Northwest Region
Butler County
Lake Arthur
With fall approaching, catfish are biting in the evenings in the submerged creek channels. Anglers are using night crawlers off the bottom. The Yellow Perch will also start schooling near shore and fattening up for winter.
Harbor Acres Lake
Trout anglers are reminded that this lake will be stocked in the last week of October pending favorable water conditions. The season remains open until the end of February and the limit is three trout.
Clarion County
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching good numbers of Largemouth Bass and some nice Bluegills. Anglers are catching some nice crappies at night. Anglers and boaters are reminded that Kahle Lake is a PFBC owned lake. All boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered or have a launch permit to use this facility.
Piney Dam
Piney Dam continues to be in a drawdown state and is approximately 6 feet below normal pool levels. Anglers are catching bass and Walleye. Anglers are catching nice Channel Catfish at night. Anglers and boaters using the PFBC’s Mill Creek Access Area are reminded that this is a PFBC owned access area and that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered or have a launch permit to use this facility.
Upper Clarion River (Cooksburg to Mill Creek)
Anglers are catching nice Smallmouth Bass on a variety of soft plastic baits. Anglers are catching trout at the confluence of Cather’s & Blyson Runs. Anglers and boaters using the PFBC’s Gravel Lick Access Area are reminded that this is a PFBC owned access area and that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered or have a launch permit to use this facility.
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching nice Smallmouth Bass throughout the entire length of the river from Emlenton to East Brady. Anglers are catching a few Walleye on the Foxburg pool and the mouth of the Clarion River. Anglers are catching some nice Channel Catfish at night. Anglers and boaters using the PFBC’s Parker City Access Area are reminded that this is a PFBC controlled access area and all boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered or have a launch permit to use this facility.
Redbank Creek
Anglers are catching nice Smallmouth Bass and Walleye from below the dam in New Bethlehem to the confluence with the Allegheny River.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass throughout the entire stretch of the river. Soft plastics and top water lures continue to be the top choices.
French Creek
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass and Walleye using soft plastic baits.
Oil Creek
The lower Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures/Keystone section of Oil Creek received its fall stocking on October 3, 2017.
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegills throughout the lake.
Justus Lake
Boaters are reminded that only manual, wind powered, and/or electric motor driven watercraft are permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED.
Northeasatern Region
Carbon County
With the fall season and cooler temperatures arriving, it has also brought some good fishing opportunities within the district. Anglers have been reporting good success catching trout on the Pohopoco Creek, Aquashicola Creek, Buckwa Creek and Mauch Chunk Creek.
Anglers are reminded that the Pohopoco Creek from the outlet of Beltzville Lake downstream to the cable across the creek at Hideaway Hunting & Fishing Club is designated as both a Class A Wild Trout Stream and Stocked Trout Water. The extended trout season from September 5, 2017 through February 28, 2018 on the Pohopoco Creek which is designated as both a Class A Wild Trout Stream and Stocked Trout Water is a No Harvest – Catch and Immediate Release Only.
The daily limit of trout during the extended trout season on all of the other stocked trout waters in the district is three combined species. Anglers are encouraged to consult the 2017 PA Fishing Summary for further information on the stocked trout waters in the district.
Lehigh River
Anglers have also reported doing well catching Smallmouth Bass and trout on the Lehigh River from Jim Thorpe downstream to the Lehigh Gap. Most of the successful anglers were using stick baits, spinners.
Beltzville Lake
Although a few anglers reported catching bass at Beltzville Lake during the weekend, most anglers reported the bass action was slow. Striped Bass and walleye action appears to be better in the evening and early morning hours at the lake.
Mauch Chunk Lake
Mauch Chunk Lake is still producing nice size panfish, crappie and perch. Most successful anglers have been fishing from a boat near the swimming area of the lake. Micro jigs tipped with a fathead minnow or wax worms have been yielding nice catches of panfish, crappies and perch. Catfish were active off the shoreline area of boat launch A in recent weeks. Pickerel and bass action continues to be good at the lake. However, most bass are measuring less than the minimum size of fifteen inches. Mauch Chunk Lake is governed by the Big Bass Program Special Regulations.
Boaters are still reminded to check all of the required safety equipment on their boats such as an appropriate sized USCG Approved wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person on the boat, a type IV USCG Approved throw device (boats 16’ or more in length, except canoes & kayaks), USCG Approved Fire Extinguisher (if required), Sound Device, and the navigation lights (must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility) are in working order.
In addition, please check to make sure your boat is properly registered. Motorboats and boats powered by an electric motor must display a proper motorboat registration. Unpowered boats such as canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, etc. launching at Commission lakes or access areas including PA State Parks launch or access areas must display either a Commission launch use permit or a PA State Parks launch permit or mooring permit. Remember, during the period from November 1st to April 30th, boaters are required to wear their PFDs on boats less than 16’ in length or on any canoe or kayak.
Monroe County
Nice fall weather has extended the boating and fishing season here in the Poconos. Anglers are taking advantage of mild temperatures and clear skies to jump in those kayaks and get a few paddles and casts in. Remember that in spite of the warm water temperature that you still need a life jacket and children 12 and under must wear at ALL times.
Wyoming County, Northern Columbia and Luzerne Counties
As October moves in with colder temperatures the minds of many move on to hunting season, the upcoming Holidays and maybe even ice fishing. Even as the temperatures start dropping there are still are great opportunities to get out and boat and fish. If you are putting the boat up for winter please check out this page on our website: tmf_basic_boat_care.pdf . There is some great information in these 3 pages. Some general maintenance as well as guidance on setting up your boat for a healthy winter’s rest.
For those not ready to give up the water quite yet you should consider checking out area trout streams. A good number of them are due for a Fall Stocking and will be getting just that in the next three weeks. Come on out for the stocking to help and get insight on stocking locations and stay for some autumn trout fishing during the most beautiful time of the year to be on our streams. In this district alone several lakes, streams and a Fly Fishing Only area will soon be teaming with late season stocked trout (these fish have been spending an additional 6 months growing in our hatchery runways and are always a great product to see and catch.)
The Susquehanna River remains in need of some good soaking rains and water is still very skinny in most areas.
Southern Luzerne and Southern Columbia County
Susquehanna River
With the water levels returning to normal and temperatures dropping the fishing on the Susquehanna River has improved nicely. Catches are being reported with both Smallmouth Bass and walleye on the river throughout the district.
Susquehanna River
Local trout streams have seen little action as of late but the fish are in there. Don’t expect to get a limit out of one hole though. This is October not April, and those fish that remain are now aware of the predatory nature outside the confines of a hatchery.
The Lehigh River
The Lehigh River has been giving up some nice Brown Trout, especially the section along the gauge road at FEW Reservoir, as well as Devil’s Elbow and the Powder Mill.
Lily Lake
There has been little action on Lily Lake. However, those who have been fishing it are catching bass. Speaking of Lily Lake, don’t forget it has a fall stocking scheduled for October 19th, as does Lake Irena on October 17th. Those targeting trout are reminded that the creel limit on Trout Stocked Waters is now three fish.
REMINDER: As we approach cooler weather, the importance of WEARING a flotation device cannot be stressed enough. Also, November 1st starts the cold weather mandatory wear period on all canoes and kayaks, and boats less than 16 feet.
Northcentral Region
Get your license ONLINE – gonefishingpa.com/
REMINDERS:
Trout Spawning Season – It is that time of year again! Native Brook Trout and Wild Brown Trout are beginning their annual spawning ritual. The female trout work hard to clean areas of small gravel, near springs/clean, oxygenated water to lay their eggs in these trout redds/nests. Keep an eye out and be sure not to step on the redds or stress spawning trout by fishing over them.
Stream designations – Streams designated as Class A Wild Trout Streams – Harvest or killing of trout is prohibited during this time of year.
Fall Stocking – Fall trout stocking season is underway. You and your family are welcome to come out and help stock! Check out our webpage for a list of locations and times.
Creel limits – This is the time of year that the trout limit decreases from 5 – 3 for the extended trout season. Please consult your regulation book for more information.
Cameron County
Water levels across the County are low. Cool nights are keeping water temperatures low.
Stevenson and Bush Dams
PFBC will be stocking both lakes later this week.
Anglers are catching panfish and bass, using a variety of lures and live baits.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Water levels are low and clear. Cool nights are keeping water temperatures in the low 60s.
Small nymphs work best in the early morning hours. Anglers are catching trout using mayfly, stonefly and caddis nymphs (e.g. Frenchie #14-16; gold bead pheasant tail #12-18; Prince #12-16; green weenie #12-16).
Approach key fishing areas from downstream and keep a low profile. Trout are easily spooked this time of year.
West Branch Susquehanna River
Anglers are catching bass and other panfish, using live baits (e.g. minnows), crank baits and streamer patterns!
Centre County
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
All access areas are currently open. Boating activity is light.
Anglers are catching Crappie, near the causeway, using minnows and twisertails. Anglers are catching bass near old road-beds, in the upper stretches of the lake.
Anglers are catching Crappie and Yellow Perch at the spillway. Minnows and worms are working best. Most anglers are fishing near the walls of the spillway.
Bald Eagle Creek
Anglers are catching bass and the occasional trout on lower Bald Eagle Creek. Minnows, dry flies and streamers are working well.
Poe Valley Lake
The lake will be stocked later this week. Should be good fishing this weekend!
Spring Creek
Water levels are low and clear. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Remember to keep a low profile and approach key fishing areas from downstream.
Anglers are catching trout throughout the day fishing subsurface, using nymphs (e.g. green weenie, hot spot sow bug, walt’s worm, small mayfly patterns, midge larvae patterns).
Dry dropper systems are working well (e.g. caddis on top and a wet ant underneath).
Blue Wing Olives(#18-22) and Tan Caddis (#14-16)dry flies will catch trout that are rising sporadically.
Southeastern Region
Bucks County
Delaware River
The fall bite is on for Smallmouth Bass up and down the river. Try spinners, poppers, weighted worms, soft plastic grubs and minnows. Many outdoorsmen leave the waters for the woods as hunting seasons open, but the fish are feeding in anticipation of winter, and leaner times. You could also pick up Striped Bass or Walleyes fishing these baits/lures.
Please remember, the mandatory cold weather PFD wear will take effect starting November 1 and continue until April 30, 2018. Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any paddle craft to include canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Always plan ahead and make sure your mandatory safety gear is on board and in serviceable condition. Check that your United States Coast Guard approved PFDs are in good, serviceable condition as well.
Levittown Lake
Levittown Lake will be stocked with trout on October 17. The truck will be at the boat ramp around 12:45. Trout will also be stocked in Lake Luxembourg at Core Creek Park on November 14 around 12:30. Core Creek Park will be stocked at both the 24 hour lot and boat house ramp. PLEASE NOTE: dates and times may change last minute due to weather conditions so please check the www.fishandboat.com website regularly for updates. As always, we rely on your support, so please come out and bring the family to help get those trout in the water!
Earlier this year, the trout were grabbing green paste bait and small jigs tipped with split tail bodies across Lower Bucks County.
Chester County
Chambers Lake
Anglers are catching nice perch off the rock wall near the dam at Chambers Lake. The lake water has cleared up substantially with the colder weather and two anglers on the wall fishing with minnows under small bobbers were catching some nice perch on a recent boat patrol. Every few minutes they had another one and many of these were legal size although they did not keep any of them. Remember that perch must be 9 inches to be kept at Chambers Lake as it is in the Enhanced Panfish program. Good Luck!
The West Caln Sportsmen’s Club has received its allocation of about 4500 fingerling trout which are provided by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. The fingerling trout are raised in the West Caln Sportsmen’s Club Trout Nursery, which is located in Hibernia County Park by club members. The Club has been actively involved in the local stocking of the West Branch Brandywine Creek and each spring the club stocks about 4500+ Trout in the stream. The club also provides trophy size fish for a Handicap Fishing Rodeo. The trout that are stocked into the Children’s Pond are provided solely through contributions and help from local business and individual Trout sponsorships; as well as the Friends of Hibernia and Chester County Parks & Recreation. The club is located at 1271 Telegraph Road. Mailing address is P.O. Box 58, Wagontown, PA. 19376. Phone 610-384-5710.
Lehigh County
Leaser Lake
Due to cooler water temperatures, anglers are having success catching Muskies at Leaser Lake. In the evening hours, anglers report they are having success using top water lures in the wooded coves.
Philadelphia County
Delaware River
Anglers are catching catfish on the lower Delaware River fishing bunker, clams, nightcrawlers, chicken livers and bagels. Smaller stripers are taking bloodworms, chicken livers, crankbaits and poppers.
Pennypack Creek
The Pennypack Creek will be stocked with trout again on October 10.
Schuylkill River
Catfish, Yellow Perch and small Striped Bass are taking bagels, nightcrawlers and chicken livers in the Schuylkill River around the Grays Ferry area.