Northwest Region
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Clarion County
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching Bluegill, Yellow Perch, crappies, and a lot of Largemouth Bass.
All anglers and boaters are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered or have a launch permit to use this facility.
Piney Dam and the Upper Clarion River
Anglers are catching some nice Walleye in the late evening and early morning hours by trolling the shoreline areas. Anglers are catching some Smallmouth Bass during the daytime and Channel Catfish at night. All anglers and boaters using the Mill Creek and Gravel Lick Access Areas are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered or have a launch permit to use these facilities.
Lower Clarion River
Anglers are catching some nice Walleye and Smallmouth Bass in the rocky areas near the confluence with the Allegheny River.
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching some nice Walleye in the area around the Parker Islands. Anglers are also catching good numbers of nice Smallmouth Bass during the daytime and Channel Catfish at night. All anglers and boaters using the Parker City and Brady’s Bend Access Areas are reminded that all boats, including canoes and kayaks, are required to be registered or have a launch permit to use these facilities.
Beaver Creek Ponds Project
Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass and panfish.
Forest County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching a lot of Smallmouth Bass using tube jigs and live bait. River levels are low, and weeds will become more prevalent, which can cause some navigational issues for jet boat operators. Boaters are reminded that the use of swimming aides are prohibited to be used on Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access areas. Also, all boats that use a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access area must be registered or have a use permit.
Tionesta Lake
Boaters are reminded that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Slow No Wake Area is still in effect. It extends from the point to the dam. Boaters are also reminded that they must be 100 feet from shore while traveling faster than slow no wake speed. Pontoon Boat operators are reminded that passengers cannot ride outside the passenger carrying area while the boat is traveling at any speed.
Tionesta Creek
Tionesta Creek from Kellettville to Nebraska Bridge is still productive for Smallmouth Bass and Musky. Water levels are low, which could make navigation of a canoe or kayak difficult.
Clarion River
Boaters are reminded that children 12 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway while in a canoe, kayak, or boat 20 feet in length or less. Boaters should also be aware of State Park regulations, while navigating through Cook Forest State Park.
Northeast Region
Southern Wayne and Pike Counties
Recent cooler nights have brought on a resurgence of feeding activity in smaller impoundments, especially Black Crappie. Anglers report having exceptional fishing experience as of late using small, brightly colored jigs in the dark, tannic waters of the region.
Northcentral Region
Tioga County
Fishing is still good throughout the county. Anglers, using topwater baits, are catching bass near grass and lily pads on most of the lakes. Anglers targeting shallows, using creature baits, beavers and various other plastics are also catching bass.
A few anglers, fishing in deep waters of the lakes, are catching bass using Carolina rigs, drop shots and crank baits. Look for deep weed lines and PFBC habitat structures!
Hills Creek, Hamilton and Hammond Lakes
Anglers are catching Crappie, Perch and Bluegills using live minnows, waxworms, red worms and a variety of lures. Target the weed lines, pockets in weed mats/lily pads, as well as, down trees and other habitat structures.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Water levels are low and clear. Water temperatures are at 60F.
Anglers are catching trout in the early morning and late evening hours. With low, clear water, be sure to approach your favourite fishing areas with stealth.
Nymph patterns that are currently working include – green weenies (#12-16), ants and other terrestrials. The usual Frenchie (#14-18), flashback pheasant tail nymph (#14-18) and hares ear(#12-16) will work as well.
Dry flies that are working include – Elk hair caddis (#8-12), midges (#20-26) and ISO emerger (#8-12).
West Branch Susquehanna
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass using streamer and hopper patterns. Early morning and late evening are the best times to be on the water. Target structure and the occasional tailing carp. You might be surprised what is following the mud cloud!
Centre County
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
Anglers are catching bass using a variety of techniques. A few are catching bass using topwater techniques, others are catching bass using streamers and lures. Green pumpkin and chartreuse are the colors of choice for bass. Anglers are also catching panfish near Hunter Run Cut and near PFBC habitat structures.
PFBC recently improved bank habitat near pavilion #6 and #7 in the park. Anglers are catching a variety of panfish from the bank in that area.
Spring Creek
Water levels are good and water temperatures are holding at 60F. Anglers are catching trout in the early morning and late evening hours.
Anglers are catching trout using ants and other terrestrial patterns, green weenies and caddis.
Dry fly patterns that are currently working include – elk hair caddis tan (#14-18); Trico duns and spinners (#18-22) and midges.
Nymph patterns that are currently working include – green weenie (#10-18); wet ant (#12-18); hot spot sow bug (#14-16); iron lotus (#16-18).
During or just after rain events, try an olive or black streamer pattern near the stream banks (#6-10).
Southeastern Region
E. Berks/N. Montgomery Counties
The Bass are starting to strike over at Lake Ontelaunee in Berks County. With the recent heat wave sweeping through the state the Bass haven’t been hitting much, but with the recent rain the Bass are starting to come out of the depths and feed. Try working plastic worms and or crank baits through the lily pads. Anglers are also getting nice sized Carp and Channel Catfish back under the old West Shore Dr Bridge. If you’re out in the middle of the day try the fishing in the depths of the quarry hole off Rt 73 just up from the main parking lot. ….. Good Luck!!
Bucks County
There has been an increase in Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators boating without first obtaining a Boater Safety Education Certificate (BSE). All PWC operators of all ages are required to first obtain a BSE prior to operating a watercraft. If you are going to allow someone to operate your PWC, it is your responsibility to ensure they have first obtained a BSE. To learn more, visit the PFBC website at https://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingCourses/Pages/default.aspx.
Boaters, be advised that the ENTIRE length of the Neshaminy Creek is a Slow No Wake Zone. It is up to you as the operator to recognize conditions that require you to operate at a Slow No Wake Speed. One of the many examples includes operating a boat at slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, launch ramps, swimmers or downed skiers, persons wading in the water, anchored, moored or drifting boats and floats.
Slow, no-wake speed is the slowest possible speed of a motorboat required to maintain maneuverability so that the wake or wash created by the motorboat on the surface is minimal.
Delaware County
Anglers are still fishing Furey Pond in Chichester Twp. Mostly bass and bluegill are being caught, but there may still be some trout leftover from the kids derby in the spring. Many anglers are also fishing the pier at the Ridley Marina. Anglers are catching catfish, resident striped bass, and panfish on the pier. Fishing on the Delaware River has been steady. Anglers are reminded that they can use a New Jersey of Pennsylvania fishing license to fish the section of the Delaware River directly between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Keep in mind that you must conform with the regulations in the respective state that you are fishing in.
It’s been a very hot July. Boaters are reminded to drink plenty of fluids while recreating on the water. Water is the best to maintain hydration. Remember, there is a “No Wake” zone in Darby Creek from the mouth of the Delaware River and the entire way upstream. There is also a “No Wake” zone along the marinas behind Little Tinicum Island. These areas are marked accordingly.
Philadelphia County
Last week our Outreach Division staff provided a Fishing Meet-up along the Schuylkill Banks River Trail below Walnut Street Bridge and the Channel Catfish were biting on the bottom on nightcrawlers and hot dogs below slip sinker rigs. This program is being run in partnership with the Schuylkill Banks organization prior to their Thursday night movie nights.
