Northwest Region
Butler County
Lake Arthur
Really big Largemouth Bass are being caught around the lake on a variety of baits and locations. Now is the time to get a lunker if you’ve wanted one. One pot-bellied bass was checked at 7 pounds! Walleye are hitting on night crawlers off the road bed in front of Crescent Bay. Anglers should focus on the submerged road bed and drift fish it.
Forest County
Tionesta Lake
Anglers have been catching Bluegills and Yellow Perch near the boat access and in the upper no wake area on Tionesta Lake. Worms and a jig seem to result in the most success. Anglers are not however permitted to fish from the courtesy docks.
Salmon Creek
Anglers reported catching trout on Salmon Creek utilizing flies.
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River levels are very low. Boaters should be cautioned of obstructions due to low water levels. Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Allegheny River has been reported to be decent. Tubes, grubs, buzz baits, and the Ned Rig have been producing the most hits. Parents/guardians with children in canoes, kayaks and boats 20 feet or less, are reminded that children 12 and under must at ALL times wear a PFD while underway.
Venango County
Allegheny River
The USGS depth gage in Franklin reflects a current water level of +/- 02’-10”. Daytime and nighttime water temperature fluctuates between 76°and 84° F. Smallmouth Bass catches continue to be reported, as well as the occasional Walleye.
As the boating season continues, and we approach our highest traffic period, please keep the following in mind…
Boaters using PFBC launch ramps (3rd Street in Franklin and Fisherman’s Cove) are reminded of the following regulations:
1. All watercraft are required to have current valid registration and/or launch permit.
2. Property users are not permitted to block or impede public launching and/or retrieving of watercraft from ramps or ramp entrances.
• Move canoes and kayaks out of the main traffic way
• Boat preparation and tie-down shall occur out of the main traffic way
French Creek
Fishing activity remains consistent with a large percentage of the waterway’s kayakers enjoying not only a day afloat but some hefty Smallmouth Bass catches as well. The USGS depth gage in Utica reflects a current water level of +/-01’-07”.
Canoeists and kayakers will experience no less than moderate flow difficulties at this level and some portaging is to be expected. A recent increase in the instances of littering has been reported from Carlton through Utica and law enforcement patrols to the area have been increased.
Oil Creek
Smallmouth Bass continue to be reported from Rynd Farm through the Allegheny confluence. Low flows and increased water temperatures have caused trout to stack in the cooler flows of the incoming tributaries. The USGS depth gage in Rouseville reflects a current water level of +/- 1’-09”. Canoeists and kayakers will experience flow difficulties at this level; portaging is to be expected.
Justus Lake
It has been reported that anglers are catching Tiger Muskellunge, in addition to the season’s common catches of Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
Warren County
Kinzua Reservoir
Anglers are reporting small Walleye or barely measuring in at 15 inches around the Kinzua Dam area.
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River has been pretty low for the month of July and the fishing has been reported as slow. Most the anglers are catching and releasing along the Allegheny River but are not happy about the sizes of the fish to keep them.
Northeastern Region
Northern Columbia and Luzerne Counties
As we head into the last few weeks of boating season now is the time to see how the summer (and we as operators) have been treating our boats and the safety equipment we need for their use. Check to ensure that your boat’s fire extinguisher is still holding a charge. Personal Watercraft are particularly hard on this piece of equipment. After ensuring the unit is charged take a look into the nozzle to make sure it is clear from obstructions; insects love to build nests in this space. If it is blocked, carefully use a straightened paperclip to dislodge the obstruction. PFD’s (especially throwables) have a way of moving from boat to boat. Make sure that you have your throwable aboard and check the number, size and condition of wearables before you head out onto the water to make sure there are no surprises.
Lastly, check your propeller. If you have struck anything through the summer check the condition of the blades and skeg. Also check for signs of water infiltration into the lower unit. A possible sign that you may have a problem here is if there is any fishing line sticking out in the area where the prop meets the lower unit. If you find anything remove the prop and visually inspect the seal on the shaft behind it. If your boat is out of the water on a trailer you can check the condition of the lower unit oil by removing the fill screw on the bottom of the unit (make sure you keep the vent screw at the top in place). This will allow a very small amount of oil to escape into a cup or paper towel you hold beneath it, then immediately replace the fill screw. If the oil is cloudy (like a milkshake) this is an indication that water has gotten into the oil. If you haven’t used your boat in a while and water has gotten into the lower unit it will separate from the oil and will be found upon this type of inspection as the water will settle to the bottom of the lower unit. If this is the case your seals should be inspected more closely and most likely replaced before you change your lower unit oil.
Fishing reports have been mixed. Despite recent rains most waterways are still dreadfully low and water temperatures are high. Fishermen who are catching bass are reporting that they are acting very sluggish (particularly the Smallmouths). Trout fishermen are asked to take it easy on local waterways due to low flows and high water temperatures as even a short fight could result in the death of your prize even if released immediately. Panfish in area lakes and ponds have been found most reliably at depths between 10 and 20 feet and are holding on structure and edges of more extreme depth changes.
Southern Luzerne Southern Columbia Counties
Anglers fishing for crappies have been finding much success at Francis E. Walter Reservoir. Those in the know are catching plenty in the Lehigh River section of the split. Many have also found success with large Brown Trout in the same with small minnows the bait of choice.
Lily Lake had been giving up some nice catches of crappies and Largemouth Bass as well.
Anglers on the Susquehanna River have had a challenge with walleye and Smallmouth Bass due to low water levels and high water temperatures. Some anglers have had luck in the confluences and in the sections of riffles.
There has been little to no trout stream activity in the district, with the exception of the Lehigh River.
Anglers have been catching trout up at the powder hole and devil’s elbow sections.
There will be a Basic Boater Safety Course held at Nescopeck State Park on September 10, 2016. Pre-registration is required, see the website for additional information. Boaters are again reminded; there is ZERO tolerance for operating watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As we enter into August, with the dog days of summer beginning to fade, don’t forget that Lake Irena and Lily Lake are both scheduled to receive fall plantings of trout.
Monroe County
Fishing has been slow across the district the past few weeks and the fish that are being caught have been on the smaller side. Seems like the larger fish our conserving energy due to higher temperatures and lack of rain. Look for cooler nights and rain events to get fish active again.
Bradford County
Susquehanna River anglers in the Bradford County area are reminded that water levels are extremely low and new hazards may be present. Please exercise extra caution when boating on the river.
Bass anglers are reporting a slow catch rate. If you plan to fish on the river make sure to bring crayfish imitations. While the catch has been slow, those doing the catching have been finding success using a crayfish imitation.
Northern Wayne County
The night time is the right time! Due to extremely warm weather daytime fishermen have been sparse. However early mornings and evening fishing has been productive on numerous streams for bass and even trout. Walleye anglers are finding success at Belmont Lake.
Northcentral Region
Elk County
East Branch Clarion River
Anglers are catching trout in the “Delayed Harvest” area. Grasshopper patterns are working great!
Tioga County
Anglers are catching bass using poppers, jigs, crankbaits and various soft plastics on lakes across the County.
30 teams of anglers who participated in the recent “3 day, 3 lakes, Open Bass Tournament” on Cowanesque, Tioga and Hammond Lakes weighed in 323 bass. Total weight of the 323 bass was 581lbs. The largest bass was caught on Cowanesque Lake weighed 5.35 lbs. Many of the bass caught and weighed in were between 2 and 4lbs.
Pine Creek
Water levels are very low and the water temperature has been 74-79 F. Recent rain events have helped with water temperatures, but water levels remain low.
Keep updated on water level and water temperature by visiting: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=01548500
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass throughout the canyon, using small poppers and streamers.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The water levels are up slightly from the recent rain events. 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; tricos)
Centre County
Bald Eagle Creek
Water levels are low, making paddling difficult. Anglers are catching trout in the early morning and late evening hours.
Black Moshannon Lake
The lake is experiencing moderate unpowered boating pressure (e.g. kayaks and canoes).
Anglers are catching bass and pickerel from shore. Vegetation is dense outside the main channel, so weedless rigs are working best.
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
The lake is experiencing moderate boating pressure. All access areas/launch sites are being used.
Anglers are catching catfish near the upper access areas of the lake. Chicken liver and night crawlers are working best.
Anglers are also catching Black Crappie near the causeway using minnows.
Spring Creek
The water level rose, slightly, after the recent rain event. Fishing has been steady. Anglers are catching trout using dry flies that imitate terrestrials (e.g. ants, beetles, hoppers).
Anglers using nymphs (e.g. hot spot sow bug; black zebra midge; walt’s worm; peasant tail) throughout the day are having the most luck.
When the trout are rising, anglers are catching them using dry flies (e.g. tricos; blue wing olives; tan caddis; midges).
The best time to be on the water is early morning and late evenings.
Keep an eye on water levels at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01547100
Southeastern Region
Berks County
Blue Marsh Lake
Some notable catfish are being caught near the Sheidy boat ramp in the evening hours. Anglers are using Chicken livers. Large and Smallmouth Bass are being caught by the Berks Bassmasters during their Tuesday night tournaments.
Kaercher Creek Dam
Anglers are having decent luck catching bass on top-water lures.
Lake Ontelaunee
Catfish fishing has been decent after rains for anglers using chicken and beef livers.
Bucks County
Delaware River
Low flows combined with warm water temperatures have provided the perfect environment for aquatic vegetation growth. Anglers and boaters have commented that it is the most vegetation that they have seen in the river in many years. This will change things up a bit if you fish from the shoreline or in any slow water. Most shallow areas along the shoreline with slow moving water will be full of aquatic vegetation, so plan fishing trips accordingly.
Unless you are very familiar with the river, use caution navigating the shallows in a motorboat. If you are not familiar, stay in the deeper sections that can be navigated easily during the low summer flows. The Upper Black Eddy, Byrum, Bull’s Island and New Hope pools are the best places for beginners.
Lake Towhee
Anglers have mentioned catching some nice bass in this small lake recently. Towhee is part of the Bucks County Park system. Towhee is also enrolled in our Big Bass Program, like nearby Nockamixon Lake. Towhee fills with lily pads and water chestnut around late May. Fish the edges of the weed beds and keep the bass from diving into the weeds after a strike.
http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/bigbass.html
Several anglers checked along the Unami Creek in Montgomery and Bucks County have mentioned catching trout into the early summer months. This stream has plenty of public access and also supports a healthy small-mouth bass population.
Southern Chester County
In spite of the recent warm spell, large trout are still being caught in the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters of the White Clay Creek DHALO. Wooly Buggers and midges seem to be the answer. Presently, you may keep three trout over nine inches; that began on June 15 and continues until one hour after sunset on Labor Day, but most of the anglers in this area catch and release.
Lehigh County
Despite the heat and low water levels, fly anglers are using dry flies to catch trout raising late in the evening on the Little Lehigh. This is occurring in the catch & release fly-only stretch.
East Schuylkill County
Tuscarora Lake is very clear, which has made the bass fishing tough for the past few weeks, but a few are being caught during early morning hours and at dusk in the evenings. Plastic worms and top-water baits have done alright for Largemouth Bass. Live bait has been catching the panfish, crappies, perch, and bluegills recently.
The Little Schuylkill River continues to hold trout in most of the deeper pools. Very little pressure has been seen, but fish are biting if you can avoid scaring them when you approach. The clear water has them finicky, so live bait or small flies will work well.
Some recent rainfalls have helped make the Schuylkill River good for float trips by kayak or canoe. Use caution after the heavy rains that cause faster flows and leave debris in the stream.