Pennsylvania Fishing Report – March 29, 2018

Northwest Region

REMINDER – Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2017 and runs through April 30, 2018.

Learn more here: http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/Pages/MandatoryPFD.aspx

Crawford County

Pymatuning Reservoir

The Walleye action at the Linesville Spillway has picked up within the last week. Anglers are catching Walleye after dark by fishing the gravel points throughout the reservoir. Anglers are catching mostly legal size Walleye with a few short ones mixed in. Anglers are catching crappies and Yellow Perch in the coves of the North End.

Linesville State Fish Hatchery

“A Day at the Hatchery” will take place on Saturday April 7th from 11am until 3:30pm. This free annual open house is a great family event for all ages. Learn what it takes to produce a Walleye, talk with staff from other local conservation agencies, and talk with a biologist about your local lake system. Buy your 2018 PA fishing license to be ready for opening day.

Clarion County

Kahle Lake

Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, crappies and some nice Yellow Perch. 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

Anglers are catching some Walleye, Yellow Perch, and a few crappies. Anglers and boaters using the Mill Creek or the Gravel Lick Access Areas are reminded that these are PFBC owned access areas and that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered or have a launch permit to use these facilities.

Allegheny River

Anglers are catching some Smallmouth Bass and a few Walleyes between Emlenton and Parker. Anglers are catching some Muskellunge and Northern Pike near the confluences of the Clarion River and Redbank Creek.

Northeastern Region

Carbon County

Lizard Creek and the Mahoning Creek

Lizard Creek and the Mahoning Creek were the only two waterways in the district included in the Regional Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day that occurred on March 23rd. Both saw a number of anglers throughout the day with anglers finding best success from the late morning on.

Western Bradford & Sullivan County

Trout stocking has begun in the region and anglers are reminded that fishing in Stocked Trout Waters is not legal until April 14^th.

As the boat launches are opening, boaters are reminded that cold water PFD use is required in certain boats and all canoes and kayaks until May 1st. For more information on the Cold Water PFD requirement visit: http://www.fishandboat.com/boat/boatingregulations/pages/mandatorypfd.aspx

Northcentral Region

Get your 1, 3, 5 OR 10 YEAR FISHING LICENSE ONLINE NOW – http://www.gonefishingpa.com/

REMINDER – NOVEMBER 1^st – APRIL 30^th it is MANDATORY COLD WEATHER LIFE JACKET WEAR – http://www.fishandboat.com/boat/boatingregulations/pages/mandatorypfd.aspx

Trout stocking schedules are UP! – fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx

Tioga County

Pine Creek

The Delayed Harvest Area, from Darling Run down to Owasee, is now listed as a Keystone Select waterway. Anglers are catching trout using nymphs and streamer patterns.

Learn more about PA’s Keystone Select waters at: http://pfbc.pa.gov/fishpub/summaryad/delayedartificial.html

Centre County

Spring Creek

Water temperature is in the 40s and water levels are perfect.

Anglers are catching trout using nymphs (olive nymphs #18; Bird of Prey Caddis #14-16; Walt’s Worms #12-16; and black zebra midges #18-22).

Anglers are also catching trout using Blue Wing Olives and midge dry flies. (Blue Wing Olive #18-22; Midges #22-26)

Baetis emergers (#18-22) are also working!

A few anglers are still catching trout using olive or black streamers near the current breaks and banks (slumpbusters #6-10).

Clinton County

Fishing Creek

Water temperature is still the lower 40s and water levels are good. The water color is also good!

Anglers are catching trout using streamers (black or olive) and nymphs (iron lotus #14-18; Frenchie #14-16; Prince nymph #12-16).

A few anglers are also catching trout using Blue Wing Olives (#18-22)!

Southeastern Region

The 18-County Regional Opening Day of Trout Season is quickly approaching this Saturday, March 31!

As anglers look forward with excitement to opening day, they should respect the lands that they fish on. Carry-out any trash. Additionally, the privilege to camp and have a campfire on private property can only be done with the landowner’s consent. Anglers should be aware of where they are parking their vehicles, so as not to block the travel of the land owner, damage the property turf or create a traffic hazard. Approximately 75% of lands where trout are stocked in the Commonwealth are privately owned. It is in our (anglers) best interest to respect the landowners to keep waters open for our use.

Parents are encouraged to share in the tradition of the Opening Day next Saturday March 31 with their children, and as a courtesy reminder are required to maintain separate creels (stringers or buckets) for their harvest.

Bucks County

Both sections of Neshaminy Creek (Warrington area and Tyler State Park stretches) were stocked with trout on Monday for the 18 County early Regional Opening Day of Trout.

Tohickon Creek will be stocked this as of the posting of this report today, Wednesday, 3/28.

Both sections of the Delaware Canal will be stocking on Thursday, 3/29.

Thanks to the staff of the Huntsdale hatchery, Conservation Officers and stocking helpers who make these opportunities possible in this area!

Lancaster County

District Officer Schmidt continues to promote float stocking and continues to seek out Sportsmen’s organizations to adopt a stream, or portion thereof to accomplish more float stocking. The most important requisite to accomplishment of float stocking is that of volunteer manpower. Over the previous four seasons a dedicated cadre of individuals have enthusiastically stepped up and waded in to make it happen. Most of the trout anglers owe to the minority of the stocking helpers, the bucket carriers and float stocking teams, an expression of appreciation in contributing mightily to their successful trout season. Individuals are encouraged to construct their own stocking float and join the team.

Even on the Opening Day, there are opportunities for a solitary fishing experience in Lancaster County for the angler who is willing to park and walk along these float-stocked stretches.

Float Stocked Sections of Stocked Trout Waters – Lancaster County

Stocked Trout Water	Section
Big Beaver Creek 3/5	Downstream From 20 Main St. New Providence To 1930 Beaver Valley Pike- Downstream from Concrete Bridge at Near Old Rd. & Beaver Valley Pike – Downstream from Krantz Mill Rd. Bridge -Downstream from 92 Refton Road –Downstream from 66 Smithville Rd. To Smithville Rd. Bridge.
Donegal Creek Fly Fishing Only 3/9	Downstream from 1104 Long Lane
Hammer Creek Section #2, 4, 6 3/15	Downstream from Bridge at Michters Road Downstream from 920 W. Fairview Rd. [Walk-In Only] – Downstream from Carpenter Road Bridge – Downstream from Buch Mill Rd. Bridge – Downstream from Near 1310 Pine Hill Road – Downstream from Covered Bridge at Erb’s Bridge Road
Little Beaver Creek -3/5	Downstream From 302 Hilltop Road to Childrens Clinic at Bunker Hill Rd.
Little Chiques Creek 3/9	Downstream from Mt. Pleasant Road Bridge – Downstream from Sr 772 Bridge – Downstream from Little Chiques Creek Park
Meetinghouse Creek – 3/6	Downstream from The Bridge at Quarry Road/Sr 372
Middle Creek 3/14	Downstream from The Bridge at Kleinfeltersville Rd. – Downstream from The Clay Road Bridge – Downstream from the Bridge at 220 Rock Rd. – Downstream from the Bridge at Wissler/Middle Creek Road
Pequea Creek 3/20	Downstream from Sr 897 Bridge to School Lane Rd [2017 Extended Lower Limit] – Downstream from Mt. Vernon Rd. Bridge -Downstream From 5762 Buena Vista Dr. To 897 – Downstream from Buena Vista Bridge to Mt. Vernon Rd.
Stewart Run 3/6	Downstream from Woods at Stuart Run Road to The Theodore A. Parker Iii Natural Area [Lancaster County Parks]
W. Br. Little Conestoga 3/6	Downstream from L.A.S.A. Pumping Station to Letort Road Bridge – Downstream from (Letort Road) To Near Owl Bridge Rd.
*W. Br. Octoraro Creek – Sect. #2 W. Br. Octoraro Creek – Sect. #4 3/10	Downstream from Mt. Pleasant Rd. Covered Bridge – Downstream from Herr Farm – *Downstream from Pa American Water Co. Pumping Station to Black Rock Rd. Downstream from 702 Wesley Road to 785 Wesley Road (Walk-In Only)
W. Br. Octoraro Creek – Sect.#3 Fly Fishing Only 3/10	Downstream from Sr 472 Bridge – Downstream from Confluence W/Stewart Run – Downstream from Street Road to Near Lower Limit

* West Branch Octoraro Creek: The Pumping Station Road on lands belonging to the PA American Water Company: Anglers are informed that the section of water downstream of the Run-of-the River Dam was float stocked on Saturday 3/10. This is an arduous float as the 5 man/2 float barrel crew began the planting of fish 200 yards downstream of the Run-of-the River Dam towards Black Rock. Anglers should be aware of the safety signage in place at the dam and comply accordingly. Anglers observed to be wade fishing within 50 feet of the dam, or on the dam itself are subject to being cited.

* West Branch Octoraro Creek: Anglers seeking a solitary outing are directed to trek into the W. Br. Octoraro Creek via Pumping Station Road and work their way downstream to Black Rock Road.

Trout anglers using small watercraft, canoes & kayaks: Mandatory PFD Wear regulations remain in effect until 30 April. All boats under 16 feet, and all canoes and kayaks irrespective of length. Exposure to the current water temperatures can lead to sudden cold water-immersion shock and hypothermia. BOAT SMART – BOAT SAFE.

POSTED PROPERTY ADVISORY

Little Beaver Creek:   Little Beaver Creek is effectively posted to restrict Sunday Fishing. This lawful restriction will be enforced under the provisions of section 2104 of the Code.

Big Beaver Creek: No Sunday Fishing is in effect at 1930 Beaver Valley Pike. At the Lower Limit, the property at 153 Smithville Road remains posted.

West Branch Octoraro Creek: The property at 95 Hollow Road, Quarryville remains posted.

Early Warning – Stewart Run: Anglers are advised that the property downstream of Naomi’s Bridge may be posted to restrict fishing in 2019. The landowner has reported litter to include bait containers and monofilament.

Little Chiques Creek: The property that extends to the western edge of Cove Outlook Park remains posted in the near proximity to the Run-Of-The-River Dam.

Donegal Creek [Catch & Release – Fly -Fishing Only]: The property at 1480 Long Lane [at the defined Lower Limit] has been posted, anglers are thus cautioned that they are subject to being cited for trespassing.

Moreover, if requested by a landowner to identify themselves they are required per Section 2501 (a) (7) to comply accordingly and in violation if they: Refuse to identify himself upon request to the owner or the lessee of the land or waters upon which he is present.

Northampton County

There was pleasant afternoon weather this past Saturday for Mentored Youth Day, although it was cold in the morning, many youth anglers came out for some quality time fishing with parents, grandparents and family friends. Many youth anglers were catching fish on the Lehigh Canal in Walnutport. Some nice Rainbow Trout were caught along the Bushkill Creek in Bushkill Twp. on butter worms. Some Golden Rainbow Trout were also caught and released within Jacobsburg State Park. The Monocacy Creek also offered a great angling opportunity at Surrey Glen Park in Lower Nazareth Township with many Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout being caught.

As we look forward to the opening day this Saturday, our Hatcheries and Law Enforcement staff have been busy stocking the last of the streams. The Saucon Creek was stocked, and the Martins Creek and Jacoby Creek will be the last 2 streams in the county to be stocked, but will be ready to go for Regional Opening Day of Trout Season.