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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.


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.

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Fishing 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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Take Swatara Creek 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 Swatara Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

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

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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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