Fishing Pine Creek

Pine Creek delivers excellent brown trout fishing with catch rates of 141 fish per 1,000 feet at CR 388 and 80 fish per 1,000 feet at Sand Creek - both well above state averages. The fishery is entirely dependent on annual stocking of 4,000-5,800 yearling brown trout, with minimal natural reproduction observed. Growth rates are above state average (+1.1 at CR 388, +1.0 at Sand Creek), producing fish up to 15 inches with anglers reporting catches over 15 inches. Age structure is excellent with fish from age-1 through age-5 present, indicating good survival. The creek maintains cold water temperatures ideal for trout, with Sand Creek averaging 65.4°F in July and 57.8°F in August. Habitat consists entirely of run sections with sandy substrate (90% sand and finer materials), lacking the gravel riffles needed for natural reproduction. Abundant woody cover provides excellent fish habitat and supports a diverse forage base including mottled sculpins, mudminnows, and various minnow species. The 101st Ave site near the Pine Creek Impoundment has much lower trout densities (5 fish per 1,000 feet), likely due to predation from northern pike and bass that move upstream when the impoundment is drawn down every five years. Cold water classification is supported by fish community composition with 76% coldwater species. Stream has been channelized and dredged repeatedly as part of agricultural drainage, creating oversized channels that deposit sand and lack the velocity to maintain gravel spawning areas. Best fishing is upstream from CR 388 through Sand Creek where habitat quality and trout densities are highest.