The upper reaches of the tailwater fishery are accessible by an access road off of Palisades Road which leads to a parking lot at the dam, the stilling basin, and a parking lot a picnic area. The first of six deflectors marks the beginning of the special regulations area which extends downstream for 3.8 miles. The deflectors were erected by the Tulpehocken Chapter of Trout Unlimited primarily to control water flow but also provide great habitat for trout in this stretch. The TU Chapter also placed a few fish houses in this section which also provide some cover. Each deflector or gabion has been numbered by the local fisherman who frequent the stream and anglers often compare notes on which deflector is holding the largest trout each year. A deep glide just below the first deflector provides outstanding holding water where good numbers of larger brown trout rise eagerly to caddis emergers and caddis adults. Deflectors two through six all provide productive holding water for Tully trout. Try fishing the glides just below each deflector or around rock placements or fish houses also constructed by our dedicated TU chapter.

The water works section is located at the end of Water Road beside the Western Berks County Water Authority which owns and operates a water treatment facility on the southern bank of the creek. This section of the Tully is characterized by a series of medium gradient riffles, some pocket water, and long flat glides. The water works receives a great deal of angling pressure every year, and for good reason. Many holdovers are caught in this stretch and access to the water is very easy.

The palisades flat and palisades riffle lies just downstream from the water works and is one of the most popular and productive stretches of the Tully. The palisades flat is a long deep glide that can be very productive or very frustrating. Fish in the palisades flat have a long time to inspect your offering which can present additional, sometimes insurmountable, challenge for already selective and finicky trout. The palisades riffle is actually a series of pools, riffles, pocket water, and ledges which extends downstream about 200 yards. Fish rise freely to caddis in this section and can also be found sipping Sulphurs at dusk in late May. Don’t overlook any water in this section. We often watch in dismay as anglers wade through shallow pockets and ledges where large holdover brown trout we’re caught and released the evening before.

The section of the Tully above Rebers Bridge offers a series of slow riffles and pools with good numbers of rainbow and brown trout. This section is easily accessible from the parking area off of Rebers Bridge Road. The pools above Rebers Bridge offer some of the best summer Trico activity on the stream. Fish often feed in pods and become competitive and careless while feeding on the tiny mayfly spinners.

The section of the Tully just below Rebers Bridge is characterized by riffles and pocket water and is influenced by the cool waters of Plum Creek. Good numbers of rainbow and brown trout are also found here. In times of exceptionally hot weather or low water conditions fish will congregate below Plum Creek and often venture up this small tributary. This section is also easily accessible from the parking area off of Rebers Bridge Road.