Pennsylvania Fishing Report – February 13, 2020

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 taken. Other fish species if caught, must be immediately released unharmed. This lake was recently stocked with very nice Rainbow Trout. The daily limit of trout is three.

Harbar Acres Lake

This lake was stocked with trout in October. The daily limit of trout is three.

Lake Arthur

Anglers looking for open water should try the outflow of dam (Muddy Creek). This creek holds nice Musky and Walleye. Large light-colored rubber tubes work well on these Musky.

Venango County

Allegheny River

Anglers are catching walleye, muskellunge, and the occasional northern pike throughout the Venango County section of the Allegheny River.

Kahle Lake

Anglers are catching crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill when ice conditions allow.

VENANGO COUNTY TROUT STOCKING FOR 2020

Trout stocking in Venango County begins on March 4^th.  Individuals wishing to attend are urged to reference the 2020 TROUT STOCKING link found on the agency’s home page, at www.fishandboat.com, in order to verify the appropriate date and time of your favorite stream(s).

Northeastern Region

PA Trout Strocking Schedules
2020 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedules are now available: https://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx

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 though the ice.

REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST:  https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx

On Saturday, March 07, 2020, Nescopeck State Park will be hosting a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Basic Boating program from 8 am to 4 pm.  There is no charge for the class, but all participants MUST pre-register.  For more information and to pre-register please visit: https://fbweb.pa.gov/calendar/Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DT=3/7/2020&ID=62EF2D16-188B-4C08-9A97-FAADECA9F5FA&CAT=boating_courses&DAY=NODAY

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Beltzville State Park will be hosting a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Basic Boating program from 9 am to 5 pm.  There is no charge for the class, but all participants MUST pre-register.  For more information and pre-register please visit: https://fbweb.pa.gov/calendar/Gridview.aspx?TN=boating_courses&DT=3/22/2020&ID=DDF03E8A-124F-4DE9-9BC5-083164A44C96&CAT=boating_courses&DAY=NODAY

2020 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedules are now available: https://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx

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 set of ice awls can be extremely import if you fall through the ice.

Remember SAFETY FIRST: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx

Wyoming County Fishing and Boating Report.

Anglers fishing the Susquehanna River from Falls to Tunkhannock have been catching nice sized walleye. The most effective bait has been live minnows, but artificial swimbaits and jigs provided some success as well. Early last week the river was at its best condition for water clarity and temperature and a few experienced anglers caught their limit of walleye.

Pressure on the streams for trout has been very light but anglers that have been out have had some action on better than average size Brown Trout.  Anglers fortunate enough to catch Trout during this time of year have been using small jigs and Jerk baits. Overall, the nicer days when water and air temperatures warm a few degrees have provided some success for anglers.

Southern Wayne, Northern Monroe and southern Pike Counties

Unusually warm weather conditions have degraded across the region. Anglers should exercise extreme caution venturing out onto the ice.

Columbia/S. Luzerne Co.

Boating activity across the district remains light.  However, those venturing out on those warmer than normal days, are again reminded of the Mandatory Wear Period for flotation devices.  Check the website, or your boating handbook for additional information.

Fishing activity across the district has been light.  Partially due to lack of safe ice, as well as inconsistent temperatures.  Most pressure has been at Briar Creek Lake where anglers there are finding success with the trout stocked previously in the fall.  Most fish are being caught on paste baits.

Anglers are reminded that the creel limit for trout on Stocked Trout Waters remains at 3.  It goes to 0 effective March 1^st, this includes waters listed as Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year Round Fishing.

While at the Early Bird Sports Expo, several people inquired about becoming a Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer with the agency.  Those interested in becoming a Deputy, should contact their Region Law Enforcement Office for more information.  Though it is a commitment, many find it to be an extremely rewarding experience.

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

Reminder: Warm weather over the past few days has made ice conditions variable and potentially dangerous. 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.

Hills Creek

Anglers are catching a variety of panfish through the ice. Ice conditions should improve through the week with an expected drop in temperatures.

Bright colored tungsten jigs are working well right now tipped with minnows or waxworms.

Beechwood Lake

Anglers are reporting lots of small Perch as well as, some nice Pickerel. Anglers targeting Crappie are also reporting some success using sensitive equipment to detect a very light bite. Some Trout are being caught as well.

Clinton County

Fishing Creek

Recent rainfall has the creek level flowing higher than average. Even with increased flows the creek is still fishable. The water temperature is currently in the high 30’s and fish are holding in slower pockets.

Anglers are catching Brown Trout nymphing the pocket water with caddis imitations and small nymphs. Streamers are also moving hungry fish. Sculpin imitations are working well right now.

Centre County

Spring Creek

Currently, the creek level is above average and continues to rise. The water temperature is in the 40’s. Anglers continue to report success nymphing the slower moving slots and pockets.

Baetis nymphs and hot spot sow bugs are hot right patterns right now. Streamer fishing is also a productive technique. Dark colored slumpbusters are a great option when trying to move hungry fish.

Southeastern 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

Berks County

Blue Marsh is still mostly ice free and is providing a good winter fishing opportunity. Crappie and Yellow Perch of decent size are being caught. You can try shore fishing in the vicinity of the Mt. pleasant Bridge, otherwise you can still launch boats at Dry Brooks Boat Launch, State Hill Boat Launch or Sheidy.

The Stocking schedules have been released, please visit fishandboat.com or download the FishBoatPA app via Google play for the Android version, or Apple Store for the iPhone app. On the website or the mobile apps, you can see the pre-season and in-season stocking dates for Berks County (and all other Counties) Stocked Trout Waters.

Chester County

The L.L. Bean Store in the King of Prussia Mall is hosting a “Park Cleanup” at March Creek Lake on Sunday February 23rd from 10AM to 12PM. Join other civic minded individuals in cleaning up one of our local treasures here in Chester County. All you need to bring is yourself and your enthusiasm, volunteers will explain the process and direct you. Make sure that you also bring a snack and water and protective clothing depending on the weather.   For more information you can visit the website at http://www.llbean.com/llb/ods/33?nav=bc&STORE_CITY_STATE=[25]&EVENT_TYPE=[0]&EVENT_LEVEL=[0]&PRICE_RANGE=[0]

If you are looking to join a central Chester County Fly Fishing Club, consider the Dame Juliana League of Fly Fishers. Membership is open to all fly fishers and families. You will be offered fly fishing and fly tying classes and opportunities, and extensive fly fishing video collection. Meetings are held on the last Monday of the month so the next meeting will be on Monday, February 24th at 7:30 PM  at the Kimberton Fairgrounds Meeting Hall, 2276 Firehouse Lane, Kimberton, PA 19442. For more information on membership you can go to the website at http://www.djlflyfishers.org/ .

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 February 12th. 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/

The White Clay Fly-Tying club will meet at 6 PM on Thursday, February 13th 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. At the last club meeting, Frank taught a few of the members how to tie the Ridley Ugly, which he said is supposed to imitate a yellow jacket or bee. Many of you 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 live in Southern Chester County on the south side of 322, consider coming out this year and helping to stock the “Stocked Trout Waters”. The “Stocked Trout Waters” in Southern Chester County include Beaver Creek, Buck Run, Brandywine Creek West Branch, Pocopson Creek, Elk & Big Elk Creeks, Octoraro Creek East Branch (in-season only), and four sections of the White Clay Creek (including one Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Section that is also a Keystone Select Trout Waters). We had very little help on some of the stockings which made it difficult to distribute the fish as evenly as we would have liked to. On my last stocking of the White Clay Creek we had two 75-year-olds and a 50’s something along to help. They were exhausted until we completed the stocking. We often get the fisherman who wants to call in and complain that his favorite hole was not stocked well enough, or for reasons of bad weather and proximity to the road and or, for lack of help, it may have to be passed by. The first thing we ask is if they came along to help stock and the usual answer is no.  Stocking is a lot of fun and gives you a chance to give something back to the resource. It is also a great way to spend a day with a kid and to get them off the web and video games for a while. The web site below has been updated and will give you all the dates, times and meeting locations for any county in Pennsylvania. Thanks in advance for your help.

Trout Stocking

Are you waiting for the opening of trout, this year April 4th at 8 AM and for trout stockings to begin? Well, your wait is over. We will stock four special regulations waters, Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Areas and one Fly Fishing Only Catch & Release only on Thursday, February 27th. We will meet the stocking truck at noon at the Ridge Fire Hall on Route 23. These are East Branch Brandywine Creek, 1.2 mile stretch from SR 4019 (Dorlans Mill Road) downstream to SR 4004 (Dowlin Forge Road). Pickering Creek, 1.5 miles from SR 1019 (Charlestown Road) downstream to 330 yards upstream of the railroad bridge. West Valley Creek starts 1.2 miles from the confluence with the unnamed tributary (locally known as Colebrook Run) upstream of SR 2020 (Boot Road) downstream to 0.25 miles of the railroad tunnel. There is also a Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only section of French Creek, from the breached dam upstream of the T491 Bridge to Hollow Road. These are all open to year-round fishing so while all the Stocked Trout Waters will close to fishing on March 1st you can continue to fish all of these streams.  We can always use help spreading the fish around so come on out, give something back to the resource. Good Luck!

The Orvis Store in Downingtown at 70 Quarry Rd, Downingtown Pa. 19335 will offer a free course Fly-Tying 101 on Saturday, February 29th from 10AM noon. The course will cover everything that the beginning fly fisherman will need to know to get started in tying.  Spring is almost here, take advantage of this opportunity to learn the art of fly tying. For more information, you can call the store at 610-873-8400 or visit the website at www.orvis.com/downingtown

The 2020 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedules are now posted on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website. To search for adult trout stockings in your county go to http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx and select your county and then the date range that you want, which could be for example from today to December 31st, 2020 which would give you all the stockings in your county which will happen this year.