Pennsylvania Fishing Report – October 8, 2015

Northwest Region

Crawford County

Conneaut Lake

Now that the boating pressure is down, some fishing pressure will pick up. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass have been caught throughout the summer.

French Creek

Rain and cooler temps will start the fall Walleye bite.

Geneva Swamp

Waterfowl season is almost in full swing. Remember to wear a life jacket after November 1st on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks.

Eastern Erie County

Area Waters

Anglers are reporting panfish action has picked up at Eaton Reservoir and the trout fishing has picked up at Lake Pleasant. The bait of choice is still grubs and minnows. There are even reports of hold over trout being taken in the South Branch of French Creek. Lake Leboeuf & Eaton Reservoir’s water temperature is 62° For current Lake Erie conditions call the North East Marina at 814-725-8244.

Mercer County

Lake Wilhelm

It has been a remarkable year for the lake otherwise referred to as the “Dead Sea”. Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and crappies have been caught often and been of great size. There was even a report of a Northern Pike being caught! First one I have heard of in over 6 years! The stocking program is really starting to make a difference.

Venango County

Allegheny River

Floating weeds are causing their seasonal issues by clogging jet intakes. Smallmouth Bass and Walleye continue to be the top catches. Best baits seem to be spinners and tubes.

French Creek

Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Channel Catfish harvests continue to be reported. Baits of choice have been spinners, stick baits, live bait, and artificial(s). Canoeists and kayakers will experience pleasant travel conditions at this level. Canoeists and kayakers are encouraged to use caution as newly formed strainers may be present… ALWAYS scout ahead.

Oil Creek

Anglers are reporting Smallmouth Bass as well as some Walleye in the lower reaches. Canoeists and kayakers will experience pleasant travel conditions at this level throughout much of this waterway.

Kahle Lake

Largemouth Bass have been reported as the top catch.

Justus Lake

Activity has been relatively slow but recent temperature drops and precipitation increases are expected to increase angling activity in the upcoming weeks. Boaters are reminded that only manually-powered, wind powered, and electric motor watercraft are permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED

Northeast Region

Luzerne & Columbia Counties

With extremely low water levels, fishing and boating activity on the Susquehanna River has been almost non-existent. Those brave enough to deal with the shallow water have had minimal success and have been targeting the confluences of tributary’s and deeper holes.

Lily Lake continues to surrender some nice bass and panfish. They are being found in the deeper parts of the lake.

With FEW Reservoir releasing water from the dam for the annual winter drawdown, anglers have had no trouble with water levels, or finding trout and smallmouth bass for that matter. Hot baits seem to have been nightcrawlers and minnows, but fly anglers have been doing fine as well.

While many will no doubt be hanging up the gear in exchange for archery equipment, let’s not forget that Lily Lake and Lake Irena are both scheduled to get fall plantings of trout the first week of October.

Boaters are reminded that they are required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Pike and Wayne Counties

Lake Wallenpaupack fishing has been picking up again. Angers are starting to catch stripers , walleye and brown trout in waters about 20 to 26 feet deep on live bait. Black bass have been hungry as well, with most anglers using live bait to target them. Other areas around the district are still slow, but with the water temps starting to fall it won’t be long until the crappie and perch start to be a big hit again.

There will be a fall stocking for trout on the Lackawaxen River on Wednesday October 7th so don’t put the trout rigs away just yet.

Western Bradford & Sullivan Counties

Following some rain, water levels in the North Branch Susquehanna River are on the rise. Anglers are reporting consistent catch rates using split tail jigs. Dark colors are producing best results now because of the turbid water.

Wyoming County

Right now is a good time to get out and do some fishing. With the recent rains the area waterways are in good shape. Water levels have come up in the Susquehanna River, and fish are in the fall feeding mode. Anglers are still reporting catching fish in area lakes as well. Get out and enjoy the fall weather!

Northcentral Region

Centre County

Spring Creek

The water is back down and is a little off color. A variety of nymphs are working. If you are interested in trying a streamer out, Spring Creek is a great stream to try it on! Target the banks with a streamer and you won’t be disappointed. The streamer pattern working best is the slumpbuster.

Clinton County

Fishing Creek

Water levels are good on Fishing Creek! A variety of nymphs and streamers are working well.

Cameron County

Prior to heavy rains, anglers were catching lots of Smallmouth Bass. The majority of the bass caught measured at or near 18”!

The water levels are beginning to drop at this time. In another 2-3 days, fishing should be great!

Elk County

East Branch Dam

On occasion, anglers report catching Northern Pike! Anglers are also catching a variety of panfish using worms.

Lycoming County

Pine Creek

Fall foliage is at peak this week! Kayaking or canoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy fall colors within the PA Wilds. Learn more about PA Wilds: http://pawilds.com/

Water levels are on their way back down. Anglers are catching trout using tan, articulated streamer patterns, and a variety of nymph patterns.

Southeastern Region

Bucks County

The Delaware River was running high this past weekend due to the extended rain from Thursday into Friday, but the USGS stream gauges show that it is recovering as we reach mid-week. Hopefully conditions will continue to improve as we reach next weekend. As some sportsmen turn their thoughts toward hunting, dedicated anglers have a chance to hook into some large Smallmouth Bass and Walleyes feeding up for the coming winter months.

Montgomery County

With the summer coming to an end and fall upon us, it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Deep Creek Lake in Montgomery County is a great place for kids to enjoy a great day of fishing in the outdoors. Deep Creek Lake, which is stocked seasonally with trout by the PFBC, also sustains a great bass & panfish population to keep the little ones’ attention. This lake is within Green Lane County Park. The park’s main entrance offers plenty of parking, facilities, playgrounds and access to all the hiking and biking trails. Here is a link to the County Park’s website for more information: http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=871

Philadelphia County

Pennypack Creek is being stocked with Rainbow Trout on Wednesday, October 7. Try wax worms, spinners and paste baits. Other fall trout stockings around the region can be viewed here: