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Pennsylvania Fishing Reports
| Fishing Reports for Pennsylvania. If you have a report for your area send it to us at reports@bobberstop.com. Please put "Fishing Report" in the subject line of your e-mail and please don't forget to include the location. |
** Last Update was made on 5 - 28 - 08 ***
PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS - MAPS.
NORTHWEST REGION - Conneaut Lake - Fishing is slow but the water should be warming up and
the fishing should heat up with it. Some northern pike have also been caught but its Catch &
Release until May 31st on pike.
Pymatuning Lake - Fishing - Walleye fishing is better this spring than last but still slow. Night fishing
for walleye on the south side of the Route 285 causeway seems to be paying off for anglers.
Crappie fishing has slowed way down due to the drop in water temperature. The lake temperature
was warmer 5 weeks ago than it is now. The Linesville Marina has a floating fishing pier that extends
out about 100 yards into the lake. Large and smallmouth bass fishing is great right now.
Erie County - Bass fishing has slowed a bit but is still fair to good along the lake shore and in
Presque Isle Bay. Perch are beginning to hit in 30 to 40 feet of water and off the point at Presque
Isle. Good perch catches have also been reported north of the Conneaut Ohio harbor. Reports of
walleye catches have been occasional at best, however, this would be typical with Lake Erie
temperatures still on the cool side. Although wind and wave conditions cooperated this past
weekend, cool temperatures, perhaps combined with current economic conditions had boat traffic
on the Bay and the Lake on the light side. Pike angling has been fair to good. Not many fish put up
a better fight pound for pound. Presque Isle Bay offers some of the best pike fishing in the country
with plenty of trophies waiting to be caught.
Pike generally aren't too fussy and often anything shiny will attract their attention. Silver flatfish
lures and chrome rattle traps are great choices. Pike also love live shiners (the larger, the better)
suspended under a float. Strong line or a steel leader is a good idea to keep their razor sharp teeth
from snapping your line.The area in front of the Chestnut Street launch, outside the Cherry Street
Marina , and through out the west end of the bay are good target areas.
Current Lake Erie water temperatures -- off Toledo, 58 degrees; off Cleveland, 56 degrees; and 57
degrees off the Port of Erie. Temperatures in Presque Isle Bay averaged 65 degrees this past
weekend.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION - Centre County - Boating activity was light on Black Moshannon Lake
and Foster Joseph Sayers Lake (Bald Eagle State Park) over the holiday weekend. Fishing activity
was moderate. Anglers had success catching perch and crappie.
Spring Creek was busy with angler activity catching trout.
Clearfield County - The West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail received heavy use over Memorial
Day weekend. PFBC staff checked 77 canoes and kayaks within a four-hour span on Sunday
afternoon.
Boaters need to remember that boating under the influence limits apply to non-powered boats, as
well as, motorized boats. Those out boating also need to keep in mind that a type IV device makes
a nice seat cushion, but it does not meet the requirements for a wearable personal flotation
device.
Anglers and boaters should practice “Leave No Trace”, if you pack it in then you also pack it out.
We found many bags of trash left behind at the Frenchville and Sproul access areas.
Large (15 to 20 pounds) carp are being caught below the spillway at Curwensville Dam on corn and
dough baits.
McKean County - As of last week water temperatures were still in the mid to upper 40s. Boaters
must remember to wear their PFDs and keep in mind the water temperatures when out on the lakes
at this time of year.
Stocking season is over, but there are still plenty of trout to be caught.
Tioga County - Anglers are catching plenty of trout on Beechwood Lake using varieties of paste
baits. Maintenance crews will begin work on the access road, parking lot and boat ramps sometime
this week. The area will NOT be closed off, but delays should be expected.
Cowanesque and Hammond Lakes have had sporadic crappie fishing opportunities. Anglers using
minnows and chartreuse jig heads with green feathery bodies have reeled in crappie measuring 13-
14 inches. Over the Memorial Day weekend, an angler caught a 22” stripe bass on Hammond Lake.
On the Fish for Free day, May 24, 2008, a grandfather and his grandson came to Pennsylvania for
a fishing weekend. The grandson had never caught a fish before so what better day to start than
our “Fish for Free” day! It was a cold and windy day, but he and his grandson were in good hands.
Local fisherman nearby and noticed they needed some help so they shared a rod and some bait
with the grandfather and grandson resulting in the little boy’s very first fish!! Now that is good
sportsmanship!
NORTHEAST REGION - Bradford County - Anglers on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River
experienced good boating and fishing conditions over the holiday weekend. Walleye were caught
by anglers fishing deeper water and presenting rubber minnow imitations just off the bottom.
Another good technique is to try drifting whole nightcrawlers and add a Colorado blade with some
beads ahead of it.
Smallmouth bass action has slowed a bit compared to previous weeks.
Carbon County - Anglers taking advantage of the warmer weather during the holiday weekend
caught trout on Mauch Chunk Creek and Pohopoco Creek. Anglers fishing the Lehigh River near
the River View Boat Access, East Penn Township were catching nice size trout. Spinners worked
best.
Boating activity was heavy on Beltzville Lake during the weekend. Most fish seemed to be caught
near sunset. Anglers did well by trolling with worm rigs and were catching walleye between 15 and
20 inches in the area west of the Pine Run Access near the north shore of the lake. Striped bass
were active near the area of the ski zone. One angler caught a striped bass measuring 27 inches.
Bass action was good (catch & release) at Mauch Chunk Lake. Panfish action is still good at the
fishing pier at the lake.
A Basic Boating Course will be held at Beltzville State Park Environmental Center on June 17th and
19th from 6 pm to 10 pm each night. Persons wishing to take the class must pre-register and
attend both sessions. Contact the Park Office at 610-377-0045 for more information or to register.
June 1, 2008, is Fish For Free Day. No fishing License is needed on this day. However, all other
fishing regulations still apply.
Lackawanna County - Fishing was good across the county this past weekend and the panfish were
biting, including rock bass. Individuals were still catching trout at Merli Sarnoski County Park Lake
and Lackawanna Lake. Manny Gorden Pond at McDade Park was jammed over the weekend and
plenty of trout were caught.
Luzerne County - Memorial Day weekend brought a lot of boating activity on Francis Walter Dam,
Lily Lake and the Susquehanna River. PFBC Accesses had medium boat traffic on the river.
Some area waterways in the Northern part of the county are fishing rather slowly right now. About
the only place where anglers are picking up much activity is on the Susquehanna River. Panfish
are working in the larger pools below Wilkes Barre and bass can be found at the edges of fast water
and the heads of pools.
Anglers had good fishing activity over the holiday weekend in the southern part of the county.
Rainbow trout were being caught on spinners, waxworms and paste baits at Lily Lake. Brown and
brook trout were being caught on waxworms and minnows at Lake Frances. Some trout and panfish
were being caught on waxworms and redworms at Lake-Took-A-While. Trout were being caught
from boats using spinners and paste baits on Francis E. Walter Reservoir. Fly anglers have been
doing well on dry fly patterns on the Lehigh River. Bait anglers have been taking some nice fish as
well. Pressure has been light with some brook and brown trout being caught at Nescopeck Creek.
There has been light pressure on Wapwallopen Creek with some rainbows being caught on
waxworms and paste baits.
Overall there are still plenty of trout left in the streams. Water conditions remain clear, but there is
lots of water in the streams and the water temperature has been perfect for trout fishing.
Monroe County - Boating activity has increased quite a bit this past weekend. Boating participants
have decided to brave the still cold waters due to the nice weather and calm conditions. Don't forget
your life jacket. It doesn't do you any good back at the house or lying on the shoreline.
Pike County - Largemouth bass are being caught and immediately released at Fairview Lake.
The past Memorial Day Holiday weekend was one of the busiest on the lake in quite a few years.
And it turned out to be a good one for the boating community. The weather was a little chilly and
windy on Saturday but the boats were still out and about. The rest of the weekend was beautiful,
and the boat traffic showed the same. Apparently the high gas prices didn't put a damper on people
still getting out and way for a relaxing weekend.
The fishing pressure has slowed down a little on the creeks, but more anglers are out on the "Pack"
with the nice weather and the water starting to warm up. The fish that seem to be getting caught
are perch, bluegills, and a few crappies. The stripers angler are having some luck but nothing of
any size as of yet.
Southern Pike - The fishing and boating activity on area waterways was extremely high due to the
beautiful weather over the holiday weekend. Promised Land State Park’s upper lake had canoes,
kayaks and row boats paddling everywhere. Too bad the fish did not cooperate as well as the
weather. Some nice yellow perch were caught on minnows near pickerel point. The crappie and
pickerel were biting better at Peck’s Pond with a few crappies in the eleven inch range being
harvested.
Hidden Lake is turning into one of the better pickerel lakes in the area. Anglers are showing up just
to target this hard fighting fish. Bass lures and large minnows seem to work the best. There still
are plenty of trout in the lake and anglers are catching them on paste baits. A couple of anglers
have caught their limits over the weekend from the dam area.
Sullivan County - Good mayfly hatches on the Loyalsock Creek have many dry fly anglers switching
to nymphs and wet flies as the trout seem reluctant to rise to the surface. Stone fly nymphs seems
to work well for most anglers. Surface action should pickup up in early June.
Susquehanna County
Quaker Lake will receive an additional stocking of 1000 rainbow trout on Friday May 30. The trout
have been biting well at this lake and are now between the spring and summer patterns.
Wayne County - The warm temperatures have caused the panfish activity to dramatically increase.
Bluegill, crappie and perch have been caught at Lower Woods Pond, Miller Pond, Prompton Dam
and White Oak Pond. Bullheads have been hitting at Belmont Lake.
Trout streams are full of fish. Water levels and temperatures are optimal.
Trout and largemouth bass have been caught at Upper Woods Pond.
Wyoming County - Trout fishing activity is slowing as water temperatures rise, but several trout are
holding over, particularly in Tunkhannock Creek South Branch. Lake Winola is still producing trout.
Night fishing from a boat offers the best opportunities. Local lakes and ponds are producing
panfish. Smallmouth bass fishing and catfish angling during the night are producing the greatest
activity on the Susquehanna River.
SOUTHWEST REGION - Allegheny County - Glade Run Lake -- Trout are being caught near the
bottom. Hot baits are wax worms and paste baits. The crappies are coming in. Numerous catches
are being made around the lake. Average size is 8" to 9 "with some larger ones here and there.
Minnows on a small jig are the best bet.
Allegheny River -- Anglers are catching white bass in good numbers on Mister Twister jigs and
minnows. Walleyes are also being picked up from place to place. Best bets for white bass are
Sharpsburg and Harmar. Anglers are reminded to consult their summary books for seasons, sizes
and creel limits BEFORE they harvest any fish.
Deer Creek and Bull Creek -- With clear, low water anglers should use small baits and light tackle.
Wax worms, maggots and red worms on 4 or 6 pound test line fit the bill for this time of year.
Armstrong County - Stream temperatures in the upper 50’s had trout active this past week with
good catches seen in Buffalo Creek and Cowanshannock Creek. The delayed harvests are on
Buffalo Creek has had trout well distributed throughout its length. Spinners and wet flies have been
working well. As time goes by the trout become mores elective so anglers must have imitations of
natural feed in Rimer to be successful. Some nice sized trout were stocked in Cowanshannock
Creek last week, many brown trout ranging from 12” to 15”.
Crappies are starting to bite at Crooked Creek Lake.
Because of equipment problems the stocking scheduled for Friday April 25th on Little Mahoning
Creek from Rochester Mills downstream was rescheduled for Tuesday the 29th.
Beaver County - Hereford Manor Lakes -- Both lakes were stocked with trout last week. Anglers are
catching good numbers of trout.
Brady’s Run Lake -- Anglers are catching good numbers of trout in the lake.
Beaver & Ohio Rivers -- Walleye and white bass are still hitting. Good numbers and nice size are
being caught.
Little Beaver Creek -- Angler pressure has receded. The anglers that are fishing the creek are
catching some nice trout.
Cambria County - Wilmore Dam -- Anglers are catching some nice crappie.
Hinckston Run -- Anglers are catching nice size bluegill.
Ebensburg Reservoir -- Anglers are catching nice size bluegill.
Glendale Lake -- Anglers are catching small crappie.
Vetera Reservoir -- Some nice perch are being caught from shore.
Indiana County - Anglers are still catching good numbers of northern pike at Yellow Creek Lake on
live bait.
Keystone Lake is producing a few musky and some crappies as well.
Somerset County - The trout streams have all been busy with activity. Prior to the rainfall the water
conditions were low and clear. Most of the bite has been right off the bat in the morning. Laurel Hill
Lake has been a good place to fish from both shore and watercraft. Also fly fisherman have been
doing well on Laurel Hill Creek and Shade Creek.
Anglers heading out to Lake Somerset and the Quemahoning Reservoir have been catching some
panfish.
Westmoreland County - The local officer witnessed a trophy golden being caught and released at
Keystone Lake on Saturday, April 26th. Even thought the fish was released, interested viewers can
see the brute at http://forums.fishusa.com/keystone_bruiser/m_80239/tm.htm.
Crappie action at Loyalhanna Lake has been picking up. The fish aren't exceptionally large, but a
few have been caught in the eleven inch range. The local WCO would like to extend many thanks to
the members of the Lloydsville Sportsman's Association and other volunteers who helped float stock
Loyalhanna Creek on April 22. Several anglers have praised the effort saying they had to work and
were delighted to find fish scattered and not just dumped into a few holes.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION - Dauphin County - Walleye are hitting on at the Red Hill Dam on the
Susquehanna River. Baits of choice include jigs tipped with minnows or tube jigs.
Sunday, June 1st is the second fish for free day of the year. Take a friend or family member and
fish Stony Creek which was recently stocked with trout on May 6. Recommended locations to fish
Stony Creek include: Ellendale Forge and upstream of State Game Lands 211.
Parents are reminded to check the size and serviceability of their children's Personal Flotation
Devices (PFD's) before boating!
Fort Hunter Boating Access will be under construction from May 27 through July 1. A new ramp and
an improved parking area will be the final result. Other areas to launch your boat are Harrisburg
City Island Ramp or Amity Hall access (Juniata River). Visit the PFBC's interactive county map for
other locations.
Huntingdon County - A very lucky large black rat snake hitched a ride across the busy Raystown
Lake on Memorial Day. Waterways Conservation Officers spotted the snake trying to swim across
the lake through heavy boat traffic. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is also tasked with
the protection and management of the Commonwealth's Reptile & Amphibian species.
Juniata County - Fishing this past Holiday weekend was slow on the Juniata River. Higher than
normal water level conditions along with colder nights has made fishing slower than normal for this
time of year. Some anglers are still catching smallmouth bass on bright color spinners and
hellgrammites. Walleyes are also being caught using jigs with twisters or tipped with shiners.
Boaters are reminded to make sure that they have the proper number of PFD's (Life Jackets) on
board for each passenger. Each PFD must be the appropriate size for each passenger.
Lebanon County - Anglers are having success catching rock bass on Swatara Creek and Memorial
Lake on minnows and worms.
Perry County - Fishing on the Juniata River this past holiday weekend was slow. Higher than
normal water level conditions along with colder nights has made fishing slower than normal for this
time of year.
Anglers on the Susquehanna River are having some success on smallmouth bass along the
shorelines. Anglers are reminded that smallmouth bass season is closed and all smallmouth bass
caught must be immediately released.
Some anglers are still catching some trout in local streams. Try fishing Shermans Creek above
Blain or the Big Buffalo Creek near Ickesburg.
Boaters are reminded to make sure that they have the proper number of PFD's (Life Jackets) on
board for each passenger. Each PFD must be the appropriate size for each passenger.
SOUTHEAST REGION - Berks County - Springtime trout stocking has been completed, but it's a
great time to get out on the local streams and lakes. Anglers can try the Tulpehocken Creek in the
Womelsdorf area, and the lower Tulpehocken Creek that flows out of Blue Marsh Lake. Other
streams will also be productive this time of year and they will be a little less crowded.
Scott's Run Lake and Antietam Lake were both stocked with trout this month, and are holding a lot
of fish. Anglers that are fishing with bait are encouraged to try using various types and different
presentations if they’re not having much success. The same applies to lure fishing, try larger or
smaller spinner blades and mix up the lure types and colors.
Anglers are encouraged to try the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area of the Tulpehocken
Creek. The Special Regulation Area begins at the base of the Blue Marsh Stilling Basin and runs
downstream to the Red Covered Bridge on Papermill Road. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing
Summary for more information.
Anglers are reminded that bass season starts on June 14th. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing
Summary for more information.
Chester County - The Challenger Handicapped Fishing Rodeo was again a big success. About 200
individuals had the opportunity to try their hand at fishing for trout. The event was held on May 14,
at the children's fishing pond at Hibernia County Park. A thanks goes out to Chester County Parks
& Recreation, West Caln Sportsmen, & The Friends of Hibernia for their continued support in
making this event special, year after year. In addition, a thanks goes out to the dozens of
individuals who came out and helped the participants.
Lehigh County - Trout fishing on the Little Lehigh remains very good. Sections from Kecks Bridge
downstream to Fish Hatchery Road and the section from Bogart's Bridge downstream through the
parkway has recently been stocked by the Co-op nursery.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been improving on the Lehigh River around the dam in Cementon as
well as the areas around Slatington. Live minnows and smoke colored twister tails on jigs have
been working quite well.
A reminder to everyone who is canoeing or kayaking on the Lehigh River is to wear a lifejacket.
See the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook for more information on boating safety and regulations.
The river is running a little above normal and currents are stronger than during the mid summer
period.
Report By: PF&BC
PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORTS - LICENSES - REGULATIONS - MAPS.
NORTHWEST REGION - Conneaut Lake - Fishing is slow but the water should be warming up and
the fishing should heat up with it. Some northern pike have also been caught but its Catch &
Release until May 31st on pike.
Pymatuning Lake - Fishing - Walleye fishing is better this spring than last but still slow. Night fishing
for walleye on the south side of the Route 285 causeway seems to be paying off for anglers.
Crappie fishing has slowed way down due to the drop in water temperature. The lake temperature
was warmer 5 weeks ago than it is now. The Linesville Marina has a floating fishing pier that extends
out about 100 yards into the lake. Large and smallmouth bass fishing is great right now.
Erie County - Bass fishing has slowed a bit but is still fair to good along the lake shore and in
Presque Isle Bay. Perch are beginning to hit in 30 to 40 feet of water and off the point at Presque
Isle. Good perch catches have also been reported north of the Conneaut Ohio harbor. Reports of
walleye catches have been occasional at best, however, this would be typical with Lake Erie
temperatures still on the cool side. Although wind and wave conditions cooperated this past
weekend, cool temperatures, perhaps combined with current economic conditions had boat traffic
on the Bay and the Lake on the light side. Pike angling has been fair to good. Not many fish put up
a better fight pound for pound. Presque Isle Bay offers some of the best pike fishing in the country
with plenty of trophies waiting to be caught.
Pike generally aren't too fussy and often anything shiny will attract their attention. Silver flatfish
lures and chrome rattle traps are great choices. Pike also love live shiners (the larger, the better)
suspended under a float. Strong line or a steel leader is a good idea to keep their razor sharp teeth
from snapping your line.The area in front of the Chestnut Street launch, outside the Cherry Street
Marina , and through out the west end of the bay are good target areas.
Current Lake Erie water temperatures -- off Toledo, 58 degrees; off Cleveland, 56 degrees; and 57
degrees off the Port of Erie. Temperatures in Presque Isle Bay averaged 65 degrees this past
weekend.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION - Centre County - Boating activity was light on Black Moshannon Lake
and Foster Joseph Sayers Lake (Bald Eagle State Park) over the holiday weekend. Fishing activity
was moderate. Anglers had success catching perch and crappie.
Spring Creek was busy with angler activity catching trout.
Clearfield County - The West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail received heavy use over Memorial
Day weekend. PFBC staff checked 77 canoes and kayaks within a four-hour span on Sunday
afternoon.
Boaters need to remember that boating under the influence limits apply to non-powered boats, as
well as, motorized boats. Those out boating also need to keep in mind that a type IV device makes
a nice seat cushion, but it does not meet the requirements for a wearable personal flotation
device.
Anglers and boaters should practice “Leave No Trace”, if you pack it in then you also pack it out.
We found many bags of trash left behind at the Frenchville and Sproul access areas.
Large (15 to 20 pounds) carp are being caught below the spillway at Curwensville Dam on corn and
dough baits.
McKean County - As of last week water temperatures were still in the mid to upper 40s. Boaters
must remember to wear their PFDs and keep in mind the water temperatures when out on the lakes
at this time of year.
Stocking season is over, but there are still plenty of trout to be caught.
Tioga County - Anglers are catching plenty of trout on Beechwood Lake using varieties of paste
baits. Maintenance crews will begin work on the access road, parking lot and boat ramps sometime
this week. The area will NOT be closed off, but delays should be expected.
Cowanesque and Hammond Lakes have had sporadic crappie fishing opportunities. Anglers using
minnows and chartreuse jig heads with green feathery bodies have reeled in crappie measuring 13-
14 inches. Over the Memorial Day weekend, an angler caught a 22” stripe bass on Hammond Lake.
On the Fish for Free day, May 24, 2008, a grandfather and his grandson came to Pennsylvania for
a fishing weekend. The grandson had never caught a fish before so what better day to start than
our “Fish for Free” day! It was a cold and windy day, but he and his grandson were in good hands.
Local fisherman nearby and noticed they needed some help so they shared a rod and some bait
with the grandfather and grandson resulting in the little boy’s very first fish!! Now that is good
sportsmanship!
NORTHEAST REGION - Bradford County - Anglers on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River
experienced good boating and fishing conditions over the holiday weekend. Walleye were caught
by anglers fishing deeper water and presenting rubber minnow imitations just off the bottom.
Another good technique is to try drifting whole nightcrawlers and add a Colorado blade with some
beads ahead of it.
Smallmouth bass action has slowed a bit compared to previous weeks.
Carbon County - Anglers taking advantage of the warmer weather during the holiday weekend
caught trout on Mauch Chunk Creek and Pohopoco Creek. Anglers fishing the Lehigh River near
the River View Boat Access, East Penn Township were catching nice size trout. Spinners worked
best.
Boating activity was heavy on Beltzville Lake during the weekend. Most fish seemed to be caught
near sunset. Anglers did well by trolling with worm rigs and were catching walleye between 15 and
20 inches in the area west of the Pine Run Access near the north shore of the lake. Striped bass
were active near the area of the ski zone. One angler caught a striped bass measuring 27 inches.
Bass action was good (catch & release) at Mauch Chunk Lake. Panfish action is still good at the
fishing pier at the lake.
A Basic Boating Course will be held at Beltzville State Park Environmental Center on June 17th and
19th from 6 pm to 10 pm each night. Persons wishing to take the class must pre-register and
attend both sessions. Contact the Park Office at 610-377-0045 for more information or to register.
June 1, 2008, is Fish For Free Day. No fishing License is needed on this day. However, all other
fishing regulations still apply.
Lackawanna County - Fishing was good across the county this past weekend and the panfish were
biting, including rock bass. Individuals were still catching trout at Merli Sarnoski County Park Lake
and Lackawanna Lake. Manny Gorden Pond at McDade Park was jammed over the weekend and
plenty of trout were caught.
Luzerne County - Memorial Day weekend brought a lot of boating activity on Francis Walter Dam,
Lily Lake and the Susquehanna River. PFBC Accesses had medium boat traffic on the river.
Some area waterways in the Northern part of the county are fishing rather slowly right now. About
the only place where anglers are picking up much activity is on the Susquehanna River. Panfish
are working in the larger pools below Wilkes Barre and bass can be found at the edges of fast water
and the heads of pools.
Anglers had good fishing activity over the holiday weekend in the southern part of the county.
Rainbow trout were being caught on spinners, waxworms and paste baits at Lily Lake. Brown and
brook trout were being caught on waxworms and minnows at Lake Frances. Some trout and panfish
were being caught on waxworms and redworms at Lake-Took-A-While. Trout were being caught
from boats using spinners and paste baits on Francis E. Walter Reservoir. Fly anglers have been
doing well on dry fly patterns on the Lehigh River. Bait anglers have been taking some nice fish as
well. Pressure has been light with some brook and brown trout being caught at Nescopeck Creek.
There has been light pressure on Wapwallopen Creek with some rainbows being caught on
waxworms and paste baits.
Overall there are still plenty of trout left in the streams. Water conditions remain clear, but there is
lots of water in the streams and the water temperature has been perfect for trout fishing.
Monroe County - Boating activity has increased quite a bit this past weekend. Boating participants
have decided to brave the still cold waters due to the nice weather and calm conditions. Don't forget
your life jacket. It doesn't do you any good back at the house or lying on the shoreline.
Pike County - Largemouth bass are being caught and immediately released at Fairview Lake.
The past Memorial Day Holiday weekend was one of the busiest on the lake in quite a few years.
And it turned out to be a good one for the boating community. The weather was a little chilly and
windy on Saturday but the boats were still out and about. The rest of the weekend was beautiful,
and the boat traffic showed the same. Apparently the high gas prices didn't put a damper on people
still getting out and way for a relaxing weekend.
The fishing pressure has slowed down a little on the creeks, but more anglers are out on the "Pack"
with the nice weather and the water starting to warm up. The fish that seem to be getting caught
are perch, bluegills, and a few crappies. The stripers angler are having some luck but nothing of
any size as of yet.
Southern Pike - The fishing and boating activity on area waterways was extremely high due to the
beautiful weather over the holiday weekend. Promised Land State Park’s upper lake had canoes,
kayaks and row boats paddling everywhere. Too bad the fish did not cooperate as well as the
weather. Some nice yellow perch were caught on minnows near pickerel point. The crappie and
pickerel were biting better at Peck’s Pond with a few crappies in the eleven inch range being
harvested.
Hidden Lake is turning into one of the better pickerel lakes in the area. Anglers are showing up just
to target this hard fighting fish. Bass lures and large minnows seem to work the best. There still
are plenty of trout in the lake and anglers are catching them on paste baits. A couple of anglers
have caught their limits over the weekend from the dam area.
Sullivan County - Good mayfly hatches on the Loyalsock Creek have many dry fly anglers switching
to nymphs and wet flies as the trout seem reluctant to rise to the surface. Stone fly nymphs seems
to work well for most anglers. Surface action should pickup up in early June.
Susquehanna County
Quaker Lake will receive an additional stocking of 1000 rainbow trout on Friday May 30. The trout
have been biting well at this lake and are now between the spring and summer patterns.
Wayne County - The warm temperatures have caused the panfish activity to dramatically increase.
Bluegill, crappie and perch have been caught at Lower Woods Pond, Miller Pond, Prompton Dam
and White Oak Pond. Bullheads have been hitting at Belmont Lake.
Trout streams are full of fish. Water levels and temperatures are optimal.
Trout and largemouth bass have been caught at Upper Woods Pond.
Wyoming County - Trout fishing activity is slowing as water temperatures rise, but several trout are
holding over, particularly in Tunkhannock Creek South Branch. Lake Winola is still producing trout.
Night fishing from a boat offers the best opportunities. Local lakes and ponds are producing
panfish. Smallmouth bass fishing and catfish angling during the night are producing the greatest
activity on the Susquehanna River.
SOUTHWEST REGION - Allegheny County - Glade Run Lake -- Trout are being caught near the
bottom. Hot baits are wax worms and paste baits. The crappies are coming in. Numerous catches
are being made around the lake. Average size is 8" to 9 "with some larger ones here and there.
Minnows on a small jig are the best bet.
Allegheny River -- Anglers are catching white bass in good numbers on Mister Twister jigs and
minnows. Walleyes are also being picked up from place to place. Best bets for white bass are
Sharpsburg and Harmar. Anglers are reminded to consult their summary books for seasons, sizes
and creel limits BEFORE they harvest any fish.
Deer Creek and Bull Creek -- With clear, low water anglers should use small baits and light tackle.
Wax worms, maggots and red worms on 4 or 6 pound test line fit the bill for this time of year.
Armstrong County - Stream temperatures in the upper 50’s had trout active this past week with
good catches seen in Buffalo Creek and Cowanshannock Creek. The delayed harvests are on
Buffalo Creek has had trout well distributed throughout its length. Spinners and wet flies have been
working well. As time goes by the trout become mores elective so anglers must have imitations of
natural feed in Rimer to be successful. Some nice sized trout were stocked in Cowanshannock
Creek last week, many brown trout ranging from 12” to 15”.
Crappies are starting to bite at Crooked Creek Lake.
Because of equipment problems the stocking scheduled for Friday April 25th on Little Mahoning
Creek from Rochester Mills downstream was rescheduled for Tuesday the 29th.
Beaver County - Hereford Manor Lakes -- Both lakes were stocked with trout last week. Anglers are
catching good numbers of trout.
Brady’s Run Lake -- Anglers are catching good numbers of trout in the lake.
Beaver & Ohio Rivers -- Walleye and white bass are still hitting. Good numbers and nice size are
being caught.
Little Beaver Creek -- Angler pressure has receded. The anglers that are fishing the creek are
catching some nice trout.
Cambria County - Wilmore Dam -- Anglers are catching some nice crappie.
Hinckston Run -- Anglers are catching nice size bluegill.
Ebensburg Reservoir -- Anglers are catching nice size bluegill.
Glendale Lake -- Anglers are catching small crappie.
Vetera Reservoir -- Some nice perch are being caught from shore.
Indiana County - Anglers are still catching good numbers of northern pike at Yellow Creek Lake on
live bait.
Keystone Lake is producing a few musky and some crappies as well.
Somerset County - The trout streams have all been busy with activity. Prior to the rainfall the water
conditions were low and clear. Most of the bite has been right off the bat in the morning. Laurel Hill
Lake has been a good place to fish from both shore and watercraft. Also fly fisherman have been
doing well on Laurel Hill Creek and Shade Creek.
Anglers heading out to Lake Somerset and the Quemahoning Reservoir have been catching some
panfish.
Westmoreland County - The local officer witnessed a trophy golden being caught and released at
Keystone Lake on Saturday, April 26th. Even thought the fish was released, interested viewers can
see the brute at http://forums.fishusa.com/keystone_bruiser/m_80239/tm.htm.
Crappie action at Loyalhanna Lake has been picking up. The fish aren't exceptionally large, but a
few have been caught in the eleven inch range. The local WCO would like to extend many thanks to
the members of the Lloydsville Sportsman's Association and other volunteers who helped float stock
Loyalhanna Creek on April 22. Several anglers have praised the effort saying they had to work and
were delighted to find fish scattered and not just dumped into a few holes.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION - Dauphin County - Walleye are hitting on at the Red Hill Dam on the
Susquehanna River. Baits of choice include jigs tipped with minnows or tube jigs.
Sunday, June 1st is the second fish for free day of the year. Take a friend or family member and
fish Stony Creek which was recently stocked with trout on May 6. Recommended locations to fish
Stony Creek include: Ellendale Forge and upstream of State Game Lands 211.
Parents are reminded to check the size and serviceability of their children's Personal Flotation
Devices (PFD's) before boating!
Fort Hunter Boating Access will be under construction from May 27 through July 1. A new ramp and
an improved parking area will be the final result. Other areas to launch your boat are Harrisburg
City Island Ramp or Amity Hall access (Juniata River). Visit the PFBC's interactive county map for
other locations.
Huntingdon County - A very lucky large black rat snake hitched a ride across the busy Raystown
Lake on Memorial Day. Waterways Conservation Officers spotted the snake trying to swim across
the lake through heavy boat traffic. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is also tasked with
the protection and management of the Commonwealth's Reptile & Amphibian species.
Juniata County - Fishing this past Holiday weekend was slow on the Juniata River. Higher than
normal water level conditions along with colder nights has made fishing slower than normal for this
time of year. Some anglers are still catching smallmouth bass on bright color spinners and
hellgrammites. Walleyes are also being caught using jigs with twisters or tipped with shiners.
Boaters are reminded to make sure that they have the proper number of PFD's (Life Jackets) on
board for each passenger. Each PFD must be the appropriate size for each passenger.
Lebanon County - Anglers are having success catching rock bass on Swatara Creek and Memorial
Lake on minnows and worms.
Perry County - Fishing on the Juniata River this past holiday weekend was slow. Higher than
normal water level conditions along with colder nights has made fishing slower than normal for this
time of year.
Anglers on the Susquehanna River are having some success on smallmouth bass along the
shorelines. Anglers are reminded that smallmouth bass season is closed and all smallmouth bass
caught must be immediately released.
Some anglers are still catching some trout in local streams. Try fishing Shermans Creek above
Blain or the Big Buffalo Creek near Ickesburg.
Boaters are reminded to make sure that they have the proper number of PFD's (Life Jackets) on
board for each passenger. Each PFD must be the appropriate size for each passenger.
SOUTHEAST REGION - Berks County - Springtime trout stocking has been completed, but it's a
great time to get out on the local streams and lakes. Anglers can try the Tulpehocken Creek in the
Womelsdorf area, and the lower Tulpehocken Creek that flows out of Blue Marsh Lake. Other
streams will also be productive this time of year and they will be a little less crowded.
Scott's Run Lake and Antietam Lake were both stocked with trout this month, and are holding a lot
of fish. Anglers that are fishing with bait are encouraged to try using various types and different
presentations if they’re not having much success. The same applies to lure fishing, try larger or
smaller spinner blades and mix up the lure types and colors.
Anglers are encouraged to try the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area of the Tulpehocken
Creek. The Special Regulation Area begins at the base of the Blue Marsh Stilling Basin and runs
downstream to the Red Covered Bridge on Papermill Road. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing
Summary for more information.
Anglers are reminded that bass season starts on June 14th. See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing
Summary for more information.
Chester County - The Challenger Handicapped Fishing Rodeo was again a big success. About 200
individuals had the opportunity to try their hand at fishing for trout. The event was held on May 14,
at the children's fishing pond at Hibernia County Park. A thanks goes out to Chester County Parks
& Recreation, West Caln Sportsmen, & The Friends of Hibernia for their continued support in
making this event special, year after year. In addition, a thanks goes out to the dozens of
individuals who came out and helped the participants.
Lehigh County - Trout fishing on the Little Lehigh remains very good. Sections from Kecks Bridge
downstream to Fish Hatchery Road and the section from Bogart's Bridge downstream through the
parkway has recently been stocked by the Co-op nursery.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been improving on the Lehigh River around the dam in Cementon as
well as the areas around Slatington. Live minnows and smoke colored twister tails on jigs have
been working quite well.
A reminder to everyone who is canoeing or kayaking on the Lehigh River is to wear a lifejacket.
See the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook for more information on boating safety and regulations.
The river is running a little above normal and currents are stronger than during the mid summer
period.
Report By: PF&BC
