Pennsylvania Fishing Report – May 13, 2022
Northwest Region
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Crawford County
Conneaut Lake
Anglers are catching crappies at the north end.
Lawrence County
Neshannock Creek/Slippery Rock Creek
Anglers are catching many stocked trout using a wide variety of baits including stick baits, lures, artificial baits, and live bait. The best bait for catching Rainbow Trout is corn and dough baits. The best bait for catching Brown Trout is worms, maggots, and minnows.
Mercer County
Lake Wilhelm
Anglers are catching panfish, crappies, and Largemouth Bass in the stumps and down by the dam.
Northeastern Region
Columbia and Southern Luzerne Counties
With another stocking season wrapped up, there are plenty of trout in the local waterways.
Any variety of baits seem to be working from paste baits to the most delicate dry flies.
However, as fish become acclimated to local waters try switching to more natural baits, lures and flies that will mimic a trout’s natural diet.
Those choosing to fish the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section of Nescopeck Creek are reminded that the mere possession of bait is unlawful. Regardless of whether it is used or not.
With heavy rains throughout the day on the Walleye opener, fishing was certainly a challenge. As water levels and clarity return to normal, the walleye fishing should improve.
Don’t forget about the two Statewide Fish For Free Days. The first being May 29th. What better way to introduce a friend to your favorite pastime?
Wyoming County
Meshoppen Creek and West Branch Meshoppen Creek have been running at normal levels and the water temperature has been steadily rising to seasonal temperatures. The trout fishing has been very good with Brown Trout up to 16 inches being caught on wax worms and also on nymphs. Other trout fishing hotspots have been Lake Winola, Oxbow Lake, North Branch Mehoopany Creek, and South Branch Tunkhannock Creek. All the mentioned bodies of water have plenty of fish and the trout fishing has only been getting better. The conditions on the Susquehanna River have also been favorable for fishing and paddling conditions.
Southern Carbon and Southwest Monroe Counties
Although the trout streams in the district had received a good amount of fishing pressure during the month of April, there is still a good number of trout held over from the previous stockings. Anglers are reporting seeing and catching trout on most of the streams with most successful anglers are using paste bait, live minnow, spinners.
Fly anglers have also reported doing well catching trout on the Mahoning Creek, Aquashicola Creek, and the Pohopoco Creek. Fishing during the early morning, and the late afternoons have been providing anglers a better success catching trout since most of the streams are flowing low and clear.
Striped Bass action at Beltzville Lake has been good in recent weeks. Anglers fishing near the Trachsville bridge area seem to be having the best luck. Black Bass action (no harvest, catch & immediate release only) has been good along the southern shore of the lake across from the Pine Run boat launch and near the dam breast.
Mauch Chunk Lake has been providing good chain pickerel action off the area of boat launch B. Anglers fishing from the fishing pier at boat launch A have been observed catching perch measuring 12” – 13” using live minnow.
The Lehigh River has been flowing a higher in recent weeks. Angler’s fishing in the pool at the East Penn boat launch have reported success catching trout using spinners and stick baits.
Northcentral Region
Boaters are reminded that all boats, kayaks, canoes, rafts, and paddleboards MUST have a wearable US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device for each person on board. Along with personal floatation devices, all above watercraft must possess a sound producing device. Check the boating summary book for all other regulations pertaining to boating. Any person interested in taking the Boating Safety Education Course can search for one close and sign up here https://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/NewCalendar/MainCalendar.aspx
Clearfield County
West Branch of the Susquehanna
Despite the last few days of cold weather anglers and boaters alike are beginning to take to the river. Higher flows have made for difficult fishing, but some have found success in certain areas. One angler was fortunate enough to land and release a 45” Tiger Musky on a rapala!
Curwensville and Clearfield have been stocked to the brim with trout. Many anglers have found success while fishing the seams along the edges of the river. Minnows and spinners are currently working well.
Curwensville Lake
Shore fishing is starting to produce the occasional Crappie along with other Panfish. Worms, maggots, and minnows underneath a float have been working well this past week.
Boaters are also beginning to use the lake with some regularity. Take the time to look over the contents of your boat and inspect all safety equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order or condition.
Parker Lake and Shagger’s Inn Pond
These two impoundments “take the cake” when it comes to giving up big trout! The opportunities here are endless and the Osprey and Eagles know it! Head on out for a day that is sure to not disappoint.
Please note that Shagger’s Inn Pond is now OPEN to boating due to the relocation of the Osprey nest. The regulations limiting boat access to the lake until June 1st are no longer in place. It is also recommended that boaters wear their PFDs even after the Cold Weather Law expires on April 30th. Be sure to let someone reliable know your plans as cellular service is extremely limited in these remote areas.
Tioga County
Tioga River (Spillway)
The recent rainfalls that soaked the area were primarily to the south of the watershed, and the river flows were ideal for the opening day of walleye season. The bite was slow, but some anglers found success along the cliff side using white and green jigs, with 1/8 oz. jig heads fished with a slow bouncing retrieve. Remember, Walleye need to be 15 inches and the daily limit is 6. Anglers and boaters must stay out of the restricted area posted at the spillway.
Hammond Lake
The Crappie bite is officially on, and anglers are successfully catching fish from shore and boats. Boats are reporting success trolling or casting soft plastics of varying colors, and small crank baits. Shoreline anglers have been successful fishing minnows under a bobber.
Pine Creek
Flows are excellent, and folks looking to take a float trip should plan a trip before the flows get too low. Remember to pack a life jacket, sound producing device, a lunch, and leave a float plan before you launch.
Southeastern Region
Lancaster County
SUNNY DAY CAMP TROOP J Saturday May 14th, 2022– PFBC District Officer Schmidt will be staffing a PFBC exhibit to educate “campers” to the counties and Commonwealth’s many fishing & boating opportunities. The Day Camp event will be held on the premises of the Lafayette Fire Company – 63 Lafayette Way Lancaster. Camper check-in is at 9:00 a.m. with activities from 9:30 – 2:00 PM. District Officer Schmidt will be participating along with Officers from the Lancaster County SERT Team, PSP Mounted Unit, Motorcycle Unit & PSP Helicopter Unit, as well as Fire Service Units, & Lancaster County-Wide Communications. Publication information from the PFBC will be available on many topics of interest, of particular note for attendees will be demonstration PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices) to exemplify proper size and fit for their safety. Representative of the Commissions role in protection of native reptiles and amphibians “on hand” will be “Deputy B.R. Snake’” a mature Eastern Rat Snake and his patrol sidekick “Mr. X-BOX Turtle.”
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