Are you looking for big-water trout action reminiscent of a Western trout stream, but without the 2,000-mile trip and expense? Then look no farther than Clearfield County.

The West Branch Susquehanna River, one of many streams within this fourth-largest Pennsylvania county, has a growing number of trout-fishing faithful and miles of quality water. Most people envision the Susquehanna as the mile-wide, shallow, warmwater fishery that it is for much of its length.

But in Clearfield County, better known for its strip-mining, lumbering and tanning industries than for the quality of its trout fishing, the Susquehanna is still a small, boulder-strewn river 30 miles from the West Branch source at Carrolltown, with plenty of potential for great rainbow, brown and brook trout fishing.

The past 30 years have seen great changes as the mining companies and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have worked to clean up the Susquehanna and its tributaries from the acid run-off that turned the river rusty red with rust in the 1950s and '60s. The ugly streams of raw sewage are also gone, as each community now must maintain its own waste treatment facilities.

Not only has the river cleared up tremendously, but it also supports a healthy population of trout. The river is not yet on a par with the legendary freestone streams in Lycoming, Elk and Potter counties to the north or the limestone streams of neighboring Blair and Centre counties. But if you have the time and the desire to try a newly developing location with some truly big holdover and native trout, the West Branch Susquehanna is a destination worthy of your time.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Upon entering Clearfield County's southwest corner near Cherry Tree, and for the next 23 miles (along Route 219 and then Route 969 at Bells Landing) to Curwensville Lake, the West Branch is a small to mid-sized river varying from 15 to 35 yards in width. The stream is peppered with round, smooth boulders from the size of a dime to car-sized rocks. This rocky bottom keeps the river oxygenated well into late June and early July and provides ideal trout habitat. Pocket water abounds, and the subsurface angler will get plenty of opportunity to search for nymphing fish.

Long pools and riffles also offer opportunities for dry-fly and streamer fishing. Bait-fishermen using earthworms, wax worms and mealworms will also enjoy great success. Many of these pools and riffles reach well over 100 yards in length.

Throughout its course from Cherry Tree to Lumber City, the West Branch Susquehanna is what you would expect from a mid-sized freestoner. During the spring, late fall and winter, water levels are excellent for trout. The river runs clear on the majority of these days. It turns chocolate-brown quickly during any amount of rain, but seems to clear just as quickly. However, siltation can make wading tricky, as much of the bottom can develop a fine layer of silt on it.

If you are unsteady in the water, a wading staff is highly recommended. The upper section above the Curwensville Dam is picturesque and affords the feel of the great Western trout rivers. (Cont'd)

Famed Keystone State angler Charlie Meck and I spent a hot June day fishing the Susquehanna above and below Curwensville, and he said this upper section was ìthe best looking trout waterî he'd seen in some time. At which point, we both promptly landed heavy 16-inch fish.