This is the Official Pennsylvania Fishing regulations and Information navigation page for the Pennsylvania state rules and regulations guidebook overviews.
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Weather its Pennsylvania Trout fishing, Pennsylvania bass fishing, Pennsylvania striper fishing, Pennsylvania Salmon fishing, Pennsylvania Catfish fishing, Pennsylvania steelhead fishing, Pennsylvania Panfish fishing, Pennsylvania pike/muskie fishing, Pennsylvania Walleye fishing,  Pennsylvania Marlin Fishing, Pennsylvania Salt Water Fishing, Pennsylvania Tuna fishing, Pennsylvania Tarpon fishing, Pennsylvania Snook fishing, Pennsylvania Red fish fishing We have the Pennsylvania state fishing regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
If you need Pennsylvania fishing maps, Pennsylvania state fishing maps, or just some Pennsylvania fishing reports to tell you were the bite is hot we have that too.

Pennsylvania Fishing Report

If you’re planning a fishing trip to Pennsylvania, you have some excellent choices for lakes and streams throughout the state including Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake, Youghiogheny River Lake and others. Many of the lakes in Pennsylvania have camping facilities as well as other accommodations nearby. Pennsylvania is well known for excellent Bass, Crappie and Walleye fishing. Additionally, in waters around the state you’ll find populations of Trout, Salmon, Catfish, Stripers, Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Sauger and sunfish including Rock Bass, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch which are plentiful in some waters.

Fishing is regulated in Pennsylvania by the Fish & Game Department. You can check their website for current fishing reports. Other fishing reports are offered by independent services which collect information from fishermen. Some reports are divided by regions (southern, northern, eastern and western), some are listed by fish species while others are listed simply lake-by-lake.

Reading Pennsylvania Fishing Reports

Often fishing conditions change by the hour. When reading fishing reports the most useful information is likely to be the sum total of all reports over the last few weeks rather than the specifics of the most current fishing report

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Fishing in Pennsylvania.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the Pennsylvania area.

Bass Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

The major lakes in PA with healthy populations of bass include Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake. Many other small lakes, rivers and ponds also hold bass.

The PA state record largemouth bass was caught out of Birch Run Reservoir and Scotts Run Lake gave up the Pennsylvania state record smallmouth bass.

Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Penn Trout Fishing Lakes

You don't have to go far to find trout in Pennsylvania. Many of the rivers and streams hold trout as do small lakes and ponds. The major lakes offering trout fishing include Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack and Raystown Lake. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for information about trout stocking in PA.

The Pennsylvania state record brook trout was caught out of Fishing Creek and Walnut Creek gave up the Pennsylvania state record brown trout. Lake Erie served up both the state record lake trout and the state record palomino trout. The PA state record rainbow trout came out of Jordan Creek.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Salmon Fishing in Pennsylvania

Salmon Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack and Raystown Lake are the primary lakes for salmon fishing in PA, Tributary rivers flowing into these lakes are also likely to contain salmon, especially during the spawn.

The PA state record atlantic salmon was caught out of Raystown Lake and Lake Erie gave up the Pennsylvania state record coho salmon and chinook salmon (king salmon). Elk Creek was home to the PA state record pink salmon (humpback salmon).

Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar

Called by many "King of the game fishes", the Atlantic salmon has limited range in the northeastern seaboard states. It spends the first 2 or 3 years in the freshwater stream where it was hatched then ventures out into the ocean bulking up on shrimp, herring, smelt, crabs and small fishes. During its first or second spring (or early summer) it migrates back up the freshwater stream where it was hatched. In the fall they spawn and return to the ocean and repeat the cycle. Most atlantic salmon spawn 2 to 4 times during their lifetime.

5 Members of The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by specie. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which into the ocean and adjoining ocean waters of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. They have also been stocked in the Great Lakes with some success however the programs require continual stocking.

Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

The largest of the Pacific Salmon, the chinook lives for 5 to 7 years and reaches a size well over 100 pounds.

Chum Salmon
Oncorhynchus keta

One of the smaller of the group the chum lives 3 to 5 years and seldom exceeds 10 pounds.

Pink Salmon
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

The smallest of the Pacific Salmon the pink seldom tops 5 pounds and lives only 2 years.

Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka

The sockeye lives 4 or 5 years and top weights seldom get to 8 pounds.

Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch

Growing to a size in the 15 pound range, the coho salmon lives for three years in their journey to continue the propagation of their species. Average catch is in the 8 to 12 pound range.

Salmon Fishing

Salmon fishing is at it's best during the salmon runs which can occur as early as May in the north to July as you move southward. Often a late run may happen as late as October.

Once the water temperature drops to about 50 degrees in the fall the atlantic salmon begin their spawning rituals. Young salmon stay in the fresh water until their second or third spring when they make their way to the ocean.

Walleye Fishing in Pennsylvania

Walleye Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Major lakes in Pennsylvania with walleye fishing include Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake. Associated rivers are also likely spots for walleye fishing. The Allegheny River gave up the Pennsylvania state record walleye.

Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Pennsylvania walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for Pennsylvania walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

Crappie Fishing in Pennsylvania

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in all the continental states. They are known by many different names, typically based on geographic location. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch, just to name a few.

Crappie Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Crappie tend to appear in most waters that stay warm enough for them. PA has it share of ponds, rivers and small lakes containing crappie. The major lakes with healthy schools of crappie include Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake and Tamarack Lake. The Pennsylvania state record crappie was caught out of Hammond Lake.

Catfish Fishing in Pennsylvania

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Big catfish tend to be caught in rivers. Especially rivers that flow into major lakes. Blue Marsh Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake all have healthy populations of catfish. Smaller lakes, ponds and parks may also have catfish.

The PA state record channel catfish was caught out of Lehigh Canal and the Allegheny River gave up the Pennsylvania state record flathead catfish.

Sunfish Fishing in Pennsylvania for Bluegills, Rock Bass, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch and Other PA Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Pennsylvania and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Lakes In Pennsylvania

Panfish are everywhere. Everywhere!. Major PA lakes with healthy populations of sunfish include Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake. In addition you can fisn panfish in many ponds, rivers and smaller lakes throughout the state.

The PA state record Bluegill was caught out of Keystone Lake and Elk Creek gave up the Pennsylvania state record rock bass. Minsi Lake produced the state record white perch and the PA state record yellow perch came from Hunters Lake.

Striper Fishing in Pennsylvania

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams which drain into the ocean become the spawning grounds for stripers.

Striped Bass Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Blue Marsh Lake, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Raystown Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake all have schools of striped bass swimming in them. The PA state record striper was caught out of the Delaware River.

Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
World Record: 78.8 lbs

In natural settings striped bass live the majority of their life in the ocean and migrate into freshwater rivers to spawn. Once it was determined that stripers could survive in fresh water they were introduced into fresh water impoundments as a test. Results ranged from complete failure to resounding success. Often successful to the extent of eating the local species out of house and home. Stripers can live up to 30 years if conditions allow.

Striped bass generally spend their time in the middle sections of the lake, in deeper water than most fish. Their primary diet is shad. They prefer the larger shad which are too big to be eaten by the vast majority of other fish in the lake. Stripers will eat just about any fish they can get in their mouth. As a schooling fish which can grow to enormous size they can deplete a school of baitfish in very short order. When you catch a striper you can rest assured that there are probably more close by.

Fishing for Striped Bass in Pennsylvania

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Penn Fishing for Musky, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel and Sauger in Pennsylvania.

Musky - Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
World Record: 69.9 lbs
The largest of the pike family, they are found in about half the states, primarily the northern and northeastern states. They prefer clear water with temperatures from 60 to 70 degrees. Also known as musky, muskie and great pike, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures (salt-water sizes) and heavy line when fishing for muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Northern Pike
Esox Lucius
IFGA Record: 55.1 lbs
The northern pike is a valient fighter and prefers water temperatures from 58 to 70 degrees. Also known as jack, jackfish, great northern pike and pickerel. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the north-eastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. Use spinners, fish-immitating lures, jerk-baits or cutbait and fish close to cover.

Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
World Record: 9.4 lbs.
A freshwater fish in the pike family easily identified by the "chain-like marking along its sides. It can be found in the northwest, northeast and southeast sections of the USA. Its primary food source is smaller fish and is known to lie in wait to ambush its prey. While it can be eaten it is not considered one of the better sport fishes for table fare. The chain peickere can be caught on fish-imitation lures and live or cut bait. Watch the sharp teeth when handling. Prefers water temperatures from 62 to 70 degrees. Also known as pickerel, eastern pickerel, pike, grass pike, jackfish, jack and others.

Sauger
Stizostedion canadense
World Record: 17.7 lbs.
Excellent eating fish which typically runs a bit smaller than its cousin the walleye. The sauger prefers cold and cloudy, moving water in the 60s to low 70s. They spawn in the low to mid 40s. You can tell them from a walleye by the dark spotting on the dorsal fin, darker coloring and the rough covering of the gill area. Due to their resembelance to pickerel, they are also known as gray pickerel spotfin pike, gray pike, river pike and others. When the water turns cold and other fish are hard to come by, this is the time to fish for sauger.Fish with jigs, spoons and crankbaits imitating crayfish or baitfish. Fish near the bottom and experiment with presentation action and speed.

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