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 though the ice.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Butler County
Glade Run Lake
Trout are the only species that may be harvested. Other fish species if caught, must be immediately released unharmed. This lake was recently stocked with some very nice Rainbow Trout. The daily limit is three. Boats must be registered or permitted to use this PFBC property. Non-powered or electric-powered only watercraft permitted.
Harbar Acres Lake
This lake was stocked with trout in October. The daily limit of trout is three.
Erie County
Area Steelhead Streams
The steelhead fishing is tough. The streams are both very low and clear or they are high and muddy. 16 and 12 Mile will come down after a rain event quicker than 20 Mile. The fly fishermen seem to be doing the best.
Forest County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Walleye, Muskellunge, and Northern Pike in the Sand and Gravel Pool near Tionesta. Fishing from both the shorelines and boats have been productive. Chubs or larger minnows seem to be the most productive baits. Anglers are catching Walleye near Trunkyville and what is locally known as the Fireman’s Hole.
Tionesta Outflow
Muskellunge 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.
Northeastern Region
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
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
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
Southern Luzerne and Columbia Counties
It’s that time of year again as 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 and Fishing Creek. The Nescopeck is also handing over some dandy trout mostly in the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section.
Francis E. Walter Reservoir is down at winter pool levels and skim ice has made fishing impossible.
Lily Lake, Lake Irena and Briar Creek Lake have all received fall stockings but again skim ice has made fishing not possible. Lily Lake has been drawn down lower than normal to kill off some of the excessive weed growth in the lake.
There has been little activity on the Susquehanna River as well. Smallmouth and walleye can still be caught right now with patience and fortitude.
Just a reminder as we draw deeper into winter, don’t forget to stop by the PFBC’s booth at the Early Bird Sports Expo later this month. You can purchase your fishing license, or just stop by to chat and show us those pictures of the big ones you caught in 2019!
Wyoming County
Currently the Susquehanna River conditions are favorable for walleye fishermen. Anglers have been catching nice sized walleye on the Susquehanna River from Falls to Laceyville. A few experienced walleye anglers caught and released over 20 walleye during an outing in the Tunkhannock area this past week. The most productive presentations have been plastic swimbaits on a jighead, fished slowly. With the heavy rains predicted, the river will rise making for tough conditions soon. Without having good ice fishing conditions, fishing elsewhere is hard to come by. Some anglers have had luck fishing open water ponds for panfish 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 Is Just Around The Corner!
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
Union, Northumberland and Montour Counties
The weather over the last week has created a freeze-thaw effect making ice conditions dangerous and unpredictable. Take caution and pay attention, inconsistent shifts in temperature can make the ice a lot weaker than it may look.
Reminder: A float coat, as well as other safety equipment, are essential in ensuring your safety when venturing out on the ice.
Tioga County
Hills Creek and Beechwood Lakes
Warm weather and rain have made ice conditions variable and potentially dangerous in spots. Please be mindful of this when planning your fishing trip.
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.
Clinton and Lycoming Counties
West Branch Susquehanna.
Winter fishing has been going strong. Anglers are reporting success catching Musky in the West Branch Susquehanna. Ice conditions remain questionable with a few weeks of good ice however, recent weather has put a damper on reports. Look for colder temperatures in the coming weeks and remember to always check the ice yourself before heading out.
Fishing Creek
The water temperature remains in the low 40s.
Anglers are reporting success nymphing pocket water for hungry post-spawn trout. With colder water temperatures, look for fish in slower-moving pockets behind structure. Stoneflies and caddis larvae imitations are producing fish.
Streamers are working well and have been reported to be successfully moving nice Brown Trout.
Centre County
Spring Creek
Water temperatures remain in the 40s. Deep pockets and tail outs are holding fish consistently.
Anglers report success working nymphs close to the bottom. Pheasant tail nymphs and hot spot sow bugs are great options when using this technique. Walt’s Worm and egg imitations are fooling hungry trout as well.
Working streamers slowly through the water column has also been reported to be effective. Sculpin patterns are producing fish using this technique.
