Pennsylvania Fishing reports by region 8-31

[Fishing Report]

Fishing and Boating Report – August 25, 2011
Crawford County

Canadohta Lake
Good largemouth bass fishing and a few walleye.

Conneaut Lake
The lake this summer has been alive with both fisherman and pleasure boaters without much incident. The fishing has been ok for the summer with people finding nice bluegills and crappies. Bass fishing has also produced some very nice catches.

The lake is surrounded by various buoys such as slow no wake and swim areas / boats keep out. These areas are marked for a reason and need to be adhered to. The PFBC Access Area launch on the north end of the lake is still on schedule to be dredged this fall. When this dredging is done it will be a much needed improvement.

French Creek
Water levels are low especially for boating.

Pymatuning Reservoir
The water temperatures this summer reached the upper 80’s. With temperatures like these the fish just stopped hitting and the catches were pretty slim. The water is starting to cool down now and the fishing should start to pick up like it does every fall. The walleye fishing is going to be excellent this fall and next spring. All the 14.5 inch fish this spring will be legal size this fall. Just remember a fish must meet the legal limit of 15 inches and not 14.5 inches or 14.75 inches. Keeping of sublegal fish is not going to be tolerated and proper action will be taken.

Remember to keep all passengers inside the passenger-carrying compartment while underway.

Tamarack Lake
A few bluegills and yellow perch.

Woodcock Lake
Good smallmouth bass fishing and a few walleye.

Central Erie County

Edinboro Lake
Late summer weeds and water levels have made anglers adjust tactics for largemouth bass and crappie. Worm rigs worked vertically at deeper water depths have improved catch rates both in the morning and evening hours.

Lake Erie

Posing with this superb 18 lb. king salmon he caught off central Erie County's Presque Isle State Park is Mike Hikle of Erie, PA. Mike caught this monster king while trolling Lake Erie for walleye in approximately 72 feet of water off Presque Isle's point. Congratulations Mike!

King salmon

Attention Boaters
Falls overboard are very dangerous and serious situations, especially in high boat traffic areas. Boaters are reminded that operating at greater than a slow, no wake speed with passenger(s) seated on unguarded transoms, unguarded gunwales, and/or unguarded bows is prohibited. Have fun and stay safe!

Western Erie County

Lake Erie
Boat anglers are doing well with the walleye catch in 70-80 feet of water off Walnut Creek as well as the perch catch in 65-80 feet. I have been checking some creels with jumbo perch and anglers have reported catching their limits of perch in short periods of time. I have also been seeing the occasional steelhead caught out deep. There are still many days of perch and walleye fishing to be had, but steelhead is right around the corner.

Venango County


Allegheny River
Scores of Allegheny River tributaries within Venango County have verified wild trout populations. If your wish is for a relaxing outing in Penn’s Woods, do not overlook these picturesque little runs. ‘Course, half the fun is finding them… so, you’d best get to looking!!


Little Sandy Creek
Unlawful ATV operation on newly established trails has caused substantial damage to stream bank stabilization improvements erected on a portion of the Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only section of Little Sandy Creek. These improvements, accomplished cooperatively between the Venango County Conservation District and the Oil Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, were completed in the early summer of 2010 at a cost of $14,000.00. The public is reminded that the operation of any motorized vehicles on this property is strictly prohibited. Law enforcement patrols to the area have been increased. All encountered violations will be addressed by criminal citation; and in addition, violators may be subject to civil restitution for damages caused.

[Fishing Report]

Fishing and Boating Report – August 24, 2011
Western Armstrong County

Cooling temperatures and the threat of storms reduced the number of boaters and anglers out last weekend. A few anglers on the back channel of Neville Island reported decent catches of both walleye and smallmouth bass. River temperature has finally dropped from a high of 92 degrees at the end of July to 83 degrees last weekend.

Southern Armstrong, Southern Indiana, and Northern Westmoreland Counties

A couple good-sized tiger muskellunge have provided recent excitement at Loyalhanna Lake. Outside of those fish, higher than average, warm waters have made things fairly difficult. A few largemouth bass in the two-pound range have been caught though.

Conemaugh River Lake anglers have had similar problems with backed up flood controls. A few very nice yellow perch have been checked and several bass around 15 inches have been reported.

Smallmouth bass continue to provide the bulk of the action to Lower Conemaugh River anglers.

All boaters need to be especially attentive to the sunset/sunrise tables now that summer is waning and daylight hours are shortening.

Anglers on the Allegheny River report catching some decent sized channel catfish and average sized smallmouth bass. Fishing pressure over the weekend was well below average.

Conemaugh River anglers continue to report fine catches of smallmouth bass. A few surprisingly large bluegills were also checked this past week in the Lower Conemaugh. Several sublegal walleyes were also reported.

Section 8 of Loyalhanna Creek produced some decent numbers of walleyes this past week. A few went twenty inches.

One evening angler at Keystone Lake had a largemouth bass going 19 inches.

Several paddlers/anglers checked on the Kiskiminetas River reported the usual high catches of smallmouth bass, but also a few walleyes and a couple good-sized channel catfish.

Southern Somerset County

The Youghiogheny River section 1, tailrace will get its final stocking of trout for 2011 on September 2nd at 10:00 am.

There were two habitat structure projects done in Somerset County this month. Ten porcupine cribs were placed in High Point Lake on August 6th. Twenty short porcupine cribs were placed in Lake Somerset on August 20th. Thanks to all who came out to donate their time and labor. Thanks to Shaffer Block of Somerset for donating 120 cement blocks for both projects. Also, thanks to Don Anderson for organizing and running both projects.

Fishing has been slow during these dog days of August. Cooler nights lately should help get the fish biting again.

There have been reports of three to five-pound largemouth bass being caught at High Point Lake.

Walleye are being caught at Youghiogheny River Lake.

Catfish and a few bass are being caught at Lake Somerset.

There has been more than average number of boating accidents and fatalities this year. Do not boat and drink alcohol. Use common sense and be safe over Labor Day weekend.

[Fishing Report]

Fishing and Boating Report – August 24, 2011
Tioga County

Youth Field Day was a huge success with many youth attending the event at the Army Corps of Engineers Ives Run Hammond Lake on August 20. One of the biggest highlights of the event was an eight year old girl catching a 27" carp at the fishing station.

Remember to boat safely. Have your life jackets and throwable devices handy for everyone onboard and not stowed away in a compartment.

Some nice bass were caught on Hills Creek Lake recently with crank bait.

Hills Creek Lake will be hosting a Family Fishing Festival on September 3, 2011. Please visit www.fishandboat.com for more information and to register.

[Fishing Report]

Fishing and Boating Report – August 26, 2011
Bradford County

Boaters looking to enjoy the Susquehanna are reminded to check the weather and leave a float plan. I met with kayakers today who encountered significant upstream winds that slowed their trip significantly. With possible rainfall from Hurricane Irene's remnants, double check weather conditions and the local forecast before heading out on the water.

Carbon County

A few anglers fishing Beltzville Lake during recent weeks have been catching striped bass measuring up to 32 inches. Chicken liver or live bait appeared to be a choice for bait. Anglers fishing from shore during the evenings also did well catching catfish. Pine Run Cove area has been producing nice size catfish. Bass action was a little slow during the weekend. Boat activity still remains busy at the lake during the weekends.

Anglers fishing Mauch Chunk Lake continued to do well catching bass, pickerel and panfish. Anglers fishing from the fishing pier at boat launch A did well catching crappie. Live minnows appeared to work best. A young angler fishing in the cove near the breast of the dam caught a largemouth bass measuring 16½ inches. He caught the largemouth bass on a mealworm.

Anglers, boaters or persons who visit Beltzville Lake or Mauch Chunk Lake are reminded that alcoholic beverages are prohibited on both land and on the water.

Trout action remained good on the Pohopoco Creek downstream of Beltzville Lake. A number of anglers fishing Mauch Chunk Creek also did well catching trout.

Lackawanna County

Boating activity was a bit slower this past week and fishing pressure was also off. Panfish continue to bite along with brown bullheads at Lackawanna State Park Lake.

Southern Luzerne & Southern Columbia Counties

Fishing on the Susquehanna River has begun to pick up with anglers catching smallmouth bass on crankbaits and soft plastics. Those fishing for catfish have been catching them on a variety of baits from liver, to shrimp and nightcrawlers.

Lily Lake has been producing largemouth bass. However, anglers are reminded of the Big Bass Regulations in place on the lake.

There has still been little to no activity on the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section of the Nescopeck Creek. I expect this may change with the recent cooler weather though.

With fall right around the corner, many trout anglers are looking forward to the fall stockings. Lily Lake, Nescopeck Creek and Lake Irena are all scheduled to receive fall plantings of trout. Check the website’s Stocking Schedule for more information.

Until next time, tight lines.

Southern Pike County

The Delaware River is beginning to return to normal levels for this time of year. The water is still murky but anglers have been catching nice size smallmouth bass all along the river. Anglers have been catching smallmouth on everything from rooster tails to rattletraps to poppers. I have even seen a couple anglers out on a boat after dark due to losing track of time. I would recommend ensuring that you take your night navigational equipment with you on every trip along with the required safety equipment while fishing on the waters. No one knows when that great night of fishing is going to be so be safe and take adequate precautions.
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[Fishing Report]

Berks County

Crappies were hitting live minnows and small jigs fished around structure, and a large bass or two were taken using the same techniques.

Structure is the key! There are many trees cut down along the lake shore, and dropping anchor near these areas will no doubt bring success. If you don't catch fish after a while, move on and find another area. If you don't have a boat, take a walk along the shore and you'll eventually find a suitable spot. The size and creel limits for crappies at Blue Marsh Lake are (9) inches with a (20) fish possession limit per person.

All personal watercraft operators and anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 operating a motorboat equipped with a motor greater than 25 horsepower must complete a boating course and carry certification while operating.
You can take boating courses online or in a classroom setting, check our website for course information.

Fish for Free Day is on Labor Day. No fishing license is required for that day, but all other regulations still apply.

S. Bucks County

WCO Michael Johnson put in his first week in his new district of Southern Bucks and he has already witnessed firsthand how much fun the Delaware River can be! The long stretches of wide-open water allow for many different watercraft.

There are all kinds of boats, ranging from luxury yachts to jet skis. He observed families cruising around, fishing, water-skiing and sunbathing. You do not even need to leave the water to have an ice cream or hot dog as there is a concession boat on the water around Tullytown Cove, a great convenience for all of our boaters.

Chester County

The Camp Cadet program was in full swing at Camp Sackanac in East Vincent Township in Chester County. The program was started in 1991 for 50 boys. It had 97 participants this year of both boys and girls. The program is a weeklong overnight adventure hosted by local law enforcement, and it is free to the participants. To apply for the program, you must live in Chester County and be between 12 and 14 years of age. The purpose of the program is to promote a positive relationship between law enforcement and the children in our community. The camp brings members from different backgrounds together to form teams and promote self-esteem and a positive attitude. WCO Bob Bonney, Environmental Interpretive Technician (EIT) Bob Lyon and WCO Tom Benevento held two separate fishing classes for the children during which they caught many fish from the pond located on the property. Everyone had a good time. Education Specialist Andy Desko and EIT Dave Grube led the children in a water safety program, and Michael Skurecki and WCO Tom Benevento presented a Smart Angler program before the fishing classes.

Delaware County

Boating has been slow on the rivers this summer, and I can only give my opinion as to why. The July temperatures this year set a historical record for the Philadelphia area. When patrolling on these hot days, you find yourself not wanting to stay still very long, so moving around and keeping the air flowing is the best way to stay somewhat comfortable. With the cost of fuel still rising, boaters are finding themselves being selective on the days that they hit the water. On those days that you decide to go boating, keep these things in mind:

Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
When temperatures are hovering around 90 plus degrees, a case of water can be the best money spent.
Wear sunscreen
No one is immune to the effects of the sun; you will burn if exposed to direct sun on these hot summer days for extended periods
Keep moving
Gas is expensive, but you get more bang for your buck if you are cruising at low speeds vs. running full throttle up and down the river. The air will also keep your crew more comfortable.
Get familiar with the tides and the river charts
Some poor boater hit the jetty on the north end of Chester Island. If you think gas is expensive, try replacing an outdrive. Charts are cheap, and there are free apps out there that provide tidal information.
Get wet!
If you have your charts, tuck in behind an island or in a cove WHERE THE CURRENT ISN'T STRONG and go for a swim. When doing so, keep your life jacket on.

Lancaster County

Flathead catfishWilliam Gebhart Jr. with his 40 lb, 11 oz flathead catfish. Congratulations!

The hunt for the state record flathead catfish continues in earnest on all stretches of the Lower Susquehanna River. William Gebhart Jr. of Willow Street landed a behemoth flathead of 40 lbs., 11 oz. on August 1. The fish was officially weighed & recorded at the Columbia Bait & Tackle Shop. Gebhart landed his catch from a boat. Mr. Gebhart was using cut bait (bluegill) on 17lb. test line. Anglers have caught flathead catfish from PFBC’s Falmouth Access south to the Conowingo Reservoir. We encourage anglers to keep their catch on ice and obtain an official weight as soon as possible. Presently, Columbia Bait & Tackle is the county’s only certified weigh station. Large catfish continue to grow at approximately 1”-3” per year.

The current record of 48 pounds, 6 ounces hales from Blue Marsh Lake in 2006 off the spillway.

PPL Holtwood Dam Expansion Project: Boaters should avoid the restricted area as designated by signage along the area of the Holtwood Dam tailrace. These safety restrictions are presently in place because of permitted blasting required for the expansion project. Boaters are advised to consult the Lower Susquehanna River Hotline at 1-800-692-6328 for updates. It is anticipated that blasting will continue for the next several months.

N. Montgomery County / E. Berks

Anglers should be mindful of animals and waterfowl while fishing. Waterfowl will strike a fishing lure or hook and worm, as it all looks like food to them. If you do have ducks swimming past your line, immediately retrieve your line so they do not have the opportunity to strike it. If you do hook a duck, you should immediately cut your line so the animal does not suffer. Report the incident immediately to the PA Game Commission.

Philadelphia County

Anglers have caught white perch and catfish all along the Delaware River. There are also reports coming in that snakehead fish have been caught in the lakes at FDR Park. Please remember that it is not legal to possess snakehead fish.

Please remember to check all boating safety equipment before getting underway. There is some form of sound-signaling device required for all vessels. Learn more about these requirements on our website: http://fishandboat.com/boatcrs/03boa...2_10_sound.htm

W. Schuylkill County / N. Berks County

The District Officer’s last submission ended with the statement, "no one can protect you from yourself except you." This point is illustrated in the following news article about a boating incident that occurred on the Schuylkill River in Tilden Township, Berks County on 08/11/2011.

http://republicanherald.com/news/3-r...iver-1.1187246

These individuals underestimated the water conditions and a young child was put in a potentially hazardous situation in the process. The statement by the woman that "we were just trying to do a nice day trip on the river," shows the lack of forethought that went into this incident. Often, adventure seekers do not consider the other lives they put in danger & resources exhausted by their actions. Consider the cost of having the Union Fire Company No. 1, the Shoemakers Fire Company, the Ice and Water Rescue Team of the Hamburg Area Volunteer Fire Company, and the Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Warden respond and potentially harm themselves to rescue thrill seekers.

The man in the article is quoted as saying, "Once we got out, it was a very, very good decision for us to get out." Perhaps a better decision would have been to consider the water conditions, and the dangers of taking a child out on the Schuylkill River under those conditions before launching the kayaks. Please be careful when paddling on our rivers & streams.

The fishing at Blue Marsh Lake appears to be picking up. Anglers are reporting some success with bass, panfish and catfish. Success remains limited at Sweet Arrow Lake.

Boaters are reminded that sunset is a specific time, not when it gets dark. At sunset, all personal watercraft are to be off the water and water-skiing or tubing must stop. If you have your lights on (because it is after sunset) and you are towing someone, you are engaged in an unlawful act.
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