Northwest Region
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Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear
Mandatory cold weather life jacket wear began on November 1st. This means that a person must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak from November 1st through April 30th.
REMINDER: Once there is ice on the lakes, be sure to check the ice thickness and have safety gear ready before venturing out on the ice. Ice anglers should be sure to drill test holes as you make your way out on the ice. It is highly recommended to wear a PFD or a float coat, wear yak-tracks on your boots, and use ice awls while on the ice. For more information about ice fishing in PA, click here.
Erie County
Area Steelhead Streams
Steelhead are still in good numbers in all the streams. With the cold winter months upon us, the streams are icing up quickly.
Northeastern Region
Pike County
It is time for ice fishing in region. Anglers are catching crappie, bluegills, pickerel, and perch on tip-ups and by jigging on Shohola Marsh Reservoir. The coves and southwest end of Lake Wallenpaupack are loaded with perch and panfish. Some anglers are even catching Smallmouth Bass through the ice. Try putting holes in a few different locations and rotate jigging between them as the fish tend to move their schools about the cove.
Wyoming and Southwest Susquehanna County
Ice fishing season has begun on most bodies of water throughout the district. Anglers have been catching nice sized Bluegill and a few Largemouth Bass on Stevens Lake using wax worms and live minnows. Oxbow Lake has also produced a nice variety of fish. Some fortunate anglers have caught big Chain Pickerel, Rainbow Trout, crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass in a single day. The trout were caught on spoons fished higher in the water column. Other species were caught on a variety of live bait with live minnows working best. Anglers are encouraged to check ice conditions and keep ice safety at the forefront of their minds when preparing to venture onto the ice throughout the season.
Northern Carbon and Southern Monroe County
Ice conditions are beginning to become ideal for ice fishing. The recent cold weather has allowed fishermen to venture onto the hardwater. Anglers on some of the private impoundments have been catching crappie and other panfish using jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers, ice skaters, and anyone who ventures onto the ice are reminded to check ice conditions prior to getting onto the ice, and to remain aware of changing weather conditions.
• View more information on ice safety, an ice thickness chart and other safety information
Northcentral Region
Tioga County
Nessmuk Lake
Nessmuk Lake is currently being managed under Panfish Enhancement Regulations. Anglers harvesting Panfish have a total daily limit of 50. Of those 50, only 20 sunfish may be harvested 7 inches or longer and 20 Crappie may be harvested 9 inches or longer. There is no size limit on Yellow Perch. As a reminder, ATVs and snowmobiles are prohibited on PFBC property.
Centre County
Sayers Lake
Ice Fishing anglers are currently having success fishing Hunter Run Cut, East/West Launch Cove and off the Beach Area. Anglers are having good success with Crappies, Blue Gill and Perch. Most success has been with size 10-12 jigs tipped with maggots fishing suspended a couple feet from the bottom. Tip ups with minnows are also been doing well. Some Trout and Bass have also been reported.
Black Moshannon Lake
Moderate Ice Fishing pressure has been observed on all areas of the lake. Anglers are reporting slow fishing however, some nice Crappies, Sunfish and Perch have been reported. Most success has been on edges of weedbeds using jigs with maggots.
Colyer Lake
Ice anglers have been observed on the lake with some crappies and perch being reported.
Spring Creek
Anglers have been doing well in the cold weather conditions on Spring Creek for trout. Spinners and nymphs have been most successful.
Clinton and Western Lycoming Counties
Many of the streams and rivers have ice flows, some of which are solid from shore to shore. If you intend to go boating keep this mind as the ice certainly presents a hazard. With that said, the ice on the lakes is offering good ice fishing opportunities. Little Pine Lake has been productive through the ice especially for Trout. Anglers are reporting good size Trout with wax worms, minnows, and jigs. Fishing near the bottom has proven to be the most effective. Please remember your ice safety and only venture out on good ice. Check conditions before heading out and take safety equipment along.
Southeastern Region
Northern Bucks County
Please remember to renew you fishing licenses for 2022 and pick up a new copy of the Summary Guide. You can purchase your license and find fishing regulations at fishandboat.com.
The weather has finally gotten cold, and some ice has been forming on all the lakes in Northern Bucks County so before going out make sure you know if the ice is safe. It is always a good idea to review safety information prior to venturing out for your trip.
For those willing to brave the cold winter months, Lake Nockamixon still has all its boating accesses open.
Please remember that the mandatory cold weather life jacket wear is in effect until April 30th for all boats less than 16 feet and all kayaks, canoes, paddleboards.