Pennsylvania Fishing Report – August 2, 2018

Northwest Region

Erie County

Lake Erie

Anglers are catching Walleye anywhere from 33 feet to 118 feet of water. Anglers are using plugs, crawler harnesses, and spoons to catch their limit of Walleye in a timely fashion. For current Lake Erie conditions, contact Northeast Marina at (814)725-8244.

Lake LeBouef

Anglers are catching panfish and Bowfin from the docks using nightcrawlers.

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant has been good on the western side from boats. Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass and panfish.

Venango County

Allegheny River

Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass with the best success on tubes, crankbaits, and stick baits. Anglers are catching catfish anglers with cut bait being the top choice.

French Creek

Anglers, between Utica and Franklin, are catching Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. Anglers are using tubes, assorted soft plastics, and jigs to catch a variety of fish. A recent increase in the instances of littering/property violations have been reported from Carlton through Utica…as a result, law enforcement patrols to the area have been increased.

Oil Creek

Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass from Drake Well through the Allegheny River confluence. Low flow and increasing water temperatures have caused trout to stack in the cooler flows of the incoming tributaries; which, in turn has caused an uptick in both the presence and catch rates of Northern Pike.

Kahle Lake

Anglers are catching Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and crappie hook-ups. Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass using white and/or chartreuse grubs and an assorted variety of soft plastic baits were some of the top bait choices.

Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake)

Anglers are catching trout at depths between 20’ – 25’.

Registration of non-powered watercraft required at PFBC Lakes/Access Areas:

With the 2018 boating season in full swing, boaters are reminded that ALL non-powered watercraft are required to display either current registration or a launch permit when launching or retrieving at all PFBC lakes and/or access areas. For a complete listing of regulations pertaining to PFBC properties, please click here.

Northcentral Region

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

Rain is predicted through the rest of this week; however, as you can see in the photos above, if you do your homework and head to areas that had less rain, you could have a wonderful time!

Lycoming County

Rose Valley Lake

Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel and Bullhead Catfish.

West Branch Susquehanna River

Fishing and boating activities are minimal due to high water events. A few anglers are catching Channel Catfish as the river rises.

Clinton County

Fishing Creek

The stream is high and muddy, with more rain in the forecast. Anglers are not wading due to safety concerns. Many large logs have been seen floating downstream.

Anglers that are fishing are catching trout along the banks, using streamer and worm patterns.

Centre County

Spring Creek

Spring Creek continues to be high and muddy. More rain is expected throughout the week and weekend. If you are heading out to fish this weekend, be sure to pack streamers and worm patterns! Olive, black or white slumpbusters (size #6-10) will work great along the banks.

Most anglers are fishing from the banks and not wading due to safety concerns. High waters mean logs floating down stream and many other potential dangers.

Anglers are catching trout, using worm patterns, green weenies and streamers along the banks and in soft pocket areas. Be patient and you just might be surprised at what you catch!

Northeastern Region

Southern Luzerne & Columbia Counties

Despite recent rains, low visibility and higher than normal water levels fishing across the district has continued to remain steady. Though the Susquehanna River is not without challenges right now, anglers are still reporting decent numbers of Smallmouth Bass being caught. With the low water clarity, vibrating baits such as spinnerbaits or those with rattles or a heavy wobble seem to be the best bet. Don’t overlook scented baits either.

Smallmouth and walleye are being caught in Fishing Creek at Boone’s Dam as well. Bomber type crankbaits, in a metallic blue are bringing the most success.

Speaking of Fishing Creek, nice trout are still being caught there. Especially at the Benton Dam. An angler creeled three trout within a half hour using wax worms. All of trout caught were over 13 inches, with the largest being 16.

FEW Reservoir is producing bass, but most are suspended. This makes the use of a depth finder or sonar unit indispensable. Same holds true for the panfish there.

Some bass and pickerel are being caught at Lily Lake. Most however, are being caught early and late in the day.

The Lehigh River has been producing good numbers of eels, as well as trout. Those fishing for eels are having the best luck with small fathead minnows.

Boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution if boating the river. Wear a PFD and ensure all other safety equipment is on board.

There have been some recent Boating Under the Influence cases recently. All Boaters, including those in non-powered craft are again reminded of the zero-tolerance policy regarding BUI.

Also, those boaters utilizing non-powered craft at local PFBC Access’s, are reminded of the need for a Non-Power Registration or a launch permit from either PFBC or DCNR.

The PFBC and DCNR will be hosting a PA Basic Boating Class at Nescopeck State Park. The class is September 8^th, and pre-registration is required. See the website for more details.

Wyoming and Northern Luzerne Counties

There has been a surprising number of boats trying to launch with only throwable PFD’s onboard.  Please remember that you need a wearable device for every person onboard your boat.

Fishing for Largemouth Bass has been productive at Lake Winola.  A variety of baits and tactics have been successful.  Most days traffic has been light but some days there has been heavy boat pressure midday. Try to get out early in the morning or even after sunset if light traffic is your goal.

We are about midway through the summer boating season here in the Northeast.  It is a great time to check all of your safety gear to ensure that everything is there and in good condition to protect you and your passengers should something go wrong out on the water.  PFD’s have a way of growing legs and moving between vessels and whistles are easily lost.  Fire Extinguishers get bounced around and lose charge.  5 minutes spent going through your vessel in the driveway or at the dock could save you the cost of a fine or even save a life.

Speaking of whistles, they are required on all boats!  Speaking of boats, Paddleboards (Stand Ups, SUP’s) are classified as boats and therefore all regulations that apply to boats (required equipment, launch permits, etc.) apply to them as well.

Have a safe summer!

Northern Pike and Southern Wayne Counties

Fishing has been slow across throughout the district.  Most of the smaller lakes and ponds have been over grown with vegetation making it hard to fish from shoreline areas.  These bodies of water are best fished by boat.  Shohola Lake is still producing pickerel and bass but you really have to fish it hard. Greeley Lake has also been tough to fish and panfish seem to be all that are biting.  Lake Wallenpaupack is still producing stripers but mostly in the 15” to 20” range and caught mostly on live bait. The catfish are always biting along with the perch.  Bass seem to be hiding deep and under the dock areas and are best fished in the early mornings and just before sunset.

Boating in the district has been moderate. Reminders to all boaters to have the required safety equipment and current registrations. Unpowered boats must have a launch permit to use all state launch areas except on the Delaware River. Paddle boards seem to be a favorite way to have fun on the water but be reminded that a PFD is required to be on board and worn by those 12 and under.

Be safe out there and have a good time recreating.

Southeastern Region

The daily rainstorms have left many waterways across the region high and muddy. Anglers should consider using bright colors in the ‘dirty’ turbid waters. Try scent baits for catfish, as they rely on their sense of smell and taste more than sight.

Be careful when floating on swollen waterways, and always remember to wear your life jacket and don’t paddle on waters beyond your abilities!

Bucks County

The Southeast Region Mentored Youth Catfish Fishing Event and the Catfish Expo are swiftly approaching this Saturday & Sunday, Aug 4-5!

You do not need to register for this event. Join us for the Mentored Youth Catfish Opportunity and Catfish Expo at the Children’s Pond at Nockamixon State Park off Harrisburg School Road. The Catfish Expo will run 4PM – 6PM, followed by fishing Saturday night from 6PM – 11pm, and from sunrise- 11PM on Sunday! The Catfish Expo will be open to anyone; however, the fishing that follows will be available only to holders of the Mentored Youth Permits or the Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses, and will require a mentor be present while the youth is fishing. Youth anglers can obtain a free PFBC-issued permit or a purchase a voluntary youth fishing license at www.GoneFishingPA.com. Adult anglers (16 years or older) must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and be accompanied by a youth. Youth can keep two catfish, but fishing for adults is catch & release only.

Lancaster County

We will have an Introduction to Kayak Fishing Event on the evening of Wednesday, August 8 at Speedwell Forge Lake near Lititz from 5:00PM-9:00PM. Details are available on the registration link at: https://register-ed.com/events/view/124673