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Central PA Guided Fly Fishing

Central Pennsylvania is hands down home to some of the most historic and premiere trout fishing streams in the country. The unique limestone geology of central Pennsylvania produces some of the most productive trout streams to be found anywhere. Our TCO State College guides are some of the best in the state and excel at teaching the fundamentals of fly-fishing. For more experienced anglers visiting our area, having a guide show them around can be an invaluable experience as we are intimately knowledgeable about our local waters.

We focus on our “Big Four” streams in the State College region. Spring Creek, just a stone throw from our shop has the highest concentration of wild brown trout in Pennsylvania and is the ideal location for those just learning the sport of fly-fishing as well as experienced anglers looking to hone their skills on wary and selective trout. Penns creek is another popular destination, located about one hour away from our shop, is the most storied and famous of all our central PA streams. The trout can be large and this “bug factory” produces some of the best hatches on the east coast. The Little Juniata, just south of State College is another very productive trout stream, producing some fantastic catches every year. Fishing Creek, just outside of Lamar, PA may be the most idyllic of all our streams but is by far the most technical stream with clear water and fussy trout. Within an hour drive from our shop you can be on a myriad of smaller mountain streams chasing native brook trout as well!

Book your guided trip now! Call us anytime at (814) 689-3654 X 4  or email us to discuss the details of your trip.  We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our local waters 

2022/23 Central PA Wading Trip Rates (1 or 2 anglers)

Contact George Costa at TCO State College to book your Central PA trip!
georgecosta@tcoflyfishing.com
(814) 689-3654 x4

  • Full Day (8 hours) - $425
  • Half Day (4 hours) - $325
  • Winter Rate 12/1-2/28 (Yes, the fishing’s great in the winter!) - 4 hours $250

Note - No 3rd angler. This is based on providing the client with the best possible experience, so we maintain a 2:1 (client to guide) ratio.

Guide Day Essentials and Information

A member of our Guide Staff will contact you a day or two in advance to make specific arrangements for your guided trip.  Information below is standard for all guided trips and can help you prepare for your day out with us.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

  • Upon booking a trip, a $100 deposit must be made to TCO Fly Shop to secure the date of your trip.
  • The balance is expected on completion of your trip.

Any cancellation made within 10 days of the trip will not receive a refund of the $100 deposit

In the event of weather or other force majeure that would cause your trip to be canceled, we will happily rebook your trip to another date or offer a full refund if necessary. Cancellation due to weather of trips is left to the discretion of the guide, not the client.

Recommended Equipment:

  • Current Pennsylvania Fishing License with Trout Stamp (required)
  • Rain gear in case of inclement weather
  • Rod, reel and line*
  • Wading equipment, including staff, if needed
  • Proper clothing to meet weather conditions
  • Polarized sunglasses are a must have!!
  • Sunscreen
  • Any other equipment that is specific to your needs

*Rod and reel combos and wading equipment will be provided free with a guide trip or can be rented from TCO Fly Shop for a daily fee if needed for longer.

Meeting Times & Places:

  • Your guide will contact you several days before your trip to make specific arrangements.
  • When convenient, guides will meet clients at TCO Fly Shop State College.
  • Clients will be responsible for their own travel to and from the stream, as required by our insurance policy.

Food & Beverages:

  • Lunch and beverages are included in the price of all full-day trips
  • Snacks and beverages are included in the price of all half-day trips
  • Our lunches generally consist of a made to order deli sandwich, snacks, ect.

*If clients have special dietary restraints/allergies or requests, please be sure to tell your guide coordinator when they contact you about the specifics of your trip.

Other:  Please notify your guide if you have any disabilities or limitations that limit your physical activity.  We try our hardest to make these trips appropriate and comfortable for all our guests.

We look forward to getting you out on the water!

TCO State College Guide Team

 

George Costa

Grew up on an Island and has been fishing since he was able to walk.    He’s always more than happy to teach and pass along the knowledge he’s learned in his 20+ years of fly-fishing. Whether it’s tying knots, or tying flies, George loves improving your angling experience. He is passionate about the sport of fly-fishing and looks forward to seeing you on the water!

Click here to book your day with George or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Shane Adams

I have a passion for Pennsylvania's vast natural resources. To me, Central PA represents the ultimate wild trout fishing experience. With both quantity and quality, the central region has given me experience with a wide range of tactics used to target our quarry.  A day with Shane will give anglers of all skill levels a great perspective on the area and help refine specific skills used for targeting trout on these waters.

Click here to book your day with Shane or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Gavin Robinson

I am a PA native that spent a few years exploring the western high plains. The variety and quality of the fishing available in the region is one of the things that drew him back. Gavin holds a strong belief that the best fisherman is the one having the most fun. A day on the water with him is about learning; a new tactic or approach, a new knot, or maybe a new breakfast burrito recipe, you’ll walk away with a few nuggets for the future.

Click here to book your day with Gavin or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Sam Galt

After graduating from Penn State university in 2002 I decided to stay in the state College area primarily for the amazing trout fishing. It's incredible to live in an area with such a wide variety of excellent fishing opportunities As a member of the local angling community I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best anglers in the area. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing this knowledge with other anglers expert and novice alike. Spend a day on the water with me and your guaranteed to walk away with some new skill sets! There's always something else to learn and that's why I love to fly fish.
Click here to book your day with Sam or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

David Bower 

Since finding my passion for fly fishing I have had the opportunity to guide in some of the best fishing destinations in the country, and all while compiling a list of new techniques and fine tuning my skills. I’ve had the privilege to spend time guiding in Colorado, Alaska, and most recently Montana. But nothing in my opinion compares to being on the waters at home. This place holds some of the most beautiful fish in the country, but also some of the most fun to catch! A day on the water with me is not only about having fun and catching fish, but a learning experience.
Click here to book your day with David or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Brian Wolfkiel

I’ve been guiding for TCO for over 10 years and have been fishing our local streams for more than 45. I enjoy the teaching aspect of guiding and love sharing the techniques and tricks I’ve picked up over the years.  Being a central PA native, I’ve had the opportunity to fish and learn from some of the best Pennsylvania fly-fisherman over the years. Nymph fishing Penns creek is my specialty, it's a great way to catch fish all year long and I love showing my clients all the tricks to it! 


Click here to book your day with Brian or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Jamie SanFilippo

I grew up fishing for warm water species on the Susquehanna River, local lakes, ponds, and creeks. I graduated from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, where I played Softball and was the first female to box for Penn State University. Shortly after graduating, I picked up fly fishing and quickly joined local conservation groups and women fly fishing initiatives. I am a certified Fly Fishing Guide and Fishing Skills Instructor through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. I am the current President of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a Streamside Mentor for the Veteran Service Program of Spring Creek TU. I stay busy by being involved with many fly fishing camps and programs for women and children of all ages throughout the year. As my mentor says, “always give back more to this sport than what you take.”


Click here to book your day with Jamie or call (814) 689-3654 X 4

Trevor Kepner

I am a Pennsylvania native who graduated from Penn State and was fortunate to have the opportunity to fish and learn from some of the best fly anglers in Central PA. I started working and Guiding at TCO in 2010. After spending the last 3 years in Southwest Wisconsin, I am excited to be back in Central Pennsylvania. When guiding I really enjoy teaching anglers different techniques and tactics as well as when and how to apply them to encourage fun and productive days on the water.


Click here to book your day with Trevor or call (814) 689-3654 X 4