitimate event — large mayflies that produce aggressive rises from every significant fish in the river. Fish the evening hatch window carefully.
Water Notes
60–300 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Fish early morning and evening. Midsummer heat reduces midday activity.
July Outlook
Summer terrestrials. Ants, beetles, and hoppers produce excellent fishing in the early morning and evening hours. The limestone-influenced sections hold surprisingly cool water.
Productive Patterns
- Flying Ant #18
- Beetle #16
- Hopper (small)
- Trico Spinner (morning)
Tips
Terrestrials are the key in July. The limestone spring seeps keep the Brodhead cooler than nearby freestone streams. Fish the first two hours of daylight and the last hour before dark.
Water Notes
40–200 cfs. Water 62–68°F midday. Limestone sections run 4–6°F cooler. Fish mornings and evenings.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the Brodhead. Blue Winged Olive hatches return and brown trout become aggressive before spawning. One of the Mid-Atlantic's finest fall wild trout streams.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive #18-20
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Trico Spinner
- Streamer
Tips
The fall BWO hatch on the Brodhead is excellent — fish rise freely on overcast afternoons to size 18–20 patterns. October brings the largest wild browns into their most aggressive feeding period.
Water Notes
60–300 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Excellent fall conditions. Wild brown trout in prime condition.
October Outlook
Prime brown trout season. Pre-spawn browns are aggressive and the fall foliage in the Delaware Water Gap NRA provides stunning scenery. BWO and Mahogany Dun hatches produce excellent surface activity.
Productive Patterns
- Mahogany Dun #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Copper John
Tips
October on the Brodhead combines some of the year's finest fishing with spectacular Pocono fall colors. Fish streamers in the morning for large pre-spawn browns, then switch to dry flies during the afternoon hatch window.
Water Notes
50–250 cfs. Clear and cold 46–54°F. Wild brown trout spawning run builds through the month.
November Outlook
November late-season on the Brodhead. Brown trout spawning concludes and post-spawn fish feed aggressively. Late BWO activity on mild afternoons. The Pocono Mountains in November are quiet and beautiful — the last good fishing of the year before winter sets in.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Midge Nymph
- Soft Hackle Wet
- Small Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
November on the Brodhead is underrated. Post-spawn brown trout feed aggressively on midge and nymph patterns. Late BWO hatches on mild afternoons can produce surface activity. The historic Henryville section is beautiful with late fall leaves. By late November, temperatures drop into winter range.
Water Notes
50–300 cfs. Cooling 42–52°F. Late season freestone conditions. Post-spawn brown trout feeding.
December Outlook
December closes the Brodhead's season. The freestone Pocono stream transitions to near-dormant conditions as winter arrives in earnest. Some mild December days can produce midge activity in the lower sections, but this is primarily a planning month. The Brodhead's season is March through November.
Productive Patterns
- Planning season — Brodhead closing for winter
- Midge Nymph (warm spells only)
- Small Pheasant Tail
Tips
December is the off-season on the Brodhead. Plan next year's Theodore Gordon pilgrimage — time the Quill Gordon hatch in late March, the Hendrickson in April, and the evening Sulphur hatch in May. The Delaware Water Gap NRA sections may have limited winter activity on mild days above 45°F.
Water Notes
30–200 cfs. Water 34–44°F. Winter Pocono conditions closing in. The Brodhead's season ends with December. Reopen in March.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
Apr | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Green Drake Ephemera guttulata |
May | May, Jun | #6–10 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
East Stroudsburg, PA. Delaware Water Gap NRA land provides extensive free public access. Pennsylvania fishing license + trout stamp required.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Pennsylvania requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Pennsylvania fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Brodhead Creek conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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