Mountain Creek

Mountain Creek is a 16-mile stream that begins in Michaux State Forest and flows into Yellow Breeches at Mount Holly Springs. Access points can be found in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Mount Holly Marsh Preserve.

As a stocked trout stream, Mountain Creek features native brook trout in its headwaters. The scenic, wooded backdrop supports fast-flowing waters. Anglers should focus on the deeper pools, pockets, and bankside runs for fishing opportunities. The section of the stream from the Adams County line downstream to the backwaters of Laurel Lake is designated as approved trout water, allowing for year-round fishing.

Acid rain poses a significant challenge to freestone mountain streams like Mountain Creek. The terrain has a low buffering capacity, which increases the acidity of the water, particularly during the spring snowmelt runoff. This period often coincides with the hatching of brook trout eggs and the emergence of fry from spawning redds. As brook trout are highly vulnerable to the effects of acidification during this critical stage, it can lead to complete reproductive failure. Consequently, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has discontinued preseason stocking of Mountain Creek upstream of Laurel Lake.

To address this issue, Tony Dranzo proposed applying limestone sand, a method that has proven successful in several projects in West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, to improve the water quality of acidified streams. After receiving approval from the board of directors at CVTU, Tony partnered with Adams County TU to implement the project. District Forester Mike Kusco and his team from Michaux State Forest provided valuable assistance and resources. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the PA Fish and Boat Commission also supported the project.

On April 20 and 21, 2004, approximately 100 tons of #10 limestone sand were deposited into two branches of the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The limestone sand was sourced from Vulcan Materials in Hanover, PA, and transported to the site by R L Deitch Farms in Carlisle, PA, both of which offered substantial discounts.

This project is currently designed as a three-year demonstration. Additional limestone sand will be applied as needed, and water quality along with aquatic insect macroinvertebrate samples will be collected periodically to assess the results.