Pennsylvannia Fishing reports by region 7-15

[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Chad Foster (chfoster@pa.gov), Northwest Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 13, 2011
Clarion County

Piney Dam
Anglers have been doing well on perch and walleyes in the early mornings and late evenings by trolling the shorelines. A few channel cats are being caught at night.

Lower Clarion River
Bass and a few walleyes are being caught.

Upper Clarion River
Smallmouth bass and trout are being caught in the areas of Cathers and Blyson Runs.

Boaters using the PFBC Gravel Lick Access Area are reminded this is a PFBC owned access area. All boats, including canoes & kayaks, are required to be registered to use this facility.

Kahle Lake
Bass and some panfish are being caught. Due to the drawdown, anglers should use caution when wading the shoreline areas.

Allegheny River
Anglers have been doing well on smallmouth bass and walleyes.

Boaters using the Parker Access Area are reminded this is a PFBC controlled access area. All boats, including canoes & kayaks, are required to be registered to use this facility.

Beaver Creek Ponds
Bass and panfish are being caught in good numbers.

Piney Creek DHALO Area
This area still has plenty of trout. Anglers fishing the project are reminded that the use or possession of bait is prohibited.

Eastern Erie County

Lake Erie
Anglers out of the North East Marina and Shades Beach Safe Harbor are reporting walleye are being taken in 65 to 70 feet of water. Perch are being taken in 52 to 60 feet of water off of the Greenfield, Freeport, 20 Mile, and Mountains. (Look for the perch pack.)

The North East Marina is open for all your boating needs. For current Lake Erie conditions call the North East Marina at 814-725-8244.

Erie County

Lake Erie
The walleye bite seems to be on right now. The only problem is most people are concerned about is the size of the fish. No one seems to be catching any small ones, which means there are not going to be many in two to three years. Most of the fish are over 22 inches. They are being caught in 60-70 ft of water out in the First Trench. Most are being caught on worm harnesses. There are many people coming in with their limit of yellow perch as well. People are getting them out in 50-55 ft of water straight out of Walnut and a little east of Walnut. Lake Erie’s water temperature is near 75 degrees.

Walleye
Fourteen year old Dan Wanker of Pittsburgh brought in a 10 pound 1 ounce walleye for Junior Angler Award. It was 30 inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek using a Green Flash Reef Runner.

Walleye
Sixteen year old Jerry Martis of Belle-Vernon, PA brought in his 8 pound 12 ½ ounce walleye for an Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it in 65 ft. of water west of Elk Creek on a watermelon colored worm harness.

Walleye
Fourteen year old Lucas Riggleman of Hollidaysburg, PA brought in his Junior Award sized walleye. It weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 27 ½ inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught it in 59 ft. of water straight out of Walnut Creek using an orange colored worm harness.

Walleye
Fifteen year old Brett Benson of Hollidaysburg, PA brought his walleye in for Junior Award. It was 7 pounds, 8 ½ ounces, 29 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He was out with Lucas (above) in 59 ft. of water straight out of Walnut. It was caught using a blue worm harness.

Walleye
Fifteen year old Keaton Hersch came in with a 9 pound walleye that was 30 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught the walleye in 59 ft. of water off Elk Creek on a Monkey Puke Stinger Spoon off a Dipsey Diver.

Lawrence County

Bessemer Lake
Plenty of trout remain in the lake and are being caught both from the shore and boats. The PFBC Lake Habitat Unit felled six large trees into the lake last week. These will create spawning habitat for crappies next spring and cover for other species.

Beaver River
Anglers are catching channel catfish and walleyes downstream of Wampum to the mouth of Connoquenessing Creek.

Venango County

Allegheny River

In the middle section of Venango County, there are nice smallmouth being caught on light colored rattletraps and crayfish lures.

The rapids at Oil City are dangerous to navigate. Use caution even if you are an experienced boater. It is also encouraged that boaters and anglers keep the required lifejackets out of compartments and readily available in case of emergencies.

French Creek
French Creek’s flow is normal for this time of year yielding average running conditions for kayaks and canoes. For boaters venturing out on the river, there is a tree down at “Polly’s Rapids” creating a sweeper (strainer) on river left. Stay to the right of the object to avoid being swept under this fixed object.

Justus Lake
Anglers are starting to pick trout up in the deeper portion of the lake towards the dam in 20+ feet of water. The Two Mile Run portion, that is approved trout waters, will stay at colder temperatures throughout the season. This is due to the dam upstream being a bottom release dam. This will mean better fishing as other local trout fisheries temperature rise. Lastly, anglers are reminded that fishing is prohibited on boat docks and launch ramps. Boaters have the right of way.
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[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Amidea Daniel (adaniel@pa.gov), Northcentral Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 6, 2011
Cameron County

Channel catfish are hitting on minnows in the Sinnemahoning Creek.

Smallmouth fishing is good. Crawfish molt is slightly behind in local waters.

Centre County

Sayers Lake: Anglers were doing well over the past week for bass using spinner baits and rubber worms. Panfish have also been reported in the evening hours using live bait and twister tails. Catfish have been caught in the nighttime hours using chicken liver and night crawlers. Daytime fishing has been tough with most success coming in the late afternoon hours and/or early evening.

Boating pressure was heavy over the holiday weekend with many launches near full.

Colyer Lake: Anglers have been catching bass, pickerel and panfish on various live baits as well as rubber worms and spinners. Many unpowered canoes and kayaks took advantage of the good weather over the weekend and enjoyed a day out on the water.

Penn's Creek: Anglers have been doing well with trout using live bait and dry flies in the Trophy Trout Section.

Black Moshannon: Some moderate boating pressure by mainly unpowered canoes and kayaks.

Elk County

Looking for a cool retreat from the summer heat, check out the Delayed Harvest area of East Br. Clarion River. The water is about 58 degrees and trout are hitting on various colors of jig heads. Enjoy!

[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Andy Fedor (anfedor@pa.gov), Northeast Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 13, 2011
Bradford County

Boaters on the Susquehanna River are reminded that hazards still exist on the river despite the flow being down. The force of the current is still very strong and boaters should avoid strainers (obstructions like downed trees that allow water to pass through but trap larger objects) as it can be difficult or even nearly impossible to free yourself or your boat from these hazards. Boaters are also reminded to wear their PFDs because they might save your life.

Carbon County

Both bait and fly anglers fishing the Pohopoco Creek downstream of Beltzville Lake still did well catching trout. A few walleye have also been taken at the spillway of the dam.

Smallmouth bass action has been good on different sections of the Lehigh River from Lehighton to the Palmerton Pool of the river.

Mauch Chunk Lake has been producing nice size panfish and perch in recent weeks. Most were caught on waxworms and meal worms. Bass and pickerel action has remained the same for the last few weeks. Anglers are reminded that Mauch Chunk Lake is governed under the Big Bass program special regulations. During the open bass season, bass harvested from Mauch Chunk Lake must be a minimum of 15 inches with a daily creel limit of 4 (combined species). Anglers are encouraged to consult the2011 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for further information regarding regulations pertaining to seasons, sizes and creel limits for bass and other species of fish on Commonwealth Inland waters or other waters governed by the Big Bass special regulation program. Catfish action has been good off the area of boat launch A at Mauch Chunk Lake during the evenings.

Nice size panfish have been caught in recent weeks at Beltzville Lake. Most were caught in the cove areas of the lake. A few striped bass have been caught in the upper areas of Pohopoco Creek Bay area of the lake. A number of anglers did well catching smallmouth and largemouth bass near the areas of the dam breast, power line and Preachers Camp boat access area. Boat traffic has been heavy on most weekends.

Anglers, boaters and patrons who may visit Mauch Chunk Lake or Beltzville Lake are reminded that alcoholic beverages are prohibited at both lakes including on a boat or on shore. Boaters are encouraged to consult the maps posted at the Beltzville Lake boat access ramps regarding the location of the designated slow no wake zones and the location of the designated water ski zone of the lake.

Northern Luzerne & Northern Columbia Counties

Mountain Springs Lake has been giving up a lot of short pickerel and an occasional nice perch. Not much has been caught at Rickett's Glen or at Frances Slocum.

Boaters are reminded that they need to carry a boating safety certificate with them while operating a PWC or are otherwise required to have a boating safety certificate (just as you would be required to carry your license while driving a motor vehicle on the roadway.

Southern Luzerne & Southern Columbia Counties

The Susquehanna River is beginning to recede and the fishing has really begun to pick up this week much to the delight of river anglers. Anglers have been catching catfish and are also starting to catch some nice smallmouth bass and walleye. Bass seem to be hitting soft plastics while the walleye are biting on twister-tail grubs, crawler rigs and other artificial lures.

Lily Lake has been producing some nice bass, especially during the evening hours on top water baits.

Not much happening on the local trout streams, with the exception of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area of the Nescopeck Creek. Nice trout have been caught during the evening hatches, and there has been some success using nymph patterns during the day.

Anglers are reminded that it is a violation of the Fish & Boat Code to have an open fire without permission of the landowner. There have been numerous complaints about this, especially along the river banks. Officers will continue to enforce this regulation vigorously. There also seems to be an increase in the number of litter complaints. Let’s remember the courtesy of the landowner allowing us to fish on their property and show them the respect they deserve. This will continue to gain landowner cooperation allowing us to continue to enjoy the resource.

Boaters; please take a few minutes before departing on your trip to make certain you have ALL of your safety equipment on board and that it is in SERVICEABLE condition. Remember that disaster can strike at any time. Please be prepared.

Good luck, be safe, and until next time tight lines.

Northern Pike County

Fishing has been on the rise since the introduction of the Cabela’s contest. They only have until the 15th of July to come up with the big one. The bass and walleye are still the favorites on the lake. The bass tournaments have been catching bass in the 5 to 6 pound range. Bluegills and perch are good anywhere around the lake as always.

Boating season is in full swing and it can get very busy during the weekends so if you want a nice quiet ride on the lake come during the week or go out on the lake after 5:00 pm. As always make sure that you have all of your required safety equipment on board and not stuck on a shelf in your garage. The Delaware River is a good trip this time of year. Get on a raft and just relax as you wonder through some of the Northeast’s beautiful scenery.

Southern Pike County

Largemouth bass have been hitting good at Hidden Lake and panfish have been biting regularly at Lake Minisink. As a reminder, if you’re planning to boat on the Delaware river ensure to not only have a PFD onboard for each passenger but to wear one, especially when the water level is high!
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[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Miranda (Mandy) Smith (mirsmith@pa.gov), Southwest Region Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 13, 2011
Cambria County

Glendale Lake anglers have been catching nice sized pickerel in the Kill Buck area of the lake.

Some crappie are being caught at Wilmore Dam. Low water has caused an algae bloom to occur.

Some catfish are being caught at Lake Rowena. Weeds are over running the lake.
Small bass and some perch are being caught at Hinckston Run Reservoir.

Northern Somerset County

Lake Somerset anglers are catching some nice largemouth bass and a few legal walleyes. Channel catfish are being caught at night. Some of them are very large.

Anglers at Quemahoning Reservoir are catching some really nice smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. One angler caught a 21-inch smallmouth at the green bridge. A few northern pike have been reported.

Anglers are catching some really nice largemouth bass at Cranberry Glade Lake.

Anglers are catching some smallmouth bass, a lot of small walleyes, and a few panfish Youghiogheny River Lake. Anglers are also doing well on channel catfish.

Southern Somerset County

Bobbi Perry of Bobtown, PA caught and released a 22-inch largemouth bass on July 10th at High Point Lake. She was fishing from shore using shiners for bait. The fishing at High Point has been hit or miss lately. Bass and pike are mostly being caught, along with small perch, bluegill and some catfish.

The weeds on Cranberry Glade Lake are preventing a lot of boating and shore fishing because it is hard on electric motors. The fish are there, but getting your bait to them is tough.

The Youghiogheny River tailraice was stocked on July 1, 2011 with some really nice –sized brown and rainbow trout.

The crappie were starting to hit this week on Lake Somerset. There are reports of walleye caught while trolling and big channel catfish caught from shore.

This has been a bad year so far for boating accidents. Be alert and use common sense while out on the water. Remember that a PFD only works if you have it on.

Washington County

Largemouth bassBilly Seibel, age 3, caught his first lunker largemouth bass in a pond in Washington County.

Northern Westmoreland County

Several complaints of "alcohol induced" paddlers causing problems on the Conemaugh River and Kiskiminetas River have been received. Boaters are reminded that operators of boats cannot be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. This is a serious matter and a criminal offense.

Loyalhanna Lake anglers had a tougher than average week. A few decent panfish were checked and reported. Very few bass were reported over legal lengths. No musky action or large catfish action was observed or reported.

Allegheny River anglers were catching smallmouth bass, but none appeared large.

One angler checked on the Lower Conemaugh River was catching longnose gar in the 26-inch class.

A large grass carp was caught and released at Conemaugh River Lake. This comes on the heels of two separate incidents in the district where large goldfish were caught and released in local watercourses. Please recognize these are non-native and undesirable fish for local waters. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THEM to Commonwealth waters.

Southern Westmoreland and Northern Fayette County

The Allegheny River is in excellent condition for boating. Traffic has been heavy between Lock & Dam #2 and Lock & Dam #4. The fishing pressure has been high on this section also. Anglers are having success catching channel catfish, walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass and drum at Lock & Dam #3 and Lock & Dam #4. They are also having pretty good success catching smallmouth bass at the mouth of Deer Creek and channel catfish at the discharge around 12 mile island.
Bluegill are being caught at Donegal Lake during the day and channel catfish are being caught at night.

The Youghiogheny River is producing some good catches of smallmouth bass in the 17 to 19-inch range around the West Newton Bridge. A few trout are also being caught.

Green Lick Dam continues to see good pressure from anglers in the early morning, late evening and nighttime hours, as well as on the weekends. Anglers are having success catching bluegill, perch and a few largemouth bass during the day and largemouth bass and channel catfish at night.

Jacobs Creek is still producing a few catches of trout in the area below White Bridge.
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[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Adam Spangler (adspangler@pa.gov), Southcentral Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – June 29, 2011
Blair County

We are just beginning the summer boating months and already we have exceeded last year's total boating fatality numbers. Most of the fatal accidents are kayakers, some not wearing life jackets, and a few encountered very dangerous waters. With the increase in kayak popularity, more and more novas kayakers are taking to the waters with little or no boating experience. This past weekend several kayakers on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River were caught without any life jackets. All which received citations for this violation. All boaters, including kayakers are responsible for having a wearable life jacket on board for every passenger. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS! I encourage kayakers to take a boating education course so they can be informed of the boating laws, regulations and other safety concerns.

Dauphin County

Catfish are being caught at night on chicken liver and night crawlers. Large flatheads are being caught on small sunfish.

Huntingdon County

Fishing on Raystown Lake was good over this past weekend. Cooler evening temperatures brought baitfish to the surface during evening and early morning hours.

Striper

Angler Terry Warner from Huntingdon with his 22 LB Striped Bass that he caught while trolling live bait on Lake Raystown

Lebanon County

Freshly stocked Rainbow trout are in the Quittapahilla Creek. Anglers are catching them on spinners and live bait.

York County

Fishing the Susquehanna River for bass early in the morning is proving to be very good now that the flow is about normal. The best areas are Bruner Island and the lower section of Gut Road. Live bait is best but some anglers are catching bass with dark colored rubber worms. On Lake Redman and Lake Williams, anglers are catching pan fish using small poppers on fly-fishing gear. A few nice hybrid striped bass have been taken on deep diving spinners.

Trout fishing in lower York County continues to be good. Anglers using bug looking flies in shaded areas along stream banks is working best.
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[Fishing Report]

REGION COUNTIES -- Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Andrew Desko (adesko@pa.gov), Southeast Region Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 13, 2011
Berks County

The boat traffic has been heavy recently at Blue Marsh Lake with the beautiful weather conditions. We have found several new personal watercraft (PWC) owners without Boating Safety Education Certificates. All persons who wish to operate PWCs are required to have the safety certificates in their possession and owners of PWCs shall not allow other riders to operate their PWC without the riders possessing a safety certificate.

Anglers were catching crappies and bass on minnows around the island beach on Blue Marsh Lake. The carp fishing was excellent along the shore near Dry Brooks for anglers using live bait and homemade mush baits. Blue Marsh Lake is open 24 hours for fishing and boating so escape the heat and do some night fishing!

N. Chester County

Bass were still caught at Marsh Creek Lake in deep water and in and around the weed beds. Lately the best baits to use are crank baits that resemble perch and jerk baits. Large rubber worms and jigs seem to produce best in and around the weed the weed beds. The best color this month has been the pumpkin seed, other consistent producing colors are large black, purple or dark green rubber worms. Blue gills and crappies are taking minnows as well as meal and wax worms. Marsh Creek Lake is a Big Bass Lake, so your catch must be at least 15 inches in length to keep.

French Creek, Pickering Creek, East Brandywine Creek, and West Valley Creek have been extremely low and warm for most of the summer due to inconsistent rainfall and high temperatures this season. If you are planning to fish for trout, then go out in the early morning or late evening. Land the fish as quickly as possible when practicing catch and release. For the fly anglers, try small midge flies in sizes 24 – 32 on top. The small hares ears, pheasant tail and scuds are best for nymphing.

You may never have bait in your possession in Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area and Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only areas and you may possess only (3) trout in the DHALO Area until Labor Day.

The bass fishing along the Black Rock Area of the Schuylkill River was good most of the summer; however, the catfish action has been excellent. Chicken lives & shrimp have been producing channel catfish and live bait is suggested for the flatheads. Stay 100 feet away from the fish ladder at the Black Rock Dam or risk being cited. You may not fish within the fishway, a.k.a. fish ladder or fish passage facility. It is unlawful for any person to fish within 100’ of the entrance or exit points of the fish ladder passageway, and you must stay 100 feet below the boil downstream of the dam when fishing there as well. Respect the river, and wear a PFD while onboard a boat.

Northampton County

The trico hatch has started on area limestone streams and fish have been actively feeding on the tiny mayfly. Spinner patterns in size #24 and #26 have been working well. If you are having difficulty getting takes during this hatch, try using a female spinner pattern when the hatch begins and a male spinner pattern towards the end of the spinner fall. Female and male tricos fall to the water at different times during the hatch and the fish will key on a specific gender at times.

Many canoeists and kayakers have taken advantage of the paddling opportunity at Minsi Lake. Minsi Lake is a 117-acre impoundment in the northeast portion of Northampton County. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission owns this lake, which means that all unpowered canoes and kayaks need to have a launch permit (or registration) to be used at this location. Some paddlers utilize their canoes or kayaks to get to a secluded fishing spot while others simply paddle the lake to recreate & view the surrounding scenery. Whatever one’s pursuit may be, paddlers are encouraged to bring a pair of binoculars with them the next time they are at Minsi Lake. Bald eagles, ospreys, and otters have all been known to stop by the lake for a quick meal or to rest on the way to their next destination. A pair of binoculars could assist you in getting a glimpse of these animals and make your paddling experience more memorable.

Philadelphia County

The Frankford Access Area at 5601 Tacony Street is open from 5:00am to 10:00pm. These hours are posted at the property. Anyone using this property outside of the allotted hours is in violation.

Anglers are reminded that landing nets can be no larger (excluding the handle) than 4 feet square or 4 feet in diameter. It is unlawful to use any type of net or seine to catch or take gamefish.

Schuylkill County

The Schuylkill River was stocked last month with fingerling trout from Middleport downstream to Schuylkill Haven. The fingerlings were brown and rainbow trout and were about 5 inches in length. The Little Schuylkill River also received fingerling trout from the confluence of Locust Creek downstream to Tamaqua. Anglers were still catching trout in the Little Schuylkill River but fishing has been tough due to the water being low and clear.

Owl Creek Reservoir is very low and boat access is limited to carry in only. Shoreline fishing has been good there with the best fishing coming right around sunset. Bass were hitting well on live shiners and soft plastic baits.

Fishing at the Auburn Dam Access of the Schuylkill River has been good for catfish, bass, and perch. Some nice bass were caught on live minnows, plastic worms, and crankbaits. Channel catfish and bullheads have been biting at night on worms, chicken livers, and stinkbaits.

Tuscarora Lake produced fish for some anglers. This waterbody can prove to be a difficult lake to fish for those unfamiliar to the area. Large crappies were caught on small jigs with green being the best color. Yellow perch took worms, small minnows, and jigs. Bass and pickerel were hooked on stickbaits, minnows, and softbaits. Anglers caught walleyes and muskellunge occasionally, but you must be patient when targeting either of these species.

There has been some snapping turtle trapping throughout the county with moderate success. Those targeting turtles are reminded to tag their traps with their name, address, and telephone numbers.