Northwest Region
Crawford County
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. Jigs tipped with minnows seem to get the most hits.
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.
Western Erie County
Walnut Creek, Elk Creek, Crooked Creek, Upper Gravel Pit
At the time of this writing the western tributaries are all low and clear. Angler pressure and success is on average for all the Western Erie tributaries. Inspection of angler creels have included Steelhead as well as stocked Brown Trout on lower Elk Creek. Shoreline and boat anglers are having success at the Upper Gravel Pit. Recent patrols have shown positive interactions between landowners and anglers. Recent citations were issued for nursery water violations and fishing license violations. The most common warning issued was for failure to display a fishing license.
Walnut Creek Access Area
Dredging operations are expected to begin in late April of the Walnut Creek Channel at the Walnut Creek Access Area. Major construction on the East and West wall of the channel is scheduled to begin in early May.
Northeastern Region
Carbon County
The arrival of the warm weather on the Regular Opening Day of Trout season brought out many anglers to the Stocked Trout Waters in the district. A number of anglers were observed or reported catching their limit. The streams were flowing at normal levels and gained color which made for better conditions to catch trout. Most trout were caught on paste baits, spinners, live minnow and night crawlers. Although most of the Stocked Trout Waters in the district received medium to heavy pressure on the opening day, anglers were still reporting seeing and catching their limit of trout on Sunday. Anglers fishing the Lehigh River from Lehighton down river to Bowmanstown have reported catching trout during the weekend. A few anglers were also observed catching some nice size crappie in the Lehigh Canal near Weissport and Lock 7 during the weekend.
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.
The in-season trout stockings in the district have begun as of April 18th. On April 21st, the Nesquehoning Creek, Mauch Chunk Creek, and the Lehigh Canal will receive an in-season trout stocking. Persons interested in assisting with the stocking can meet the stocking truck at 12:15 pm along the dirt pull off at the intersection of Stock St. (RT 54) & Park Ave., Nesquehoning
Anglers fishing both Beltzville Lake and Mauch Chunk Lake have reported some good bass action (Catch & Immediate Release Only). Striped Bass action at Beltzville Lake appeared to be good near the Trachsville area of the lake during the evenings. One angler was observed with a 32 inch striped bass.
Boat anglers and boaters are reminded that although the regulatory buoys such as Slow No Wake, Water Ski Zone are not in place at Beltzville Lake, the regulations pertaining to those areas are still in effect and enforced. A map of the lake is posted at each boat launch indicating the regulated areas.
Boaters are reminded to check all the necessary safety equipment on their boats before venturing out onto the water such wearable personal floatation devices ( required for each person, must be of the appropriate size, mandatory wear period is in effect through April 30th. This applies to anyone in a boat less than 16 feet, and canoes and kayaks), throwable flotation device (if required) fire extinguisher (if required), sound producing device and navigation lights. Also, make sure the boat is properly registered (propelled by electric motor, gas). Non-powered watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats using Fish & Boat Commission lakes, access areas including PA State Parks lakes must display either a valid PFBC Launch Permit, or valid boat registration or PA State Parks Launch Permit or Mooring Permit.
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.
Lackawanna County
Many anglers throughout the district had a fantastic opening day of trout season and caught many stocked trout on minnows, paste baits, spinner baits, and worms. Some hot spots have been Roaring Brook, South Branch Tunkhannock, and Lackawanna Lake. This week DeSandis Pond, Roaring Brook (Scranton and Dunmore), Aylesworth Reservoir and Merli-Sarnowski County Park Lake will be stocked. Also, with rising water temperatures anglers have been catching good numbers of crappies but the best has yet to come and we are anticipating the bite to increase as the water temperatures rise. Remember we are still within the cold weather time frame and it is mandatory to wear PFDs (Lifejackets) when operating all canoes, kayaks, and boats under 16 feet. Stay safe and good luck!
Northern Pike And Southern Wayne Counties
Anglers have been enjoying the nice weather here in the northeast. The bass have been biting on Lake Wallenpaupack and Shohola along with crappie and bluegills. Boaters are reminded to the PFD requirements until April 30th. Trout season is in full swing with many anglers having great success.
Western Bradford & Sullivan Counties
This opening weekend was a success in the district. Trout were fairly cooperative with a majority of anglers reporting success with minnows or mealworms. Anglers fishing from boats are reminded of mandatory PFD usage and are encouraged to consult their boating handbook or www.fishandboat.com
Northcentral Region
Elk County
Loleta Park
Due to a washed out area of road, the forest service road that parallels the park has been closed for safety reasons. In cooperation with the Forest Service, the area above the park has been and will continue to be stocked with trout. It might be a year or more until the road is repaired.
Tioga County
Pine Creek
Anglers are catching trout using various artificial lures and live bait. Live baits that are working include waxworms, butterworms and mealworms. Pink and natural salmon eggs are also working well. Popular spinner colors include gold or silver, brown and rainbow trout patterns.
Quill gordons, gray caddis and blue quills are hatching. Anglers saw a few trout rising.
Fly anglers are catching trout using small nymph patterns and streamers. Nymph patterns that are working include: hare’s ear, bead head pheasant tails, copper johns, bead head prince nymphs. Dry fly patterns that are working include: gray caddis, blue quills, hendricksons, blue wing olives, tan caddis. Olive or brown wooly bugger or sculpin streamer patterns are also working near shore or in the current.
Hamilton Lake
Anglers are catching trout using waxworms, mealworms and live minnows. Bluegills are also being caught using pieces of nightcrawler or waxworms. Trolling small spinners, minnows or trout colored stickbaits are working well for anglers fishing from boats.
Hills Creek Lake
Anglers are catching Crappie and Yellow Perch using live minnows. Bass and pickerel are also being caught using spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crawfish and shiner colors are working best.
Hammond & Tioga Lakes
Water temperatures are beginning to increase and the Crappie bite is improving. Anglers are catching Crappie near standing timber and brush piles. Live minnows and small white, chartreuse or watermelon plastics are working best. Anglers are also catching bass and pickerel.
Cowanesque Lake
Anglers are catching bass using jigs and jerkbaits. Dark colored jigs are working best. A few anglers are catching musky using live baitfish near the spillway.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Anglers are catching trout on lower Fishing Creek using minnows, spinners and worms. Fly anglers are catching trout on lower and upper Fishing Creek using nymphs (e.g. bead head hare’s ear, bead head prince nymph, caddis larva and green weenies). Fly anglers are also catching trout using dry fly patterns (e.g. tan caddis, blue wing olive, midges, hendricksons and blue quills on the surface).
Late afternoon into early evening is the best time to be on the water. The water is low and clear, approach your target water with stealth to ensure you are not spooking the trout!
Centre County
Bald Eagle Creek
Anglers are catching trout on minnows, worms and spinners.
Fly anglers are catching trout using nymphs (e.g. bead head hares’ ear, caddis larva, green weenie, bead head prince nymph). Streamers are also working along the banks and deeper runs. A few caddis are also hatching. Trout are rising to the caddis hatch, late afternoon into early evening.
Black Moshannon Lake
Anglers are catching bass, pickerel and Yellow Perch using a variety of lures and live baits.
A few kayakers and canoers have been taking advantage of the warm weather and paddling around the lake.
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
Anglers are catching Black and White Crappie near the causeway. The bait of choice is twister tails and minnows. Anglers are also catching Bluegill.
Penns Creek
The grannoms are hatching and the trout are eating!
Anglers are catching trout using dry flies (e.g. grannoms, CDC tan caddis, Hendrickson and blue wing olive). Anglers are also catching trout using nymphs (e.g. bead head hare’s ear, bead head prince nymph, Kaufman Stonefly or caddis larva).
Spring Creek
Grannoms are hatching on lower Spring Creek and the anglers are having a blast catching rising trout!
Anglers are catching trout throughout Spring Creek using nymphs (e.g. cress bugs, olive scuds, midges and small mayfly nymphs). Anglers are also catching trout using dry flies (e.g. blue wing olive, tan caddisand midge).
Southeastern Region
Chester County
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will offer two Basic Boating Courses at Hibernia Mansion at Hibernia County Park at 1 Park Road in Coatesville, Saturday May 21 from 9AM to 5PM, or a two night evening course during the week on Wednesday June 22nd and Thursday June 23rd with Officers Bonney & Benevento from 4 to 8PM. This course is required for anyone who desires to operate a PWC, personal watercraft. It is also required for anyone who was born after January 1st 1982, to operate a boat greater than 25 hp. Information to register is available on the web at http://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/All_Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DAY=ALL
The White Clay Creek, East Branch Section 3, from the White Clay Creek Preserve Boundary to the mouth has been stocked with trout. The stocking locations for the White Clay East Branch Section 3, were Penn Green Road at the top of the Preserve Boundary at 39-46’24.2″ North and 75-46’11.1″ West, London Tract Road at 39-46’07.6″ North and 75-45’54.2″ West, and Yeatmans Station Road at 39-45’54.2″ North and 75-45’45.8″ West. Thanks to Forest for coordinating the stocking.
The White Clay Creek, East Branch Section 2, from SR357 (Wood View Road) to the White Clay Creek Preserve Boundary has been stocked with trout. The stocking locations for the White Clay East Branch Section 2, were Wood View Road Bridge at 39-50’26.4″ North and 75-47’11.5″ West, Glen Willow Orchard at 39-50’07.1″ North and 75-47’21.2″ West, Indian Run Road at Miller Drive at 39-49’05.8″ North and 75-46’57.7″ Indian Run Road at bend at 39-48’58.0″ North and 75-46’59.7″ West, Garden Station Bridge and Clay Creek Road at 39-48’09.2 North and 75-47’01.6 West, North Clay Creek Bridge and Church Hill Road at 39-47’51.2″ North and 75-46’56.9″ West, Auburn Road Bridge at 39-47’28.1″ North and 75-46’15.4″ West, Laurel Woods Road Bridge on Penn Green Road at 39-47’02.7″ North and 75-46’29.4″ West, Landenberg United Methodist Church Parking Lot at 39-46’42.0″ North and 75-46’18.9″ West, Thanks to Forest C. for coordinating the stocking, and Scott M. for running the floats.
The Buck Run Section 2 has been stocked. This will be the last in season stocking of the year. The stocking points are Old Mill Road at 39-58’38.5″ North and 75-54’09.9″, just downstream of business 30 at 39-58’51.3″ North and 75-54’33.4″ West, Octoraro Drive at 39-59’08.2″ North and 75-54’37.0″ West, on Quarry Road Bridge we utilized a float at 39-58’11.9″ North and 75-53’37.9″ West, Greenbelt Road Bridge at 39-57’58.7″ North and 75-53’34,7″ West and just upstream of West Bert Reel Park we also used a float at 39-57’49.4″ North and 75-53’20.2″ West.
The White Clay Creek Middle Branch Section 3 Delayed Harvest Area, the Pocopson Creek Section 2, and the White Clay Creek Section 1 will be stocked with trout on April 25. We will meet the big white stocking truck in the long lane across from the Sadsburyville Post Office at 11:30AM. Come on out to give a little something back, or to take a youngster on an adventure that they will remember for a lifetime.
Lancaster County
In-Season Stocking: On Wednesday, April 13, Conowingo Creek and Fishing Creek received an in-season plant of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
Significant sections of the Conowingo Creek were float stocked as per below:
Float-Stocked Sections of Stocked Trout Waters
| Water | Section |
| Conowingo Creek | Downstream From Swift Road/Pilgrims Pathway Bridge
Downstream From The Goshen Mill Rd. Bridge Downstream 2108 Robert Fulton Hwy. To Bridge |
Goat Hill Road Bridge: This section of the Conowingo Creek was not float-stocked due to lack of volunteer float stockers.
Anglers should be increasingly aware and demonstrate an appreciation that the county’s Stocked Trout Waters are done by a dedicated core group of individuals and the high school stocking teams that have been coordinated. Anglers are encouraged to take an active role in assisting with the 3 stocking events remaining this season of Hammer Creek, Indian Run, Little Cocalico Creek, Little Muddy Creek and Middle Creek.
Anglers are advised to be careful where they are parking on the premises of Flahart Transport at 752 Nottingham Road, Peach Bottom and be mindful that the premises is an active trucking business. Parking is acceptable along the lawn border; do not park in the truck yard. As always respect the lands and the landowner!
Trout stocking in Southern Lancaster County [South of Rt. 30] ended in the week of April 17 and four in-season stockings of Northern Lancaster County [North of Rt. 30] trout waters.
On Tuesday, April 19, the Conoy, Little Chiques and Little Conestoga creeks received their in-season stockings of Rainbow and Brown Trout.
On Thursday, April 21, the West Branch Octoraro Creek – Section #2 [ T-696 Bridge @ Mount Pleasant Road to 27 meters downstream of SR 472], West Branch Octoraro Creek – Section #4 [and the West Branch Little Conestoga Creek, received an in-season plant of Rainbow and Brown Trout.
West Branch Octoraro Creek – With its headwaters located at the confluence of Meeting House Creek and Nickel Mine Creek [at 149 Lamparter Road, Bart Twp.], the West Branch Octoraro Creek flows for an approximate 13 miles before entering the Chester Water Authority’s Octoraro Reservoir approximately 550 yards above the Spruce Grove Road bridge at the Municipal Boundary between Colerain and Little Britain Township. The West Branch Octoraro Creek, Section 2 is an approximate 5 mile stretch of the creek.
On Thursday, April 14, Hammer Creek and Little Cocalico Creek received an in-season plant of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Hammer Creek[1] is a 19.2-mile-long (30.9 km)] tributary of Cocalico Creek.
Significant sections of the Little Chiques Creek, Little Conestoga, West Branch Octoraro Creek, West Branch Little Conestoga Creek, and Hammer Creek were float stocked as per below:
Float Stocked Sections of Stocked Trout Waters
| Stocked Trout Water | Section |
| Little Chiques Creek [4/19] | Downstream From Mt. Pleasant Rd. Bridge
Downstream From Dam At Cove Outlook Park |
| Little Conestoga Creek [4/19] | Downstream From Ppl/Sr. 72 Bridge |
|
W. Br.Octoraro Creek –Section #2 Section #4 |
Downstream From Mt. Pleasant Road – Covered Bridge
Downstream From Fairview Rd. Downstream From Pa American – Pumping Station Downstream From 700 Wesley Rd. |
| W. Br. Little Conestoga [4/21] | Downstream From Central Manor Rd. Bridge
Downstream From Former Wright’s Furniture |
| Hammer Creek
[4-14] |
Downstream From Michter’s Road Bridge
Downstream From Snavely Mill Downstream From Carpenter Road Bridge Downstream From Pine Hill Road |
| Pequea Creek | Downstream From The Mt. Vernon Rd. Bridge
Downstream From 5762 Buena Vista Rd. |
Anglers are advised that several traditional stocking points have been eliminated. Specifically, in consideration of safety concerns and high-density traffic, the PFBC stocking truck is not stopping at Flory Mill on the Little Conestoga Creek. Similarly, the stop on Snavely Mill Road at the crest of the hill [across from 45] on Section 4 of the Hammer Creek has been eliminated. Float-stocking from upstream will result in the distribution of trout into these stream areas.
Angler Advisory: West Branch Octoraro Creek – Run-of-the-River Dam: Anglers who may wade in this area are cautioned to stay clear of the exclusionary zone as is indicated on the posted safety signage. Anglers observed to be wade fishing within the defined exclusionary zone are subject to being cited. As for those who work the stream banks, be aware that consistent with PFBC policy, fish were not stocked within 200 yards of the dam.
Posted Property: The West Branch Octoraro Creek – The property at 95 Hollow Road, Quarryville; Bart Township, has been posted and will not be stocked.