Cook Forest State Park, which offers cabins and camping, lies toward the lower section of the better trout fishing in the Clarion River, but it makes a perfect headquarters for a trout-fishing vacation. There is also good fishing in Tom's Run, a smaller stream.

To reach the park approaching from the west, take Exit 60 off of Interstate Route 80, and then take state Route 66 north to Leeper. From Leeper, follow state Route 36 south for seven miles to the park.

Get park information by contacting the Cook Forest State Park office, P.O. Box 120. Cooksburg, PA 16217; or call (814) 744-8407.

Camping and cabins are also available at nearby Clear Creek State Park, which may be contacted through the Cook Forest State Park office.

The Clarion River is one of the relatively few good trout streams in western Pennsylvania that may be float-fished. Canoe rentals are available at the park and in the surrounding area.

TIONESTA CREEK
For generations, trout anglers from the Pittsburgh area have headed north to open the annual trout-fishing season. One of their favorite destinations is Tionesta Creek and its three main tributaries, the East Branch, West Branch and South Branch.

Tionesta Creek is in the major drainage basin of Allegheny National Forest. The main stem begins where the three branches meet near Barnes, and then flows southwest into Tionesta Lake before emptying into the Allegheny River at the village of Tionesta.

The best trout fishing ends near Kellettville, where the creek widens and becomes better smallmouth bass habitat. The water surrounding the bridge at Henrys Mills, where many trout fishermen camp between state Route 666 and the creek, is excellent. This stretch may be float-fished.

Access is excellent along Route 666, although there are several tracts of private land below the bridge at Lynch. Access to most of the main stem is along Route 666 between Barnes and Kellettville. Approaching from the south, follow U.S. Route 62 north then turn onto Route 666 at East Hickory. From the north, turn off U.S. Route 6 at Sheffield onto Route 666.