If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) Winter Trout Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania The winter months in Pennsylvania can vary quite a bit. Thought to be one of the best winter trout streams in Pennsylvania, the Neshannock Creek is a beautiful 20-mile freestone stream in northwestern Pennsylvania. Small tungsten jigs tipped with mousies or waxworms are currently working well for both Bluegill and Yellow Perch. Yellow Breeches Creek is one of Pennsylvania's premier fly fishing trout streams. Ice should be clear to be safe, once it thaws, aerates and refreezes it loses its integrity. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately, and anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit. Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boomtowns, oil wells, and early transportation. Here are the six best trout flies and fishing tips to catch big rainbow and brown trout in winter rivers. © Copyright 2019 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The water temperature is currently in the low 40’s and the color is exceptional. Usually small flies will bring you the most success on your PA winter fly fishing trip. DCNR State Parks Winter … Both fly and spin anglers have reported good success catching trout. In the spring, trout can be easily found feeding on top. Winter Fly Fishing & Strategies. If you’re dry fly fishing, then size 22 and smaller is the norm. Check out PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Ice/Winter Fishing Page for Ice Safety tips, Ice Fishing tips and more! Deep pools, fast riffles, and tumbling pocket water present a wonderful angling opportunity for serious fishermen and beginners. 3 Winter Trout Fishing Tips. Outdoorsy types have a little saying “Cotton Kills”. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately, and anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit. How to fish for trout in the winter. Remember – SAFETY FIRST:  https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx. January 25, 2019 Michael Evanko. Thought to be one of the best winter trout streams in Pennsylvania, the Neshannock Creek is a beautiful 20-mile … Surveys conducted by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission have consistently shown Spring Creek to be one of the most densely populated wild brown trout streams in the Keystone State. Anglers are catching some Yellow Perch from shore along the bayfront. Neshannock Creek - Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region. Wissahickon Creekproves that anglers don’t even need to travel to remote locations to enjoy trout season in Pennsylvania. There is a Pickerel Lake in Northwest Pennsylvania Three Lure Categories for Ice Fishing Lake Erie Walleye Using Ice Fishing Electronics Winter Opens Non-Ice Fishing Opportunities in Northwestern Pennsylvania Winter 2011 PLAY Newsletter Winter 2005 PLAY Newsletter Winter 2001 PLAY Newsletter. A favorite destination along the creek is Fisherman’s Paradise, which offers solitude and tons of wild and aggressive fish. Zebra Midge (Sizes 16-22) Midge larvae represent more that 50% of a trout’s diet and that increases … BH PT nymphs are a hot pattern to use right now in sizes 14 to 20. Not too far from the city limits of Pittsburgh flows a stream known for its incredible trout fishing. Although, a few anglers have reported good success catching trout on Mauch Chunk Creek and the Aquashicola Creek. Winter State Park The park is a coldwater fishery, stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout. The only insects available to eat are small. Heading to winter fly fishing destinations that have the capability to hold large numbers of fish will increase your odds of having a successful day. Reminder: The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Ice fishing is just around the corner. Would you like to submit an event to the calendar? REMINDER: Once there is ice on the lakes, be sure to check the thickness and safety before venturing out on the ice. Remember before venturing out to go fishing that you need to have a 2021 PA Fishing License (anglers 16 years of age and older) and a Trout / Salmon permit if required. A huge stocking program supports this river with fish stocked almost its entire length. Anglers are encouraged to study the regulations for favorite fishing holes at www.fishinpa.com. Anglers can try their hand at float fishing on the famous Youghiogheny River outside Pittsburgh, where excellent trout fishing opportunities exist along the massive waterway. https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx, PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Ice/Winter Fishing Page. Ice fishing is beginning to pick up in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. Spring is the season for trout fishing in Pennsylvania. … Scenic Oil Creek carves a valley of deep hollows, steep hillsides, and wetlands. Temperatures ranging from below zero to 60 degrees are all possible. from visitPA.com. Slate Run in Tiadaghton State Forest has become one of the most well-known freestone trout streams in the eastern United States. With the exception of the swimming area, the lake and its tributary streams are open … There are numerous parking areas and even a covered bridge at Stillwater, with good pools that contain holdover trout in winter. The Shenango fish consumption advisory is still in effect until further notice. Learn more about cookie data in our Privacy Policy, Top Places to Go Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania. Use Small Lures and Baits. Check out PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Ice/Winter Fishing Page for Ice Safety tips, Ice Fishing … Believe it or not, trout can be caught on any of these days throughout the winter in PA. Most trout in the Monocacy are at least 12 inches in length, with some exceeding 15 inches. There will be days where fishing is tough, but also days where plenty of fish … Some popular locations are Dobbins Landing and Old Border Patrol. Oil Creek has become one of Pennsylvania’s top trout streams, allowing anglers to explore some of the creek’s tributaries where wild brook trout make their home. The Pohopoco Creek, downstream from the outlet of Beltzville Lake, appears to have been the most popular stream among most anglers in recent weeks. On most lakes such as Mauch Chunk Lake, Beltzville Lake ice conditions are not monitored, and persons are always reminded to check the ice conditions before venturing out to any ice covered lake. **Licenses are required to fish in Pennsylvania, and many areas have special regulations and creel limits on trout fishing. A legendary limestone spring creek, Letort Spring Run is sure to offer fly fishing at its best and has been the focus of anglers for many decades, holding some of the most sophisticated brown trout in the fly fishing universe. The Youghiogheny provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery. When the temperatures start dipping below 45 degrees the trout really start to hunker down. The winter is a time when chironomid larva are active and eaten by trout. During the … Winter Brook Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountains. Heading south into Beaver River, Slippery Rock Creek has remote, gorgeous stretches that can be accessed by trails in McConnells Mill State Park. Authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait. Ice fishing is just around the corner. Monocacy Creek is a lovely limestone, spring creek located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. 2021 Fishing License went on sale December 1st. … Most of the district’s trout stocked waters have been receiving little to no fishing pressure. The Susquehanna River is still open and flowing. Every day, visitors can expect to find many anglers fishing throughout the stream, where there is never a shortage of trout. Fly fishermen tend to prefer the waters near the upper part of the creek, but excellent angling can be enjoyed further downstream as well. Get your fishing license ONLINE The best access to the water for fishing is in Oil Creek State Park, between Titusville and Oil City. This portion of Neshannock Creek is one of twenty-two streams designated as a Keystone Select Water in the state of Pennsylvania. All Rights Reserved. FISHING HOURS: 24 hours a day, after the 8 a.m. opener CREEL LIMITS: Regular season (opening day thru Labor Day) 5 (combined species) Extended season (Jan. 1-Feb. 28/29) & (day after Labor Day-Dec. … So it’s also a great time to fish with chironomid larva flies like the red chironomid bomber. Small live minnows are currently working well to move Crappie’s off the bottom to entice a bite. Everyone was talking about winter storm Harper late last week. “It was 24 … With great fishing offered year-round, the Monocacy is a perfect place to come with a spinner rod or fly gear. Striped Bass action appears to be good near the Trachsville section of the lake. Click here to purchase. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately, and anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit. Learn more here… Interested individuals can find the relevant regulation here 58 Pa. Code § 63.6. A few anglers have been taking advantage of the weather to venture out and fish. Sizes 18 and 20 are the norm. Ice fishing has been non-existent so far this year, due to the warm weather we have been experiencing. Your email address will not be published. Since the fish will be taking their sweet time in the winter, they’ll naturally … Crappie must be 9 inches to harvest, and the creel limit is 20. Some anglers are having success using live shiners and tip-ups to catch the occasional Pickerel. Lawrence and Mercer counties. Anglers plunge into the commonwealth’s 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, along with 4,000 lakes and ponds in hopes of catching a prized trout. A size 22 Griffiths Gnat will cover most winter … During the extended season … Keep in mind that colder water generally means slower fish. A reminder that Shenango River Lake is now designated as a Panfish Enhancement Lake. It would appear as though most of us are still in deer hunting mode as of this writing. The Extended Trout Season does not apply to this section of the stream and is limited to NO Harvest –Catch and Immediate Release Only. Anglers are reminded to always check ice conditions before venturing onto the ice. Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2021 On The Water, LLC. The stream emerges from various springs that flow through the Huntsdale Hatchery and then become the source of the stream. The creek, located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, is fully stocked with trout each season. Trout stocked in fall and winter may be fished for immediately, but anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit. The Oil Creek Valley is the site of the world’s first commercial oil well. So, … Anglers are currently having success in the southern most basin of the lake. Anglers fishing Beltzville Lake have reported good success catching perch near the boat ramp area of Pine Run Bay. Your email address will not be published. With the cold winter months upon us, the streams will be icing up off and on. Video of Michael Evanko fly fishing for winter brook trout on a backwater tributary water located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. 58 Pa. Code § 63.6.   Fishing at Raymond B. REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear began on November 1, 2020 and runs through April 30, 2021 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. For the seasoned anglers looking for a challenge, the wild browns that roam the creek are no easy task to pull in. REMINDER: Jaw Jackers and Automatic Fisherman Devices are prohibited for use. Northcentral Region. Use caution as you head out onto the ice. The current conditions couldn’t be more perfect for winter fishing. Stick to what you know and have learned throughout the year. For more information regarding Pennsylvania's excellent winter … A life jacket and a set of ice awls can be extremely important if you fall through the ice. HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 17) – Even though the summer season is winding down, some great fishing opportunities are only just beginning with the start of fall and winter trout stocking! Look for deep, slow water. The water here offers beautiful pools, riffles, and runs. Ice thickness and conditions can vary greatly across the lake. Although Mauch Chunk Lake is ice covered, it appears that the ice is thin with areas of open water and appears very unstable for any ice fishing activity. A combination of a wide range of freshwater crustaceans to provide nutrient-rich food, as well as the stable water temperature year-round, results in an active and healthy trout population that fishermen come from miles away to experience. Sign up for our "Happy Thoughts" newsletter. Target a specific fish out of a pod rather than fishing blind; Concentrate your fishing to deep, slow pools; Focus on fishing from around 10:00 am to about 3:00 … Fish are currently holding the tailouts of pools and any pocket water. The wild trout fishery is full of pristine fishing hotspots stocked with 16-20-inch trout. When fishing specifically for trout in the winter… Anglers have been seeing success at Merli Sarnoski Lake while jigging for perch and trout. Anglers are reporting a decent catch of Yellow Perch and Bluegill using small tungsten jigs. Live bait and chicken livers are appearing to work well. The stream has two sections of special regulation water. Stillwater Reservoir, Clifford Township, has been producing some nice pickerel, and a 25-inch Tiger Muskellunge was pulled out by a young girl on January 13. visitPA.com is the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Tom Wolf, Governor Packed with deep pools and dense trout populations, Cedar Run starts in Tioga County and flows for more than eight miles into Pine Creek in Lycoming County. As a reminder, ice conditions and thickness are not monitored by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. All rights reserved. Aaron M. and Matt B. caught a couple of nice Steelhead on a recent fishing trip to Elk Creek in Erie, PA! OTHER ICE / WINTER FISHING. Try targeting the seams with a big stone fly to entice hungry fish. However, fishing and boating pressure has been light. The storm was moving across the Midwest on Friday and was expected to make landfall in Pennsylvania … Hopefully, if a cold spell continues more stable ice will arrive. Anglers are urged to use extreme caution and common sense if they venture out on the ice. Wild brook trout and a few brown trout reside in the upper part of the stream, and wild brown trout reside in the lower part. Chironomid flies will work … Remember before venturing out to go fishing that you need to have a 2021 PA Fishing License (anglers 16 years of age and older) and a Trout / Salmon permit if required. It has a very good population of wild brown trout. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Anglers are reminded that the section of the Pohopoco Creek from the spillway at Beltzville Dam approximately 2.90 miles downstream to the cable across the creek at the Hideaway Hunting & Fishing Club is designated as both a Class A Wild Trout Stream and Stocked Trout Water. The creek is in one of the areas that has an early opening day, so anglers eager to get an early start can do so here. Steelhead are still in good numbers in all the streams. Say no to cotton. Woolly Bugger (size 10) In black or olive, I can fish this fly to mimic many critters trout feed on. They have been catching crappie and perch. Sign up for our FREE Fishing Reports Today! Anglers are also having success fishing for Crappie at dawn and dusk. There’s easy access from the road to a number of small fishing spots along Cedar Run, where anglers are sure to find plenty of trout. Food is hard to find in winter. Beginning on October 1 and continuing through mid December, the Pennsylvania … The Youghiogheny features a nine-mile all tackle trophy trout section, several fly fishing areas, and easy access at Ohiopyle State Park. Hopefully, with a little luck and some cold weather, fishing conditions will improve soon. Authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait. Spring Creek, just outside State College, is known as an angler’s dream location. In fact, a few years ago the Scranton resident latched onto the largest wild trout he has ever caught while fishing the Northeastern Pennsylvania waterway in the dead of winter. Nymphs and streamers continue to provide anglers with steady action throughout the day and into the night. This is due to it’s poor insulating … With local lakes and impoundments still without safe ice, there has been little to no ice fishing activity across the district. If not, we can all once again look toward the warmer days of April, and with that comes trout season! https://www.tripsavvy.com/trout-fishing-western-pennsylvania-4157733 Anglers from far and wide flock to this stream for some challenging and exciting fly fishing, surrounded by a fine mix of pools, riffles, and runs to explore. Anglers are currently doing well fishing for Panfish throughout the lake. 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