Northwest Region
Crawford County
Woodcock Lake
The lake has been filled to almost summer pool. Kayaks and canoes will be able to launch without much trouble. Smaller motorboats should find it easy to launch as well. Once the water warms up, the Muskellunge and Walleye should start to hit.
Canadohta Lake
The lake is still drawn down at winter level.
Conneaut Lake
Crappies are biting at the north end and in the channel. Northern Pike and Muskellunge should become more active as the water warms. Spinnerbaits and jerk baits around weed lines should entice a strike.
Pymatuning Reservoir
Walleyes are in at the spillway and near the causeway. With warming water temperatures the crappies should start to spawn and become easier to catch.
Public Meeting on Pymatuning Crappie
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday April 19, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Conneaut Area Senior High School in Linesville, PA. The PFBC has proposed implementing Panfish Enhancement harvest regulations on Black and White Crappie in Pymatuning Reservoir and wants to hear anglers’ opinions on the proposed change. Currently, there are no restrictions on the harvest of Crappies in Pymatuning Reservoir. We are proposing a 9 inch minimum size limit and 20 Crappies per day creel limit. This would apply to Crappies only.
Eastern Erie County
Lake Pleasant, Lake Leboeuf and Eaton Reservoir
These impoundments are open and the panfish are biting.
Mile Streams
The mile streams are low and clear.
Lake Erie
Anglers are reporting good numbers of Smallmouth Bass being caught in Presque Isle Bay and around the Hammermill stacks. Yellow Perch are being caught on the south pier and around the bay. This should be a good weekend for Lake Trout off of the North East Marina.
North East Marina
PFBC Maintenance crews are installing the docks and the public dock at the launch area. Crews will be moving sand and dredging for the next 2 weeks. The North East Marina officially opens.
Shade Beach Safe Harbor Marina
Dredging and dock installation should be completed at the Shade Beach Safe Harbor Marina within the next two- three weeks.
Note: It is Illegal to Transport VHS susceptible fish out of the Lake Erie Watershed (south of I90) This includes “Emerald Shiners”
Mercer County
Shenango Reservoir
The water levels are almost back to normal. Anglers are reporting panfish are starting to be caught around the lake. If it is your first time venturing out this year, make sure you pick up a license before you fish. Cold water mandatory Personal Flotation Device wear remains in effect until April 30. Remember your first step in an emergency is to call 9-1-1.
Shenango River
Walleye are now out of season but the river is still open to fishing. Trout will be stocked and are able to be caught but they are illegal to harvest until the first day of trout season which is April 16th this year. This area is designated as a year round trout fishery so a current trout/salmon stamp is required to fish the area from the outflow to the Walnut Street Bridge regardless of species of fish that you are targeting or harvesting.
Neahannock Creek
New for this year, the area of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section of the Neshannock Creek in Volant is going to be classified as a Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. This is the only stream with this designation in the Northwest and it is only one of six in the entire state. Trout two to three years old and measuring 14-20 inches will be stocked in this water which is open to fishing year round.
Lake Wilhelm
Anglers are reporting catching crappies and Bluegill at the Sheakleyville Road Bridge.
Venango County
2016 Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
Despite near blizzard conditions, dropping 3+” of fresh snow, several youth and their accompanying mentors were out and about for the Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on April 9th, 2016.
2016 Statewide Trout Opener and Kids:
Here are five (5) kid friendly spots on a handful of Venango County’s Stocked Trout Waters…
(1) Justus Lake; Twomile Run County Park—within Oakland Township & Sugarcreek Borough
(2) Oil Creek; Oil Creek State Park to Drake Well along the Petroleum Center bike trail—within Cornplanter, Cherrytree & Oil Creek Township(s).
(3) East Sandy Creek; SR 322 through Cranberry-Rockland Road (Rails to Trails Bike Path)—in Rockland Twp.
(4) Sandy Creek; Seneca Hills Bible Camp (Old SR 8 @ Pecan)—in Victory Township.
(5) Sugar Creek; SR 427 Bridge through baseball field(s)—in Cooperstown Borough.
Allegheny River
The USGS depth gage in Franklin reflects a current water level of +/- 05’-06”, down 3’-0” since last report. Water temperature is hovering between 38-40°F and remaining almost steady since last report.
Oil Creek
The upper and lower Delayed Harvests were stocked on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016. Both areas are open to fishing under applicable regulations.
Justus Lake (Two Mile Run Reservoir)
This lake is regulated under Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing. Justus Lake remains open to fishing during that period from March 1st through 8:00 A.M. on the opening day of trout season; however, NO TROUT MAY BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED DURING THIS PERIOD.
Northeastern Region
Carbon County
On April 16th at 8 am, the Regular Opening Day for Trout will begin on the Stocked Trout Waters in the district. Due to some recent rain events, most streams are now flowing at normal levels and gained some color, which is great news for anglers. Anglers are reminded that most stocking & fishing access areas along the Stocked Trout Waters in the District have occurred as a result of the landowner agreeing to allow access. Anglers are encouraged to respect the rights of the landowner and refrain from starting open fires, littering, blocking gates or access to the landowner’s property.
Although the April 2nd was the Regional Opening Day for Trout on the Lizard Creek and Mahoning Creek a number of anglers are still seeing and catching trout. Most fish are being caught on spinners, live minnow and paste baits.
On April 18th, the Aquashicola Creek, Buckwa Creek (Monroe County) and the Princess Creek (Monroe County) will receive an in-season trout stocking. Persons interested in assisting with the stocking should meet the stocking truck at the Aquashicola Post Office at 12:00 pm. On April 19th, the Lizard Creek will receive an in-season trout stocking. Persons interested in assisting with this stocking should meet the stocking truck at the rear of the Andreas Post Office at 11:30 pm.
A Basic Boating Education Course is being offered at Beltzville State Park on April 25th, and April 27th, from 6pm – 10pm each night. There is no charge for the course, but all participants must pre-register, and attend both sessions. Persons interested in attending the course should contact the Park Office at 610-377-0045 to pre-register.
Northern Luzerne & Southern Columbia Counties
Recent rains have brought levels up and provided much needed water to the aquifers. Water levels and conditions should be close to perfect for fishing on area streams for Opening Day of trout this Saturday April 16th. Water temperatures, they have been in the 38 – 42 degree range over the past week in waters throughout the district. Stonefly hatches have been expectedly prolific during most of the stockings and quite recently caddis have been seen hatching on Fishing Creek.
Good luck this year and hope you all stay safe! Remember to pick up all your trash before you leave and to pick up after those less considerate. A little courtesy goes a long way to keeping waters open to fishing! Remember, it’s all about the kids; they are the future of our sport.
Before you take that boat out check the following:
-Is your registration current (remember that your registration expires April 1st of the year displayed on your validation sticker)
-What is the condition of your PFD’s and extinguishers?
-Don’t forget, on boats less than 16′ and on all canoes and kayaks EVERYONE must wear a properly sized and serviceable PFD at all times on the water until May 1st!
-Is the plug in? Don’t be that guy.
Lackawanna County
It appears that old man winter is still among us and anglers out for the Mentored Youth Fishing Day experienced snow, wind, and high flow conditions making the fishing difficult and the catches of many anglers were not as expected due to the winter like conditions. Anglers who did have some luck caught fish using paste bait, salmon eggs, and spinners.
The week of April 11th, the Fish and Boat Commission will be stocking Aylesworth Reservoir and Merli Sarnowski Park Lake in preparation for the opening day of trout season. Details of the stocking can be found on the Fish and Boat Commission website at http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx or the Fish and Boat Commission App.
It appears that stream and weather conditions are going to cooperate for the many anglers that are anticipating the 8:00 am start on Saturday for the Opening Day of Trout Season. Good luck!
Southern Wayne and Pike Counties
Fluctuations in water levels and temperatures have created less than desirable fishing conditions in the region.
Northcentral Region
REMINDER: Statewide Trout Fishing Season Opener is THIS Saturday, April 16, 2016!!
CHECK HERE to see stocked waterways near you: http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx
Tioga County
Despite cold temperatures and snow, anglers who participated in the recent Mentored Youth Trout Day still caught trout. Pink and natural salmon eggs, doughbaits, wax worms and butterworms seemed to be working best. Most of the anglers were at Beechwood Lake, Asaph Run, Pine Creek, Cowanesque River and Hamilton Lakes.
Cowanesque Lake
Cold weather, over the weekend, slowed down fishing success; however, anglers still caught Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass at Cowanesque Lake. One angler reeled in a 5.5lb Largemouth Bass!
REMINDER: Bass season ends on April 15th. From April 16-June 17 bass that are caught, must be immediately released. For more information- http://fishinpa.com/
Hills Creek Lake
Anglers are catching bass using jerkbaits and spinnerbaits.
McKean County
Despite the cold, snowy weather, volunteers, PFBC hatchery staff and WCOs stocked a total of five streams over the weekend in McKean County. Thank you to all of the volunteers who showed up to help stock in the SNOW!!
Centre County
Bald Eagle Creek
Anglers are catching trout using mini X-raps, spinners and minnows.
Penns Creek
Anglers are catching trout using tan caddis (16-18), Hendrickson (14-16) and blue wing olive (18-22) dry flies. Anglers are also catching trout using nymphs (e.g. small dark mayflies, stonefly or caddis pupa).
Spring Creek
Anglers are catching trout using cress bugs, olive scuds, midges and small mayfly nymphs. Anglers are also catching trout using blue wing olive (18-22), tan caddis(12-14) and midge (22-26) dry flies.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Anglers are catching trout using caddis larvae, bead head pheasant tail and blue wing olive nymph patterns. A few anglers are catching trout using dry fly patterns (e.g. grannom caddis, midge and blue wing olives).
Southeastern Region
Eastern Schuylkill County
Locust Lake was good for trout fishing on the regional opening day of trout season. Anglers were catching trout from shore on minnows and wax worms. The fish were biting tentatively in the last few days; probably due to colder temperatures. The lake is due to be stocked again on April 23 with Brook Trout and Brown Trout.
The Little Schuylkill River has seen angling pressure throughout the stocked areas. Trout are still being caught on all the common baits. Gold spinners and chartreuse colored lures have worked well. The Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area has seen quite a bit of pressure and has proven to be tougher as the season progresses. As hatches of insects start, expect fly fishing to increase through this section.
The Schuylkill River is at a low to moderate water level for canoes and kayaks to travel from Auburn to Port Clinton. A few have floated this section already. Make sure you dress appropriately and wear your life jacket. The mandatory life jacket wear regulation extends to April 30.
Chester County
The West Branch of the Brandywine Creek, Section 3 was stocked 4/6/16. There are a lot of fish in that stream and not a lot of fishing pressure. The stocking points where the Hatfield Road Bridge at 40-00’54.4″ North and 75-50’38.3″ West , Rim Trail RR Bed Stop #1 at 40-01’02.3″ North and 75-50’42.3″ West, Rim Trail RR Bed Stop #2 at 40-01’13.4″ North and 75-50’49.3″ West, RIM TRAIL BRIDGE at 40-01’18.6″ North and 75-50’50.5″ West, below the Wagontown Road Bridge at 40-01’19.0″ North and 75-50’50.5″ West, above Wagontown Road Bridge at 40-01’19.8″ North and 75-50’51.6″ West, park side RR bed trail (gators used to stock) at 40-01’19.7″ North and 75-50’50.4″ West, The Wall at 40-01’32.0″ North and 75-50’39.5″ West, the old dam and picnic area above old dam (fish stocked both directions on gators) at 40-01’41.2″ North and 75-50’17.9″ West, and downstream of the Cedar Knoll Bridge. Thanks to everyone that took the time to come out to help and to Forest Campbell for coordinating the stocking.
The Beaver Creek Section 2, from SR 30 to the mouth has been stocked with trout on 4/6/16. The stocking locations for the Beaver Creek Section 2, are behind the Animal Clinic of Thorndale at 40-00’20.9″ North and 75-44’43.9″ West, King Street and West Pennsylvania Avenue at 40-00’40.1″ North and 75-43’32.4″ West, The Lloyd Avenue Bridge at 40-00’12.1″ North and 75-43’28.8″ West, G O Carlson Blvd. at 40-00’12.3″ North and 75-44’15.1″ West, Lloyd Avenue Park at 40-00’17.6 North and 75-43’25.5 West, Saint Joseph Field at Aston Avenue and Mary Street at 40-00’18.4″ North and 75-43’25.5″ West.
The East Branch Octoraro Creek, Section 2 was stocked4/6/16. It only gets stocked in season to prevent issues with campers the night before opening day. A little off the beaten path between Chester and Lancaster County, it does not have canopy cover, so it is a great place to fly-fish and does have some very nice wide, slow moving water, open areas and deep holes so it is a good spot to take a child with limited ability or to teach a person to fish. It is a little hard sometimes to feel a bite or to get your bait to stay down on a fast water trout stream. To get to the East Branch Octoraro Creek, get on Route 41 just above Cochranville, turn on to Center Hall Road. Follow Center Hall Road to Fording Road and turn right on Fording Road. Follow Fording Road to the bridge at the bottom of the stocked section. Go North on Bryson Road from this point and the stream will be on the left. The upstream limit of the stocked section is Steelville Road. The stocking points are the Steelville & Schoff Road Bridge at 39-54’17.8″ North and 75-59’42.8″ West, Bryson Road Stop #1 at 39-53’46.6″ North and 75-59’20.2″ West, Bryson Road Stop #2 at 39-53’39.8″ North and 75-59’13.4″ West, Ross Fording Road Bridge at 39-52’57.3″ North and 75-59’29.7″ West. Thanks to Forest C. for coordinating the stocking and John for all the great help. Good Luck.