Pennsylvania Fishing Report – October 27, 2016

Northwest Region

Erie County

Steelhead tributaries

The recent rains have brought in a fresh run of Steelhead. Anglers will need to adjust their presentations to the clarity of the water. If the water is low and clear, lighter line will be necessary to get a hit. Minnows, egg sacs, and wooly buggers of various colors seem to be getting the most hits. Anglers coming to Erie to fish for Steelhead should check out the Steelhead fishing access maps online to figure out where to go. For more information on Steelhead fishing maps please check out the following website: http://pfbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=30d3c4cdaae74096b565da19cbc061d3

Forest County

Allegheny River

Walleye fishing should be productive as water temperatures become colder. Hunters using motorboats or canoes/kayaks equipped with electric or gas motors, must have all firearms unloaded while the watercraft is underway (under power) and until all forward movement has stopped; once the motor is shut off. Firearms can be loaded in the boat, canoe or kayak while drifting or under manual power (paddling).

Tionesta Lake

Anglers have been productive trolling for Musky. Yellow Perch fishing has been productive around the Lackey Flats area. Hunters using motorboats, or canoes/kayaks equipped with electric or gas motors, must unload all firearms while the watercraft is underway (under power) and until all forward movement has stopped; once the motor is shut off. Hunters also must wear at ALL times a Coast Guard Approved PFD while onboard boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoe and kayaks regardless of length on Tionesta Lake.

Northeasatern Region

Fall trout stockings are in full swing throughout the region but some dates have recently changed. Please check the online stocking schedule for updates and changes to the stocking list, the stocking schedule can be found at the following link: http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx

Fall is a great time to take a break from hunting and other seasonal activities and to try some paddling or fishing. The beautiful leaf colors make for great scenery. It’s also a nice time to observe wildlife or do some fishing. Paddlers should remember to dress appropriately for the chilly or damp weather and wear their life jackets. And all boaters are reminded that that beginning November 1 and lasting through April 30, they are required to wear a life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak.

Northcentral Region

Tioga County

Cowanesque Lake

Muddy rain water, from recent storm events, will move through the lake over the next few days.

Currently, anglers are catching musky, bass and Bluegills. One angler caught a 45” Tiger Musky!

Bass are being caught using crank and swimbaits. Fish near rock piles, woody debris and drop offs.

Hamilton Lake

The lake’s water level is back to normal. Anglers are catching recently stocked trout using worms and paste baits.

Anglers are also catching bass using crankbaits and Crappie using live minnows.

Upper Pine Creek

Pine Creek received lots of rain late last week. The water level is high, but on the way down. The receding water is providing great fishing opportunities.

Anglers are catching Brown Trout using olive or black streamer patterns. A few anglers are catching trout using nymph patterns (e.g. stonefly nymph; beadhead prince; beadhead pheasant tail; beadhead green weenie).

Anglers are also catching trout using spinners.

Check USGS for current water levels –
Pine Creek at Cedar Run, PA – http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01548500
Pine Creek near Waterville, PA – http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01549700

Clinton County

Fishing Creek

Despite significant rainfall late last week, the stream has returned to pre-storm conditions. Currently it is low and clear. The water temperature is in the low to mid 50s.

Anglers are catching a few trout using small nymphs (sizes 12-18) during the day (e.g. green weenie, pheasant tail, prince).

Early morning and late evening is a good time to try a small streamer (sizes 6-10) in the deeper pools.

Centre County

Foster Joseph Sayers Lake

The Bald Eagle Valley received significant rainfall late last week. The rain event caused some of the worst flooding the valley has seen in years.

The lake’s water level is still high and there is lots of woody debris from the recent flooding.

Recent photos of the lake posted by Bald Eagle State Park staff: https://www.facebook.com/Bald-Eagle-State-Park-411145128992959/?fref=ts

Spring Creek

The water level has returned to normal levels. It is a little off color and the temperature is holding in the mid to upper 50s. Anglers are catching trout using nymphs (e.g. green weenie, sow bugs, black zebra midge).

Anglers are also catching trout using small streamers (e.g. size 6-10; olive or black colors).

Southeastern Region

With that autumn chill in the air, many anglers’ thoughts go to other activities, but there are opportunities to go and catch some large Smallmouth Bass in the rivers & creeks. Try deeper water and slower retrieves. Here is a great article from the Commission’s 2014 Sept. Angler & Boater Magazine by contributor Darl Black on fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the Delaware River: http://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/AnglerBoater/AnglerBoater2014/SeptemberOctober/Documents/03delbass.pdf

Bucks County

Lake Luxembourg

Lake Luxembourg in Core Creek County Park is scheduled to be stocked with trout on November 15.

Schuylkill County

Locust Lake

Locust Lake is scheduled to be stocked with trout on December 12.

Eastern Berks and Northern Montgomery Counties

Fall is here and its time to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Deep Creek Lake in Montgomery County is a great place for kids to enjoy a fun day of fishing in the outdoors. The lake is stocked seasonally with Trout, has a great Bass population and plenty of panfish to keep the children’s attention. The park’s main entrance offers plenty of parking, facilities, playgrounds, and access to hiking and biking trails.