Smallmouth Bass
PeakWhere: boulder runs, bridge shade, pool tails, creek-mouth rock, and lower-river current breaks on Twenty Mile Creek.
Move: tubes, Ned rigs, small jerkbaits, poppers, and crayfish-colored streamers.
Species guide →Twenty Mile Creek
Excellent
About Twenty Mile Creek
Twenty Mile Creek at North East drains 57 square miles of PA Erie County into Lake Erie, the easternmost PA tributary and a quieter alternative to the heavily-fished Elk and Walnut Creek systems. The creek runs through Borough-of-North-East public access and the wooded reaches above; the lower mile is the most-fished water. Smaller stocking numbers than Elk, but consistent.
October through April with fall and spring peaks. Quieter than Elk Creek. Wadeable at most flows; clears within 24-36 hours of a rise. The optimal fishing flow on Twenty Mile Creek is 110–350 CFS — flows above this range are typically too high and stained, flows below run low and clear. The river's long-term median flow is approximately 31 CFS, computed from the last several years of USGS gauge readings.
Current conditions (live, updated every 15 minutes): flow 12 CFS, water 55.6°F, clarity clear. Steelhead Addiction's Guide's Report rates the river EXCELLENT as of this reading.
Twenty Mile Creek has no dedicated USGS flow gauge.
Flow data is estimated from Walnut Creek, scaled by watershed area ratio (57 sq mi / 36 sq mi = 1.58x). Use as a rough guide, not a precise measurement. Weather and angler reports are specific to Twenty Mile Creek.
STORM WATCHING
Expected: 8:00 PM EDT
1.0" rain expected by 8 pm; SPC Slight risk overhead. Gauges still calm.
Flow Rate (est.)
19
CFS ~
Gauge Height
-
ft
Water Temp
55.6
°F
Air Temp
80.6
°F
Clarity
Clear
Wind
🌬 Calm
≤5 mph
Last updated: 3 seconds ago (3:45 PM EDT)
Conditions today: Excellent. Trending: holding steady. Storm watching.
Flow
Pressure
Air temp, scaled
Rain per hour
Storm pulse window
Hourly flow pending
Confidence: 0.42
Three days of nothing. 19 CFS held within 148%, water sat at 56°F, barometer barely moved. These are the days where the lake just shrugs at us. If the bite is on, no obvious reason. If it's off, also no obvious reason. Flow is filling in, projected to enter range around tomorrow ~10:45 p.m.. Heads up — 0.55 inch of rain is on the way over the next 24 hours. Storm lifecycle says WATCHING. 1.0" rain expected by 8 pm; SPC Slight risk overhead. Gauges still calm. This is a pre-storm read; conditions can change fast once rain reaches the gauge.
Lookback window Jul 24, 3 pm to Jul 27, 3 pm ET.
Data refresh every 15 min. This is a pattern read, not proof of causation; fish reserve the right to embarrass the spreadsheet.
Flow
Pressure
Air temp, scaled
Rain per hour
Storm pulse window
Hourly flow pending
Over the last three days, 0.64" of rain landed and the Twenty Mile Creek answered. Flow climbed from 12 to 398 CFS over 14.0 hours, then started its drop-back. Water temp shifted rose by 0.0°F — that's the storm's footprint. Flow is filling in, projected to enter range around tomorrow ~10:45 p.m.. Heads up — 0.55 inch of rain is on the way over the next 24 hours. Storm lifecycle says WATCHING. 1.0" rain expected by 8 pm; SPC Slight risk overhead. Gauges still calm. This is a pre-storm read; conditions can change fast once rain reaches the gauge.
Lookback window Jul 20, 3 pm to Jul 27, 3 pm ET.
Data refresh every 15 min. This is a pattern read, not proof of causation; fish reserve the right to embarrass the spreadsheet.
Guide's Report
Based on current conditions as of Mon, Jul 27 at 3:45 PM EDT (3 seconds ago)
Report generated 3:45:17 PM EDT
Holding steady at 12 CFS, water is clear, 56°F — staging and pre-spawn activity. These are the days you remember at the end of the season. Stable water means fish are in their comfort zones. Increased activity — falling pressure. That Head Shake Changes Everything.
Twenty Mile Creek
Today's Weather: Poor
83° 93% rain
W 7mph
Coming up: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Flow Rate
0
CFS
13th percentile · Low
Summer mode - falling and clearing
24h trend
↘
-69.6%
Summer fishability window
11–16 CFS
Current-month middle flow band for warm-water fishing
72h movement
falling (-16.3%)
Status
falling and clearing
Filling in ~7h
Clouds
· 81°F
· N 5mph
29.77" ↘
Guide says:
Holding steady at 12 CFS, water is clear, 56°F — staging and pre-spawn activity. These are the days you remember at the end of the season. Stable water means fish are in their comfort zones. Increased activity — falling pressure. That Head Shake Changes Everything.
"Skunked but Spiritual"
Flow is stable in the ideal range — fish are settled and holding in predictable lies.
Clear water — ideal for visual hunters like smallmouth. Long leaders, natural colors, and finesse presentations like drop-shots will produce.
Water is cool (56°F) for smallmouth. Pre-spawn staging is active — try jerkbaits or slow swimbaits.
How to Fish It
Technique
This is tube and drop-shot weather. Drag tubes or drop-shots over rocky structures, reefs, and current seams. Active retrieve will trigger strikes.
Fly/Lure Selection
Clear water demands finesse. 6-8lb fluoro, natural colored tubes (watermelon, green pumpkin), 3-inch drop-shot worms, or small swimbaits.
Where to Fish
Focus on current breaks, behind large boulders, and slack water eddies along the banks.
Timing
Let the sun warm the water. Afternoon and early evening are your best windows.
Storm Context
STORM WATCHING
1.0" rain expected by 8 pm; SPC Slight risk overhead. Gauges still calm.
Rain is forecast within the next 4.2455030705556 hours. Gauges may look innocent right now, but expect movement around 8:00 PM EDT.
- - Fish before the rain window if you are going.
- - Bring rain gear and keep an eye on radar.
- - Re-check the gauge before committing to a longer drive.
What's Coming
Heavy rain is incoming — fish NOW. Current conditions are fishable but the river will blow out. This is your window.
Rigs to consider right now
Match the current report to a setup
Ned Rig
Catches fish that are willing to eat but not interested in chasing something loud.
Beginner
Neko Rig
Adds a different fall and bottom posture when Ned or wacky presentations are getting ignored.
Intermediate
Texas Rig
Gets a soft plastic through cover without turning every cast into salad.
Beginner
Drop Shot Rig
Keeps the bait in the strike zone without dragging it into every rock on the bottom.
Intermediate
Summer river plan
Twenty Mile Creek summer fishing targets
The river is in a transition window. Warm afternoons can turn on smallmouth and panfish while cooler pockets still matter.
Walleye
PeakWhere: lake mouths, harbor edges, deeper summer basin water, and low-light shoreline structure on Twenty Mile Creek.
Move: crawler harnesses, crankbaits, jigs, and evening presentations near moving water.
Species guide →Panfish
PeakWhere: docks, weed edges, ponds, marina slips, brush, and shaded shoreline structure on Twenty Mile Creek.
Move: small jigs, waxworms, micro poppers, and slip floats for kids or fast action.
Species guide →Northern Pike
Where: cooler weed edges, connected backwaters, tributary mouths, and ambush lanes on Twenty Mile Creek.
Move: spinnerbaits, spoons, jerkbaits, and quick releases when water warms.
Species guide →Current read
Water temp 55.6°F. Clarity is clear. Overall rating: Excellent for smallmouth bass. Use the graph below to time falling or stabilizing flows before committing a trip.
Summer FAQ
What can I fish for on Twenty Mile Creek in summer?
Focus on the warm-water species shown above, then use the live flow, clarity, and temperature read to choose shade, rock, current breaks, creek mouths, lakefront structure, and low-light windows.
Steelhead care
Should I target steelhead on Twenty Mile Creek in summer?
Usually no. When water is warm, shift to smallmouth, walleye, panfish, pike, or another summer target instead of pressuring stressed trout.
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7-Day Flow & Temperature
Flow distribution
1095-day history · n=2,188 · 85% confidence
Now vs history
98 CFS below optimal
Optimal window
110–350 CFS
Per-river researched optimal range
Typical range
16–85 CFS
25th–75th percentile
Seasonal context:
Current flow is below typical for July.
July median on this river: 14 CFS
(n=599 hourly samples).
Clarity vs flow ranges
Steelhead Green
likely now
16–76 CFS typical
Stained
335–492 CFS typical
Muddy
843–1,202 CFS typical
Low:
Below typical — fish may be hugging deeper runs.
Sample quantiles
|
Theoretical line
Good fit (81%)
Points on the dashed line mean the river's flow distribution is log-normal. Bows at the tails suggest multiple flow regimes (snowmelt vs rain events) or sensor artifacts. The math for this river uses log-space statistics, so a poor fit here is a reason to squint at the optimal zone.
Recent Angler Reports
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Near Twenty Mile Creek
Local Fly Shops & Guides
Featured
Frank's Tackle
Erie, PA · 18 mi
Local bait and tackle shop serving Erie steelhead and walleye anglers.
Westfield Charters Bait & Tackle
Westfield, NY · 12 mi
Bait, tackle, and Lake Erie charters for walleye, steelhead, and lake trout near Chautauqua Creek.
East End Angler
Erie, PA · 13 mi
Full-service bait and tackle between creek access points. Live bait, tackle, fish cleaning, and smoked steelhead exchange.
Keystone Fly Girl
Erie, PA · 18 mi
Licensed steelhead guide, Erie native. Steelhead, bass, panfish, and stocked trout. CPR/First Aid certified.
Gooses Steelhead Guide Service
Erie, PA · 18 mi
Half-day and full-day steelhead trips. Spin, fly, and centerpin methods. All gear provided except waders.
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30-Day Statistics
Min Flow
10 CFS
Max Flow
398 CFS
Avg Flow
22 CFS
Min Temp
55.6°F
Max Temp
55.6°F
Avg Temp
55.6°F
7-Day Fishing Outlook
Multiple days of heavy rain ahead — expect significant flow increases and muddy water. Plan trips for windows between rain events or 1-2 days after.
Best day to fish: Friday — Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
Daily Fishing Forecast
Weather-based daily ratings — independent of current river flow. A "good" forecast day can still mean a blown-out river. Cross-reference with the Guide's Report above for a complete picture.
Today — Angler's Report
poor fishing- Heavy rain expected — river will likely blow out. Fish early before it rises or wait 24-48 hours after for the drop.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
- Slight Risk on this day — large hail, damaging wind, or tornado risk. Monitor radar and bail if storms develop.
NWS Forecast Detail
Today:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind around 7 mph.
Tonight:
A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 1am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday — Angler's Report
poor fishing- Heavy rain expected — river will likely blow out. Fish early before it rises or wait 24-48 hours after for the drop.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
- Slight Risk on this day — large hail, damaging wind, or tornado risk. Monitor radar and bail if storms develop.
NWS Forecast Detail
Tuesday:
Showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. West wind 12 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tuesday Night:
Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 65. North wind 12 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday — Angler's Report
poor fishing- Moderate rain will push flows up. Water may get stained to muddy — switch to bright flies and heavier weight.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
- Breezy conditions (16 mph NW) — adjust casting angles and expect some difficulty with line control.
- Slight Risk on this day — large hail, damaging wind, or tornado risk. Monitor radar and bail if storms develop.
NWS Forecast Detail
Wednesday:
Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northwest wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night:
A chance of rain showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Thursday:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night:
Mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Friday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Friday:
Sunny, with a high near 78.
Friday Night:
A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Light rain will bump flows slightly and give overcast skies — steelhead feed aggressively in these conditions.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Saturday:
A slight chance of rain showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Saturday Night:
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Light rain will bump flows slightly and give overcast skies — steelhead feed aggressively in these conditions.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Sunday:
A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night:
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Forecast via NWS, updated 1 hour ago (2:03 PM EDT). Fishing ratings are estimates based on weather — always check current river conditions.
Recommended Gear
Clear water + warmer temps — finesse tippet and natural patterns first.
Trout Magnet Phantom Fluorocarbon Leader - Ultra-Invisible, 100% Fluorocarbon Clear Leader Line (Tippet) for Trout & Clear Water Fishing - 50 Meter Spool
$7.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet Assortment - 4X-6X
$49.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater Tippet, 30M (16lb)
$16.85
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet
$15.30
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More on Twenty Mile Creek
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- July 4 Alley Storm — Jul 4, 2026
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- July 2-3 New York (Lake Ontario) & Ohio & Pennsylvania Storm — Jul 2, 2026
Species Profiles
- Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss
