Reminder To All Anglers & Boaters
The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Ice thickness and conditions can vary greatly across a body of water. Use caution as you head out onto the ice. A life jacket and a set of ice awls can be extremely important if you fall through the ice. Remember SAFETY FIRST: fishandboat.com
Northwest Region
Crawford County
Pymatuning Reservoir
The Espyville boat launch is open and a few boats were out over the weekend fishing the area around the causeway. At the Jamestown Marina, there were approximately 30 anglers fishing the docks catching some crappie, Bluegill and a couple Yellow Perch.
Central Erie County
Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay
Recent weather and projected forecasts are looking like mid to late January will be ice free on the lake and bay. Anglers are taking advantage of this and fishing along the Bayfront for panfish and Steelhead. On boats less than 16 feet and all canoes and kayaks you must by law wear your life jacket from November 1st through April 30th.
Area Steelhead Tributaries
The Erie area has received a lot of rain and snow melt in January so the creeks have been ideal for some Steelhead to come in.
Venango County
Oil Creek
Walleye anglers have targeted the lower reaches of this waterway, given the increased water levels.
Justus Lake
Anglers are catching Rainbow Trout in the area of the southern boat launch.
Kahle Lake
Anglers were catching both Bluegill and crappies prior to the 12-13 January rain events.
NAVIGATION HAZARD (OIL CITY—UPRIVER OF STATE STREET BRIDGE):
Watercraft operators should be aware that the ice control device spanning the Allegheny River, upstream of the State Street (Veteran’s) Bridge, in the City of Oil City, is in place. Boaters are urged to use caution when operating in this area.
MANDATORY PFD (LIFE-JACKET) WEAR EFFECTIVE AS OF NOVEMBER 1st:
During the period of November 1st through April 30th, ALL BOATERS are required to wear a life jacket, at all times, while on watercraft less than 16 feet in length or in ANY canoe or kayak.
Northeasatern Region
Northern Wayne County
Ice fishing is in full swing across Northern Wayne County. Panfish at White Oak Pond are hitting on jigs tipped with wax worms or meal worms. Good catches of crappie are being reported from Prompton Dam. The same recipe seems to be working. Jigs and wax worms.
All Commonwealth rules apply at White Oak Pond relating to seasons, sizes and creel limits.
Lackawanna County
There has been sporadic ice fishing activity over the past few weeks throughout the county. At Lackawanna Lake, anglers have been concentrating on bluegill and crappie fishing off “Fasching Landing”. They have had moderate success.
Please remember that ice fishing is not permitted at any of the Pennsylvania American Water Company reservoirs.
Recent heavy rains may have caused some degrading of ice conditions. Be sure to always check the ice before venturing out.
Northcentral Region
Remember to purchase your fishing license for 2017 OR buy a 10 year license! BUY YOUR LICENSE TODAY.
SAFETY REMINDER – If there is ice in your area and you plan on heading out to ice fish, always check the ice before going on it. Learn more about ice safety and fishing HERE.
Tioga and Western Lycoming County
Ice fishing was great this past weekend; however, recent warm temperatures have created un-safe ice conditions. The upcoming forecast is showing a return of cold weather, but not until the end of the weekend.
Beechwood and Hills Creek Lake
Currently anglers are catching Bluegills, Yellow Perch and Crappie on waxworms and live minnows. A few Crappie are measuring in at 14 inches and several Bluegills are measuring in at 8-9 inches!
Chartruese, pink, glow and silver are the most popular jig colors.
Hamilton Lake
With warm temperatures over the weekend, the creek mouth opened up. Anglers are catching trout at the boat launch using mealworms and waxworms.
With cold weather in the forecast for later this week, the “open water” might return to ice by the end of the weekend.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The water is still low, clear and cold.
Anglers are catching a few willing trout. Nymphs (e.g. orange egg patterns; prince #12-16; beadhead pheasant tail #12-18) and un-weighted, olive streamers (size 6-10) are working best.
Centre County
Spring Creek
Anglers are catching trout using worms and spinners in the town of Bellefonte, PA.
Anglers are also catching trout using nymphs (e.g. orange egg patterns; sowbugs, scuds, green weenie). Anglers are also catching trout using olive and/or black streamer patterns #6-10.
On warmer days, anglers are seeing trout rise to midges and scattered Bluewing Olive Mayflies.
Anglers are catching trout on lower Spring Creek using streamers (e.g. size 6-10; olive or black colors), spinners, worms and waxworms. The best time to be on the water is late morning or mid-afternoon.
Southeastern Region
Chester County
It is beginning to look like ice fishing isn’t going to happen in the Southeast this year. For those of you that are looking for trout fishing opportunities prior to the Regional Opening Day, (April 1st this year), the White Clay Creek DHALO Section is always open. The DHALO section is from Good Hope Road, downstream 1.7 miles to the confluence with the mouth of the White Clay Creek. This secluded and scenic stream is also a Keystone Select Stocked Trout Water, so it is stocked with some big fish (14-20 inches) each year by the Fish & Boat Commission. The White Clay Flyfishers recently stocked the section with over 350 beautiful brown trout, most in the 11 to 15 inch size. On my last patrol, I saw numerous large trout with my polarized sunglasses, holding in all of the larger pools and only a couple of fishermen. The weather seems like it will be holding steady in the high 40’s to low 50’s, so here is your chance to land (bring you camera to take a quick photo of your trophy), and then put back some nice fish. Remember that this is a Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Section so make sure you follow the law, and don’t forget to bring and display your fishing license and trout stamp if you’re 16 or older. This link will take you to the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures and Trophy Select Regulations. http://pfbc.pa.gov/fishpub/summaryad/delayedartificial.html
Northern Chester County’s three DHALO streams will all be stocked by Officer Bonney this week to give you even more opportunities. These include the East Branch Brandywine Creek DHALO, Valley Creek West, and the Pickering Creek.
A Basic Boating Course was held on Saturday, January 21, at Hibernia County Park’s Hibernia Mansion at 1 Park Road in Coatesville, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. All of the the15 people who registered for the class showed up, and actively participated in the instruction, which we really appreciate, and they all passed the course successfully. Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for all operators of personal watercraft, regardless of age, and for boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower. This free PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) course is designed to help boaters make better informed decisions on the water. Instructors will provide course materials and information via a classroom setting to help you reduce the risk of injury and conflict on the water. Those who successfully complete the course may obtain this certificate, which is good for a lifetime (fees apply). A minimum of eight hours of classroom instruction is required to pass the course. Participants should bring a lunch and snacks; we usually work through lunch as long as everyone agrees.
There will be a couple other classes in Chester County in February. There will be a one day class on the Feb. 11 at the Springton Park Ranger Station from 8 AM to 5 PM, and a 2-day class on the 15th/16th also at Springton from 3 to 7 PM, and another2-day class the 22nd/23rd at Hibernia County Park Mansion, also from 3 to 7 PM. The 2-day courses are just that, a two day split course, and you need to attend both parts to complete the course. Pre-registration is required at adesko@pa.gov There is more information on the web at http://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/All_Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DAY=ALL
Reminder: The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Ice thickness and conditions can vary greatly across the lake. Use caution as you head out onto the ice. A life jacket and a set of ice awls can be extremely important if you fall though the ice. Remember SAFETY FIRST: http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm
Lancaster County
Attention Students ages 14-16! Do you have an interest in the outdoors, want to learn more about it & hone your skills? Consider taking advantage of the opportunity to attend the Lancaster County Conservation District’s Youth Conservation School to be conducted July 23-27, 2017. For additional information and an application form refer to the link below.
Held annually since 1979, the week-long camp is full of activities; including those conducted by PFBC staff and Officers. Flyway Excavating will be leading a streambank restoration project on the Middle Creek, and students will assist with installation of streambank devices. Additionally, PFBC outreach staff will lead with canoeing skills on Speedwell Forge Lake. District Officer Schmidt will conduct a boating safety/boating law program with a mock safety inspection of a boat.
Per the Conservation District’s press release:
Youth Conservation School – Applications Accepted
The Lancaster County Youth Conservation School will take place July 23-29 celebrating 39 years of education in the great outdoors. Students ages 14-16, here’s your chance to be a part of it.
The Lancaster County Conservation District along with Local Sportsmen’s Clubs proudly offers a weeklong summer field school focusing on outdoor activities and conservation of our natural resources. Students reside at the school where tents and cots demonstrate low impact camping at the Northern Lancaster County Fish and Game Protection Association in West Cocalico Township.
Motivated students should apply. Students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife and conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills. There are many study topics to empower students, ensuring a sustained conservation legacy. Topics include water quality, forestry, canoeing, wildlife management, archery, survival, and firearm safety. Students will have the opportunity to meet professionals in various environmental and conservation related fields and discuss career options with them.
Students benefit from generous County Federated Sportmens Clubs and Community Organizations who provide 90% of the YCS tuition. Students are responsible for a $25 registration fee. To receive an application, contact the Conservation District at 299-5361 x.5 or goto lancasterconservation.org by June 15.
Northampton County
Without any ice to go ice fishing and with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s, anglers are again starting to turn to the rivers and streams for some entertainment. Anglers have been noted down on the Delaware River by Easton fishing for Walleyes, on everything from live bait, to crank baits and spinners. However, there seems to be limited success landing any.
With water levels in many of the streams across the county up due to the recent rainfalls, some people have been out on the streams. A few of these people are out sizing up some promising spots for spring trout season, and others are just out enjoying the nice January weather.
