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Bush Kill

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
8

Bush Kill, often referred to as Big Bushkill Creek on some maps, is a 30-mile freestone tributary of the Delaware River flowing through the scenic Pocono region. Originating from Pecks Pond in Pike County, Pennsylvania, the stream flows south through both Pickerel Lake and Beaver Run Pond before entering Delaware State Forest and continuing into Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The creek ultimately joins the Delaware River at the small town of Bushkill. Notable tributaries include Little Bush Kill, Sand Hill Creek, Beaver Run, and Dancing Ridge Run, many of which harbor their own trout populations. The lower 1.5 miles of Little Bush Kill flows through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing public access for fishing and other outdoor activities. The fishing section spans approximately 12 miles, with roughly half designated as special regulation water. Located near the New Jersey border and within 70 miles of New York, Bush Kill attracts anglers from across the Northeast seeking quality wild trout fishing in a picturesque mountain setting.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Bush Kill and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow TroutCatchable sizeOct 5, 2026
  • Rainbow TroutCatchable sizeOct 5, 2026
  • Golden TroutCatchable sizeApr 28, 2026
  • Rainbow TroutCatchable sizeApr 28, 2026
  • Brown TroutCatchable sizeApr 28, 2026

Source

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bush Kill. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Bush Kill

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New Jersey licenses and regulations

New Jersey Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New Jersey Fishing License

Anyone age 16 and older must have a valid license (see Exceptions) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey with handline, rod and line, or longbow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters. New Jersey does not require a general saltwater fishing license but there are a limited number of saltwater licenses and permits required. Additionally, most saltwater anglers need to register with the free New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.

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New Jersey Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New Jersey Stream Access Laws

There are two types of streams are boatable in New Jersey: tidal streams and non-tidal, navigable streams. The public can use any stream influenced by the tide, unless prohibited by law in the particular stretch of stream. Navigable streams may be boated, whether or not they are influenced by the tide. This includes streams capable of being used for transporting valuable commerce, such as commercial logs.

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Take Bush Kill with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Bush Kill to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Bush Kill to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Bush Kill and check the forecast before you go.

Bush Kill at Shoemakers, PA

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