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Fishing at Hickory Run State Park

Anglers find excellent sport in many of the streams and lakes within the park boundaries. Some streams are stocked with brook and brown trout.

Fishing is prohibited in Sand Spring Lake.

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. A fishing pier for people with disabilities is on the CCC Pond, near the campground.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws and regulations apply.

Fishing Locations

Fourth Run

  • Small stream with dense vegetation in places
  • Located behind Camp Shehaqua
  • Access from Fourth Run Trail, Leonardsville Trail, and Stage Trail
  • Not stocked but has a native trout population

Hawk Run

  • Located east of the turnpike overpass of Route 534
  • Access by Hawk Falls Trail
  • Not stocked but classified as a Class A Wild Trout Stream

Sand Spring Run

  • Adjacent to the Shades of Death Trail
  • Classified as stocked trout water -- stocked in the spring with trout
  • Has four impoundments on this stream -- Dam #5, CCC Dam, Stametz Dam, and McGinley Dam
  • Access from Route 534 between the amphitheater and across from the chapel

Hickory Run

  • Stocked from Hickory Run Lake down to Saylorsville Dam and also has a native trout population
  • Access from the back road between Saylorsville Dam and the chapel or from Boulder Field Road
  • From Saylorsville Dam to the Lehigh River is catch and release only -- Fish with artificial lures only and use barbless hooks

Hickory Run Lake

  • Stocked trout water
  • Accessible from the gravel road to Boulder Field

Caution: The road to Hickory Run Lake is one-way only and is not maintained in winter as it is a snowmobile trail/dual use road

Mud Run

  • Classified as delayed harvest artificial lures only -- open to harvest June 15 - Labor Day
  • Access from Hawk Falls Trail and Orchard Trail east of the turnpike overpass of Route 534. Access is more difficult from the parking area fishing trail west of the overpass.
  • Stocked with trout and also contains a population of native trout

Hawk Run

  • Located east of the turnpike overpass of Route 534
  • Not stocked but classified as a Class A Wild Trout Stream
  • Access is by Hawk Falls Trail

Lehigh River

  • Borders Hickory Run State Park on the west side
  • Stocked with trout and also has a variety of warm water game fish and pan fish
  • Open to year-round fishing from Francis E. Walter Dam to Sandy Run
  • Access in Hickory Run State Park is by Hickory Run Trail, Sand Spring Trail, and Fireline Trail

Nearby Fishing Opportunities

In addition to accessing the Lehigh River from within the park, anglers may also fish from Lehigh Gorge State Park access areas at White Haven, Lehigh Tannery, Rockport, and Glen Onoko.

Francis E. Walter Dam, about 20 minutes north of the park, provides boating and angling for trout and warmwater game fish.

Nescopeck State Park offers several opportunities for anglers. Lake Frances is located in the Day Use Area. This 9-acre lake is stocked trout water. Nescopeck Creek is divided into two regulation areas.

The section from the upstream boundary of State Game Lands #187 downstream to a bridge across the stream (along Creekside Trail) is delayed harvest artificial lure only. The section from the bridge downstream to the park boundary is stocked trout water.