Northwest Region
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. This is 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 was stocked with trout in early October. A reminder that this area 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. Plenty of fishing opportunities are still available. The creel limit for trout this time of year is 3 fish. Don’t forget that mandatory Personal Flotation Device wear will be in effect starting November 01 through April 30th. Boat under 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks will be affected by this.
Erie County
Area Steelhead Tributaries
All eyes are on the weather forecasts and stream gauges throughout NW Pennsylvania. If we get enough rain to bring up the Steelhead streams, we should receive the first big run of Steelhead this fall. A lot of leaves will make condition tough starting out but once the water level recedes the fish should be spread out and fishing should improve. The USGS gauge can be found at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=04213152
Forest County
Allegheny River
Walleye fishing on the Allegheny River should start to be more productive in November. Anglers are usually productive fishing in the Sand and Gravel Pool at Tionesta. Walleye fishing from the shoreline and from boats is both productive. Anglers fishing from shore should take notice to the no fishing zone posted behind the Taylor Diversion Juvenile Facility. Please respect the landowner and adhere to the posted signs. Musky anglers are also successful fishing the Sand and Gravel Pool. Anglers have reported catching several Musky in a day from both boats and the shoreline.
Area Trout Waters
Trout anglers should try Maple Creek and Spring Creek, located near Marienville. The Marienville Rod and Gun Club stocked both creeks at the beginning of October. Remember that the daily limit is now 3 trout per day and if you keep trout you must have a current trout/salmon permit.
Northeast Region
Lackawanna County
Water levels at Elmhurst and Curtis Reservoirs were previously low due to dry conditions and repairs to the Elmhurst Reservoir. The conditions at Dunmore #1, Maple Lake and Griffin Pond are at normal levels. Black crappies have been biting at Griffin Pond on live minnows and small jigs.
Crappies have been active and biting at Lackawanna Lake under the Route 407 Bridge.
Monroe County
Trout stockings are scheduled for Tobyhanna Lake and Hidden Lake on November 3. This stocking will provide a great opportunity for anglers to get out and enjoy some fall trout fishing.
Northern Luzerne and Columbia Counties
Anglers are continuing to bring fish to the boat in the Susquehanna River from Falls to West Nanticoke. Water levels have been falling but so are temperatures and that is keeping fish active as they take advantage of the last few weeks before winter temperatures slow them down. Anglers at Harveys Lake both in tournaments and out just for a day’s fishing are having real trouble finding bass and when they are found boy have they been finicky. Trout fishermen have been having much more luck at Harveys and on area streams. Anyone who has been at Harveys Lake over the past few days has seen large schools of trout (mostly Brook) cruising the area near the launch. Their presence is due to stocking of surplus fingerlings from Commission hatcheries and will provide forage for larger predators as well as hopefully growing to larger fish to be targeted by anglers in the future. For now the eagles and other avian predators are having a ball with them.
Northern Pike and Southern Wayne Counties
Water temperatures have been getting colder with the arrival of fall weather and cooler air temperatures. . Boaters should remember that that the mandatory PFD wear requirement begins on November 1st for all operators and passengers on all boats 16 feet and under including canoes and kayaks.
The fishing has been great on Lake Wallenpaupack. Colder water temperatures have sparked stripers and other bass. These fish have become more active and angles are reaping the harvests. Panfish are always a favorite catch along with pickerel and catfish as well this time of year.
The Lackawaxen River has plenty of trout for a beautiful fall fishing trip here in the colorful northeast.
Western Bradford & Sullivan Counties
Anglers report that the crappie activity has picked up on small lakes and ponds. Jigs seem to be the way to go and most colors are producing good results. Add live bait to further entice the fish.
Northcentral Region
REMINDER: Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement Starts November 1, 2015 for all anglers, boaters, and hunters who use boats.
The majority of the northcentral region will be getting some rain over the next few days! This will be the first good rainfall our region has received in the last few weeks. The fish will be on the move and so will anglers!
Cameron County
First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek
Anglers who ventured out after Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s recent fall trout stocking, caught lots of trout using a variety of flies.
Centre County
Spring Creek
With rain on the way, water levels will rise slightly and get a little off color. The additional water will increase opportunities for anglers to catch trout using streamers. Cast your streamer as close to the bank as you can and wait for the “tug”! Overcast or rainy days will also increase success for anglers using nymphs.
Updated water flows and temperatures can be found at Upper Spring Creek at Houserville, PA
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Predicted rainfall amounts should give Fishing Creek a good boost in water depth and flow.
Keep safety in mind at all times when fishing streams during rain events! Remember to keep an eye out for debris floating downstream.
Even as the waters rise, trout are still spooked easily; use stealth in your approach to pools. Lightweight streamers and nymphs will work well during overcast days and/or rain events.
Northumberland County
Susquehanna River
In preparation for winter months, the inflatable dam near Sunbury has been deflated. When in operation, during the spring and summer months, the dam creates a 3,060 acre seasonal lake, known as Lake Augusta.
(photo by: Rich Bachert)
With the river returned to its natural state, anglers are still catching fish in pools and pocket water. Use stealth as you approach the pools or pocket water. This will help increase your chances at catching a fish.
Updated water flows and temperatures can be found at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01554000
Southeastern Region
After the rain from this week passes, weather forecasts show that it should be a sunny, but cool weekend here in the Southeast to get out there for some fishing & boating in the autumn colors.
Bucks County
Delaware River
Smallmouth Bass and the occasional Walleye can are still being caught on the river. Try spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and tubes, or large minnows if you prefer live bait. Here is an article from last year’s Angler & Boater magazine on fishing the Delaware River for Smallmouth Bass: http://fishandboat.com/anglerboater/2014ab/vol84num5_sepoct/03delbass.pdf
Berks County
Antietam Reservoir
Scheduled to be stocked with trout on November 18.
Montgomery County
Deep Creek Lake
Scheduled to be stocked with trout on November 18.