One of northwestern Pennsylvania's most popular state parks, 8,500-acre Cook Forest, lies at the junction of Forest, Jefferson and Clarion counties.

While the park offers much in the way of angling opportunities, part of its allure lies in its surroundings. Cook Forest is famous for its old growth stands of hemlock and white pine.

The park boasts nearly five miles of stocked trout water, as well as the Clarion River. A short distance outside the park is additional stocked water. Several runs located within the park's boundaries support populations of native brook trout.

Toms Run is the primary trout stream in Cook Forest. About five miles of the creek is stocked with catchable-sized trout.

The bridge on Township Road 627 marks the upstream end of the stocked water. It continues downstream through the park to the Children's Fishing Area, just above its merger with the Clarion River.

Toms Run is a clear, cold, freestone stream that averages from 10 to 20 feet across within the stocked section. It receives a preseason stocking of brook trout; it also is stocked with brook trout twice during the season.

The Children's Fishing Area is created by a small impoundment on the creek. The dammed portion is drained each year, but is back up to normal pool by the trout opener. It will contain freshly stocked trout for youngsters at that time.

Children's Fishing Areas are open to youth ages 12 years and under. Anglers with certain disabilities also can fish these areas. Consult the Summary of Fishing Laws and Regulations for details.

In addition to the stocked waters, there are at least four tributaries of Toms Run that support populations of stream-bred trout. They include: Chapel Run, Browns Run, Hefren Run and Toomey Run.

A significant length of the Clarion River flows through Cook Forest State Park. While the Clarion is not stocked with adult trout, it does receive regular plantings of fingerling-stage brown trout.

The fingerling program affects the main stem of the Clarion from Ridgway down to Cooksburg. Sizeable trout, ones that have spent several years in the river, are taken from the Clarion as a result of the program. It's likely that stockies planted in the many approved trout streams, such as Toms Run, filter down into the river.

In addition to the trophy trout element, the Clarion also plays host to an excellent smallmouth bass population.

During a May 2003 Fish and Boat Commission survey of the river, smallmouth bass where by far the most abundant sport fish collected. Rock bass also show up in good numbers.

Two other good trout streams, Cathers Run and Maple Creek, are located just beyond the boundaries of the park.

Cook Forest State Park is located on State Route 36 north of Brookville and south of Leeper. It is easily reached from the east and west from Interstate 80.

For additional information on the park's amenities, such as camping and cabins, call at 814-744-8407 or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.