SPRUCE CREEK, Pa. — Allan Bright, owner of the Spruce Creek Outfitters fly fishing shop at the junction of Spruce Creek and the Little Juniata River, knows where some very large trout can be found. But he's unlikely to suggest anyone fish there — not because he's trying to keep it secret, but rather, because the fish are in a section of the Little Juniata posted against public fishing.

It's also at the center of a legal battle over the issue of public access. Bright and the state believe the Little Juniata is a "navigable river" in terms of commerce, with public access guaranteed. The Spring Ridge Club contends it is not and that it has a right to post a 1.3-mile section of the river as off-limits.

Across Pennsylvania, access to prime fishing spots is a growing concern to anglers and the Fish and Boat Commission because a growing number of property owners are barring anglers in a state where more than 80 percent of fishing opportunities are on private land.

Anglers have often been to blame for no-trespassing signs going up on property where fishing was previously been allowed. But development is also taking a toll, officials say, though no figures are available from the state on the extent of the lost fishing opportunities.

This year, the commission quit stocking trout on all or sections of six streams because of landowner posting, including Bermudian Creek in Adams County, Powell Creek in Dauphin County and Eshelman and Londonland runs in Lancaster County.