It’s finally starting to feel like summer, so naturally Pennsylvania trout season opened last Saturday.

State College and the surrounding areas boast some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast. While University Park draws tourists in with Berkey Creamery ice cream and Penn State football, the surrounding lakes and creeks draw anglers from around the nation. Legendary fly fisherman Joe Humphreys grew up with these streams after all, and they molded him into one of the best fishermen in the nation.

Here are some of his old stomping grounds in our neck of the woods:

Poe Valley State Park

It’s a hike from State College but Poe Valley State Park is a relaxed environment for lake fishermen to sit back in a lounge chair and enjoy the sights and sounds. The park stocks its lake with fish throughout the year. Overall, Poe Valley State Park will provide you with a great day of fishing and relaxing on the lake.

Whipple Dam State Park

Whipple Dam is a hot spot for fishermen full of boat and shore finishing opportunities. The scenic dam is about 20 minutes out of State College in nearby Petersburg — and worth the trip. The lake is stocked with trout and other native species, so a day at Whipple can prove to be successful no matter what time of year it is.

Bald Eagle State Park

About a half hour from State College in Howard, Bald Eagle State Park borders Bald Eagle Mountain and provides another top spot for local anglers. The relaxing environment, peaceful landscape, and great fishing opportunities of the lake make a day at Bald Eagle worthwhile.

Spring Creek

If you’re a fisherman looking for a challenge, Spring Creek provides some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast. About 15 minutes outside of State College, it’s also one of the closest fishing destinations around. Although Spring Creek is catch and release only, the opportunities for bagging some nice sized trout on the creek are unlike any other. If you’re interested in learning to fly fish or if you’re looking for a new fly fishing spot, throw on the waders, break out your fly rod, and head to Spring Creek.

Penns Creek

Penns Creek is another one of central Pennsylvania’s storied trout creeks. Although a bit farther from State College than Spring Creek — about 30 minutes and near Penn’s Cave — the stream is a hot spot for State College fishermen. The creek includes 35 miles of fishable waters and anglers won’t leave disappointed.

The list of possible fishing destinations around the State College area is seemingly endless, but these are some of the most tried and true. Wherever you find yourself fishing this year, chances are you’ll have some luck in the State College area.