Northwest Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2020 Fishing Licenses are now available for purchase – Click here to purchase
REMINDER:
Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2019 and runs through April 30, 2020 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. Learn more here
Reminder: The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Ice thickness and conditions can vary greatly across the lake. Use caution as you head out onto the ice. A life jacket and a set of ice awls can be extremely important if you fall though the ice.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Clarion County
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching some crappies and bluegills. All anglers and boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered to use this facility.
Piney Dam and the Upper Clarion River
Anglers are catching a few Yellow Perch and Walleye. All anglers and boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered to use the PFBC’s Mill Creek and Gravel Lick Access Area’s.
Allegheny River (From Emlenton downstream to Lock #9)
Anglers are catching a few Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Walleye from Emlenton to Parker. All anglers and boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered to use the PFBC’s Parker City and Brady’s Bend Access Areas.
Forest County
Allegheny River
Anglers have been successful fishing for Walleye in the Tionesta Pool of the Allegheny River by boat and from shore. Anglers using boats have been most successful drifting from the State Route 36 Bridge on river right to the head of Kingston Island. Shore anglers have been successful fishing near the boat launch and at the point near Lighthouse Island.
Outflow
Anglers have been successful fishing for Musky at the Tionesta Outflow from the wall and from the old swimming beach. Anglers using boats in the Outflow are reminded that boats are not permitted upstream of the County Bridge which is posted.
Tionesta Lake
Tionesta Lake is partially frozen in areas, but accessible to fish from shore. Nebraska Bridge is also accessible and fishing from the bridge is permitted.
Warren County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Walleye in the Allegheny River at the outflow of Kinzua Dam. Live bait such as creek chubs seem to be the most productive bait.
Northeastern Region
PA Trout Strocking Schedules
2020 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedules are now available: https://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2020 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses are now on sale! Buy fishing licenses and gift vouchers at more than 650 agents across the state or online at: GoneFishingPa.com
REMINDER:
The Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear is now in effect and runs from November 1st through April 30th. You must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length and any canoe or kayak.
Reminder: The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Ice thickness and conditions can vary greatly across the lake. Use caution as you head out onto the ice. A life jacket and a set of ice awls can be extremely important if you fall though the ice.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Wayne County
Lake Wallenpaupack
Quite a few anglers were ice fishing at Lake Wallenpaupack in the area of Sterling Marina this past weekend. A few perch and bluegills were caught jigging. Anglers were also spotted at many of the smaller ponds and lakes in the area as well.
Lackawanna County
Lackawanna Lake
A couple of anglers were ice fishing at Lackawanna Lake in the Bullhead Bay area. Fishing was very slow. Under the Rt. 407 bridge was open water; no one had ventured out in the main portion of the lake.
Southern Luzerne & Columbia County
In true NEPA fashion Mother Nature has again reared her ugly head. With temperatures unseasonable warm, most impoundments across the district have skim ice. It appears that once again that our ice fishing season will be relegated to a brief couple of weeks.
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River has shown little to no fishing pressure with most days being rain soaked, too windy or cold enough that ice chunks are formed and make boating impossible.
Carbon County
Since we have been experiencing warmer weather and a lack of good ice on most of the district’s lakes, a number of anglers have been taking advantage of fishing the local Stocked Trout Waters in the district.
Anglers reported doing well catching & releasing trout below the outlet of Beltzville Lake. Anglers are reminded that the section of the Pohopoco Creek from the outlet of Beltzville Lake downstream to the cable across the creek at the Hideaway Hunting & Fishing Club is designated as a Class A Wild Trout Stream and Stocked Trout Water. The Extended Trout Season on this section of stream from September 3, 2019 through February 29, 2020 is a No Harvest – Catch and Immediate Release Only.
The Lehigh River has been flowing higher than normal due to recent rain events and little to no fishing activity has been occurring on the river from Glen Onoko downriver to the Palmerton Pool of the Lehigh.
Anglers fishing Mauch Chunk Lake near boat launch A are still reporting some nice catches of perch and bluegills. Beltzville Lake has been producing decent bass action near the dam breast, and in the upper reaches of the Pohopoco Creek bay area of the lake.
Anglers are reminded to have their 2020 PA Fishing License (Age 16 years of age or older) and a Trout / Salmon permit (if required) before venturing to the water.
The preseason trout stocking will soon be occurring, and the first pre-season trout stocking in the district will begin on the section of the Pohopoco Creek designated as the Class A Wild Trout and Stocked Trout Water on March 06, 2020. Persons interested in assisting with this stocking should meet the stocking truck at the Army Corps. Engineer Building, Beltzville at 12:15 pm.
Boaters are also reminded that the regulatory buoys such as Slow No Wake, Water Ski Zone have been removed from Beltzville Lake for the winter season. Although the buoys have been removed, the regulations pertaining to the regulatory zones are still in effect and enforced. Maps of Beltzville Lake are posted at each boat ramp indicating the regulatory zones.
Northcentral Region
REMINDER:
Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket wear began on November 1, 2019 and ends on April 30, 2020 for all canoes, kayaks and boats under 16 feet in length. Learn more here
Ice fishing safety and more!
Check out PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Ice/Winter Fishing Page for Ice Safety tips, Ice Fishing tips and more! – https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Reminder: Always check ice conditions yourself before heading out on the lake. It is a good idea to contact local sporting goods stores for ice condition updates prior to venturing out.
Tioga County
Reminder: Warm weather over the past few days has made ice conditions variable and potentially dangerous. Always check ice conditions yourself before heading out on the lake. It is a good idea to contact local sporting goods stores for ice condition updates prior to venturing out.
Beechwood Lake
Anglers are catching Trout on paste baits, waxworms, and fathead minnows. Actively jigging small rattle baits and spoons is also working to entice aggressive Trout. Pickerel and Bass are currently biting well on medium and large shiners.
Hamilton Lake
Anglers are reporting catching trout using waxworms, fathead minnows and paste baits. Medium sized shiners are working for both pickerel and bass. Multiple species of panfish are being caught using waxworms, maggots, and a variety of soft plastics. Green, chartruese, silver, gold and glow colored jigs are all good options to try right now.
Pine Creek
The Keystone Select was recently extended, and many anglers are reporting approval of the extension. If you find yourself looking to get outside, this section of water provides a great opportunity for fishing.
McKean County
The Kane Wildlife & Fish Association, led by President Pauline Bauer, recently completed a habitat project at Kinzua Lake, near Red Bridge. Volunteers used discarded Christmas trees to construct 40 tree reefs with low water levels. They were also able to make repairs to some existing fish habitat structures. Thanks to all the volunteers for their time-consuming work.
Clinton and Lycoming Counties
West Branch Susquehanna
Anglers are reporting catching Musky throwing large crankbaits as well as swimbaits. Recent mild temperatures have proved favorable for river angling and fish are more active.
Fishing Creek
The water temperature is in the low 40’s. Some nice brown trout are being caught by anglers using both streamers and nymphs. Anglers using spinning tackle are reporting success using small swimbaits and crankbaits.
Hot patterns right now include sculpin imitations and hares ear nymphs.
Centre County
Spring Creek
The creek continues to fish well as flows remain ideal for angling. The water temperature is in the 40’s. Anglers are reporting success nymphing the darker slots and the tail outs of riffles.
Pheasant tail nymphs and egg imitations are reported to be catching fish. Streamers are moving fish as well.
Southeastern Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2020 Fishing Licenses are now available for purchase – Click here to purchase
REMINDER:
Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2019 and runs through April 30, 2020 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. Learn more here
Bucks County
Trout season is slowly closing in upon us! Stocking schedules are posted, but remember, changes may be made when needed.
The 2020 Mentored Youth Day will be held on the 28th of March. Fishing begins at 08:00 a.m. Youth under 16 years old, with a Mentored Youth Permit OR a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, AND accompanied by a mentor who has a valid fishing license AND trout permit, can fish in certain trout stocked waters before regional opening day. Youth anglers may possess a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches. Adult anglers are prohibited from possessing trout. For more information and specific rules and regulations pertaining to mentored youth day, visit our website at http://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/FishingRegulations/Pages/MentoredYouthProgram.aspx. The only two locations that will be stocked for mentored youth day in Southern Bucks County are Levittown Lake and Lake Luxembourg at Core Creek Park.
Regional opening day of trout this year is April 4th at 08:00 a.m.
As a continued reminder, mandatory cold weather personal flotation device wear remains in effect. Visit our site at http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/WaterandIceSafety/Pages/default.aspx for more details.
Schuylkill County
Trees For Fish at Blue Marsh was a success with several hundred Christmas trees being recycled into fish habitat.
The unseasonably warm weather has resulted in little or no ice fishing but has provided the opportunity for anglers who are not ice fisherman to get out and enjoy some winter fishing.
Reminder to fishermen that we are in the extended trout season which ends February 29th and to boaters that we are in the mandatory cold weather PFD wear period until April 30.
Trout stocking will start in District 4089 on March 2nd. Those who are interested in coming out to help are welcome and are reminded to regularly consult the website as schedules are subject change.
Anyone who is interested in float stocking any of the streams or is aware of a possibility to add a stocking point in the district is advised to contact the PFBC in advance of the stocking. It is necessary to determine whether the proposed float stocking is a viable proposition. This determination will not be made on the day of the stocking. The allocation of the fish has been determined in advance of the stocking day and generally will not be changed that day unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If anyone is aware of any changes of ownership or status of posting along trout streams in the area, please contact the PFBC so that landowner contacts can be made.
Chester County
The White Clay Fly-Tying club will meet at 6PM on Thursday February 6th at the London Tract Meeting House in the White Clay Creek Preserve, located at the intersection of Sharpless & London Tract roads, Landenberg PA 19350, next to White Clay State Park Office. At the last club meeting, Frank taught a few of the members how to tie the Ridley Ugly, which he said is supposed to imitate a yellow jacket or bee. Many of you are looking for a place to go or some activity to hold us over until we can wet a line again and this is the perfect thing. Fly tying materials are provided for those who do not yet have their own. Several flies are usually demonstrated and club members are happy to show you how it’s done, as well as spin a few stories about the last huge one that got away. Club mailing address is P.O. Box 762, Landenberg, PA 19350 for more information. Parking for club is behind the White Clay State Park Office.
The 2020 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedules are now posted on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website. To search for adult trout stockings in your county go to http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx and select your county and then the date range that you want, which could be for example from today to December 31st 2020 which would give you all the stockings in your county which will happen this year.