Most of the trout in Pine Creek are stocked, but there is an occasional holdover and plenty of lunkers. Pine Creek is a large freestone stream, more like a river than a creek. From April to early May the water is usually high and cold, with temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees. Pine warms quickly, however, and without the benefit of cold limestone springs or any heavy canopy to shade it, it becomes marginal trout water early in June. Dave and Dana Poust of Tombs Run have reported seeing hundreds of dead and dying trout in Pine Creek when the stream warms in early July.
Pine Creek passes through some of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania.
Much of the stream is accessible by car on PA 44 near Waterville and on PA 414 above. Some heavy hatches and large trout inhabit the area from Cedar Run downstream to the hamlet of Jersey Mills. Much of the stream here flows within 100 yards of the road. In this 20-mile section of water, you'll find the typical moderate sections at the head of the pool, a characteristic long slow pool or eddy, a tailout, then pocket water followed by a moderate section or riffle at the head of the next pool. Above Galeton in eastern Potter County, Pine Creek is a cool, moderate stream.