Northeastern Region
Monroe County
With free water at the shorelines the region’s ice fishing is coming to an end. Accessing the ice has become no longer safe and is not recommended. You may be risking your own life and that of the rescuers too.
S. Luzerne/S. Columbia Co.
Unfortunately for most of us the water conditions seem to be in a state of transition between safe ice and open water. With the river still having ice jams and the frozen lakes pretty much unsafe for fishing there has been little to no activity within the district’s waterways. Fear not, spring is upon us and trout stockings are in full swing. Better days are on the horizon.
Those itching to get out of the house are encouraged to attend and assist in stocking of the local waterways. Not only is this an excellent way to do some “pre-season scouting,” it gives you something to do until trout season arrives.
Reminder: Section 6 of the Lehigh River and FEW Reservoir are now listed as APPROVED TROUT WATERS OPEN TO YEAR ROUND FISHING. Fishing is permitted on these waters but no trout may be creeled or in possession. See the summary book, or visit the website for additional information.
Also, don’t forget the MENTORED YOUTH TROUT DAY, occurring on April 11th. Licensed anglers mentoring a child with a voluntary youth license or mentored youth permit can fish their favorite trout water that day and harvest 2 trout. See the website for additional information.
Anglers are reminded, that walleye season is now closed, and does not reopen until May 2nd. The daily creel limit will be 6, with a minimum size of 15 inches. Also bass fishing is catch and immediate release only beginning April 18th through June 12th.
Boaters are again reminded of the MANDATORY PFD WEAR requirements on boats less than 16 feet in length and ALL canoes and kayaks.
Carbon County
Although Beltzville Lake and Mauch Chunk Lake are still ice covered, ice along most of the shoreline areas has begun to erode making access very difficult. Anglers and others who may venture out onto the ice are reminded that ice conditions are not monitored on most Commonwealth Waters. Don’t try to extend ice fishing any longer than it is meant to be. The consequences of bad decisions are not worth it. Remember safety first.
On Saturday, March 28, the Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day had occurred on the Mahoning Creek. Although the colder weather was unbearable at times, a number of youth and their mentors were still able to creel some trout. It appeared that paste baits and minnow worked best.
On Saturday, April 4th at 8 am, the beginning of the Regional Opening Day of trout season on the Mahoning Creek and the Lizard Creek will occur.
As with most streams in the district, angler and stocking access is granted by permission from private landowners. As always, anglers are reminded to respect the rights of the landowner and to refrain from building open fires, littering, and blocking access to the landowner’s property. Respecting the rights of the property owners will help to ensure future access.
Anglers are reminded that although the Mahoning Creek and the Lizard Creek will be open for trout fishing on April 4th at 8 am under the Regional Opening Day trout season program, all other approved trout waters in the district are closed to fishing until April 18th at 8am. Anglers should consult the 2015 PA Fishing Summary for a listing of the approved trout waters in the district.
Fishing opportunities are fairly limited in the area right now. Approved trout waters are closed until the opening day of trout season. There is still a lot of ice packed on the banks of the Susquehanna River, making access impossible. With some luck and warmer temperatures over the next couple of days may clear the ice from the access at West Falls and provide an opportunity there.
Northern Wayne County
Ice fishing continues! Most northern lakes are still frozen. Upper Woods Pond was stocked on April 1st and still had 20” of ice. Warmer weather is finally in the forecast and ice anglers are reminded to be aware of changing conditions. It is recommended that any ice fishermen should wear a personal floatation device and carry ice awls.
Reports of bluegill, crappie, perch and bass continue at Prompton Dam and White Oak Pond. Duck Harbor Pond is providing some good perch fishing during mid-afternoon near the boat launch.
The West Branch Delaware River is beginning to open but most of the main stem Delaware River is frozen. Conditions on flowing waters are changing rapidly.
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: http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm.
Northcentral Region
Centre County
Spring Creek
Warmer temperatures are getting trout and anglers out and about! Anglers are catching trout using small nymphs (blue wing olives, prince and zebra midges). In the early morning hours, anglers are catching trout using olive or black streamers.
Penns Creek
Anglers are catching trout on streamer patterns. The fishing is slow, but the trout being caught are worth the wait!
Announcement: CALLING ALL VETERANS!
Spring Creek Trout Unlimited is offering a FREE fly fishing program for Veterans, active duty members and their families at the State College YMCA. They provide the equipment, purchase your fishing license, and provide instruction!
When: every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month from noon to dusk
Where: Fisherman’s Paradise along Spring Creek (1150 Spring Creek Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823)
If you are interested contact:
Jim Lanning: JLanningVSP@springcreektu.org or call 951-231-8000
For more information about this unique program:
http://www.springcreektu.org/vsp.html
McKean County
Snowing again today and the stocking is progressing with limited access on some streams. Water is still cold (low 30’s) and activity has been minimal due to the inclement weather. There is still ice on most bodies of water. We will continue to stock as scheduled, and we will access as much of the stream sections as safely as possible. Sending a big shout out to the USFS personal at the Marshburg station. Without their help, the stockings last week on the Allegheny National Forest would not have been able to occur. Thanks again, everyone!
Tioga County
Any remaining ice on lakes may be unfishable by this coming weekend. Anglers are reminded to always check the conditions upon arrival to determine the safety of it.
Hills Creek Lake
The ice on the lake will be gone by this weekend. A few anglers fished the lake over the weekend and caught Bass and Pickerel using medium shiners.
Tioga and Cowanesque Lakes
A few anglers are fishing the spillways. The bite is slow because of the cold water right now, but anglers are catching Walleye and Smallmouth Bass using medium shiners and nightcrawlers.
Reminder about trout fishing regulations this time of year:
Approved Trout Waters Open to year-round fishing: These waters are open to fishing from March 1 to opening day of trout season; however, no trout may be taken or possessed on these waters during this period. Here is a link to Approved Trout Waters open to year-round fishing: http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/yearround.html
N. Lancaster County
The Middle Creek, Indian Run, & Little Muddy Creeks, will be stocked on Thursday, April 2. We will meet at the PGC Middle Creek Visitors Center at 11:30. Please consider coming out and lending a hand.
Lancaster County
PRE-SEASON STOCKING:
In preparation for this Saturdays April 4th Trout Season Opener, Lancaster County’s 22 Approved Trout Waters [Streams – number not inclusive of the East Branch Octoraro Creek and Donegal Creek Special Regulation Area] and only Approved Trout Waters Open To Year-Round Fishing, Muddy Run Lake, will all have received their pre-season plant of Rainbows, Browns & Trophy Goldens. Stocking proved a challenge again this March with harsh weather conditions and safety concerns postponing the scheduled March 3 stocking of Big Beaver and Little Beaver Creek to March 6, and yet again with the March 5 snow storm to Wednesday March 25. The first stocking of the season on March 10, saw a relatively light turn-out of volunteers, except for the always capable and enthusiastic group of Solanco High School students who actively participate on all Southern Lancaster County trout stocking events. Departing from Stewart Run and a cold, light rain on this afternoon, four individuals persisted in assisting with getting buckets of trout into the West Branch of the Little Conestoga. High water conditions and the road closure at Wesley Road, Colerain Township forced the Saturday, March 14th scheduled stocking of the West Branch Octoraro Creek to be delayed until the following Saturday, March 21. The Friday, March 20th stocking of the Conowingo and Fishing Creeks proved to be particularly arduous with the snow and less than seasonal temperatures. A dedicated group of 10 stocking volunteers persisted as the days last offloaded bucket of trout arced into Fishing Creek downstream of the last ford at 5:15 p.m.
Anglers seeking some relative semblance of solitude on the opener should be encouraged by the number and stretches of water that were float stocked. Efforts to float stock will continue in-season consistent with the efforts of the volunteer float stocking teams that have been coordinated. For any concerns or criticisms of stocking endeavors, District Officer Schmidt welcomes a direct conversation in the field.
Significant sections of Lancaster County’s Approved Trout Waters were float stocked as per below:
Float Stocked Sections of Approved Trout Waters
| ATW | Section |
| Big Beaver Creek | Downstream From 20 Main St. New Providence To 1930 Beaver Valley Pike-
Downstream From Concrete Bridge At Near Old Rd. & Beaver Valley Pike Downstream From Krantz Mill Road Bridge Downstream From 92 Refton Rd. To 66 Smithville Rd. [Walk In-Only] Downstream From Smithville Road Bridge |
| Conowingo Creek | Downstream From Black Bear Road Bridge
Downstream From Swift Road Bridge Downstream From 2108 Robert Fulton Hwy. To State Route 222 Bridge |
| Fishing Creek | Downstream From Drumore Park |
| Hammer Creek | Downstream From Hammer Creek Road Bridge
Downstream From Mid-Point – Section #2 Downstream From Snavely Mill Bridge Downstream From Lincoln Road Bridge Downstream From Carpenter Road Bridge Downstream From Buch Mill Road Bridge Downstream From Pine Hill Road [Near 410] Downstream From Erbs Bridge Road – Covered Bridge |
| Little Beaver Creek | Downstream From 302 Hilltop Road To Childrens Clinic At Bunker Hill Road |
| Little Chiques Creek | Downstream From The Mt. Pleasant Road Bridge |
| Little Conestoga Creek | Downstream From Miller Road
Downstream From Ppl Service Center To Flory Mill Downstream From Above Covered Bridge To Olive Garden |
| Pequea Creek | Downstream From Mt. Vernon Rd. Bridge
Downstream From 5762 Buena Vista Road Downstream From Buena Vista Road Bridge |
| Swarr Run | Downstream From Ye Old Road [Dead End] To Gold’s Gym |
| W. Branch Octoraro Creek | Downstream From Mt. Pleasant Road Covered Bridge [Section #2]
Downstream From Hollow Road Bridge [Sect. #2] Downstream From Sr 472 Bridge [Special Regulation Area] Downstream From Puseyville/Street Rd. Intersection [Special Regulation Area] Downstream From 700 Wesley Road [Section #4] |
*Anglers are advised that the property at 15 Main Street, New Providence is posted, subsequently Big Beaver Creek was not stocked upstream of this location.
Little Beaver Creek: No Sunday Fishing
Big Beaver Creek: 1930 Beaver Valley Pike – No Sunday Fishing
Anglers are encouraged to be mindful of where they are parking so as not to create property damage or a traffic hazard; additionally to practice sound outdoor ethics and respect fellow anglers sharing the stream. Many areas will be populated with kids fishing, please drive slowly.
ANGLERS BRUNCH: For anglers who meet with early success and land their limit; an extended hour’s breakfast buffet is being served by the Rawlinsville Fire Departments Auxiliary, hours from 6:30 a.m. to noon at the station house at 33 Martic Heights Drive, Holtwood. The Rawlinsville Fire Department runs one of the counties busiest river rescue crews, support this dedicated group of volunteers as you come off the stream with a full creel and invigorated appetite.
With 9 PFBC in-season stocking days remaining of 16 Approved Trout Waters is it anticipated in equal response to volunteer interest and active participation that the momentum to conduct more float stocking will continue. Per District WCO Schmidt, “As volunteers step-up or rather wade-in to the challenge of actively participating in float stocking we will continue to stock accordingly and thereby ultimately provide anglers a more authentic fishing experience. Anglers awaiting the arrival of the PFBC stocking truck in-season at their favorite location may instead observe a team of float stockers passing by, planting fish at random. Angling is considered a sport, and as such anglers may find that they need to work the stream banks, and put some distance between themselves and the road to garner their creel.”
Anglers are reminded to maintain a separate creel/stringer for each angler as per the regulation delineated on page 9 of the 2015 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws.
REPORTING VIOLATIONS:
Unlawful fishing activity can be reported to Southeast Region Law Enforcement Headquarters in Elm at 626-0228, Monday – Friday [8-4] or at all other times to the non-emergency number of Countywide Communications at 664-1180. Inform the Dispatcher that it is a Fishing Violation and to refer it to Officer Schmidt. Conscientious anglers are cautioned per Officer Schmidt to not engage individuals observed to be in violation, but rather to report it in real time so that an Officer can respond for follow-up law enforcement action.
S. Chester County
The Children’s Pond in Hibernia County Park was stocked on March 30 in anticipation of the opening day. Approximately 60 trout were stocked from Green Spring Trout Farm. In addition about 75 trophy trout will be purchased and tagged by the West Caln Sportsmen. All the fish were provided by the Friends of Hibernia and the Chester County Parks & Recreation Department. The area is closed to fishing until 8 AM on Saturday, April 4 and new signs which clearly explain the rules have been posted around the pond. Adults caught fishing in the pond will be cited.
The Mentored Youth program in Southern Chester County was a huge success. PFBC WCO staff encountered about 130 families in the county taking part. Many thanked Fish & Boat for such a wonderful program and despite the cold weather and muddy water almost all the families caught some very nice fish. We had no negative comments from any of the families, except about the weather and the cold. Many of the mentored youth families practiced catch and release.
W. Schuylkill/N. Berks County District
While the winter that does not want to end brought sub-freezing temperatures and snow showers to the Regional Mentored Youth Fishing Day, those who braved the weather expressed their liking for the program and had success on local streams. For those who chose not to fight the elements this past Saturday, there is another opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity during the Statewide Mentored Youth Fishing Day on April 11. On Mentored Youth Fishing Days, both the mentor and the youth are allowed to fish and take two trout. This is a great opportunity to let introduce youth to fishing without the pressure usual on the opening day of trout season.
As the ice finally starts to recede on Blue Marsh Lake people are testing their boats and doing some limited boat fishing. Boaters are reminded of the mandatory wear for all persons on all boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks during the cold weather period November 1 to April 30. While it is mandatory for the smaller boats, it is also a good idea on the larger boats. A personal flotation device can go a long way in preventing casualties due to sudden immersion in cold water.
Regional Trout Opening Day is Saturday, April 4 in the district. All approved trout waters have been stocked and are looking good going into the final week before the opener.
The East Branch Octoraro Creek Section 2, West Branch Brandywine Creek Section 3, and Beaver Creek Section 2, are scheduled to be stocked on Wednesday April 8 at 11:30. The meeting place is the lane across from the Sadsburyville Post Office. If you have not taken a child on a trout stocking yet, put it on your ‘to do’ list and bring a camera to catch all those smiles.
There are many questions about why the back cove at Chambers Lake is closed to boating. It is a waterfowl propagation area and is closed from now until June 15 so that waterfowl may use it as a nesting area. This area is one of the more productive areas of Chambers Lake, full of stumps and vegetation that holds big bass. This works out well this year with the opening day of Bass around that same time. The area is closed now and this regional report will post when it re-opens.
If you are a woman looking to join a Fly Fishing Club for women, there is the Delaware Valley Woman’s Fly Fishing Association. The group which has membership in the entire Mid-Atlantic Region includes a newsletter, “The Woman’s Angle”, trips, outings, and social events for women. They are hosting a Women and Girl’s Fly Fishing Day on April 11th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the CCF&S grounds, Jack Martin House, 713 Creek Road, Brookhaven, PA. 19015. You must register in advance. For more information or to join you can go to the website at http://www.dvwffa.org/Home_Page.php .
The Dame Juliana League will host a class on “New Patterns for Selective Trout” on March 30. Henry Ramsey will present the class and cover the flies that he ties for certain hatches and why. For more information you can go to the website at http://www.djlflyfishers.org/
The Dame Juliana League will host a Learn To Fly Fishing Course at the Baker Field Pavilion located at the Phoenixville YWCA, on Saturday, April 18. For more information you can go to the website at http://www.djlflyfishers.org/
The Orvis Store in Downingtown at 70 Quarry Rd, Downingtown Pa. 19335 will offer a free course Fly-Fishing 101 on Saturday, April 11 from 9am until 11am. The course will cover everything that the beginning fly angler will need to know to get started in fly fishing. For more information you can call the store at 610-873-8400 or visit the website at www.orvis.com/downingtown
Northwestern Region
Butler County
Most impoundments still have crusty skim ice and have been inaccessible to boat, shore, or ice anglers. With warmer weather and open waters expected, boaters are reminded that they must wear a life jacket (personal floatation device) on all boats under 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks until May 1st. Although the air temperature may be warm, water temperatures will remain cold and hazardous, affecting one’s ability to swim or tread water. Cold water shock is a major factor in boating fatalities. A life jacket greatly increases your chance for survival in cold water. Have fun and be safe this spring!
Clarion County
Piney Dam
Brookfield Power is the owner of Piney Dam. Beginning on April 1st 2015 thru October 31, 2016 Brookfield Power will draw down the level of Piney Dam to a level approximately 5 feet below normal pool to conduct repairs to the dam. These repairs will consist of the complete rebuild of the 14 discharge gates of the dam. Brookfield Power acknowledges the drawdown during this period will affect the docks and recreation boating on Piney Dam. They have also indicated the drawdown may also affect our PFBC boat launch at the Mill Creek Access Area. They will be placing notices in the local newspapers to alert the public of the repairs and impacts to Piney Dam. They also plan on placing signage at the Toby boat launch and the Mill Creek Access Area to alert the boaters and anglers as to the impacts of the drawdown.
Kahle Lake
Ice fishing reports continue to be hit and miss. Some anglers are reporting catching panfish during the day. Several anglers have reported catching crappies after dark by placing a lantern next to the hole and jigging with minnows. Anglers are reminded that Kahle Lake is governed under Big Bass Regulations.
Allegheny River
The entire river is clear of ice. The majority of the shoreline is still covered in most locations with large chunks of compacted shore ice. No angling has been observed due to high water conditions there.
NOTE: The PFBC’s Parker Access Area is currently closed until further notice by order of the Parker Police. The access closure is due to the accumulation of ice in the parking area and on the shoreline there.
Piney Creek Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Area
The DHALO Area was stocked on March 20th. Anglers have been doing well on the project waters. One angler reported catching over 40 trout during a three hour outing. Anglers are reminded that only artificial lures maybe used in the project waters. The use or possession of bait is prohibited.
Area Trout Stockings:
East Sandy Creek (Clarion Co) and Bear & Silver Creeks (Butler Co) will be stocked on 4/13. Meet the stocking truck at 11:30 am at the Bruin Bowling Alley on State Route 268 in Bruin.
Mill Creek & Cather’s Run will be stocked on 4/14. Meet the stocking truck at 10:45 am at the Leeper Red & White store located at the intersection of SR 36 & SR 66 in Leeper.
Toms Run will be stocked on 4/15. Meet the stocking truck at 11:30 am Cooks Forest State Park Office located on State Route 36 in Cooksburg.
Crawford County
Linesville Open House
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold their annual spring Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery on Saturday April 4, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This event is free to the public and is a great event to bring your family to. For more information on this event, visit http://fishandboat.com/LinesvilleOpenHouse.htm
Erie County
Lake Erie
2015 Lake Erie Yellow Perch and Walleye Creel Limits
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission had enacted new adaptive management regulations for Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye in 2012. This regulatory flexibility gave fisheries managers the ability to change daily harvest limits prior to the onset of the summer boat fishing season on Lake Erie. Lake wide harvest quotas are established each March though consensus by the Lake Erie Committee which may necessitate changes in harvest regulations in individual jurisdictions. Adaptive fishing regulations are based on the most recent fishery assessment results and can be better aligned with the current status of the Yellow Perch and Walleye stocks.
The Lake Erie Yellow Perch Total Allowable Catch (TAC) allotted to Pennsylvania on March 24, 2015 by the Lake Erie Committee was 663,826 pounds, a 22% decrease from 2014, but above the long-term average of 533,325 pounds. This total is derived from an allocation of 606,186 pounds in Yellow Perch Management Unit (YPMU) 3 and 57,640 pounds in YPMU 4 allotted by the Lake Erie Committee. The perch population has declined significantly from record levels seen in 2006 and 2010 but exploitation remains relatively low in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie and perch fishing should remain good. The creel limits for Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie Yellow Perch sport fishery will be maintained at 30 perch /day for 2015.
Based on a 2015 abundance estimate of 24 million age-2+ Walleye by the Lake Erie Walleye Task Group, the Walleye population is relatively unchanged from 2014, but is 49% below average in the quota management zone. The Walleye population in the non-quota management zone (Eastern Basin, including PA waters) is stable and near long-term abundance levels. As a result, creel limits for Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie walleye sport fishery will remain at 6 Walleye/day for 2015.