COBURN — OK class, it is time for a pop quiz. Name two world-class attractions in Centre County that have attracted visitors from every state in the United States and many foreign countries. Here’s a hint: both have the word “Penn” in their names.
The two answers to the quiz question above could be Penn State University, a world-class research university; and a stream, Penns Creek in Coburn.
Penns Creek is fed by a natural spring that comes out of Penns Cave. That water comes out of the ground at 52 degrees. As it makes its way to the surface, it travels through layers of limestone, which filters out impurities and keeps the water’s pH level just right for fish and other aquatic life.
This cold, clean, correct-pH water flows past Coburn and provides a perfect habitat to sustain a population of wild brown trout. Also helping to keep the water just right for trout is the work of the Penns Valley Conservation Association and local landowners. They have managed to limit erosion along the stream banks, and as a result, a lot less muddy water is seen after a hard rain. The water quality of Penns Creek is so good that this stretch receives no stocked trout from the Fish and Boating Commission because of the abundance of the species thriving here.
The water from Elk Creek and Penns Creek meet at Coburn and continue southeast towards the Penns Creek gorge. A section of this water is designated as a special trout area that limits the size and number of trout that can be taken. This part of the stream is also known worldwide for some of best brown trout fishing on the East Coast.
The insect hatch that happens on the water each year also is key in making this a world-class fishing areas. A wild brown trout needs to have a source of food, and that food is insects, which need clean, cool water to reproduce and thrive. The hatch happens throughout the year, but the opening of trout season comes at the same time as some of the biggest hatches.
The Feathered Hook, a fly-fishing shop and bed-and-breakfast in Coburn, has had guests stay from every state in the U.S. and from a dozen foreign countries.
Three people from Toronto, Canada, and a lawyer from Cleveland, Ohio, who have been coming to Coburn for years to fish these waters were recently interviewed.
One Canadian woman explained that she and her husband have been coming to central Pennsylvania for 23 years. A doctor from Toronto — Roger Harwood — indicated that he has been coming for the first day of trout season for five years. During the conversation, Harwood was informed that many people living in Centre County had no idea what a great resource Penns Creek is. Harwood said that often, local people do not know or appreciate what they have in their community.
The owner of The Feathered Hook, Jonas Price, who is a fly-fishing enthusiast, bought the store and the B&B with a partner 26 years ago. Price said he loved fly fishing and he always wanted to have a business. The Feathered Hook combined both. After a year, he bought out the partner. The store and B&B now employ about a dozen full- and part-time workers, including fishing guides who know the streams and where to find the best fishing spots. The store also has all the equipment an angler could need.
