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Donegal Spring
In Lancaster County, east of the Cumberland Valley, the Donegal Spring offers classic spring-creek fishing in the heart of Amish country. The local Donegal TU Chapter and Donegal Fish and Game have improved this formerly degraded stream and enhanced its wild-trout population, which competes with stocked browns and rainbows. Most fish are in the 10- to 12-inch range, but larger ones are frequently caught. The stream continues to improve.

Donegal Spring (right) flows four miles through farms and fenced pastures that are sometimes too close for casting comfort. An errant backcast could hook a cow or wrap around an electric fence. Much of the stream is fenced, but fence steps are provided at strategic locations. The streambanks have high grass in summer and some wooded sections. Watercress and other aquatic spring-creek vegetation provides ideal habitat for trout and food like shrimp, cressbugs, mayflies, and minnows.

The best hatches include Blue-winged Olives (BWO) and Sulphurs in May. Caddis and midges come off sporadically throughout the season. Terrestrials, bead-head nymphs, BWO Parachutes, and tan CDC Caddis are some of the favorite local patterns. Use an upstream approach with drys and stay hidden in the grass or trees to avoid spooking fish.

The Donegal Creek has 2.4 miles of delayed-harvest, fly-fishing-only, special-regulation water. This section is from 275 yards below State Route 772 downstream to road T-334. To reach the special-regulation water, take Route 322 east from Harrisburg to the Route 772, Mount Joy exit. Follow Route 772 south through town to the stream.