Northwest Region
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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…
Mercer County
Shenango Reservoir
Shenango Reservoir levels are still fluctuating. The lack of rain and the high temperatures have raised the lake’s temperature. Anglers are catching some panfish. A reminder that the Shenango River Lake is now designated as a Panfish Enhancement Lake. Crappie must be 9 inches to harvest and the creel limit is 20.
Shenango River
The Shenango River fish consumption advisory is still in effect until further notice.
Trout Stocked Waters
The delayed harvest areas and other deeper trout streams are still producing trout. Anglers are catching trout at the Shenango Reservoir as well.
Northeastern Region
Monroe County
As the summer months are heating up (literally and figuratively), so has the activity at many of the lakes in the district. Tobyhanna Lake and Gouldsboro Lake have seen steady action throughout the beginning of the summer. With the commencement of Bass Season just a few weeks ago, individuals are catching some nice sized bass using mostly shiny spinners and chatter baits. Along with the bass, anglers have been having a lot success pulling good sized pickerel out of the water. Trout fishing has slowed down significantly with the rise in water temperature, but there are plenty of other fishing opportunities to explore. Along with Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro, Brady’s Lake on State Game Land 127 has seen steady action of people, many of which are taking their kayaks out for a nice paddle with the beautiful, scenic views. The fishing at Brady’s has been on the slower side, but the magnificent scenery certainly makes up for it.
Wayne and Pike County
Since the summer has commenced, Lake Wallenpaupack has seen significant boating action. The cold weather on Memorial Day weekend made many boaters hesitant to go out, but with the hot days since most of them have made up for it with their time on the water. As far as fishing goes on Lake Wallenpaupack, individuals are having good success with the bass, pulling them out at a steady pace, and with decent size. The stripers that are caught are usually of good size. Many of the stripers caught have been in Mangan Cove as well as Ironwood.
With the fourth of July weekend approaching, just a reminder to never boat under the influence. WCO’s will be out all weekend with a targeted enforcement of boating under the influence. Boating under the influence puts not only your life in danger, but also everyone on your boat and everyone else on the water. Also remember to always wear your life jacket, as it could save your life.
Columbia and Southern Luzerne Counties
Fishing on the Susquehanna River has really been picking up with bass and some walleye being caught throughout the district. The bait of choice for successful anglers has been a Ned Rig, which has gained enormous popularity recently. Other productive choices include live bait, as well as well as crankbaits. The catfish bite is on as well, with clams, chicken liver and cut bait working well.
Local impoundments are giving up bass and panfish, pick your bait or lure of choice!
With regards to the local trout streams, go early and late. Walk the creek bank and don’t expect to limit out on one hole. However, if you put in your time, you can certainly enjoy some success.
BUI continues to be an issue throughout the district. Regardless of whether it’s alcohol or recreational drugs, it not only endangers your life, but the lives of others. There has always been and continues to be a zero-tolerance policy in effect.
Northern Luzerne County
Anglers are getting pretty good catches of panfish in all area ponds right now. The female Largemouths have moved out of the shallows and are feeding to make up for the energy lost in the spawn. Everything else to be found in the warm water is up on the banks, under the trees and under the docks.
The Susquehanna River is fishing well right now and should be fine for the next weeks or two barring heavy rains up north. Liver and shrimp for cats is doing well right now but as the water clears nothing seems to beat cut or whole panfish as bait.
The past few tournaments on Harveys Lake have been putting up respectable but smaller numbers on sunny days and evenings but if you are targeting bass during rain events the fishing has been excellent. As most of you already know the best days to be out on a boat are often the worst days for fishing. A little rain really turns things up.
