Northwest Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2019 PA Fishing Licenses went on sale December 1st.
Erie County
Lake Erie
Walleye fishing is still very good on the lake from 55 to 80 feet of water. Anglers using planner boards or dipsy’s will do well dragging spoons, plugs or worm rigs. Anglers are starting to catch some Steelhead dragging spoons. Anglers are catching Yellow Perch in small packs if you can find them.
Erie Tributaries
The creek conditions are low and clear, but some Steelhead have been found in the creeks. The best time right now is in the early mornings near the mouths of the creeks.
Lawrence County
Neshannock Creek
Some anglers are catching a good number of Northern Pike out of the Neshannock Creek. Anglers are using live bait, but also soft plastic swimbaits that resemble small trout have been working as well.
Bessemer Lake
A lot of anglers are catching sunfish and some Largemouth Bass using nightcrawlers and red worms under a bobber.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass and Walleye primarily on live bait and lures.
Oil Creek
Anglers are catching several Smallmouth Bass on live bait and minnows.
Oil Creek Fall Stocking
On 10/02/2019 (Wednesday), the Lower Delayed Harvest/Keystone Select waters of Oil Creek received its annual fall planting
French Creek
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass and Walleye on live bait and lures.
Justus Lake (Two Mile Run Reservoir)
Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass and panfish on live bait.
Boaters are reminded that only manual, wind-powered, and/or electric motor driven watercraft are permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED.
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching Largemouth Bass and the occasional panfish.
MANDATORY PFD (LIFE-JACKET) WEAR BEGINS NOVEMBER 1ST:
During the period of November 1st through April 30th, all boaters are required to wear a life jacket, at all times, while on watercraft less than 16’ in length or any canoe or kayak.
Northeast Region
Southern Luzerne & Columbia Counties
Throughout most of September, the water temps have been warm, and fish have been sluggish. Those anglers finding success have been doing so mostly in the early morning and later evening hours.
The Susquehanna River has been giving up catfish at night, as well as some carp.
FEW Reservoir is producing some crappies, but the fall bite is still a few weeks off yet.
Pressure on local trout streams has been pretty much non-existent. However, with fall plantings in October, that should change.
Milfoil on Lily Lake has kept most boaters and anglers at bay. But, with the cooler temps on the horizon, that should improve as well. All in all, it was a pretty good season. Don’t put that gear up just yet though, some of the seasons best fishing is yet to come with the cooler temperatures, as fish start to feed heavily in preparation for the colder weather.
Boaters are reminded of the Mandatory PFD Wear season is rapidly approaching. From November 1st, through April 30th, all persons on boats less than 16 feet in length and anyone in a canoe or kayak, regardless of length are required to wear a USCG approved flotation device.
Carbon County
Although most of the district’s trout stocked trout waters are still flowing low, several anglers taking advantage of the warm fall weather have reported good success catching trout on the Pohopoco Creek, Buckwa Creek, Aquashicola Creek, and the Lehigh River in Bowmanstown.
Anglers are reminded that the during the extended trout season that the daily creel limit for trout is three combined species with the exception of the Pohopoco Creek from the outlet of Beltzville Lake downstream to the cable across the creek at the Hideaway Hunting & Fishing Club which is designated as both a Class A Wild Trout Stream and Stocked Trout Water is a No Harvest – Catch and Immediate Release area during the period from September 3, 2019 through February 29, 2020.
Anglers have also reported good success catching Smallmouth Bass on the Lehigh River near Lehighton, Parryville, and the Bowmanstown section of the river. Anglers are reminded that bass harvested from rivers and streams during the period from October 1st through December 31st must be a minimum size of 15 inches, and the daily creel limit is 4 combined species.
Anglers have reported good success catching bass at Mauch Chunk Lake, but most bass are less than the minimum size of 15 inches. Big Bass Program Special Regulations apply at Mauch Chunk Lake.
Striped Bass action still remains good at Beltzville Lake during the early morning or evening hours. Bass action appears to be good near the dam breast, power line area, and the upper reaches of the Pohopoco Creek Bay area.
Boating activity at Beltzville Lake continues to be busy during the weekends with the warmer weather continuing. Boaters are reminded that although the regulatory Slow No Wake, Water Ski, and Boats Keep Out buoys will be removed from the lake for winter maintenance, the regulations pertaining to the lake are still in effect and enforced. Maps are posted at each boat launch indicating the special regulation areas of the lake.
Wyoming County
The Susquehanna River is currently running low and clear, making navigation tricky for jet drive boats to navigate from one pool to the next. The river conditions are perfect for canoes and kayaks. The fishing has been steady with good numbers of Smallmouth Bass being caught throughout the river. Best baits have been hellgrammites and soft plastic jigs. Early morning and evening are producing some topwater action for fly fishermen and spin fishermen. The occasional large walleye is being caught by anglers on a variety of live and artificial bates.
Fall trout fishing is looking to be great as water temperatures are cooling. The Fly Fishing Only Section of Bowman’s Creek is scheduled to be stocked on Monday, September 30.
Northern Luzerne County
Water temperatures in area lakes and ponds remained extremely warm through mid-September. Fishing activity was overall lower than normal and those who did get out were experiencing some quiet days on the water. Those experiencing the greatest success were using topwater baits in the evening and into the night. Structure and cooler water (think spring seeps and tributaries seemed to gather fish seeking cover and cooler more oxygenated water.
The Susquehanna River was in good shape for fishing the early part of the month but has been falling precipitously since. Fish are crowding into deeper pools, near areas of mechanical aeration (like riffles at the heads of polls). Catfish have been more than happy to latch onto whatever is being thrown at them from cheese to liver and even shrimp. Bass have been more active in the evenings and some white fly hatches have been bringing them to the top.
Susquehanna County
PFBC provided canoeing and kayaking safety instruction at the Susquehanna County Youth Field day held on September 28th at the New Milford Rifle and Pistol Club. 52 participants, ages 6 through 15 and many of their parents, were also taught were .22’s /riflery, archery and shotgunning ( clay birds, trap shooting )
Northcentral Region
Clinton County
Low water levels across the County have made boating and paddling challenging. Recent rain events have bumped water levels up a little. Remember to scout out the area you want to boat or paddle prior to heading out. This will help you plan your approximate time on the water and be aware of other paddling obstacles.
Warm weather and low water put stress on fish. Using proper procedures when catching and releasing fish during these conditions are key to their survival. Practice getting your catch in quickly, keeping the fish in the water and releasing them quickly.
Fishing Creek
The water level is low and clear. The recent rain events are welcome. Expect the water to come up, but not for long. The water temperature remains in the 60’s. The trout are easily spooked, so use stealth when approaching your favorite fishing area!
Anglers are catching trout using small nymphs. The early morning hours and late evening hours are the best time to be on the water. Nymphs that are working include the green weenie, Frenchie, and hares ear.
Anglers are also catching trout using dry flies. Dry flies that are currently working include October Caddis, Elk hair caddis, midges and ISO spinners.
Centre County
Spring Creek
Spring Creek is low and clear with the water temperature holding in the 60s. Recent rain events are welcome. Expect the water level to rise a little bit.
Early morning and late evening hours continue to be the best time to be on the water. If you are fishing in mid-day, may sure you have a few terrestrial patterns with you.
Anglers are catching trout using dry flies and nymphs. Caddis flies are still around and trout are feeding on them!
Dry flies that continue to work – tan caddis, midges, terrestrials
Nymph patterns that are working include – green weenie; wet ant; hot spot sow bug.
With the rain events, try fishing an olive or black slumpbuster along the bank, you might be surprised what you catch!
Southeastern Region
Berks County
Local anglers of Blue Marsh Lake are catching Crappies with the temperatures getting lower and the days shorter. Fish in the early morning. Try the Mt Pleasant (RT 183) Bridge area. Cast plastic grubs on jigs around the shoreline fallen trees. Good Luck.
Chester County
The West Caln Sportsmen’s Club has received its allocation of about 4000 fingerling trout which are provided by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. The fingerling trout are raised in the West Caln Sportsmen’s Club Trout Nursery which is located in Hibernia County Park by club members. The Club has been actively involved in the local stocking of the West Branch Brandywine Creek and each spring the club stocks about 4500+ Trout in the stream. The club also provides trophy size fish for a Handicap Fishing Rodeo. The trout that are stocked into the Children’s Pond are provided solely through contributions and help from local business and individual Trout sponsorships as well as the “Friends of Hibernia” and “Chester County Parks & Recreation”. The club is located at 1271 Telegraph Road. Mailing address is P.O. Box 58, Wagontown, PA. 19376. Phone 610-384-5710. Web address http://www.wcsportsmen.org
The Next meeting of the White Clay Fly-Tying Club will be at 6PM on Thursday October 3rd at the London Tract Meeting House in the White Clay Creek Preserve, located at the intersection of Sharpless & London Tract roads, Landenberg PA 19350, next to White Clay State Park Office. With the cold weather that has been hanging on, many of us are looking for a place to go or some activity to hold us over until we can wet a line again and this is the perfect thing. Fly tying materials are provided for those who do not yet have their own. Several flies are usually demonstrated and club members are happy to show you how it’s done, as well as spin a few stories about the last huge one that got away. Club mailing address is P.O. Box 762, Landenberg, PA 19350 for more information. Parking for club is behind the White Clay State Park Office.
If you have been waiting for your big break into Bass Tournament Fishing, this may be it. Captain Jim is having a Bass Open Tournament at the Octoraro Reservoir on Sunday, October 13th from 7:15 AM till 1:15 PM, (6 Hours). To get to the lake, simply get on Rt 1 in Southern Chester County and get off on the Rt 472 Exit. Turn West on Rt 472 West and you will go over the Rt 472 Bridge and at the top of the next hill you will turn left on to Spruce Grove Road. You will go about a mile and at the bottom of the hill you will see the lake and the Fishing Headquarters on your left. The physical address for the Fishing Headquarters is 212 Spruce Grove Road, Kirkwood, PA. 17536, For even more information call Captain Jim, phone 717-529-2488 or visit his website at http://www.jimsbait.net/tournaments Only fishing from boats is permitted, limit of two persons per boat.
S. Bucks County
Please remember, the mandatory cold weather PFD wear will take effect starting November 1st and continue until April 30, 2020. 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 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.
Don’t forget to come out to the trout stocking events at Lake Luxembourg on October 17 and Levittown Lake on October 23. Dates and times may change depending on weather and water conditions. Keep up to date on schedule changes on our website, http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx Also, keep in mind the extended season regulations that apply from September 3, 2019 to February 29, 2020 at these locations; the 7 inch minimum remains in effect, but the daily limit is reduced to 3.
Northampton County
Due to a lack of rain, both the Delaware River and Lehigh River are lower than normal and can be difficult to navigate. Despite the low water conditions anglers have caught catfish, bass and bluegills on the Lehigh River from the Rt. 33 access. Anglers have also reported catching Brown Trout in the section through Easton along the arts trail. If you plan on taking a boat out on these rivers caution should be observed as rocks that are normally well below the surface maybe just under the surface and if struck could cause serious boat damage.