Northwest Region
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2019 PA Fishing Licenses go on sale December 1st.
REMINDER – Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2018 and runs through April 30, 2019. Learn more here.
Butler County
Lake Arthur
Anglers are catching Muskellunge from boats using medium sized plugs. Some other anglers are catching Largemouth Bass using different color stick baits. Anglers are catching a large number of Yellow Perch near the boat launches around the lake. The best bait seems to be minnows.
Clarion County
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching Bluegills, Yellow Perch, and some crappies.
Piney Dam and the Upper Clarion River
Anglers are catching a few Walleye and Yellow Perch in the area from the Toby Bridge upstream to near Blyson Run.
Lower Clarion River
Anglers are catching some Smallmouth Bass and a few Walleye on the entire length of the river.
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass, a few Walleye, and Northern Pike from Emlenton to Parker. Anglers are catching a few Muskellunge at the mouths of the Clarion River and Redbank Creek.
Redbank Creek
Anglers are catching trout and Smallmouth Bass at the Dam in New Bethlehem. Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass and Walleye from below the dam downstream to the confluence with the Allegheny River.
Erie County
Lake Erie
The docks are out at Northeast Marina and Shades Beach. Anglers are catching Lake Trout off the mountain using spoons when lake conditions permit.
Forest County
Allegheny River
Walleye fishing has been productive on the Tionesta pool of the Allegheny River. Anglers are catching Walleye and Northern Pike from boats and along the shore near the boat ramp and at the point of the island.
Tionesta Lake
Anglers are catching Muskellunge throughout the lake and should continue to be productive until the lake freezes. Trolling along the shoreline seems to be the most productive method. Anglers are catching Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and crappie from the Nebraska Bridge. Anglers fishing from the Nebraska Bridge should be cautious of passing vehicles.
Tionesta Outflow
Anglers are catching Muskellunge, Walleye, and Northern Pike near the wall and the campground side. Downstream of the wall there is a fishing trail that provides access to the creek. Anglers are reminded that they must have a trout/salmon permit to fish in Tionesta Creek, from the outflow to the confluence with the Allegheny River. The permit is required at all times, regardless of fishing for or keeping trout.
Lawrence County
Neshannock Creek
Anglers in the delayed harvest/Keystone Select Waters are catching trout using spinners. Black, white, and a chartreuse/orange spinners are the best colors. Fly fishermen are having the best luck using wooly buggers just below the surface of the water.
Northcentral Region
HUNTERS, ANGLERS and BOATERS IMPORTANT REMINDER – MANDATORY COLD WEATHER LIFE JACKET WEAR – November 1 – April 30th – Everyone on a boat less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks are REQUIRED to properly wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket.
For full regulation CLICK HERE – fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/Pages/MandatoryPFD.aspx
SAFETY NOTE – It is hunting season; therefore, anglers are encouraged to wear orange while fishing.
Snyder/Union/Montour/Northumberland County
Ice fishing could be just around the corner! A couple of lakes to keep in mind for some fine ice fishing are Walker, Faylor, Halfway Lake and Lake Chillisquaque. Historically, each of these lakes provide wonderful pan fishing through the ice!
SAFTEY NOTE – Many anglers are anxiously awaiting ice fishing. Remember, ice needs to be clear to be safe. Once it thaws, aerates and/or refreezes, it loses much of its integrity.
Susquehanna River
The river is high, but a few anglers are catching Walleye.
Lycoming County
West Branch Susquehanna River
Anglers braving the high waters are catching the occasional Walleye and Musky using a variety of lures/flies.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The stream is still up and off color, but slowly falling. The water temperature is in the low 40s. Trout are in post spawning mode. Anglers are catching trout in the deep, slow edges and/or pools.
Nymph patterns that are working include flashback pheasant tail #14-18; pats rubberlegs #8-12; frenchie #14-18.
Anglers are catching trout using streamer patterns along the stream edges and in deep pools (e.g. size #4-8 and colors olive or black are working).
Centre County
Spring Creek
Water is up, but the color has improved over the weekend. Temperature is in the low 40s.
Nymphing is the “go-to technique”. Many trout are not moving off the stream bottom, so be sure your nymphs have lots of weight. Anglers are catching trout using the following nymph patterns – hot spot sow bugs#14-16; bird of prey caddis #14-16; walt’s worm #12-16; mop flies are also working)..
Anglers continue to catch trout using small, olive or black streamers (#6-10) along the banks.
Northeastern Region
2019 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses are now on sale! Buy fishing licenses and gift vouchers at more than 650 agents across the state or online at: GoneFishingPa.com
Boaters are reminded that the mandatory PFD wear season is upon us. All persons in a boat less than 16 feet, or any size canoe or kayak, is now required to wear a flotation device regardless of age from Nov. 1 until April 30 next year.
All anglers across the state need to be aware that deer rifle season starts Monday, November 26th and runs until Saturday, December 8th. If you are using Pennsylvania State Game Lands you are required to wear a MINIMUM of 250 sq inches of 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!
Carbon County
With the deer season underway and with most of the stocked trout waters, including the Lehigh River, flowing higher than normal little to no fishing activity has been occurring in the district.
However, boat anglers fishing Beltzville Lake in recent weeks have been reporting good success catching Striped Bass using a variety of lures and live bait. Boaters are reminded that although the Slow No Wake buoys have been removed for the season that the regulations pertaining to Slow No Wake are still in effect and enforced. Maps of Beltzville Lake are posted at each boat launch indicating the Slow No Wake areas.
Boat anglers fishing Mauch Chunk Lake have been reporting doing well catching panfish off the area of boat launch A, and the swimming area. Anglers have also reported good success catching pickerel and bass in the area of boat launch B. However, most bass are less than the minimum size of fifteen inches. Mauch Chunk Lake is governed by the Big Bass Program Special Regulations.
With ice fishing season beginning soon, now is a good time to check your ice fishing equipment, replacing new fishing line, checking your ice auger, etc. By preparing now you will have that head start when the ice fishing season begins. Remember, if you are required to possess a valid PA Fishing License (anglers 16 years of age or older) don’t forget to purchase your new 2019 Fishing License.
Since Christmas is just around the corner and if you are unsure of a gift to purchase consider purchasing a fishing license voucher as a Christmas gift for that person which can be redeemed later at an Issuing Agent for the fishing license and or trout stamp.
Southern Luzerne & Columbia Counties
It’s that time of year, when most have foregone fishing and boating in favor of deer hunting. Those that do not hunt seem to be in a transition phase, eagerly awaiting that first ice or spring’s trout season. That truly is a shame, since some great trout fishing is happening right now.
The few anglers that have been out are having luck on the Lehigh River, as well as Fishing Creek. The Nescopeck is also handing over some dandy trout, mostly in the DHALO section.
FEW Reservoir is down at winter pool levels, and unfortunately, the crappie bite turned off as quickly as it turned on last month. Lily Lake, Lake Irena and Briar Creek Lake have all received fall stockings and have received very little fishing pressure. There has been little to no activity on the Susquehanna River as well.
Some of the impoundments and lakes had some skim ice. This only served to increase our anticipation, as it too, left quick as it arrived. Fear not, with any kind of luck we will have some hard water soon.
Those venturing out in boats are again reminded of the Mandatory PFD Wear Period.
Smallmouth and walleye can still be caught in the river right now, all that is required is patience and fortitude. As the firearms deer season draws closer to an end, there should be more anglers out and enjoying success soon, ice or not.
Pike And Wayne Counties
Tobyhanna Lake and Promised Land Lower Lake were stocked with beautiful two-year-old brook trout the beginning of November, and anglers continue to have great success catching them using a variety of artificial and natural baits.
Southeastern Region
All boaters are reminded that the cold weather mandatory PFD wear period is in effect as of November 1st and remains in effect until April 30th, 2018.
Bucks County
Anglers are still having luck at both Levittown Lake and Lake Luxembourg catching beautiful rainbow rrout using a variety of spoons and paste baits.
Anglers are also catching large Yellow Perch and Crappie in the Delaware River.
Although temperatures are nowhere near conducive for ice conditions in Lower Bucks County, if you decide to travel elsewhere to ice fish please review our websites safety tips at http://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx.
Another reminder that the mandatory cold weather PFD wear has taken effect starting on November 1st and continue until April 30th, 2019. Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length and on any paddle craft to include canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Always plan and make sure your mandatory safety gear is on board and in serviceable condition. Check that your United States Coast Guard approved PFD is in good, serviceable condition as well. Visit our site at http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/WaterandIceSafety/Pages/default.aspx for more details.
Berks County
Kaercher Creek Lake will be stocked with trout on December 11th.
With the temperatures becoming colder, the crappie fishing is heating up at Blue Marsh Lake. Anglers have easy access around the entire lake due to the exposed shoreline from the winter drawdown.
The panfish fishing is also heating up at Lake Ontelaunee; try the coves and drop-offs on the eastern shorelines when the winds are blowing from the Northwest.
S. Chester County
The boat dock at Chambers Lake has been pulled from the water. This is done to prevent damage to the dock when the lake freezes. Additionally for those that keep asking me, ice fishing is not permitted at this lake. This is not a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission rule but is a decision made by the Chester County Facilities Department which Hibernia County Park falls under.
The Middle Branch White Clay Creek, Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only, as well as Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters section will be stocked with Trout on Wednesday, December 12. Thank you to the White Clay Fly Fishers for the fish which they will provide. The stocked section is a 1.7 mile stretch that runs from Good Hope Road at 39 45′ 43.7″ North, 75 47′ 03.9″ West to the confluence with the East Branch White Clay in the White Clay Creek Preserve at 39 44′ 57.7″ North, 75 46′ 10.4″ West. The fish will be float stocked by the White Clay Fly Fishers at two points, with about half the fish at each location. The points are Good Hope Road at 39 45′ 43.7″ North, 75 47′ 03.9″ West, and the Iron Bridge on London Tract in the center of the section at 39 45′ 16.2″ North, 75 46′ 51.6″ West, The Bridge on Sharpless Road at 39 45′ 01.9″ North, 75 46′ 16.3″, would be the lower limit of the stocked area..
Two maps of the DCNR White Clay Creek Preserve are available, regular and large print at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/whiteclaycreek/whiteclaycreek_maps.aspx
To get to the Middle Branch White Clay Creek, Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section, take Route 41 to just south of Avondale and turn south on Penn Green Road. Follow Penn Green Road to Good Hope Road and turn right on Good Hope. Go past Bank Road and Crestwood Road and you will come to the top of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section of the Middle Branch White Clay. Limited Parking is available on either side of the bridge. More parking is available in the lot near the Iron Bridge at London Tract in the center of the section. For more information on The White Clay Creek Preserve, you can call the park office at 610-274-2900.
Be mindful of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations if you decide to go fishing there. Open to year round fishing, no closed season. A current fishing license with a trout stamp is required when fishing in a Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area at all times. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Fishing can only be done with artificial lures, only constructed of metal, plastic, rubber, or wood, or with flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic materials. All lures may be fished with spinning or fly fishing gear. The use or possession of any natural bait, baitfish, fish bait, bait paste and similar substances, fish eggs, or any other edible substance is prohibited. Taking baitfish or fish bait is always prohibited. The DCNR’s White Clay Creek Preserve http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/whiteclaycreek.aspx
A “Basic Boating” course will be held at Hibernia County Park Mansion House, at 1 Park Road in Coatesville. This is a two-evening class on Tuesday January the 29th and Wednesday the 30th from 3 PM to 7 PM, you must attend both evening classes to get credit for the course. 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. Space is limited so register soon. Pre-registration is required by emailing Andy Desko at adesko@pa.gov or by phone at 215-968-3631. Get more information on the web at http://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/All_Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DAY=ALL
A Basic Boating course will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at Hibernia County Park Hibernia Mansion at 1 Park Road in Coatesville, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 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. Space is limited so register soon. Pre-registration is required by emailing Andy Desko at adesko@pa.gov or by phone at 215-968-3631. You can also get more information on the web at http://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/All_Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DAY=ALL