Northwest Region
Crawford County
Conneaut Lake
Anglers are reporting catching nice-sized Bluegill in deeper water throughout the lake. Anglers are still targeting Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass throughout the edges of the weed beds in the Northern part of the lake. Boating activity is winding down but with this weekend’s warmer temperatures there should be a lot of boats on the water.
French Creek
Anglers are reporting catching Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and an occasional Northern Pike throughout most of French Creek. Tubes and grubs seem to be good Smallmouth Bass bait this time of the year. Walleyes are being caught on stick baits and grubs through the faster sections of the creek. This weekend should be a great weekend to float French Creek.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are reporting a lot of grass floating on or near the water’s surface which is making it difficult for jet boats to operate. Boaters are constantly cleaning the jet drive to free it from the floating grasses. Anglers are doing well fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Walleye in certain spots within the county. Tubes, grubs, and stick baits that are able to run weed less are catching the most fish.
Northeastern Region
Monroe County
The paddleboard has now taken over as the most used unpowered watercraft to hit the private community lake water this season. A paddleboard is a watercraft for one person and a life jacket is required to be on board, preferably worn, but at least on board. When using a paddleboard, before usage starts for the day, insert a life jacket under the bungee that is usually located on the front of the board. That way there is always a life jacket on board.
Susquehanna County
Rob Wnuk, Area Fisheries Manager, is shown here with a 43″ musky that was caught during a catfish study. This picture was taken on the Susquehanna River in Susquehanna County upstream of Susquehanna the town.
Northcentral Region
Tioga County
Recent rain events have slightly increased water flow in streams across the region.
Pine Creek
The water level is up a slightly; however, water temperatures are still high. Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass. Baits of choice are rebel crayfish, mister twisters, 4” senkos and small stickbaits. Live shiners and hellgrammites are also working.
Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes
Anglers are catching bass using jigs, topwaters and various plastics. Most of the bass are being caught in or near shallow water. Popping frogs and rapala skitter vs are working well.
In deep water, anglers are catching bass using crankbaits, green pumpkin, watermelon, perch and goby patterns are working well.
Evenings seem to be fishing best.
Tioga Lake and spillway
Anglers are catching catfish using livers, live shiners and nightcrawlers.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The water level is low and clear, but is holding a temperature of 60F. Anglers are catching trout in the early morning hours and late evening hours using nymphs (e.g. dark stone flies; bead head prince; bead head pheasant tail).
When the trout are rising, anglers are catching them using dry flies (e.g. tan caddis; blue wing olives; midges)
Rain is predicted over the next few days. If water levels begin to rise, try a streamer or spinner near banks, logs and large boulders.
West Branch Susquehanna River
Anglers are catching bass using poppers and crankbaits. Yellow or white poppers are still working best.
Centre County
Spring Creek
The water level is just below normal for this time of year. Anglers are catching trout using terrestrials (e.g. beetles, ants, grasshoppers, adult midge patterns).
Most anglers are catching trout using nymphs (e.g. walts worm; black zebra midge; hot spot sow bug)
The best time to be on the water is early morning and late evenings.
Keep an eye on water levels by clicking here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01547100
Penns Creek
Anglers, fishing lower Penns Creek, are catching Smallmouth Bass using poppers and/or crankbaits.
REMINDER: Certain sections of Penns Creek are temporarily CLOSED TO FISHING. CLICK HERE to learn more about the locations: http://www.fishandboat.com/news/2016pr/penns-creek-sections-closed.html
Southeastern Region
Bucks County
Try the Delaware River for Smallmouth Bass with soft grub plastics on jig heads. The river is full of aquatic vegetation, so you might have to throw weedless lures. Striped Bass can be caught around the Wing Dam section of the river on live eels.
Get out early in the morning, or late in the evening. It will help you avoid the heat, but also the traffic from recreational boaters, especially on the weekends.
Anglers have been picking up Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass and other sunnies in the Neshaminy Creek around the Tyler State Park stretch. Try minnows, twister tails and spinners. The creek and surrounding creeks are all very low from the lack of rain. The creek is popular for kayaks & canoes. There is a boat concessionaire on the property that can rent these paddlecraft. More information is available here: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/tyler/index.htm