Pennsylvania Fishing Reports

02-16-2008

Forest County

The shoreline of the Allegheny River in Tionesta is still frozen in places, however, fishing can be done in a few locations from shore. Anglers can also fish the Tionesta Dam Outflow and at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Tionesta Creek. Anglers have been catching some walleye and musky in these locations. Anglers were catching perch and crappies near the dam. Anglers should remember to wear a PFD and carry ice awls when ice fishing .

Fishing and Boating Report - January 9, 2008 Crawford County

Woodcock Creek Lake -- Anglers are catching a few walleye below the dam.

Erie County

Short of the robins singing, the past few days have looked more like spring and even early summer than the dead of January. Anglers took to the tribs in big numbers on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures in the high 60's and pretty good water conditions. The Walnut Creek Project waters were lined with anglers having no thoughts of putting the rods and reels away yet. Although a bit on the clear side, the west county tribs had enough flow to allow fair to good catches. Temperatures should be returning to reality throughout the remainder of the week although we may be ice free for a while.

Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 32 degrees. Current west county trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were clear with some flow.

Forest County

Fishing -- Walleye fishing pressure on the Allegheny River in Tionesta has been moderate. Anglers have reported catching musky while fishing for walleye. Musky and walleye anglers might also try fishing the Tionesta Dam Outflow.

Boating -- The West Hickory boat launch is complete. This access is not under Fish and Boat Commission control, therefore, access questions should be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Anglers fishing from boats must have a wearable Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device on board for each person and they should WEAR it. Due to the swift currents, water temperature, and amount of clothing worn this time of year a Personal Flotation Device is essential for surviving a fall overboard into freezing waters. Once in the water you probably will not be able to put the Personal Flotation Device on.

Venango County

On November 11, Charlie Williamson caught and landed the 28 inch, 7.5 pound walleye pictured below. The fish was caught on the Allegheny River just a few miles upriver from Emlenton. Charlie caught several other appreciable fish that day including a 23.5 inch walleye and a 19 inch smallmouth bass. A great day of fishing to say the least!

Glendale Lake Fishing Report Things change, it’s a new year, there’s new Park Managers at Prince Gallitzin State Park, and Glendale Lake Fishing Reports will become a semi-regular thing, as time permits.

For anglers who enjoy fishing through ice, the long wait is over; Glendale Lake finally developed fishable ice this past weekend. With single digit highs and near zero low temperatures the past week, ice conditions became ideal for anglers. Fishing activity involved 50-60 anglers on the ice Saturday and approximately 40 anglers on Sunday. Most of the anglers were fishing the upper section of Wyerough Branch north of the causeway and the lower section of Slate Lick Branch. Ice thickness was measured at mid-lake in the area of Glendale Dam, Beaver Valley Marina, Wyerough Branch above the causeway, and at Range Road Launch. The ice averaged 6” in all areas with the exception of the Glendale Dam, which was 5”. Anglers should use extreme caution in the area of the Prince Gallitzin Marina Launch, as of this writing, there is an area of open water approximately ˝ acre in size that extends from the gas pump at the marina concession running across the front of the launch to the cabins.

Anglers I talked with described the action as slow, but there were fish being caught. The team of Mike Hazlet and Al Peterman from Tyrone caught and released two northern pike on Friday while fishing Wyerough Branch north of the causeway. The fish were caught on large shiners using tip-ups. They also reported loosing two fish and had several flags during the course of the day. They were back on the ice Saturday and had yet to get a flag by late afternoon. Bill Richards from Sanborn had two northern pike on the ice, 31 and 35”. The fish were caught on the main body of the lake in the area of the Beaver Valley Marina. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission personnel reported several northern pike in the 25 - 30” range that were caught at the lower portion of Slate Lick Branch. They also reported one angler who had two bass on the ice, one 15” and a second that was in the 20” range that made the 15” fish look small! These fish were caught at the upper portion of Slate Lick on tip-ups baited with shiners. Pan fish anglers seemed to be having a bad weekend with only a few perch in the 5-6” range being caught. Perch were being caught on small jigs tipped with small minnows at the lower portion of Slate Lick, Wyerough Branch north of the causeway, and the mouth of Crooked Run Branch. They were also being caught on the main body of the lake between Killbuck and Range Road Launches, and out from the Beaver Valley Marina.

Anglers are reminded that Shomo’s Gun Shop and Sporting Goods, located on Executive Drive (State Route 253) near the intersection of State Route 53 in Fallentimber and Uncle Phil’s General Store, located along State Route 53 in Fallentimber are the only bait shops in the area that are open. Stay safe!

If you would like to receive the “Glendale Lake Fishing Report” via email, please email Bill Zollum at princerangerssp@state.pa.us. These emails are provided to you via bcc (blind carbon copy) to keep your email address private.

Bill Zollum “ Z “ Park Ranger

McKean County

Good ice conditions have returned after unseasonable conditions earlier this year. Anglers should still exercise caution as ice conditions across the county are unpredictable.

Perch are being caught using live bait on Sugar Bay, an arm of Allegheny Reservoir located in the Allegheny National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny).

VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) quarantine has continued to generate questions from anglers. If you are interested in finding out more about VHS please visit www.pserie.psu.edu/seagrant/publications/posters/PA-VHS_postcard.pdf to discover what VHS is and view regulations in the PA Fishing Summary Book.

A basic boating course has been scheduled for March 4 – 5, 2008, running from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport.

Cameron County

Alvin R. Bush Dam (Kettle Creek State Park) and Stevenson Dam along with small ponds in the area should have ice through next week. Anglers should take special care when traveling to Stevenson Dam on account of icy road conditions. Panfish have been hitting very well in all locations.

Centre County

F.J. Sayers Lake (Bald Eagle State Park) has had very strong ice fishing presence the last few weekends; however, ice thickness is very inconsistent at this time, ranging from 5 – 7” in some areas to very thin in other areas. Please take extra caution when picking your “lucky” ice fishing spot.

Colyer Lake has moderate ice fishing activity and anglers are reeling in a few fish.

Black Moshannon (Black Moshannon State Park) had a good number of anglers out over the last two weekends.

Spring Creek has been receiving a lot of angling pressure in recent weeks. It is wonderful to see anglers out braving the elements of winter; however, many anglers forget to display their license during the winter seasons of fishing. Please remember, when you are out fishing to always display your fishing license.

Elk County

Fifty degree weather earlier in the month has given way to weather conducive to ice fishing. Laurel Run Reservoir, Ridgway Reservoir and the upper end of East Branch Dam currently have six inches of ice. Anglers on the Ridgway Reservoir pulled in two 15 inch bass in addition to several trout and some crappies. Most of the fish were reeled in on night crawlers.

With a ban on taking live fish out of the Lake Erie Watershed, local bait dealers are not carrying an inventory of minnows/shiners.

Tioga County

Icefishing is occurring on all county lakes, with most activity on Hills Creek Lake (Hills Creek State Park), Hamilton Lake, and Nessmuk Lake. Anglers are catching mostly panfish and pickerel with some up to 28 inches in length. Big shiners are catching the large pickerel. Ice anglers should take care as ice conditions can vary from one part of the lake to the next. Trout stockings in the county will begin next week.

Fishing and Boating Report - January 25, 2008 Centre County F.J. Sayers Lake (Bald Eagle State Park) was seeing light shore fishing activity in areas of open water. The hardcore anglers were active at the spillway during the colder weather. Fishing activity has been light at Black Moshannon Lake (Black Moshannon State Park) with some shore fishing occurring in areas of open water.

Colder temperatures throughout the county are keeping people indoors, but are beginning to create good ice fishing conditions. Anglers should exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Good luck and stay warm!

Clearfield County

Parker Lake (Parker Dam State Park) has about 4 inches of ice for icefishing enthusiasts to enjoy.

Jefferson County

Ice anglers are reporting 5 inches of good ice at Cloe Lake.

Blair County

As of January 22, Canoe Lake does not have any safe ice for ice fishing anglers. It will take several days of sub freezing weather with no or very little wind to allow safe ice to form at the lake. Canoe Lake has not been drawn down this year for weed control allowing for more surface area which will take it longer to freeze. If and when the ice does become safe, anglers should be careful and not go out on the ice less than 4 inches thick. It is also recommended to wear a float coat or some other flotation device and carry some ice awls to pull yourself out of a hole in the ice if you were to fall through.

Canoe Lake was stocked with trout on February 8th.

The Little Juniata River has excellent water levels and the color is perfect. Many anglers are catching trout on bead head nymphs and live worms.

Dauphin County

Boaters are reminded to check the expiration date on their boat's registration as spring is fast approaching. The 2008 (red stickers) will expire as of the last day in March. Boat registrations can be renewed online.

Trout anglers have another option when deciding where to fish during the closed season, March 1, 2008 until 8:00 AM March 31, 2008. Approved Trout Waters Open to Year Round Fishing, located on Stony Creek, starts at State Game Lands Gate 211 and ends upstream near Cold Springs see your 2008 Fishing Summary for more information.

Anglers interested in helping stock local trout waters can find meeting times and dates for their favorite stream at our trout stocking page. The preseason and in-season, approved trout water stocking lists are posted.

Cumberland County

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is currently drawing down Opossum Lake, a 59-acre lake near Carlisle, in the interest of public safety. The lake will be drawn down to 14 feet below normal pool. The drawdown will occur at a rate of two to three feet per week as conditions allow. The lake was temporarily at normal pool for geotechnical monitoring conducted by the Friends of Opossum Lake, the PFBC, and the Department of Environmental Protection, for the purposes of measuring water infiltration of the dam in determining future repairs.

Dauphin County

Anglers are catching walleye on the Susquehanna River near Red Hill Dam. The walleye have been in the 16-24 inch range and are being caught on Ľ oz. jigs in green, white, and yellow colored twister tails.

Lebanon County Anglers are catching trout on the Quittapahilla Creek in the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area. Fly anglers are having the most success using woolly buggers to catch these trout.

Anglers are still catching rainbow trout on Stover’s Dam. Baits of choice include paste baits, minnows, and worms.

Perry County

Anglers are catching walleye on the Susquehanna River near Duncannon using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. The best time to catch these fish is in the late evening.

York County

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River near Brunner Island on minnows and 3-4 inch twisters with an 1/8 oz. jighead.

Anglers are having success catching trout on the recently stocked Yellow Breeches using minnows and corn.

Bradford County The Susquehanna River reached near flood stage last week, but flows are steadily on the decline. Any thoughts of fishing should be postponed until the level drops and stabilizes.

Carbon County

Ice fishing activity has been slow due to the ice conditions on both Mauch Chunk Lake and Beltzville Lake. Anglers were catching bass, pickerel and a few walleye being near Boat Lunch B at Mauch Chunk, prior to the unstable ice conditions. Panfish activity has been slow on the lake. Anglers are reminded that ice conditions are not monitored at either lake.

Little to no fishing activity is occurring on the Lehigh River.

Anglers are catching trout on the Pohopoco Creek near the outlet pipe of Beltzville Lake and in the Parryville area. Most fish were caught on live bait.

Lackawanna County

The heavy rains last week have caused area streams to swell to capacity making fishing in streams and rivers impossible. These conditions have also caused some deterioration to ice on some lakes. Anglers should make sure they check for adequate ice thickness before heading out on the hard water.

The first weekend in February brought hundreds of anglers out. Fishing at Lackawanna Lake was fantastic with anglers catching large numbers of bluegills on wax worms. Anglers also caught rainbow trout and two pickerel were landed over 20 inches.

An angler landed a 13 inch yellow perch with a 10 inch girth on a private pond near the Wayne County line. Largemouth bass were also being taken on some private lakes.

This ice fishing season has been one of the memorable in recent years. Don't miss out! Grab a jigging rod and some tip ups and hit the ice with family and friends

Luzerne County

Catches have been very poor and anglers have been frustrated. There have been high water levels and muddy conditions on the Susquehanna River. Not a lot of fishing has been done on the river, although in past weeks some nice walleyes were being caught on jigs and live minnows.

Dicey ice conditions exist on area ponds. Some area lakes that seem to have adequate ice include Moon Lake, Harris Pond, Sylvan Lake, Lake Jean and Mountain Springs Lake. The activity has been slow and anglers aren't doing much more than engaging in staring contests with their hole in the ice.

There is also still some ice on Lake Irena, but conditions vary and anglers should be cautious. Anglers were catching a few trout using minnows and waxworms. Anglers were also catching trout using mill worms, waxworms and minnows on Lake-Took-Awhile.

Monroe County

Commission staff, along with a Pennsylvania Water Rescue Squad out of Easton, recently conducted ice fishing, ice safety and ice rescue demonstrations at the 2008 Hickory Run Winterfest. Thanks go out to DWCO Michael Koehler, Branden Bachman and the rest of the squad for their efforts in organizing and presenting the demonstrations.

The dam project at Brady’s Lake had been completed and the lake is back up to its original water levels.

Pike County

The ice fishing has been really good on the "Pack." Perch and bluegills are the number one catch. Both tip-ups and jigging seems to be doing well. The perch are hitting in around 10 to 12 feet of water off Shumans Point and the bluegills and some bass are hitting in Mangan Cove.

Shohola Lake is producing some nice pickerel and a few nice bass.

The Delaware River near Zane Gray access is producing some good walleye, but the action is not constant. Anglers are advised to be careful when venturing out on the ice. Recent rains and some warm weather have deteriorated ice in some locations.

Anglers have been having very good success at Promised Land Lower Lake with perch on tip-ups and jigs. Bass and chain pickerel are also being caught on tip ups.

Mike Viggiano of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, caught this huge 34-inch channel catfish out of Lake Wallenpaupack, Pike County, on February 9. Mike was using a tip-up rigged with a rainbow trout as bait and was trying to catch striped bass.

Susquehanna County

The ice fishing is beginning to pick back up after last week's unseasonably warm weather. Some decent catches of perch and pickerel have been noted at various private lakes and ponds in the New Milford/Susquehanna area. Most pickerel have been taken on tips rigged with live minnows and fished 18 inches off the bottom in areas that have ten to fifteen feet of water depth.

Wayne County

The dam project at Gouldsboro Lake has been completed and the lake is now filled.

Wyoming County

Fishing activity has been sporadic due to fluctuating weather patterns. Warmer weather brings walleye anglers to the Susquehanna River, when water levels are reasonable. The anglers have had some success. Recent rainfall and frozen ground conditions have made river water levels too high to fish.

Anglers have caught panfish and largemouth bass through the ice at various lakes and farm ponds when the weather has been cold enough to allow the ice to thicken. There are some reports of success with walleye being caught through the ice on Lake Carey. Anglers should be cautious when venturing out on the ice. Some ponds have had adequate ice in one area while ponds in other areas have not.

Mike Viggiano of Nanticoke recently caught this nice 28 inch, 9 pound walleye out of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River near Hunlock Creek, Luzerne County. Mike caught the walleye while jigging with a white twister tail on a 3/8 ounce jig head.

Several members of PFBC staff recently tried out the ice fishing in Wayne County.

WCO Bryan Bendock with a twilight Wayne County crappie

NE WCO Regional Manager Sally Corl with a jigged up bluegill

WCO Terry Deibler weighs a two pound Wayne County pickerel

WCO Bob Plumb with a bluegill taken while jigging deep water

WCO Walt Buckman with a 15 inch Wayne County smallmouth taken on a tip-up

Fishing and Boating Report - February 7, 2008 Lackawanna County There have been quite a few anglers out ice fishing in lakes and ponds across the county over the past two weekends. And lots of fish have been caught as well. Several large pickerel and bass and plenty of nice perch have been caught. One angler landed a thirteen inch perch that had a ten inch girth. The perch was caught out of a private pond near the Lackawanna and Wayne County border. The ice fishing season has been great with lots of fish catching success, however the recent rains and warmer weather may put a damper on what was great start to a potentially great ice fishing season.

A local angler has reported that fishing at Lackawanna Lake has been very good. Bluegills are being caught in great numbers along with a few largemouth bass, some up to three pounds. A 37 inch musky was caught in the Bullhead Bay area. Large pickerel are taking large shiners. Trout are also being caught on the lower end of the lake. Anglers should be aware that the ice has been melting near the edge of the lake due to all the recent rains and warmer weather. Anglers should use extreme caution if they do decide to venture out on the ice. Take along ice awls, ice cleats and wear a float coat or PFD.

Wayne County

The jigging is still out-performing tip ups. An occasional bass or pickerel is being reported with medium live bait in water twelve to twenty feet deep. However the bluegill and crappie jigging activity is simply incredible during the last hour of sunshine in depths between seven and fourteen feet. Try a jig tipped with a wax or grub worm.

Recent Catches - February 7, 2008 Emily Rose, age 13, of Hallstead, Susquehanna County, is holding a bass that she caught while fishing with her siblings Jared, Briella and Titus Rose. The fish was caught during a family ice fishing and ice skating outing on a private pond near Montrose.

Jared Rose, age 8, caught this nice largemouth bass on a tip-up on a private pond near Montrose. This is the first fish Jared caught through the ice.

Sarah Fahringer, age 15, of Montrose proudly holds a largemouth bass along with her friend Emily Rose. The bass was released after the pictures were taken. It was caught on a tip-up baited with a 3 inch shiner.

Kurt Kincel, Sr. caught this 22 inch largemouth bass on a jig with a small minnow in eight feet of water at a private lake in Gouldsboro, Saturday, February 2. This was his first fish ever caught through the ice and a personal record.

Recent Catches - February 4, 2008 Scott Maurey of Sayre, Bradford County, caught this 38 inch, 12 pound northern pike on January 28 on a private pond near Athens. Scott was using a friend's tip-up baited with a 4 inch shiner . He managed to get the exceptional fish up through a 6 inch hole in the ice! The pike was released to fight another day after the pictures were taken.

Pike County

Fishing the Delaware River has been frustrating lately with floating ice making it difficult to launch and maneuver boats. Walleye anglers are geared up and ready to go as soon as the ice subsides, or freezes solid enough for ice fishing. However, the cold weather and ice inland from the river are making anglers happy.

Ponds and lakes in the southern part of Pike County have anywhere from six to ten inches of ice, making ideal conditions for ice fishing.

Promised Land Upper Lake is usually the first lake to freeze in the area and has been producing large sunfish with the occasional bass. The fish are hitting on worms and minnows.

Little Mud Pond and Lake Minisink are getting a fair amount of fishing pressure; but the bite has been slow as best.

Monroe County

The northeastern part of the county seems to be where all the action is lately. Hidden Lake (Early Season Trout Stocked Water) was stocked with trout on January 25 and again on January 30.

Ice conditions are a little risky with ice anywhere from two to four inches in spots. The anglers brave enough to chance the ice are doing well with paste baits and minnows. Pickerel are also biting well through the ice at Hidden Lake. Other lakes in the area are producing quality sized yellow perch and largemouth bass.

Area trout streams have seen little fishing pressure, but the few anglers fishing are doing well.

Wayne County

The ice-fishing activity is beginning to pick up in the area. Upper Woods Pond was recently stocked ahead of schedule. Panfish and bullhead (yes, bullhead) are active at White Oak Pond. Jigging seems to be out-performing a traditional tip-up rig for now.

Berks County Anglers fishing Blue Marsh Lake are having success catching crappie on 1/64oz. jigs tipped with fathead minnows. Anglers are catching the most crappies near the Tulpehocken Arm of the Lake just past the slow-no-wake buoys.

Anglers are having success catching trout in the Tulpehocken Creek. Anglers are reminded of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area on the creek which starts from the first deflector below Blue Marsh Dam and goes downstream to the red covered bridge. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for more information.

Bucks County

Peace Valley Park's Lake Galena has seen some light ice fishing pressure. A Park Ranger witnessed one group of anglers with a 20" pickerel on the ice and another angler was seen fighting with a large fish, only to lose it just below the ice. Anglers are having the most success using small shiners and jigs.

Chester County

Due to the warm weather Marsh Creek Lake has not yet frozen over. However, anglers after perch and bluegills are catching them using garden tackle in the deeper water. Bass are also being caught on shiners and minnows in the deeper water. A few bass have been taken on spinners as well.

The stream levels in the county are in great shape at the moment. During the winter month’s, trout do not seem to move far with the colder water, anglers have to put their offering on the bottom and fish it slow. Small hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs are a good choice if flyfishing. Small worms are a good choice if using bait.

Anglers are reminded they may not keep or have fish and or bait in their possession while fishing in the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only areas this time of the year. Anglers are also reminded that as of midnight March 1st no fishing is permitted in Approved Trout Waters. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for more information.

The Schuylkill River is high, fast and cold. There has been some light activity on the river and with all of the warm weather this season the fishing has been better than average for bass.

Anglers and Boaters are reminded to be careful if fishing on the river, the water is cold and hypothermia sets in very quickly. Always wear a lifejacket. See the PA Boating Handbook for more information on water safety.

Lehigh County

Leaser Lake was stocked with trout on Tuesday, January 15th. Anglers are catching these trout using mealworms and paste baits (yellow).

Fly fishing on the Little Lehigh and Cedar Creek has been producing trout for anglers using wooly buggers.

Montgomery County

Trout were stocked in Deep Creek Lake on 02/06/08. Light to moderate angler pressure has been reported. Anglers on Stony and Kepner Creeks continue to catch trout stocked by the Stony Creek Anglers in November.

A sub-legal tiger musky was caught recently by a trout angler at Deep Creek Lake. According to the angler the fish was 27 inches long and weighed 6.5 lbs. Tiger muskellunge are not stocked by the Commission at Deep Creek Lake but have been stocked in the Perkiomen Creek, downstream of the lake.

Construction of the Norristown Dam Fishway is nearly complete and the ladder is open. White suckers and eels were observed using the ladder in January. Work has been suspended for the winter but the contractor will be returning to complete construction and landscaping. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to fish within 100' of the entrance and exit points of the fish passage facility.

Northampton County

Minsi Lake has been the most popular fishing spot in Northampton County in recent weeks. Anglers fishing the ice have been catching bluegills and crappies in good numbers using meal worms and waxworms for bait. Anglers are cautioned to use extreme care before going out on the ice as recent warm temperatures will undoubtedly make the condition of the ice unsafe. Even when the ice disappears the fishing will still be good at Minsi Lake. The PFBC has recently stocked trout in the lake. This was not a planned stocking and is the result of an abundance of fish from the federal hatchery located in Tylersville, PA.

Anglers continue to catch trout in Monocacy Creek through Illick's Mill Park and Johnson Park. Successful baits have been yellow paste baits and bread.

Fly anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and the resulting blue winged olive hatches on Saucon Creek and Monocacy Creek. BWO patterns in sizes 18 and 20 have been productive on the special regulation sections of each stream. The BWO hatch has been occurring early in the afternoon on each stream.

The Delaware and Lehigh River flows have continued to be above normal and have seen limited fishing pressure as a result.

Philadelphia County

The Frankford Access Area on the Delaware River, located at 5601 Tacony St. is scheduled to open March 1,2008. The Tacony Access located at 5000 Princeton Ave is scheduled to open for the season on April 1, 2008.

Opening day of trout season in the southeast and southcentral parts of the state is scheduled for March 29th. This is the second year in a row that we have enjoyed an earlier opening day than the rest of the state by two weeks. Opening day for the rest of the state is scheduled for April 12th Anglers are reminded that the stocked streams will be closed to fishing beginning March 1st through opening day. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for more information.

Schuylkill County:Anglers are catching trout and perch on Tuscarora Lake and Locust Lake. Anglers are using tip-ups with minnows and jigs tipped with mealworms. Both lakes are iced over and have recently been stocked with trout. Anglers should call the state park offices for up to date ice conditions.

Bucks County: Levittown Lake and Lake Luxembourg were both stocked with trout in December. The fishing pressure has been extremely light on both lakes, so the chances of catching some trout are excellent. Levittown Lake received 1300 rainbow trout and Lake Luxembourg received 900 rainbow trout. Anglers have had success catching these trout on green paste baits fished on the bottom. Another stocking will take place this January.

11-16-2007

Erie County We have received countless calls as to the steelhead movement into Walnut and Elk creeks. Current water and ambient temperatures have moved some fish into the tribs, however, typically in these conditions they seem to be little more than "exploratory runs" but a good run looks imminent. As such, the numbers in the tribs can vary day to day. The Walnut channel seems to be holding a fair number of fish as of this writing as evidenced by the number caught this past weekend.

A fair crowd was lined up along the wall throughout the weekend. A number of limits were observed at the Walnut Creek and Elk Creek accesses. Most fish were caught between sunset and sunrise with activity slowing around 7:00 am or so. Although water levels are good, conditions are clear in most areas making daytime steelhead fishing difficult, but not impossible. Anglers were also doing fair to good at the mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs along the lakeshore and angler reports indicate that some fish are holding in the "mud hole" at the mouth of Elk Creek. For now, there are steelhead to be had, close to the mouths with upstream movement will be pending a little more rain and cool temperatures. Water temperatures in the tribs are still rather warm and warm forecasts over the next week may slow the activity a bit.

Anglers targeting perch still have plenty of good fishing remaining as long as the wind and waves cooperate. Perch are still schooling in and around 60' of water due north of Walnut Creek and off the lighthouse at Presque Isle. Walleye have begun to scatter, although there are still good numbers to be caught once they are located.

Cameron County Water levels are low and temperatures are cooling. Pickerel and bass are hitting on topwater lures.

Centre County

Anglers are reporting catches of small crappies, perch and muskies at F.J. Sayers Lake (Bald Eagle State Park).

Spring Creek is experiencing very light fishing activity.

Jefferson County

Largemouth bass are biting on shiners and worms at Kyle Lake. There are good numbers of undersize bass being caught. Nice size channel catfish are taking minnows and chicken livers.

McKean County

Water levels remain good despite the lack of rainfall. Fall trout stockings begin in October.

Monroe County Anglers enjoyed a beautiful weekend getting in some last minute boating and fishing. Bass and pickerel seemed to be hitting pretty well on metal spinners and minnows on the private community lakes.

Luzerne County

Now is the time to get out for some early fall paddling with cooler temperatures on the horizon. Air temperatures have moderated and are not quite as hot as a few weeks ago. But the water temperatures are still quite comfortable (and you always get a little wet when paddling in a canoe or kayak, so the warm water is welcome). The added bonus of changing leaves and autumn wildflowers can make it a beautiful time for wildlife watching along the water's edge. So get out there!

Try a float from Tunkhannock to Appletree Access in Exeter. With free access to the water you can't find a better entertainment bargain. Water levels are falling but this stretch should allow free passage of canoes and kayaks. Bring along your gear if you are an angler. Smallmouth bass should start to come on as they try to put on some weight before winter comes.

Talking about gear, don't forget PFDs for everyone (and put them on!). Set a float plan and let someone who isn't going on the trip with you know your plans. Paddle safely and enjoy this beautiful time of year.

Allegheny County Fishing has been slow moving on the shores of the Pittsburgh area of the Three Rivers over the last 2 weeks.

Boat traffic on the Three Rivers has been very low.

The Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society [BASS] will be back in Pittsburgh next week for the Mid-Atlantic Divisional Tournament. Each of the six state that make up the Mid-Atlantic Division will be sending their top 12 anglers here to complete for a spot at the National Federation Nation tournament. The top angler from each state will move onto the national tournament, with the top angler from the Mid-Atlantic Division at the national tournament moving on to the Bassmaster Classic. The tournament will be September 26 through 28 with the launch and weight-in being held at River Front Park (18th street boat access). The weight-ins are scheduled for either 2 PM or later pending on the take-off time in the morning. Please come to see the weight-in and support bass fishing in the Pittsburgh area. It will be interesting to see if the “weekend anglers” can do better then the Pros did in 2005 and cheer for the Pennsylvania Team that does have several local anglers competing in the tournament.

Armstrong County

The cooler temperatures have turned on the crappie bite at Crooked Creek Lake. The bite is still not near its fall frenzy, but has greatly in proved with the cooler weather.

The smallmouth bite has improved over the past week at the mouths of streams feeding the Allegheny River.

Cambria County

Glendale Lake -- catching small crappie and some bass. Some anglers have reported getting into the walleye

Hinckston Run Reservoir -- anglers are catching panfish.

Duman Dam -- anglers are catching small pickerel and panfish.

Wilmore Dam -- anglers are catching nice size channel cats at night. Some are catching bass. One angler caught a 31" carp at night on chicken liver.

Washington County

Several anglers reported catching large numbers of small, under 12-inch, smallmouth bass in the Speers area of the Monongahela River from a boat.

Dauphin County Anglers are catching smallmouth bass in the 14-18 inch range on the Susquehanna River near Middletown. Baits of choice include live minnows, nightcrawlers and spinners.

Juniata County

Anglers are catching smallmouth bass on the Juniata River using stonecats (madtoms) and large hellgrammites. Several smallmouth bass caught near the Muskrat Springs PFBC Access area this past weekend measured up to 19 inches.

Anglers were successful catching walleye near the Walker PFBC Access on the Juniata River. Several walleye measured over 20 inches this past weekend. These fish were caught on live bait (shiners, creek chubs and stonecats).

Large channel catfish are being caught near the Mifflintown PFBC Access on the Juniata River. Baits of choice for these channel catfish include large creek chubs, cut-bait and chicken livers.

Lebanon County Largemouth bass are being caught on Memorial Lake by anglers using white and chartreuse spinnerbaits. Anglers have also been catching bluegill and crappies up to 10 inches on the Lake.

Perry County

Anglers on the Juniata River are catching smallmouth bass on live bait (stonecats, shiners and hellgrammites). Water levels on the Juniata River are low and clear at this time. Anglers should target any structure in the river such as large rocks, ledges or submerged trees.

York County

Anglers fishing Long Arm Reservoir have been producing catches of perch, bass and crappies. A few anglers have also reported catching northern pike in the 25-30 inch range.

Anglers have had success fishing on Lake Marburg located in Codorus State Park. Anglers have reported catches of bluegills and white perch.

Berks County Some nice bass have been landed at Blue Marsh especially during the week when boat traffic has been down. Anglers have reported that the largemouth bass are “inhaling” the bait and the smallmouth bass are hitting so hard they nearly jerk the rod out from your hands. The bass are being caught around the Dry Brooks Launch area and on the Spring Creek arm just inside the buoy line on 3-inch pumpkin colored tubes. Anglers also caught about a dozen smaller bass on the west (State Hill) side of the island halfway down in about 20 feet of water on blue flake rubber worms.

Two picture perfect days for "Wildlands Weekend" at Blue Marsh Lake produced some really nice bass caught mainly on spinner baits and green plastic tubes. Catfish fishing has been active with the warmer water temperatures, with a lucky angler hooking into a nice 12 pound channel catfish.

Striper fishing has been good from shore with some nice-sized fish caught mainly on liver. For those of you with trout in mind, the fall stocking schedule begins again on October 2nd.

The nice fall weather is on the way, and fishing should really heat up with the cooler temperatures.

Chester County

The pressure on Marsh Creek Lake continues to be light. Top producing baits continue to be black, hot pink and pumpkinseed colored rubber worms, with Carolina and Texas rigs. Crank baits and minnows are a good change of pace when the other baits aren’t producing well. Most successful areas have been in the weed beds and where the beds meet the open water in and around 12-25 feet of water. The best times to fish, without question, are in the evening and during the overnight hours. The bass fishing in Marsh Creek Lake, as well as the Schuylkill River will really turn on when the cooler temperatures arrive.

The stream levels are extremely low again and this makes fishing for trout a challenge. Due to the low oxygen levels and high stream temperatures, please remember to play and land the fish quickly to reduce mortality. Without question the best times to fish is in the early morning and or late evening. Light lines or tippets and small hooks are required to fool the fish. The best bait for the spin angler is live bait, garden tackle or minnows. For the fly fisherperson, use terrestrials and fish the early morning and late evenings.

This has been an exceptional year for carp and catfish fishing on the Schuylkill River in the Phoenixville area. As usual, the cats are easy to please: just give them chicken liver or if you really want to spoil them, send them some shrimp! If you’re fishing for flathead catfish, live bait is and always will be what they want, preferably something large.

Bass fishing on the Schuylkill River has picked up considerably. The best baits are still minnows, crayfish and crank baits. The area below the Black Rock Dam and around Cromby’s Power Plant, seem to be producing the best if you don’t have a boat.

The most recent citations issued on the river have been for lack of personal floatation devices (PFDs), alcohol on PFBC property, and littering. Please follow all laws regarding PFDs. Alcohol is prohibited on all PFBC property. Personal watercraft (PWD-brand names Jet Ski, Seadoo, etc.) operators, please be sure you have your Boating Safety Education Certificate while you are operating the ski. And finally, we continue to check for fishing licenses on the river.

A couple of fishermen caught five catfish at Struble Lake while night fishing. The fish were 15 to 18 inches long and were caught on the grass strip below the parking lot, to the left of the ramp. The anglers were using chicken livers for bait.

Fishing has otherwise been slow in southern Chester County.

Lancaster County

As fall finds itself descending on the Susquehanna River, anglers can find some great opportunities for bass fishing. As the water cools down, the bass will become voracious predators in preparation for the upcoming winter. However, on these last hot days, look for bass to be hiding behind structures in the river with deeper pools which keep the fish cooler. They may be a little less active but they are there nonetheless.

With the low water levels on the river right now, take the time to learn where you are boating. If you encounter an unknown hidden rock it can cut your trip short. For the musky hunters out there, a fisherman caught a 28-inch muskellunge just off the Falmouth Boat Launch this past weekend.

For the boaters, make sure to have all your safety equipment. An additional item to bring is a pole or a paddle, which can come in handy to help push you off the rocks should you get stuck.

Another idea is to do a canoe trip on the river. It’s beautiful this time of the year and worth the memories.

Lehigh County

The Little Lehigh Trico hatch is still in full swing. Spinner falls are occuring around 9:30 am. The stream is clear and has good flow. Later in day, ants and midge patterns are best for fly fishing.

Lehigh River smallmouth bass action is very good in the Cementon to Slatington area. Brown colored twister tails on 1/8 ounce jigs are working well. Live minnows are also producing large numbers of fish in the 8-12 inch range.

Philadelphia County

Fall fishing is picking up with many anglers reporting nice catfish and carp being caught along the Delaware River and Schuylkill River.

Some small striped bass are being caught on the Lower Schuylkill River behind the Art Museum.

Boating is great. Fall is moving in and cooling the evening air and the water is still warm. Sunset cruises are being cherished along with some beautiful sunsets along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

Boaters are reminded that the PA Fish & Boat Commission Boat ramp located at 5601 Tacony Street closes at 10:00 p.m. Please have your boat, trailer and vehicle out of the property by that time. The property will reopen at 5:00 a.m.

Mark your calendars for October 3rd. We will be stocking Pennypack Creek for the second annual fall stocking. Come out and enjoy the beautify weather, the colors and a great day of fishing this fall in the Pennypack.

Schuylkill County

Locust Lake is being drawn down by DCNR for dam inspection and maintenance. The park has closed the lake and fishing and boating are not permitted until the work is complete.

If you are looking for good smallmouth bass fishing, look toward Port Clinton. The Little Schuylkill River from Port Clinton upstream to Drehersville is producing smallmouth with both quantity and quality. One angler reported taking a 5-1/2 pounder on a crawfish. Try twister tail jigs and live bait. The Schuylkill River from Port Clinton to the Kernsville Dam has been yielding big rock bass and some good smallmouth bass. Low water conditions have made good wading conditions.

In southern Schuylkill County, a few catfish are being caught at Sweet Arrow Lake, mainly at night.

Some larger, 14-15 inch perch have been caught at Auburn Dam recently. Try fishing small minnows in one of the many grassy areas for a shot at landing a nice perch.

The streams in southern Schuylkill County are back to drought conditions with low water levels, making fishing difficult. Fishing the streams is not recommended until temperatures cool off.

Remember that hunting season is starting and anglers are now sharing the water with goose hunters. Think safety!

Provided By: http://www.fish.state.pa.us