Swatara Creek
Swatara Creek
- Boat Ramps
- 6
- Access Points
- 19
- Species
- 23
Swatara Creek is a tranquil and scenic waterway flowing through central Pennsylvania that offers a diverse fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Known locally as the Swattie, this 60-mile stretch of water runs from Pine Grove in Schuylkill County through Lebanon County and into Dauphin County, where it eventually joins the Susquehanna River near Middletown. The creek offers mild to warm seasonal temperatures and generally favorable fishing conditions, with the prime fishing season typically running from spring through fall. Featuring a variety of habitats from riffles to deep pools, this urban/suburban wilderness provides serene settings for a memorable fishing experience while being just 50 minutes from Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Swatara Creek and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
All stockings · 1
- Muskellunge225 fish · Yearlings2026
Source
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Swatara Creek. 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 Swatara Creek
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.
Pennsylvania licenses and regulations
Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Fishing License
A current license, signed in ink, is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish and to take fish bait, baitfish, and species of amphibians and reptiles from Commonwealth waters by those legal methods described in the Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws (Summary Book).
Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Stream Access Laws
The public has the right to fish in any navigable waterway, which is determined by the practical uses of the water. If a stream is determined navigable, the streambed is considered state owned, thus allowing wading, portage, and fishing. If the stream bed is non-navigable, floating is permitted, but fishing is exclusive to the landowner.
Take Swatara Creek with you
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Use the map without signal
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Log your catches here
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Swatara Creek and check the forecast before you go.
Swatara Creek near Hershey, PA
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Fishing spots
- Fulling Mill Rd Boat Launch aka Clifton Bridge
- Boathouse Park Boat Ramp
- Swatara Creek Park Boat Launch
- Middletown Boat Ramp
- Jonestown Boat Ramp
- Access Above Union Deposit
- Waterville Bridge Trailhead
- Heinbaugh's Ford/Trailer Park Access
- Access at Valley Glen
- Lickdale Trailhead Access
- Pine Grove Hand Launch Boat Site
- Keller Fields Access
- All 23 spots
Nearby waters
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