20 minutes from Gettysburg Battlefield & Hagerstown Regional Airport

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20 minutes from Gettysburg Battlefield & Hagerstown Regional Airport

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Mike Heck’s Trout Guides, PA

Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide


Phone icon717-321-5160 Email iconfallingsprings@outlook.com Link iconfallingsprings.com
Waynesboro, PA

Item #3NR20000

The Story

Located near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Mike Heck’s Trout Guides offers access to private water on the East Branch of Antietam Creek and its major tributary, Red Run—waters Mike has fished for more than forty years. A Penn State graduate with a degree in forestry, Mike brings a deep understanding of the intricate connections among streamside habitat, insect life, and trout behavior—insight that translates directly into more productive days on the water.

An accomplished author, Mike wrote Spring Creek Strategies and co-authored Tying Dry Flies and Keystone Fly Fishing. His work has also appeared in Fly Fisherman, American Angler, and Fish and Fly magazines, and he’s been featured on the Discovery Channel’s Road Trip USA. An innovative fly tyer with several original patterns to his credit, Mike is widely respected for both his technical skill and approachable teaching style. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or refining advanced techniques, you’ll benefit from Mike’s extensive experience and passion for Pennsylvania limestone streams.

  • 4+ miles of pristine private water
  • Wild browns & rainbows
  • Water rested before & after trips
  • Rates start at $425.00 per angler; $525 for 2 anglers
  • Year-round fishing, excluding November for spawning

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Extend your time on the water with overnight accommodations in a beautifully renovated farmhouse overlooking the East Branch of Antietam Creek. The farmhouse comfortably sleeps 7–8 guests and features a fully equipped kitchen stocked with coffee and water—bring your own beverages or enjoy one of several nearby restaurants listed in our guest guide. Relax on the outdoor deck with a grill and seating area, or unwind in the gazebo beside the streamside fire pit. Lodging is available for $125 per person, per night, and reservations must be made by phone.

Guests who stay in the farmhouse enjoy exclusive access to approximately 500 yards of private creek frontage for evening fishing. For those who prefer hotel accommodations, the nearby Cobblestone Hotel & Suites offers a client discount code upon booking.

After booking your reservation, Mike will reach out within 24 hours to introduce himself and answer any initial questions. About a week before your trip, he’ll contact you again to confirm details and ensure everything is set for your day on the water.

Trips begin at 8 am, meeting at the farmhouse on the stream. From there, Mike will guide you to one or more carefully selected fishing locations based on current conditions. Full-day trips include a streamside picnic lunch, while half-day trips wrap up at noon before the afternoon hatch. Most outings include fishing multiple stretches of water, giving you a well-rounded experience across the area’s finest trout streams.

At the end of the day, Mike is always happy to discuss techniques, stream entomology, or local insights to help you continue growing as an angler. After your trip, you’ll find plenty of great options for dining and relaxing nearby.

Fed by the limestone springs of South Mountain and flowing through Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, our waters blend the best characteristics of both limestone and freestone streams. This unique mix creates ideal habitat for aquatic life and produces excellent conditions for trout year-round.

Wild brown trout thrive in both Red Run and the Antietam, with rainbow and occasional brook trout also present. The season starts with nymph and streamer fishing, often accompanied by early blue-winged olive hatches on overcast days. May and June deliver exceptional dry-fly action—beginning with sulphurs and wrapping up with yellow drakes—and offer a great chance to connect with browns exceeding 20 inches.

As summer progresses, hatches taper off except for the occasional caddis, giving way to productive dry-fly fishing with terrestrials like ants and hoppers. Fall brings a highlight of the season: large, brilliantly colored browns moving upstream to spawn in the tributaries. The stream rests through November for the spawn and reopens to anglers in December.

Full Day

1 Angler: $550
2 Anglers: $650

Pricing includes lunch picnic meal, rod fee & guide service

Half Day

1 Angler: $425
2 Anglers: $525

Includes rod fee & guide service

What equipment should I bring?

We encourage all guests to bring any rods and reels they currently use. That way, Mike can evaluate your setup and offer advice for any changes or upgrades. We also ask that you bring your own waders and boots, but if you don’t have them, we can provide rental gear.


Do I need to bring flies?

You can, but it’s not necessary—Mike will supply all the flies needed to fool these wary trout.


Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license?

Yes. You must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license with a trout stamp prior to your trip. You can purchase one at the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.


How many other people will be on the stream that day?

None. When you book with Mike, your group will have exclusive access to the streams that day.


What am I forgetting?

Don’t forget your phone or camera—this is a beautiful area, and you’ll want to capture a few great photos to remember the day.

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