FISHING IN PENNSYLVANIA
Although Pennsylvania may have been named for its woods, our waters are the real attraction. There are more than 85,000 miles of streams and rivers, along with 4,000 inland lakes and ponds covering 160,000 acres, plus 470,000 acres of Lake Erie. What does this mean to you? There's plenty of good fishing nearby!
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
LITTLE BUFFALO STATE PARK
FOSTER JOSEPH SAYERS LAKE
KEYSTONE STATE PARK
GET A PENNSYLVANIA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN PENNSYLVANIA
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
MUSKELLUNGE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot, extra-heavy-power rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound-test braid fishing line |
| Lure | Small Jigs, Spoons, Spinnerbait, Jerkbait |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
LAKE TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The lake trout has considerable value both as a sport fish and a food fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small weightless lures and spinners, Night Crawlers, Minnows, Salmon |
BLACK BULLHEAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Despite its common name, color is not the best way to identify the Black Bullhead.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 11-15 foot casting rod or 15-18 foot surf rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-8 pound test line |
| Lure | Earth Worm, Cut Bait, "Stink" Baits, Small Crayfish, Worms, Leeches, Nightcrawler (fished on the bottom) |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
