Northwest Region
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
Beginning on November 1 and lasting through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.
Clarion County
Kahle Lake
Anglers are catching some bluegill and yellow perch.
Lower Clarion River
Anglers are catching some nice muskellunge and walleye near the confluence with the Allegheny River.
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching a few walleye between Emlenton and Parker.
Erie County
Area Steelhead Tributaries
Depending on conditions, anglers are catching steelhead on a variety of flies, single eggs, minnows, and nightcrawlers. When the water is low and clear, try using a more natural presentation with light 4-pound test line.
Lake Erie
Anglers are catching lake trout off North East Marina and Shades Beach in about 17-20 feet of water. Anglers are using shiny chatterbaits, bucktail jigs, and blade baits to catch these big Lakers.
Northeastern Region
Bradford County
Bass anglers have seen an increase in top-water action on the North Branch Susquehanna.
Anglers targeting muskellunge have been catching more, but smaller fish.
Northern Luzerne County
Fishing activity has slowed considerably in the area. Unseasonably warm temperatures brought anglers out on their boats at Harveys Lake. Most anglers were targeting bass (for fun or for a tournament). A few anglers were also out chasing big brown trout. Bass anglers were having mixed success earlier in the month. Water temperatures hit a stall in their cool-down and put fish off a bit, but anglers were still finding fish with soft plastics and working drop-offs, piles and structure between 16 and 26 feet. Brown trout anglers were having some luck in the areas of Sunset Point and Hanson’s. The usual mix of trolling trees and spoons or stick-baits when you find the depth where fish are hanging out and drifting live minnows seem to work.
Northcentral Region
REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket wear begins November 1, 2019 and ends on April 30, 2020 for all canoes, kayaks and boats under 16 feet in length. Learn more here – https://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/Pages/MandatoryPFD.aspx
REMINDER Anglers are reminded that fall is the time of year when Brook and Brown Trout spawn. When fishing, make sure you are mindful of where you step to avoid stepping on trout egg nests, also known as trout redds. The gravel in a trout redd will appear light in color/clean gravel. Most look like oval or round areas of clean gravel. Some are not much bigger than a frying pan size, others may be larger.
Lycoming County
West Branch Susquehanna River
Currently, anglers are doing well fishing for smallmouth bass using artificial crayfish lures near the PA Fish and Boat Commission Linden Boat Access area. The best colors are dark red and other dark natural colors that mimic crayfish. Slow retrieves, with a couple of jerking movements followed by a two-second pause, is currently producing the most hook-ups. The fish are healthy and are providing a good fight for those anglers getting out on the river.
Clinton County
Fishing Creek
The water temperature is currently in the low 50’s and the creek is flowing below average, even with recent rainfall. Fish are currently spawning, please be mindful of redds. If you notice fish that are actively spawning, take the time to observe and enjoy the show. Do not target actively spawning fish. Nymphs and streamers are currently working the best right now. Dry fly fishing is not out of the question as you may notice a few Blue-Winged Olives still around. With the current water conditions, long leaders and light tippet are essential techniques to use to entice passive fish.