Letort Spring Run Legal Designation

PA DCNR Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act

The Letort Spring Run Scenic River Act, enacted in 1988, designates the Letort Spring Run as a component of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers System. The designation protects the Letort’s flow and conserves and protects the pastoral, scenic, and historic characteristics in accordance with the policy and provisions of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act.

The Act classifies the segments of the Run as follows:

(1)     Letort Spring Run main stem–State Route 34 bridge to abandoned Reading Railroad bridge adjacent to Letort Park including Left Branch from source to main stem–2.5 miles–Pastoral.

(2)     Letort Spring Run main stem–Abandoned Reading Railroad bridge adjacent to Letort Park to Post Road including Mill Race from Henderson Avenue to main stem–2.5 miles–Modified Recreational.

(3)     Letort Spring Run main stem–Post Road to the confluence with the Conodoguinet Creek–2.6 miles–Pastoral.

Pastoral rivers are:  Those rivers or sections of rivers which are free of impoundments excepting historic or restored mill dams. Diversions or withdrawals may exist to support agricultural activities such as agricultural ponds. The shorelines or watersheds may support a full range of farm or farm-related activities, so long as these activities do not conflict with the pastoral nature of the landscape.

Modified recreational rivers are:  Those rivers or sections of rivers in which the flow may be regulated by control devices located upstream. Low dams are permitted in the reach so long as they do not increase the river beyond bank-full width. These reaches are used for human activities which do not substantially interfere with public use of the streams or the enjoyment of their surroundings.

These classifications serve to protect the aesthetic and recreational value of Pennsylvania’s rivers and to “assure the people of this generation and their descendants the opportunity to refresh their spirits with the aesthetic and recreational qualities of unspoiled streams.”

PFBC Trout Fishing Regulations

Special Regulation Trout Stream – Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only (1.7 miles; from 300 yards upstream of bridge on T-481 (Bonnybrook Road) downstream to the Reading Railroad Bridge at the southern edge of Letort Spring Park)

  • Open to fishing year-round.
  • Fishing is permitted on a 24-hour basis.
  • No trout may be killed or had in possession.
  • Fishing may be done with artificial flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic materials, so long as all flies are constructed in a normal fashion with components wound on or about the hook. Fishing must be done with tackle limited to fly rods, fly reels and fly line with leader material or monofilament line attached. Anything other than these items is prohibited.
  • Taking baitfish or fish bait is prohibited.
  • Wading is permitted unless otherwise posted.
  • An angler in a boat may possess bait and fish caught in compliance with the seasons, sizes and creel limits in effect for a water from which it was taken, provided that the boat angler floats through the Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only area without stopping or engaging in the act of fishing or the boat angler puts in or takes out his boat at an access point within the Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only area.
  • A current trout/salmon permit is required.

Class A Trout Stream – Streams that support a population of naturally produced trout of sufficient size and abundance to support a long-term and rewarding sport fishery. (from 300 yards upstream of bridge on T-481 (Bonnybrook Road) downstream to the confluence with the Conodoguinet Creek). These streams are managed for natural reproduction, wild populations with no stocking.

Natural Trout Reproduction – support naturally reproducing populations of trout but may also be stocked. (headwaters downstream to mouth)

PADEP Water Quality Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards

This chapter sets forth water quality standards for surface waters of Pennsylvania, including wetlands. These standards are based upon water uses which are to be protected and will be considered by the Department in implementing its authority under The Clean Streams Law and other statutes that authorize protection of surface water quality. New, additional, or increased discharges must comply with Antidegradation requirements to maintain water quality and protect existing use.

Exceptional Value (EV) – (SR0034 (Holly Pike) downstream to Letort Park including tributaries). Surface waters of high quality which have recreational and/or ecological significance.

High Quality – Coldwater Fishes (HQ-CWF) – (headwaters downstream to SR 0034 (Holly Pike) and Letort Park downstream to Mouth including tributaries). Surface waters having quality which exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water by satisfying chemical and biological standards.