Northwest Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2020 Fishing Licenses are now available for purchase – Click here to purchase
REMINDER:
Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2019 and runs through April 30, 2020 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. 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 through the ice.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass throughout the Venango county stretch of the Allegheny River. Hair jigs seem to be the lure of choice.
Warren County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching walleye in the Allegheny River at the outflow of Kinzua Dam. Live bait such as creek chubs seem to be the most productive bait.
Northeastern Region
Get your fishing license ONLINE!
2020 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
REMINDER:
The Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear is now in effect and runs from November 1st through April 30th. You must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length and any canoe or kayak.
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 through the ice.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Northern Luzerne County
Ice Fishing in our area never really took hold this year. About the only place they were able to consistently get out on the ice has been Lake Jean at Rickett’s Glen State Park. Anglers should be cautioned that the ice conditions at Lake Jean have become unreliable as of late. There have been areas of open water appearing near otherwise ‘safe ice’ and then refreezing overnight. This means you should use extra caution when going out on the lake and should check conditions throughout the day and as you move around to different areas on the ice. It is always recommended that you wear a PFD or flotation coat, carry a throwable device and ice awls and try to never go out alone but these cautions are more pertinent this year than in recent years past. Please be careful out there and we look forward to seeing you at stockings and along the trout streams this spring!
Wyoming County
Fishing has been limited due to lack of ice here but there have been some anglers still catching fish throughout the county. Nice sized brown trout have been caught in the Keystone Select/Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Section of the South Branch Tunkhannock Creek. They have been caught on flies and jerk baits in deeper pools. The Susquehanna River remains high and cold but a few anglers have had success catching Channel Catfish using nightcrawlers.
Northcentral Region
REMINDER:
Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket wear began on November 1, 2019 and ends on April 30, 2020 for all canoes, kayaks and boats under 16 feet in length. Learn more here
Ice fishing safety and more!
Check out PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Ice/Winter Fishing Page for Ice Safety tips, Ice Fishing tips and more! – https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Reminder: Always check ice conditions yourself before heading out on the lake. It is a good idea to contact local sporting goods stores for ice condition updates prior to venturing out.
Tioga County
Hamilton Lake
Anglers are reporting success ice fishing on the lake. A variety of fish are being caught using tungsten jigs tipped with mousies or wax worms. Anglers are catching trout as well as, some nice Perch in 12 to 20 feet of water. Paste baits have been working particularly well for Trout just under the ice surface. Anglers also report having success catching Chain Pickerel on tip-ups using minnows in depths ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
Beechwood Lake
Anglers have reported a good trout bite not far from the boat launch area in the cove using wax worms and paste baits.
Hills Creek
Although the lake is frozen over, the ice thickness is inconsistent across the lake. Look for colder temperatures in the coming days to build more ice. Stay cautious and active in checking the ice as you transition to new fishing locations.
Pine Creek
The Keystone Select was recently extended, and many anglers are reporting approval of the extension. If you find yourself looking to get outside, this section of water provides a great opportunity for fishing.
Potter County
Lyman Run
Anglers are reporting catching trout through the ice on the lake. Keep an eye on the weather and look for ice conditions to improve in the coming weeks.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
Water temperature is in the high 30’s. The flow is currently above average for this time of year. Continue to look for holding fish in slower-moving pockets. Stoneflies and caddis imitations are currently producing hook-ups.
Streamers will still move fish this time of year.
Centre County
Spring Creek
Anglers are reporting having steady success nymphing slow-moving pockets and the tail outs of riffles. Currently, the water temperature is in the 40’s. Look for heavier flows in the stretch below Bellefonte and remember to use caution when wading.
Hot patterns for anglers right now include black zebra midges and pheasant tail nymphs. Sculpin patterns are also a great option.