Northwest Region
Butler County
Lake Arthur
Channel Catfish have been biting in the most popular locations. Nice catches have been reported around Lakeview picnic area. A minnow off the bottom produced the best results. There have also been reports of good Hybrid-Striped Bass fishing on the submerged road bed at the Old Rt. 422 access.
Harbor Acres Lake
The lake is scheduled for trout stocking on 10/28 weather permitting.
Western Erie County
Walnut Creek, Upper Gravel Pit, and Lake Erie
In the lower stretches of Walnut, Elk & Crooked Creeks, anglers have had limited success with Steelhead in the early morning hours in the deeper water. With recent rains and cooler temps shore anglers are having limited success with minnows in the Gravel Pit. Boat anglers are also working the shallow waters on Lake Erie around the tributary mouths and having sporadic success. With the overlap of the boat anglers and tributary anglers, conflicts are occurring at Walnut Creek Access. Shoreline anglers in the Walnut Creek Channel are being cited for failing to yield to boat traffic. Additionally, other common violations occurring are littering, other than intended use, and failure to follow posted traffic devices.
Forest County
Access to the Tionesta Outflow is still closed from the Tionesta side of the campground. Anglers can access the Outflow from the regulated camping area. Anglers will have to park at the entrance to the camping area and walk in to fish. Anglers have reported catching and observing trout in Tionesta Creek, between Kellettville and Nebraska Bridge. Numerous Golden Rainbow Trout have been observed at the mouth of some of the small tributaries. The Marienville Rod and Gun Club is scheduled to stock Spring Creek and Maple Creek in October. The stocking will be subject to change due to water levels and water temperature.
Mercer County
Shenango Reservoir
Fishing is starting to pick up with the cooler temperatures. Water levels are slowly declining due to the winter draw down. Leaves are starting to change around the lake so this a beautiful time to boat and observe the fall foliage from the water. Remember your first step in an emergency or to report on illegal activity is to call 9-1-1.
Shenango River
The Shenango Outflow down to the Walnut Street Bridge is designated as a year round trout fishery, so a current trout/salmon stamp is required to fish that area regardless of species of fish that you are targeting or harvesting. Trout will be stocked for the fall so plenty of fishing opportunities still are available. The creel limit for trout this time of year is 3 fish.
Warren County
Anglers are reminded that Chapman Lake will be drawn down for repairs and will not be at normal levels until 2017.
Northeast Region
Lackawanna County
The information below was provided by kayak angler Mike Biel, who recently caught a large Muskie at Lackawanna Lake and wanted to share his story.
“I searched out your lake (Lackawanna Lake) earlier this year trying to find lakes with quality fish. I have always done pretty well with bass, but I had a day like I have never had in all my 43 years recently Lackawanna State Park. I caught nine bass with the biggest measuring 18 inches, all were caught and released and made for a solid day.
I threw a 5″ rubber worm at a downed branch and all heck broke loose near the kayak. The line was tight and was cutting through weeds in the water and I was getting dragged around a bit. Not knowing what I had, other than it was big, I tried to net it and it showed itself. At this point my GoPro Hero died but I stayed focused and surprisingly after 7-8 drag screaming runs I landed my first ever Muskie and better yet from a kayak!!
I do my homework and I knew they were in there. I’ve actually spooked a few, I normally carry a heavier action rod with me and give known areas a try. That day was no different except I gave up and was using my Bass gear which consists of a medium action rod, 10 lb mono and no wire leader. The hook was neatly in the upper lip. When I got the beast into the kayak it thrashed and snapped the line and chucked the hook. Thankfully I was able to change the batteries quickly and get some video of the most amazing fish I have ever held. Even better was the feeling of returning it back to the lake healthy where it belongs.
Your lake is most likely my favorite lake and I have hit most in the area from Mauch Chunk to Francis E. Walter to Hidden Lake and lakes in New Jersey. Lackawanna State Park is well kept, has all the amenities you could ask for, good boat launches and excellent fishing. It is a 45 minute ride each way but absolutely worth it. I guesstimated it at 42-44 inches and approximately 20-25 lbs. I normally fish the ocean for fish this big from a party boat! Just an excellent memory I will be proud of for a life time. Thanks again for all your efforts.”
Northern Susquehanna & Easter Bradford Counties
The Susquehanna River has been surprisingly low and this has kept boating traffic to a minimum. The low water conditions may be coming to end though, at least temporarily. With rain in the forecast for the next few days, we should see the river levels rise. Boaters should use caution as heavy rain will cause the river levels to rise quickly and carry debris with it. Keep an eye on the forecast and also make sure to check river levels. To check river levels please visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/rt
Recently the river shore fishing has been producing decent catfish almost anywhere. Successful bass anglers have been seeking out the deeper pools.
The Susquehanna Co Federation of Sportsmans Clubs held their annual Youth Field Day September 26th at the Harford Fairgrounds and adjacent Colwell Farm. A total of 70 youth ages 8 – 15 got a chance to participate in a variety of events including canoe/kayak safety and operation , archery , shotgunning , orenteering and riflery.
Pa Fish and Boat Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement personnel Sgt. Bryan Bendock and District Waterways Conservation Officer Chad McKenrick instructed the participants (and their parents / guardians who were willing to try) in the boating safety /operation portion of the event.
Northcentral Region
SAFETY NOTE: With recent and predicted rain events, some streams and rivers may approach or surpass flood stage. When waters rise, woody debris and items from streamside households may break loose causing danger to those downstream.
Fishing or paddling rising waterways is not recommended. Floating debris and fallen trees can quickly become an obstacle that not even the most advanced paddlers/anglers can navigate.
Plan and research before you head out. Use the following links to help with your planning:
USGS Water Information system (USGS Gages):
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/current?type=flow
NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service:
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/forecasts.php?wfo=ctp
NOAA weather:
http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html
Centre County
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
Anglers are catching Channel Catfish using a night crawler on a gold jig head. Yellow Perch are also being caught using worms.
Channel Catfish VIDEO: CHECK OUT minute 1:48 and 2:50 to see how aggressive Channel Catfish are while protecting their spawning area!! Channel Catfish Habitat Improvement Project at Bessemer Lake, Lawrence County (Quicktime video)
Learn about PA Fish and Boat Commission habitat projects for Channel Catfish here: http://fishandboat.com/water/habitat/lakes/ChannelCatSpawningBoxes.pdf
Check out more about Channel Catfish here: http://fishandboat.com/anglerboater/2015ab/vol84num4_julaug/05top10.pdf
Spring Creek
With the recent and current rain events, anglers are catching trout using streamers along the banks. Target stream banks and woody debris with your streamer during or just after rain events and you won’t be disappointed!
NOTE: During high water events, woody debris can cause great hazard for anglers wading. Keep checking upstream if you are fishing to make sure you don’t get knocked into the water by a passing log.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Recent and current rain events are bringing stream levels up quickly. This rain will “tickle-up” trout and put them on the feed! Streamers will be your best bet along the banks and near woody debris.
Heavier nymphs throughout the day should also work well.
NOTE: During high water events, woody debris can cause great hazard for anglers wading. Keep checking upstream if you are fishing to make sure you don’t get knocked into the water by a passing log.
Elk County
East Branch Dam
The main boat launch is closed for this year. Fall foliage will be near peak in another week!
Lycoming County
Pine Creek
Fall foliage will be near peak within a week! Kayaking or canoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy the colors of fall through PA Wilds; however, with recent rain events paddles need to use EXTREME caution. Plan ahead and DO NOT go on a waterway that is rising. Flooding waters create many hazards to ALL paddlers including experienced ones.
Recent rain events means Pine Creek has water; however, fishing these waters is not recommended. Anglers will have a great time fishing after the rain ends and the water levels stabilize.
NOTE: During high water events, woody debris can cause great hazard for anglers wading. Keep checking upstream if you are fishing to make sure you don’t get knocked into the water by a passing log.
West Branch Susquehanna River
Spinner baits were working to catch Smallmouth Bass early this week; however, with the recent and predicted rain fall amounts anglers should wait until water levels stabilize to venture back out on the water.
NOTE: During high water events, woody debris can cause great hazard for anglers wading. Keep checking upstream if you are fishing to make sure you don’t get knocked into the water by a passing log.
Rose Valley Lake
Anglers are catching Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch and other panfish using minnows and worms.
Southeastern Region
Keep in mind that rain is predicted throughout this week for the Southeast Region, and with the potential for Hurricane Joaquin to travel over the Mid-Atlantic Region, the waterways will likely be running high and off-color. The fishing will be difficult until the streams recover from the influx of rain.
Stay up to date with streamflow conditions by monitoring the USGS website here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/rt
Lancaster County
Eastern Schuylkill County
The fishing in the area is starting to pick up with the water slowly cooling down and the lakes turning over. Perch were caught at Lake Tuscarora and Locust Lake on worms in the morning but seem to shut down after lunch. Trout fishing at the lakes have also picked up as the trout are coming near the shorelines again. Minnows and butterworms have worked well.
Catfish are hitting on the usual baits of chicken livers, night crawlers and shrimp in the Schuylkill River near Landingville. Bass fishing has been decent in the mornings and at dusk but slow during the heat of the day. Bass have been caught on rubber worms and crawlers worked slowly with the occasional jerk.
Locust Lake has plenty of trout jumping in the evening but few being caught.
The Little Schuylkill River still has a good number of trout and anglers are catching them on all the usual trout baits. The Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section is full of trout and a number of flies have worked, but it seems with few bugs flying around that ants are the most successful fly especially in the cool of the morning.
Trout stocking starts up again October 5 at Tuscarora Lake. There is generally less fishing pressure for trout in the fall, so take advantage of this opportunity.