Northwest Region
Venango County
Allegheny River
The USGS depth gage in Franklin reflects a current water level of +/- 06’-00”, which is down slightly since last report. Water temperature reflects 49 degrees Fahrenheit during the day; and 43-45 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Smallmouth Bass and Walleye anglers continue to try their luck. Many bass anglers have reported good hook-ups; however, they also say that the best of the fall action has yet to be experienced.
French Creek
Fishing activity has slowed; occasional anglers have been trying their luck, both, above and below the cottage community of Takitezy. The USGS depth gage in Utica reflects a current water level of +/-03’-09”, up slightly since last report.
Canoeists and kayakers will experience pleasant, but swift, 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
Fishing activity has slowed down; occasional anglers can still be found within the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area(s) surrounding Oil Creek State Park and Drake Well Museum.
The USGS depth gage in Rouseville reflects a current water level of +/- 2’-10”, up slightly since last report.
East Sandy Creek, Mill Creek (Rockland Township), and Pithole Creek
These streams are currently receiving runs of Brown Trout, in their lower reaches, which are making their way upstream from the Allegheny River.
Justus Lake
Justus Lake received a fresh stocking of trout on Tuesday, November 3rd. Trout are beginning to stack within the tail reaches of Two mile Run as it enters the northern end of the lake.
Boaters are reminded that only manually-powered, wind powered, and electric motor watercrafts are permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED.
NAVIGATION HAZARD
Watercraft operators should be aware that the ice control device spanning the Allegheny River, upstream of the State Street (Veteran’s) Bridge, in the City of Oil City, in now in place. Boaters are urged to use caution when operating in this area. A navigation channel/slot exists for the use of recreational watercraft traffic; it is located just to river left of center (southern shore).
Northeast Region
Safety and Regulations for all Anglers and Boaters
All anglers across the state need to be aware that bear and then deer rifle season are starting over the next week and run until Saturday, December 12th. Make sure to wear fluorescent orange while fishing, a hat and vest will do the trick, to make sure hunters can clearly see you. Fluorescent orange is not required on Sundays since hunting is closed on that day. Good luck and be safe!
Boaters are required, by law, to wear life jackets on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak during the cold weather months from November 1 through April 30. This requirement is intended to protect boaters from the dangers of cold water shock if they fall into the water.
Northern Susquehanna & Eastern Bradford Counties
The unseasonably warm temperatures have provided some great fishing and boating on the Susquehanna River in Bradford County. Several anglers were successful catching walleyes with perch pattern crank baits.
Northern Pike and Southern Wayne Counties
Anglers are still having good luck catching stripers on Lake Wallenpaupack using large shiners. Other ponds and lakes in the area have been good for blue gills and pickerel.
As the water is turning colder along with the weather, please be reminded that you must wear your PFD’s on boats less than 16 feet and on all canoes and kayaks until April 30th. Be safe out there. The most important time of the day, other than those times spent relaxing while fishing, is when you get to come home to your family.
Trout Streams across the Region
Streams that received fall stockings are still full of trout and just need anglers to enjoy the great fishing. The last rains brought up area streams nicely and they are fishing well. The trout are being found in the deeper pools in the streams and with the cooler temperatures are hitting dead drifted bait and lures better than those being actively retrieved. A saying for late fall and winter fishing that should never be forgotten is ‘low and slow,’ remember to get your lure deep and imitate the slow natural drift of the current and you can find trout more than willing to bite and make a great day out on the water.
To find the complete list of stocked streams please visit: http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx
Northcentral Region
Habitat maps of PA lakes: Use these maps to locate great spots to catch fish!
Want to fish a “new” lake this winter, but not sure where to find the fish? PFBC has made it easy for you! PFBC’s Habitat Management section has designed and placed habitat structures in over 80 PA lakes. This page provides habitat structure maps complete with waypoints for each habitat structure! These structures not only enhance fish habitat, but also increase fishing success.
Seeing Under the Ice
Need Christmas gift ideas for the ice angler in your home? In addition to a fishing license, you might want to consider a few of the gadgets shared in this PA Angler and Boater article for your ice angler!
McKean County
At this time there is no ice in the county yet; but it looks like it might be just around the corner! Up through last week, anglers were still catching stocked trout.
Marilla Reservoir
Winter stocking of trout will occur on December 9, 2015. Help us stock the trout. Keep updated on the meeting place and time here: hhttp://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Walleye using a variety of baits.
Centre County
Bald Eagle Creek
Anglers are catching trout using caddis larvae patterns (e.g. green weenies, catnips, olive bird of prey). Olive and black streamer patterns are also working well.
Best time of day seems to be noon to dusk. With the cold nights, let the water warm up a bit before venturing out.
Spring Creek
The streamer bite is on! Olive or black streamer patterns (e.g. slumpbusters) are working well.
Zebra midge patterns, walt’s worm patterns, olive scuds and beadhead pheasant tails patterns are also working well.
Updated water flows and temperatures can be found here: Upper Spring Creek at Houserville, PA
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Anglers are catching trout using streamers. Olive streamer patterns are working well.
Other flies that are working include caddis larvae; olive bird of prey and beadhead pheasant tails.
Southeastern Region
Northampton County/Bucks County
Delaware River
Catch rates have been slowing down for Smallmouth Bass on the river, but anglers are getting into larger bass, and more Walleyes are taking the bass baits. Large shiners will also entice the Walleyes to bite. Catfish continue to bite in the lower river. Try smelly baits like shrimp.
Berks County/N. Montgomery County
It was a nice fall day in Berks County Wednesday the 18 of November for the winter stocking of Lake Antietam. The weather was great, the fish looked great, and the water was perfect. Deep Creek Lake in Montgomery County was also stocked from the same truck. The trout came from Huntsdale Hatchery and couldn’t have looked better, so grab your rods and get there and enjoy some wonderful fall trout fishing. Keep in mind we are in the extended trout season with the daily creel limit of 3 fish.
Lehigh County
Little Lehigh
Fall-stocked trout have been active recently. Try egg patterns and streamers.
Montgomery County
Green Lane Reservoir
Crappies were taking fathead minnows off Knight Road Bridge area earlier this month.