Northwest Region
Reminder To All Anglers & Boaters
November 1st was the start of the mandatory wear period for life jackets on all boats under 16 feet in length and in all canoes and kayaks. If you use an inflatable-type PFD, keep in mind that inflatable life jackets are not capable of working when the temperature is below 40°; so don’t put your life at risk!
Forest County
Allegheny River
Walleye fishing in the Tionesta Pool of the Allegheny River has been productive from boats and the shoreline. Anglers are catching Northern Pike and Muskellunge. The Sand and Gravel Launch is snow covered and might present a problem launching or retrieving a boat.
Tionesta Lake
Anglers have been successful this time of year trolling for Muskellunge. Also, Tionesta Lake can provide some excellent hunting opportunities that are easily accessible by boat. Remember that all persons on board any canoe, kayak, or boats less than 16 feet in length must wear a life jacket at ALL times. All firearms must be unloaded while the (motor) boat is underway and all forward movement has ceased.
Lawrence County
Cascade Quarry
Anglers are catching a lot of trout using white trout magnets in Cascade Quarry.
Neshannock Creek
On the delayed harvest section of Neshannock Creek, fly fishing anglers are having trouble catching fish; but anglers using spinning rods are catching trout using silver spoons.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching several Smallmouth Bass, but they are sporadic. Additionally, anglers are catching Walleye and the occasional Northern Pike.
French Creek
Anglers are catching Walleye in the 20”+ range near Franklin.
Oil Creek
Fishing activity has been minimal; however, the lower Delayed Harvest (Petroleum Center Bridge downstream to the Columbia Farm railroad bridge) has received increased pressure. Trout were stocked in early October.
Justus Lake
Justus Lake received a fresh stocking of Rainbow Trout on Wednesday, November 9th. Boaters are reminded that only manually-powered, wind powered, and electric motor watercraft are permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED.
East Sandy Creek, Mill Creek (Rockland Township), and Pithole Creek
At this time of year, each of these streams, and predominantly in their lower reaches, receives runs of Brown Trout, which make their way upstream from the Allegheny River.
TIP: Wait for stained, but receding, water conditions; use red worms, and just a bit of split shot.
Northeasatern Region
All anglers across the state need to be aware that deer rifle season has started and runs until Saturday, December 10th. If you are using Pennsylvania State Game Lands you are required to wear fluorescent orange, even if you are not hunting, until December 15th. While non-hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange besides SGLs, wearing fluorescent orange while fishing is recommended during hunting season. A hat and vest will do the trick, to make sure hunters can clearly see you. Good luck and be safe!
Remember! From November 1st through April 30th there is mandatory wear for life jackets from on boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks. Wearing your life jacket is the best way to prevent a boating fatality and we recommend you wear one all year, not just during the mandatory wear period.
Recent rains throughout the region have recharged the local streams and the mild temperatures have produced great fishing weather. Make sure to get out and enjoy the wonderful late fall fishing and weather before the cold winter arrives.
Northcentral Region
If you need a break from hunting, go fishing! Anglers are catching Yellow Perch and Walleye at lakes across the region.
Cool temperatures and rain is improving trout fishing on streams and lakes across the region.
WINTER TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULES – Look for a trout stream near you!
Potter County
Most of the streams and lakes are back to normal water levels.
Lyman Lake
Anglers are catching trout using paste baits, butter worms, wax worms and night crawlers.
A few anglers are using kayaks to fish other areas of the lake for trout.
Tioga County
Hamilton And Beechwood Lake
Anglers are catching trout using mealworms and doughbaits.
Hills Creek And Tioga Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 30s. Anglers are catching Yellow Perch using live minnows and waxworms.
Clinton/Lycoming County
Fishing Creek
Currently the stream is low and clear. Rain over the next few days should increase the water level and provide better fishing conditions.
Trout are being caught using nymphs (e.g. bead head pheasant tail size #12-18; bead head prince size #12-16; caddis larvae patterns sizes #12-18).
Anglers are also catching trout using small streamers (size 6-10) in deep pools and near streambanks.
West Branch
Anglers are catching bass in deep holes and runs. White or olive streamer patterns are working well. Jerkbaits and crankbaits are also working.
With cooler water temperatures, be prepared to switch up your retrieve and/or patterns until you find what is working.
Centre County
Spring Creek
Current and predicted rain events for the next few days will bring water levels up.
Anglers are catching trout using nymphs (e.g. hot spot sow bug size #14-16; olive scud size #14-18; bead head pheasant tail size #14-18; bird of prey caddis larvae size #14-16).
Anglers are also catching trout using small streamers (e.g. size 6-10; olive or black colors) and spinners on lower Spring Creek.
Southeastern Region
Bucks County
Low rainfall amounts this summer/fall have left the Delaware River low and clear. Walleye have moved into the winter feeding patterns. Anglers have been reporting success around current breaks and structure with hard baits and tubes. As rains arrive this week, expect the water to stain and rise a bit.
Anglers at Nockamixon Lake have been catching a few bass during the warmer weather. Local WCOs have noticed an increase in fishing pressure this fall as more anglers have been keeping their boats in use later in the year due to the warmer weather. With the lake this low, anglers are able to scout out the lake structure a little better as much of the shallow shoreline areas that are usually under water are high and dry during the dry fall we’ve been experiencing. Right now most of the crappie are in about 21-25 feet deep and are in good schools. Scented soft plastic minnows and live minnows under slip bobbers and jigs have been the preferred bait for crappies.
Chester County
Boating Courses in 2017
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will be holding a Basic Boating Course on Saturday, January 21 from 07:30AM-5PM at the Hibernia County Park Mansion in Hibernia County Park. Knowledgeable boaters are safer boaters! This PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) course supplies boaters with practical information to make better informed decisions on the water. Learn how to reduce the risk of injury and conflict on the water. This course is fun for the entire family. Participants should bring lunch/snacks. A Basic Boating Education Certificate is required to operate a personal watercraft and for persons born after January 1st, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower. Registration is limited to 20. To register, contact Andy Desko by email preferred at adesko@pa.gov or if you have questions at 215-968-3631. There is no fee to take the course those who successfully complete a PFBC approved boating course may obtain a Boating Safety Education Certificate, which is good for a lifetime.
A Basic Boating Course will also be held on Saturday, February 11 from 8AM- 5PM at the Manor House at Springton Manor Farm, at 860 Springton Rd, in Glenmoore, PA. Registration is limited to 20. To register, contact Andy Desko by email preferred at adesko@pa.gov, or if you have questions at 215-968-3631.
A Basic Boating Course will also be held on Wednesday, February, 15 and Thursday, February 16; from 3PM-7PM at the Manor House at Springton Manor Farm, at 860 Springton Rd, in Glenmoore, PA. Registration is limited to 20. To register, contact Andy Desko by email preferred at adesko@pa.gov or if you have questions at 215-968-3631.
A Basic Boating Course will also be held on Wednesday, February 22, and Thursday February 23; from 3 PM – 7 PM at the Hibernia County Park Mansion. Registration is limited to 20. To register contact Andy Desko by email preferred at adesko@pa.gov or if you have questions at 215-968-3631.