Northwest Region
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2021 Fishing License went on sale December 1st. Click here to purchase
REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2020 and runs through April 30, 2021 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. Learn more here…
Venango County
Allegheny River
Anglers are catching Walleye on artificial lures, jerk baits, and spinners particularly in and around the Oil City area. Anglers are catching Flathead Catfish using live bait and cut bait near dusk.
French Creek
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass and the occasional Walleye throughout French Creek.
Oil Creek
As a reminder, the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lure area(s) [DHALO] are closed to harvest until June 15th. During the period of June 15th through Labor Day, the daily creel limit is three combined species of trout AND minimum size limit is nine inches.
The DHALO/Keystone Select section from the Petroleum Center vehicle bridge downstream through the Columbia Farm railroad bridge have been posted with enhanced signage (36” X 48”) to limit bait anglers from inadvertently, and unlawfully, entering the special regulation waters section. Special thanks to both the Oil Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited (OCTU) and the Venango Technology Center (VTC) for their assistance in the project’s funding, development, and construction.
Northeastern Region
Wyoming and Southwest Susquehanna County
Lake Winola
Trout anglers have been finding success, especially in evenings and after dark, at Lake Winola. The trout have moved into deeper water as the water has warmed and anglers are having success using a variety of live and paste baits.
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River fishing has been slower than expected for bass anglers, mainly due to periodic elevated water levels and stained water clarity conditions. Anglers fishing for Channel Catfish have had provided good fishing reports on the Susquehanna River. A few of the nice sized Catfish up to 10 pounds have been caught in the Tunkhannock area on nightcrawlers and chunks of Bluegill.
Northcentral Region
Centre County
Tis’ the season where Pennsylvania’s venomous snakes are on the move, such as this beautiful yellow phase Eastern Timber Rattlesnake. This snake was recently relocated from a residential area in Pine Grove Mills, Centre County. Should you encounter a venomous snake near your home or residential yard, spraying cold water from a nozzled garden hose frequently encourages the snake to move along. Otherwise, feel free to contact your local Commission Regional Law Enforcement Office or your County 911 Center non-emergency phone line.
Lycoming County
West Branch Susquehanna River
With the nice weather comes boating season, and now in full swing please remember some important safety precautions.
- Have a Personal Flotation Device for everyone on board your boat
- Boats 16 feet or more in length are also required to have a throwable floatation device on board
- Adhere to the rules of the road while out on the water
- While out on the river, pay attention to channel and shoal markings
- If you decide to operate at night make sure your navigation lights work beforehand
- Lastly, boats are limited to slow no wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, launch ramps, swimmers or downed skiers, persons wading in the water, anchored, moored or drifting boats, and floats.
- If you see Officers on a stop with another boat along the river or any waterway that you may boat on, slow down!
McKean County
Summer is here and the weather is great! With all the new boaters that are going out on their new kayaks, there is still the common misconception that you don’t need to have a personal floatation device (PFD). The newly revamped 2021 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook will answer any water recreation question you may have. The Pennsylvania Boating Handbook starts on page 36, the PFD section starts on page 41, and the sound producing device information is found on page 45. Stay safe out there, and let’s keep the kid’s safe as well (“WHO MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET?”; page 42).
