Northwest Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2019 PA Fishing Licenses go on sale December 1st.
REMINDER – Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear November 1, 2018 and runs through April 30, 2019. Learn more here.
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: fishandboat.com/Boat/WaterandIceSafety/Pages/default.aspx
Butler County
Harbar Acres Lake
This Trout-Stocked Lake, located on State Game Lands 95, was stocked with Rainbow Trout in late October. Creel limit is 3 trout with the appropriate fishing license and trout/salmon permit. No extended fishing seasons apply. All fishing is prohibited after 28 February.
Glade Run Lake
Non-powered boats using the Commission’s Glade Run Lake property must have a valid PFBC Use Permit, DCNR Launch Permit or non-power registration. These permits or non-power registrations must be properly displayed on the appropriate watercraft. This applies to all PFBC accesses. — No fish may be taken except for trout during applicable seasons. – Visitor are reminded to take all litter with them, and to keep pets on a leash. – Keep away from the spillway.
Lake Arthur
Prospects for Catfish and Musky remain good with open water remaining across the lake. Musky anglers try trolling any ice edges with stick baits. Catfish anglers are having success with minnows off the bottom.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge throughout sections of the river.
Oil Creek
Anglers are catching trout throughout the Lower DHALO/Keystone Select section using several fly patterns.
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching crappie, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill using grubs or maggots under a float.
Clarion, Butler & Armstrong Counties
Kahle Lake
Anglers are reporting catching some crappies, bluegills, perch & a few bass.
All anglers & boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes & kayaks, are required to be registered to use this facility.
Piney Dam & the Upper Clarion River (From the Piney dam upstream to Cooksburg)
Anglers are reporting catching a few crappies, perch & walleyes.
All anglers & boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes & kayaks, are required to be registered to use the PFBC’s Mill Creek & Gravel Lick Access Area’s.
Lower Clarion River (From Piney Dam downstream to the confluence with the Allegheny River).
Nothing to report.
Allegheny River (From Emlenton downstream to Lock #9).
A few muskies, northern pike & walleyes are being reported from Emlenton to Parker.
All anglers & boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes & kayaks, are required to be registered to use the PFBC’s Parker City and Brady’s Bend Access Areas.
Redbank Creek (Mayport downstream to confluence with the Allegheny River).
Nothing to report.
Forest County
Allegheny River
Anglers have been successful fishing for walleye, musky and pike in the Sand and Gravel Pool near Tionesta. Fishing from both the shoreline and boats have been productive. Live bait, in particular chubs seem to be the most productive bait. Anglers have also been successful fishing for walleye near Trunkyville and what is locally known as the Fireman’s Hole.
Tionesta Outflow
Musky and walleye fishing has traditionally been productive this time of year from the wall and the deep hole located near the Fishing Trail. Anglers are reminded that a Trout Permit is required to fish in the Outflow regardless of the species of fish targeted. Anglers using boats should note that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prohibits boats from entering the Tionesta Outflow.
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
Tioga County
Most of the lakes are free of ice across the County. Anglers are catching fish on the lakes and streams.
The small, Class A Trout streams are fishing well and are at perfect water levels for a great experience! Try a stonefly, mop fly or squirmy wormy pattern and hold on!
Hamilton and Beechwood Lake
Anglers are catching trout. Live minnows, waxworms and small spinners are all working! Come out and do some winter trout fishing!
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The water level, color and temperature are prime for some fun winter, trout fishing.
Anglers continue to catch trout using streamers and nymphs. Streamer patterns that are currently working are size #4-8 and colors olive or black.
Nymph patterns that are working include flashback pheasant tail #14-18; pats rubberlegs #8-12; frenchie #14-18 and brown/black stonefly patterns #8-12. Fish nymphs deep, targeting deep pools and soft edges of the pools.
Centre County
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake Spillway
Anglers are catching yellow perch and other panfish using a variety of techniques.
Spring Creek
Spring Creek is in perfect shape for some winter fishing! The stream temperature is holding in the low 40s, water color and level is just right.
Anglers are catching trout using the following patterns- squirmy wormies #12; hares ear #12-16; walt’s worm #12-16; brown/black stonefly nymphs #8-12).
Olive, white, and/or black streamers (#4-8) will also work. Target the stream banks, soft seams and structure (e.g. downed trees, large rocks etc).
Northeastern Region
*Program Date Change* Due to lack of safe ice, The Family Ice Fishing Program at Lackawanna State Park scheduled for January 14th has been postponed until February 16th. For more information please visit: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/134657
On Saturday, February 2, 2019, A Pocono Country Place, Monroe County, will be hosting a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Fishing Skills Instructor (FSI) workshop. This workshop is designed to teach adult leaders how to teach our youth basic fishing skills and aquatic ecology. There is no charge for the class, but all participants must pre-register here online at: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/134728
Southern Wayne, Western Pike and Northern Monroe Counties
Ice conditions have degraded to a degree that they are unsafe for fishing.
Northern Pike and Southern Wayne Counties
The district has undergone many weather changes in the past months to include lots of rain, warm temps, and not much ice to speak of. Needless to say but ice fishing has been non-existent. There is plenty of open water and the rivers and streams are running fast and have become hard to fish safely. The lakes and ponds have skim is one day and open the next, making it hard to plan a day out on a boat. If you do decide to venture out remember that a PFD is a must in these cold weather conditions.
With all of that said, the walleye anglers are doing very well this time of year especially in the Delaware River. Be safe out there.
Lackawanna County
There is no safe ice in the county. The public reservoirs that are open to public fishing have open water and are fishable. Lackawanna Lake is also able to be fished from the shoreline in many areas. However, with cold temperatures slated for the next week, things could change rapidly.
Southeastern Region
REMINDER – Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2018 and runs through April 30, 2019, while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length and for all canoes and kayaks.
The 2019 PA Fishing Licenses are available! Buy now and be ready for the season!
Bucks County
Don’t forget to buy a 2019 Summary Guide and review it for any changes when you buy your license. You may also now find, download, and print the Summary Guide for free on our website at https://www.fishinpa.com/.
Next month check out our website for this year’s upcoming trout stocking schedule at http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx!
With dropping temperatures over the course of this month, we may start seeing ice conditions forming. If you plan on going on an ice fishing trip elsewhere, please review the safety tips on our website as well as local conditions and tips for your destination. http://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx.
As a continued reminder, the mandatory cold weather PFD wear took effect on November 1st, 2018, and will continue until April 30th of this year. Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length and on all 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 PFD is in good, serviceable condition as well. Visit our site at http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/WaterandIceSafety/Pages/default.aspx for more details.
Chester County
Are you looking to join a local Sportsmen’s Club? Consider attending one of the meetings of the West Caln Sportsmen’s Club. The club owns 40 acres of property along Telegraph Road which includes a large clubhouse, an indoor and outdoor pistol range, rifle range, archery range and fish nursery located at Hibernia County Park. Meetings are held starting at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, so the next meeting will be on January 9th. Meetings are held at the West Caln Sportsmen’s Club at 1271 Telegraph Road, Coatesville, PA. 19320. The Club is always looking for new members. For more information you can send an email to wcsportsmen@verizon.net or check out the website at http://wcsportsmen.org/
At a recent meeting of the White Clay Fly Fishermen, two anglers reported catching numerous trout in the White Clay Creek at the deep holes found below the Good Hope Road Bridge, which is the top of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only, Trophy Select Section of the White Clay Creek.
The Orvis Store in Downingtown, at 70 Quarry Rd, Downingtown Pa. 19335, will offer a free Fly-Tying 201 course, “Working with Dubbing” on Thursday, January 17th starting at 5:30PM. The course covers everything that the beginning fly fisherman needs to know to get started fly-tying different trout nymphs using dubbing. It is cold out for now, but spring will come, so you could take advantage of this opportunity to learn the art of using dubbing while fly tying. If you can please bring your own vise and tools however a few loaners are available on a first come basis. All materials will be provided for you. For more information you can call the store at 610-873-8400 or visit the website at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=hkbrtgrab&oeidk=a07efxrf1b4b4ca4410
Did you know that the L.L. Bean Store in the King of Prussia Mall offers many fishing classes at little or no cost? An expert instructor will tell you what gear and equipment you will need to tie flies as well as provide expert casting instruction and presentation. Classes usually start as early as January although it seems like they are starting in February this year. This might seem like very advance notice however these classes fill up very quickly. There is a Fly Fishing Class at Marsh Creek Lake on April 27, but there are only a few spots still available so keep your eye on the website and register early if you see something that you like. For more information you can visit the website at https://www.llbean.com/llb/ods/513843?page=fly-fishing-courses-tours-and-trips&nav=33-9
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
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
Northampton County
Anglers have been catching Walleye on the Delaware River near Belvidere NJ using assorted swim baits and twisters rigged to jig heads.
Also, Brown Trout of all sizes have been caught on the Bushkill Creek in the catch and release section using various nymph patterns. For those interested, please monitor the PFBC website for the spring stocking schedule to be posted. Stocking volunteers are always welcome, simply show up at the meeting place listed ready to stock some trout.
