The West Branch of Owego Creek, located on the border of Tioga and Tompkins counties, begins in Hammond Hill State Forest and meanders for approximately 47 miles to its confluence with Owego Creek, which then flows into the Susquehanna River.
The West Branch of Owego Creek is a very popular trout fishing location as it's heavily stocked and supports wild trout.
Public Access
There are 2.6 miles of PFR along the West Branch of Owego Creek. There are three official PFR parking areas, and anglers also use unofficial pulloffs along the stream. County forest land bordering the river just north of Speedsville is another access point.
Parking Areas
- Potato Hill State Forest: On West Creek Road .37 miles south of State Route 79.
- West Creek Road: one mile north of intersection with Goodrich Hill Road and Jewett Hill Road.
- West Creek Road: one mile south of intersection with Goodrich Hill Road and Jewett Hill Road.
DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (Decinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer).
Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide ("How to" instructions for using the fishing map on Decinfo Locator.)
Fish Species
Brown trout, brook trout, fall fish, and white sucker.
General Fishing Information
Stocked and wild brown trout can be found in the creek along with wild brook trout. Most of the fishing pressure takes place during spring and early summer, shortly after the trout are stocked. Anglers use both natural and artificial baits, and fly fishing is also popular on the stream. Wild or holdover trout can often be more difficult to catch than the stocked fish, generally requiring a more stealthy approach.
Please view Fishing for Stream Trout for more advice on trout fishing.
Regulations
Statewide Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management
The Stocked reach from Jenksville Cross Road upstream to the Fishing Access Site 600 yards South of the intersection of Route 79 and West Creek Road is stocked annually with 2,000 year-old brown trout (9") and 220 two year-old brown trout (14").
