sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bermudian Creek, Big Wapwallopen Creek, Blacklog Creek, Black Moshannon Creek, Canonsburg Lake, Chemung River

2008PENNSYLVANIA FISHING SUMMARY SummarySummary ofof FishingFishing RegulationsRegulations aandnd LLawsaws

2 TROUTTROUT OPENERSOPENERS 18 Southeastern Regular Opening Day AND Counties March 29 April 12 for Statewide www.fish.state.pa.us

2008TO PennsylvaniaFIND THE STOCKING Summary DAY of Fishing OF TROUT Regulations and AND Laws NEAR YOU, VISIT www. WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US.fi sh.state.pa.us 1 Water

Long before airports, highways or even trains, Pennsylvania’s streams, rivers and lakes provided a means of transportation for native inhabitants. Today, you can travel these same routes, enjoying the state’s natural resources while getting glimpses of rich history and tradition on offi cial Pennsylvania wa- ter trails. Water trails are boat routes suitable for , and, in some cases, small motorized watercraft. Each water is unique, a refl ection of Pennsylvania’s diverse geology, history, ecology and communities. For maps and more information about Pennsylvania Water Trails Program, go to the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s web site: www.fi sh.state.pa.us

Boating Courses & Safety Education Certifi cates:

Boating Safety Education Certifi cates are required for persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate a motorboat greater than 25 horsepower AND for ALL personal watercraft operators. To obtain a Commission-approved, permanent boating Safety Educa- tion Certifi cate, boaters must successfully complete a classroom or long-distance learning Commission-approved boating course. Pennsylvania residents must have a certifi cate is- sued by the Commission. To fi nd a boating course, contact one of the following resources: PFBC web site: www.fi sh.state.pa.us PFBC Boating Course Hotline: 1-888-PAFISH-1 (1-888-723-4741) Long-distance learning courses: Visit www.fi sh.state.pa.us to access Commission- approved Internet courses or to order approved video-correspondence courses. Become A Better Boater-Take A Boating Course!

GO ONLINE TO RENEW YOUR BOAT REGISTRATION, AND TO BUY YOUR FISHING LICENSE TOO!

Online purchases and renewals are easy, fast, and leave more time for what’s really important.

PA 1234 AA

Visit the Outdoor Shop - www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us

2 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws WELCOME TO GREAT FISHING FOR 2008

QUICKVIEW of Summary Contents REGULATIONS BY LOCATION (all fi sh species) Inland Waters 6 and estuary 8 Erie and streams 9 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2008 Pymatuning 10 Conowingo Reservoir 10 REGULATION CHANGES • Changes to waters in Big Bass Program Catch and Release Lakes Program 26 (page 7). Miscellaneous Waters 28 • Changes and additions to Approved Trout Waters (pages 13 through 22). • Changes and additions to Special REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Regulations for Trout Waters (pages 13 Big Bass Program 7 through 22). • Changes to Miscellaneous Waters with Brood Stock Lakes Program 27 Special Regulations (page 28). Panfi sh Enhancement Special Regulations 27 • Seasons, sizes, creel limit changes to Delaware River (page 8) and Conowingo Reptiles & Amphibians 29 Reservoir (page 10) • New regulations concerning transportation TROUT FISHING REGULATIONS of fi sh out of the Lake Erie Watershed in the Commonwealth (page 9) Trout Fishing Regulations 11 FISH-FOR-FREE DAYS Southeast Region 13 • Sat., May 24 and Sun., June 1, 2008. Southcentral Region 14 No fi shing license is needed to fi sh on either Southwest Region 16 of these days. It’s a great way to introduce MARCHMARCH 2299 APRILAPRIL 1122 someone to the world of fi shing. Check the Northwest Region 17 Commission’s web site for events. Remember Northcentral Region 18 that all other regulations apply. SEE PAGE 11 FOR DETAILS Northeast Region 21

Always wear REQUIREMENTS & LAW your life jacket. Fishing Licenses 30 Permits 31 Some 80% of General Regulations 32 boating fatalities Tackle, Equipment, and Bait 32 happen to boaters Unlawful Acts, BUI, and Life Jackets 33 who are not PFBC Property and Dog Regulations 34 wearing a life jacket. Fish Consumption Advisory 35 Reporting Pollution 38 For more detailed reference, see index on page 42.

This booklet is a summary of the laws and regulations applicable to fi sh and fi shing in Pennsylvania in effect or proposed as of October 2, 2007. It is not, nor is it intended to portray, a verbatim reproduc- tion of the text of the laws and regulations. Users are advised that regulations summarized in this book are subject to changes, which, as made, are printed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Offi cial text is found in 58 Pa. Code and online at: www.pacode.com; the law is found in 30 Pa. C.S. and is also available online at: http://members.aol.com/StatutesPA/30.html. For detailed and/or up-to-date information, contact the nearest offi ce of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. This publication is partially paid for through the sale of advertising. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission neither endorses products or services listed nor accepts any liability arising from the use of listed products or services. ©2008 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

TO2008 FIND Pennsylvania THE STOCKING Summary DAY ofOF Fishing TROUT Regulations STREAMS ANDand Laws LAKES NEAR YOU, VISIT www.WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US.fi sh.state.pa.us 5 ALL FISH SPECIES–INLAND WATERS

COMMONWEALTH INLAND WATERS (includes the Lake and does not include special regulation areas or endangered and threatened species not shown on this chart.) Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit ALL SPECIES OF TROUT AND SALMON Regional Opening Day of Trout Season* - March 29 at 7 inches 5-streams, lakes,and ponds 8 a.m. through Sept. 1 (only 18 southeastern PA counties) (combined species)

Regular Season - April 12 at 8 a.m. through Sept. 1 7 inches 5-streams, lakes,and ponds (combined species) Extended Season: Approved trout waters and all waters 7 inches 3 (combined species) downstream of approved trout waters. Jan. 1 through Feb. 29 and Sept. 2 through Dec. 31 Additional regulations may apply- see Trout Regulations-page 11-22 BASS-LAKES Jan. 1 through April 11 and Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 15 inches 4 (combined species) Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted April 12 through June 13 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted) Additional regulations may apply- see Big Bass Regulations-page 7 June 14 through Oct. 31 12 inches 6 (combined species) BASS-RIVERS AND STREAMS Jan. 1 through April 11 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 15 inches 4 (combined species) Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted April 12 through June 13 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only Additional regulations may apply- (no tournaments permitted) see Big Bass Regulations-page 7 June 14 through Sept. 30 12 inches 6 (combined species) Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge** Open year-round 40 inches 1 (combined species) Pickerel** 18 inches 4 Northern Pike** 24 inches 2 (combined species) Walleye and Saugeye (Hybrids) Jan. 1 through March 14 and 15 inches 6 Sauger May 3 through Dec. 31 12 inches 6 American Shad *** Open year-round No minimum 6 American Shad Open year-round - , **** and No minimum 1 American Shad, Alewife, CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Blueback Herring and tributaries Hickory Shad *** CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Herring, Gizzard Shad *** Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) American Eel Open year-round 8 inches 50 Striped Bass and Striped Bass/ Open year-round 20 inches 2 (combined species) White Bass Hybrids Sunfi sh, , White Perch, Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) Crappies, Catfi sh, Rock Bass, Suckers, Carp, White Bass and other gamefi sh not otherwise listed Additional regulations may apply- see Panfi sh Enhancement Special Regulations-page 27 Baitfi sh/Fishbait (except Mudbugs) Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) American Eel (as Baitfi sh) Open year-round 6 to 8 inches 50 Mudbugs (Dragonfl y Nymphs) Open year-round No minimum Unlimited if taken from lakes, ponds, , and adjacent areas. 50 per day if taken from moving waters (rivers and streams)

Paddlefi sh CLOSED YEAR-ROUND *** Unlawful to take, catch, or kill American shad, hickory NOTE: For bass regulations, power pools and recre- Seasons, sizes, and creel limits – Except for trout season, shad (endangered species), alewife, and blueback herring ational dam pools on the Susquehanna River and naviga- which begins at 8 a.m., all regulatory periods in the fi shing (collectively known as river herring) in the Susquehanna tional dam pools on the River drainage are “rivers.” regulations are based on the calendar day, one of which River and all its tributaries. ends at midnight and the next of which begins immediately NOTE: Approved trout waters are closed to fi shing from thereafter. **** Schuylkill River upstream of the I-95 bridge and its March 1 to the opening day of the regular trout season in * Includes only those waters in 18 southeastern PA counties tributaries. April, unless included in the Early Season Trout-Stocked Waters Program or Regional Opening Day of Trout and two waters crossing from those counties listed in the NOTE: It is not a violation of the bass regulations if a bass Season Program. Regional Opening Day of Trout Season Program. is immediately returned unharmed to the waters from which ** Except those species in waters listed in the Brood Stock it was taken. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly NOTE: Landlocked alewife less than 8 inches in length Lakes Program. Tiger muskellunge is a muskellunge into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort taken from inland ponds, lakes, or that are col- hybrid. to catch or take bass. lected by legal means may be harvested for use as baitfi sh.

6 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws LARGEMOUTH, SMALLMOUTH, SPOTTED BASS

BIG BASS PROGRAM- HOW TO MEASURE A FISH SPECIAL REGULATIONS Tail slightly compressed Tail in natural position These special regulations apply to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass in the waters listed Close mouth below. Approved trout lakes that are in the Big Bass to measure Program are closed to all fi shing from March 1 until the opening day of the trout season, unless listed in the Early Season Trout-Stocked Waters Program (indicated below by an asterisk). Those lakes designated below with an asterisk are closed to fi shing from April 1 until 8 a.m. on opening day of trout season. For all other species, inland regula- tions apply. NOTE: For purposes of this section, power dam pools and recreational dam pools on the Susquehanna River and navigational dam pools Fork length- Not used in Pennsylvania in the Ohio River drainage are “rivers.” Total length- This is the measurement Commission biologists and law enforcement personnel use. Compress tail slightly to obtain this measurement. RIVERS AND STREAMS LAKES Season Minimum Size Daily Limit Season Minimum Size Daily Limit Jan. 1 through 18 inches 2 (combined species) Jan. 1 through 15 inches 4 (combined species) April 11 and Oct. 1 April 11 and through Dec. 31 June 14 through Dec. 31 April 12 through NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only June 13 (no tournaments permitted) April 12 through NO HARVEST- Catch and immediate release only June 13 (no tournaments permitted) June 14 through 4 (combined species) Sept. 30 15 inches

Smallmouth Bass Spotted Bass Waters Governed by These Regulations Water County Water County Water Allegheny Upper, Middle and Carbon Mauch Chunk Lake Mercer Shenango Lake Lower Deer Lakes Centre Colyer Lake Montour Lake Chillisquaque Allegheny North Park Lake Chester Chambers Lake Northampton Minsi Lake Armstrong Keystone Lake Chester Creek Lake Northumberland Susquehanna River** Lower Hereford (State Park) Perry Holman Lake Manor Lake* Clarion Kahle Lake (Little Buffalo State Park) Beaver Brady Run Lake* Crawford Sugar Lake Perry *** Berks Blue Marsh Lake Crawford Tamarack Lake Perry Susquehanna River** Berks Carsonia Lake Cumberland Opossum Creek Lake Snyder Susquehanna River** Berks Hopewell Lake Cumberland Susquehanna River** Somerset Lake Somerset Berks Kaercher Creek Lake Dauphin Susquehanna River** Somerset Quemahoning Reservoir Bedford Shawnee Lake (State Park) Fayette Mill Run Reservoir Venango Justus Lake* Blair Lake Indiana Yellow Creek Lake Washington Cross Creek Lake (State Park) to include (State Park) Wayne Lower Woods Pond two small ponds and Jefferson Kyle Lake Westmoreland Bridgeport Reservoir raceway adjacent to Juniata Juniata River*** Westmoreland Keystone Lake (State Park)* Canoe Lake* Juniata Susquehanna River** Westmoreland Lower Twin Lake* Bucks Lake Towhee Lackawanna Lackawanna Lake Westmoreland Mammoth Dam* Bucks Nockamixon Lake (State Park) (State Park)* Westmoreland Northmoreland Lake* Butler Glade Run Lake* Lancaster Speedwell Forge Lake Westmoreland Upper Twin Lake* Butler Lake Arthur Lancaster Susquehanna River** Wyoming Stevens Lake () Lebanon Memorial Lake (State Park) York Lake Marburg Cambria Beaverdam Run Reservoir Luzerne Frances Slocum Lake () Cambria Duman Dam* (State Park) York Lake Redman Cambria Hinckston Run Reservoir Luzerne Harris Pond York Lake Williams Cambria Wilmore Dam Luzerne Lily Lake* York Pinchot Lake (State Park) Lycoming Rose Lake York Susquehanna River** * closed to fi shing from April 1 until 8 a.m. on opening day of trout ***Juniata River (31.7 miles) from SR 0075 bridge **Susquehanna River from Holtwood Dam upstream to the infl at- at Port Royal downstream to mouth able dam near Sunbury

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 7 DELAWARE RIVER FISHING

DELAWARE RIVER AND ESTUARY DELAWARE RIVER Seasons, sizes and creel limits - The following seasons, sizes and creel limits apply to the Delaware River, its estuary ESTUARY and select tributaries up to their tidal infl uence, that portion of the Lehigh River from its confl uence with the Delaware (including tributaries to limits River upstream to the base of the Easton Dam, and the Delaware River estuary waters listed at right. of tidal infl uence) Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit The Delaware River estuary consists of the water areas listed below to their upper tidal limits: Trout April 12 at 8 a.m. North of I-84: 1 (combined species) through Oct. 15 14 inches WATER AREA UPPER TIDAL LIMIT Chester Creek Kerlin Street South of I-84: 5 (combined species) (Chester city) No minimum Crum Creek U.S. Route 13 West Branch 2 (combined species) (Eddystone) Delaware River * Darby Creek Street 12 inches (Darby borough) Bass Jan. 1 through April 11 and 12 inches 5 (combined species) Delaware River From the PA state line Largemouth June 14 through Dec. 31 upstream to the U.S. Smallmouth Route 1 bridge Frankford Creek U.S. Route 13 (Frankford Avenue) Marcus Hook Creek U.S. Route 13 April 12 through June 13 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (Marcus Hook borough) Neshaminy Creek Hulmeville Falls Muskellunge and Open year-round 40 inches 1 Pennypack Creek U.S. Route 13 Tiger Muskellunge (Frankford Avenue) (Hybrids) Poquessing Creek State Road Northern Pike Open year-round 24 inches 2 Ridley Creek MacDade Boulevard (Chester city) Pickerel Open year-round 12 inches 5 Schuylkill River Fairmount Dam Walleye The portion of the Delaware 18 inches 3 River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania - open DELAWARE RIVER year-round. The portion of the BLUE CRABS Delaware River between and Pennsylvania - Jan. FEMALE BLUE CRABS bearing eggs or 1 through March 14 and May 3 from which the egg pouch or bunion has been through Dec. 31 removed may not be possessed. American Shad** Open year-round No minimum 6 CRAB POTS are limited to no more than two pots per person when taking crabs. In addition, Herring Open year-round No minimum 35 two handlines may be used. Hickory Shad Closed year-round ENDANGERED SPECIES 0 UNATTENDED CRAB POTS must be labeled American Eel Open year-round 8 inches 50 with the name and address of the owner or user. American Eel Open year-round 6 inches to 8 inches 50 DISTURBING UNATTENDED CRAB POTS (as Baitfi sh) is unlawful, except by the owner, user or mem- Striped Bass and From the Pennsylvania state 28 inches 2 bers of the immediate family, and offi cers or Hybrid Striped line to Calhoun Street Bridge representatives of the Pennsylvania Fish & Bass March 1 through March 31 Boat Commission. and June 1 through Dec. 31. HORSESHOE CRABS are unlawful to sell, From Calhoun Street Bridge offer for sale, or purchase any horseshoe upstream-Open year-round crabs. It is unlawful to import into or transport Sturgeon No open season ENDANGERED SPECIES 0 in this Commonwealth horseshoe crabs for the purpose of sale. Other Species Inland seasons, size and creel limits apply except for waters under special * Measured regulations. point to point * A special no-kill season with the use of artifi cial lures only has been established on the West Branch of the Delaware River (see page 28 for details). ** American shad daily creel limit is one fi sh in the Schuylkill River from I-95 upstream, including all tributaries. DELAWARE RIVER BLUE CRABS Season Minimum Size Daily Limit Harvesting blue crabs from the Delaware River Open year-round 4 inches * (hard shell) One (1) bushel and its estuary waters is permitted pursuant to 3.5 inches * (soft shell) (combined - hard shell and soft shell) the regulations at left.

8 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws LAKE ERIE FISHING

* It is unlawful to conduct or participate in a fi shing LAKE ERIE tournament for bass on Lake Erie or Presque Isle Bay (Lake Erie and tributaries, Presque Isle Bay and Peninsular Waters) during the period from opening day of the trout season in April until midnight the fi rst Saturday after June 11. Seasons Species Minimum Size Daily Limit ** It is unlawful to fi sh or possess trout or salmon in or Muskellunge and Open year-round 40 inches 1 along any Lake Erie tributary from 12:01 a.m. Tiger Muskellunge on April 11 until 8 a.m. on April 12 (32 hours total). (Hybrids) Northern Pike Open year-round 24 inches 2

Walleye Jan. 1 through March 14 15 inches 6 and May 3 through Dec. 31 Bass* Jan. 1 through April 11 and 15 inches 4 (combined species) Largemouth June 14 through Dec. 31 Smallmouth April 12 through June 13* 20 inches 1 Steelhead Sturgeon No open season ENDANGERED SPECIES Yellow Perch Dec.1 through March 31 7 inches 30 Special Regulations– April 1 through Nov. 30 None Lake Erie Tributary Sunfi sh, Crappies, Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) Streams Catfi sh, Rock Bass, • Designated as Nursery Waters are Trout Suckers, Eels, Run and its tributaries, Godfrey Run, Orchard Carp, White Bass Beach Run, and Crooked Creek (where posted). Burbot (when taken by June 1 through Sept. 30 No minimum 5 It is unlawful to fish, wade, or possess fishing scuba divers by use of non- equipment while in or along Lake Erie tributary mechanical spears or gigs at a depth of at least 60 feet) streams designated as Nursery Waters. Burbot (when taken by Open year-round No minimum 5 • Archery fi shing or spear fi shing is prohibited in hook and line) or along Lake Erie tributary streams. Smelt (when taken by Open year-round No minimum None • From September 2 until the opening day of trout hook and line) season in April, all Lake Erie tributary streams are Trout Jan.1 through 15 inches 3 (combined species), only closed to fi shing from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on the and Salmon** April 10 two (2) of which may be following day except for Walnut Creek and Elk lake trout. Creek north of Route 5. 8 a.m. April 12 through 9 inches 5 (combined species), only • It is unlawful to fi sh from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sept. 1 two (2) of which may be on the following day within 50 yards of the mouth lake trout. of both Trout Run and Godfrey Run while fi shing the Lake Erie shoreline. Sept. 2 through 15 inches 3 (combined species), only April 16, 2009 two (2) of which may be lake trout. LAKE ERIE PERMIT Baitfi sh/Fishbait Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) Spotted Gar No open season ENDANGERED SPECIES All anglers fi shing Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributar- ies are required to possess a valid Lake Erie Transportation of VHS-Susceptible Fish or Combo permit. Out of the Lake Erie Watershed The main tributaries where a permit is required are: Cascade Creek, Crooked Creek, Eightmile An infectious fi sh disease, caused by a variant of Viral conditions are met. It is illegal to use VHS-susceptible Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Mill Creek, Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHS), has caused fi sh fi sh species, fi sh parts and eggs taken from the Lake Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, mortalities in the Great Lakes. The initial list of fi sh spe- Erie Watershed as fi shbait in Commonwealth waters out- Sixteenmile Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile cies that are susceptible to VHS includes black crappie, side the Lake Erie Watershed except when the fi sh are Creek, and Walnut Creek. , bluntnose minnow, brown bullhead, , certifi ed as VHS-negative. It is legal to transport dead Conneaut Creek, although partially in the Com- burbot, catfi sh, chinook salmon, coho salmon, recreationally caught fi sh out of the Lake Erie Watershed monwealth, does actually enter into Lake Erie within emerald shiner, freshwater drum, gizzard shad, her- solely for the purpose of human consumption. the border of the state of Ohio. Therefore, anglers ring, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pink Because of diseases and invasive species, the Com- are not required to possess a Lake Erie Permit. salmon, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, redhorse sucker, mission recommends as a good conservation practice Anglers fi shing the East and West Basin ponds rock bass, , walleye, white bass, white that anglers not transport any live fi sh out of the Lake (Waterworks Ponds, ) are perch, whitefi sh and yellow perch. Erie Watershed and introduce those fi sh into other wa- not required to possess a Lake Erie Permit. It is unlawful to transport or cause the transportation of tersheds. For more information on invasive species, Anglers fi shing inland ponds, lakes, and reser- VHS-susceptible species of fi sh out of the portion of the please see “Stop Aquatic Nuisance Species” on page voirs in Erie County are not required to possess Lake Erie Watershed in this Commonwealth into other 39. For more information on VHS, please contact the a Lake Erie Permit. watersheds of this Commonwealth except when certain Commission’s Northwest Regional Offi ce (page 42). 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 9 PYMATUNING & CONOWINGO RESERVOIRS

PYMATUNING RESERVOIR FISHING PRIVILEGES Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit IN BOUNDARY WATERS Walleye and Saugeye (Hybrids) Open year-round 15 inches 6 (combined species) The following fi shing license agreements apply Bass Open year-round 12 inches 5 to boundary waters. You must abide by all other Muskellunge and Open year-round 30 inches 2 (combined species) rules and regulations of the state in which fi shing Tiger Muskellunge (Hybrids) and where you launch or retrieve your boat. All Other Species Open year-round No minimum None A PENNSYLVANIA or LICENSE is Fishbait and Baitfi sh Open year-round No minimum None valid on the Conowingo Reservoir or Youghiogheny and Tadpoles July 1 through Oct. 31 No minimum 15 River Lake when fi shing from a boat (excluding Snapping Turtles July 1 through Oct. 31 No minimum 15 daily limit coves and tributaries). DOES NOT INCLUDE 30 possession limit SHORE FISHING. Turtles (all species other Open year-round No minimum 2 A PENNSYLVANIA or NEW YORK LICENSE than snapping) is valid on the Delaware River (including West Branch) between New York and Pennsylvania ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS when FISHING FROM A BOAT OR FROM EITHER SHORE. FOR PYMATUNING RESERVOIR A PENNSYLVANIA or NEW JERSEY LICENSE • Lights or fi rearms may not be used to take frogs. devices, which may consist is valid on the Delaware River between New Jersey • Hooks used to take turtles shall be at least 3.5 inches of rods, hand lines, tip-ups and Pennsylvania when FISHING FROM A BOAT long with at least 1 inch space between the point or any combination. Each OR FROM EITHER SHORE. and shank. device shall contain a single A PENNSYLVANIA or OHIO LICENSE is valid on • Spears, longbows, compound bows, and crossbows fi shing line with no more than three hooks attached the Pymatuning Reservoir when fi shing from a boat. may ONLY be used to take carp and suckers. to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 DOES NOT INCLUDE SHORE FISHING. • Minnow seines and dip nets are restricted to 4 feet inches between the farthest points as measured in A PENNSYLVANIA LICENSE is required to in size; mesh must measure not less than one-eighth any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under fish Kinzua Reservoir in McKean and Warren inch, nor larger than one-half inch on a side. the immediate control of the person using them. counties. NO agreement has been established • ICE FISHING – An Ohio or Pennsylvania fi shing with New York. license is recognized anywhere on the lake. It is NOTE: See this page for reciprocal fi shing privileges NO FISHING AGREEMENTS have been made unlawful while ice fi shing to use more than fi ve fi shing between Pennsylvania and Ohio. on any other boundary waters.

CONOWINGO RESERVOIR BOAT ANGLER’S up to Holtwood Dam CHECKLIST Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit DLIFE JACKETS All Species of Open year-round No minimum 2 (combined species) DSOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE Trout and Salmon DFIRE EXTINGUISHERS Bass- Jan. 1 through Feb. 12 inches 5 (combined species) DCAPACITY PLATE Largemouth 29 and June 16 DVISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS Smallmouth through Dec. 31 DNAVIGATION AND ANCHOR LIGHTS Northern Pike Open year-round 30 inches 2 DMUFFLING DEVICE Walleye Open year-round 15 inches 5 DBACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTER Muskellunge and Open year-round 36 inches 1 Tiger Muskellunge (Hybrids) DADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED Pickerel Open year-round 14 inches 5 EQUIPMENT includes oars or paddles, anchor and line, bailer, marine radio, depth or Striped Bass and Striped Open year-round 18 inches 2 (combined species) Bass/White Bass Hybrids only one of which may fi sh fi nder, boating maps or charts, fl ashlight, exceed 30 inches compass, extra line, extra gas can, and a fi rst American and Hickory Shad CLOSED YEAR-ROUND aid kit. Alewife and Blueback No minimum Herring (collectively known Jan. 1 through No daily limit as river herring) June 15 HAZARDS TO Sunfi sh, Bluegill, Rock Bass Open year-round No minimum 15 (combined species) BOATING ANGLERS Crappies Open year-round No minimum 15 • • COLD Carp Open year-round No minimum 15 • STRAINERS WATER Channel Catfi sh Open year-round No minimum 5 • UNDERWATER • WEATHER Suckers Open year-round No minimum 30 OBSTRUCTIONS • CAPSIZING Eels Open year-round 6 inches 25 • CURRENT • OVERLOADING Yellow Perch Open year-round No minimum No daily limit • ALCOHOL • OTHER BOATERS Baitfi sh/Fishbait Open year-round No minimum 35 All Other Fish Species Open year-round No minimum No daily limit Be a smart boater - take a safe boating course. To Bivalves/Shellfi sh fi nd a boating course, check the PFBC web site at (Mussels/Clams) CLOSED YEAR-ROUND www.fi sh.state.pa.us.

10 TO FINDwww. THEfi sh.state.pa.us STOCKING DAY OF TROUT STREAMS 2008 ANDPennsylvania LAKES NEAR Summary YOU, of VISIT Fishing WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US. Regulations and Laws TROUT FISHING REGULATIONS

NORTHWEST Find the regulation that applies NORTHEAST to where you want to fi sh. NORTHCENTRAL To assist trout anglers in knowing the regulations that apply to locations where they fi sh, the trout regu- lations are separated by PFBC Regions. From pages 13 through 22, each region contains a listing of its counties separated by specifi c trout regulation. SOUTHWEST SOUTHCENTRAL SOUTHEAST An explanation of each regulation and its require- ments is on this page and the next page.

REGIONAL OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON –PA’s Offi cial State Fish In 2008, trout season will begin earlier in 18 southeastern PA counties. In these counties (and designated waters crossing into these counties), trout season will begin 8 a.m., March 29. Unless otherwise specified by special regulation, inland daily limits and minimum Brown Trout sizes apply. Approved trout waters in the South- east Region and those in the Southcen- tral Region that have this early opening day are listed beginning on page 13.

Rainbow Trout APPROVED TROUT WATERS Many streams, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are offi cially classifi ed as “approved trout waters.” This means that these waters contain signifi cant portions that are open to public fi shing and are stocked with trout. The waters listed here are open to trout harvest during the “extended season” (see page 6). Unlisted tributary streams (those not included in this list of “approved Golden Rainbow Trout trout waters”) are not open to harvest of trout during the “extended season.” Only approved trout waters and all waters downstream of approved trout waters are open during this period. Spearing fi sh is not permitted in any of these waters at any time of the year. These waters are closed to all fi shing (including taking of minnows) from March 1 to 8 a.m. on the opening day of the trout season. Some of these waters have been included in the Early Season Trout-Stocked Waters Program and are open from March 1 through March 31. A per- Lake Trout son shall be deemed to be fi shing if he or she has in possession any fi shing line, rod, or other device that can be used for fi shing while on or in any water or on the banks within 25 feet of any water where fi shing is prohibited. Brown trout has dark Special note: Although the list was up to date at the time this booklet was printed, it is possible spots, few or none on tail. that some streams may later be deleted or added as “approved trout waters” because of last-minute changes in conditions. Check with the nearest Fish & Boat Commission offi ce (see page 42) if there is any question about whether or not a water area is “approved.” Rainbow trout has dark spots, especially on tail, and a pink lateral stripe. APPROVED TROUT WATERS OPEN TO YEAR-ROUND FISHING Lake trout has light spots Waters with this designation are considered “approved trout waters.” From 8 a.m. opening day of over entire body. Tail trout through Sep. 1, Commonwealth inland size and creel limits apply. From Jan. 1 through deeply forked. Feb. 29, and from Sep. 2 through Dec. 31, “extended season” size and creel limits apply. These waters are open to fi shing from March 1 through opening day of trout season; however, no trout may be taken or possessed on these waters during this period.

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 11 TROUT FISHING REGULATIONS

CATCH AND RELEASE DELAYED HARVEST ALL TACKLE ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY • Open to fishing year-round (no closed • Open to fishing year-round (no closed season). season). • No trout may be killed or had in possession. • Fishing hours – One hour before sunrise • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures, fl ies to one hour after sunset. or streamers, natural bait, baitfi sh, and fi shbait. • Minimum size – 9 inches, caught on, or in Spinning or fl y fi shing gear may be used in these possession on, the waters under these regula- areas. tions from one hour before sunrise on June 15 • A current trout/salmon permit is required. to one hour after sunset on Labor Day. • The daily creel limit is three combined spe- TROPHY TROUT cies from one hour before sunrise on June 15 PROJECTS to one hour after sunset on Labor Day, caught on or in possession on the waters under these • Open to fishing year-round (no closed regulations. From the day after Labor Day until season). one hour before sunrise on June 15, the daily CATCH AND RELEASE • Minimum size – 14 inches, caught on, or in creel limit is zero. possession on, the waters under these regula- • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures only tions from 8 a.m. on the opening day of the • Open to fishing year-round (no closed constructed of , plastic, rubber, or wood, or regular trout season through Labor Day. season). with fl ies and streamers constructed of natural or • The daily creel limit is two trout - combined • Fishing hours – One hour before sunrise to synthetic materials. All such lures may be used species - from 8 a.m. on the opening day of the one hour after sunset. with spinning or fl y fi shing gear. regular trout season through Labor Day, except • No trout may be killed or had in possession. • The use or possession of any natural bait, during the period from the day after Labor Day • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures only baitfi sh, fi shbait, bait paste and similar substances, to 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regular trout constructed of metal, plastic, rubber, or wood, or fi sh eggs (natural or molded) or any other edible, season of the following year, when no trout may with fl ies or streamers constructed of natural or substance is prohibited. be killed or had in possession on the waters synthetic materials. All such lures may be used • Taking baitfi sh or fi shbait is prohibited. under these regulations. with spinning or fl y fi shing gear. • A current trout/salmon permit is required. • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures only, • The use or possession of any natural bait, constructed of metal, plastic, rubber, or wood, or baitfi sh, fi shbait, bait paste and similar substances, WILD BROOK TROUT with fl ies and streamers constructed of natural or fi sh eggs (natural or molded), or any other edible synthetic materials. All lures may be used with ENHANCEMENT substance is prohibited. spinning or fl y fi shing gear. PROGRAM • Wading is permitted unless otherwise posted. • The use or possession of any natural bait, • Taking baitfi sh or fi shbait is prohibited. • Open to fishing year-round (no closed baitfi sh, fi shbait, bait paste and similar substances, • A current trout/salmon permit is required. season). fi sh eggs (natural or molded), or any other edible • No brook trout may be killed or had in substance is prohibited. possession. CATCH AND RELEASE • Taking baitfi sh or fi shbait is prohibited. • There are no tackle restrictions. FLY-FISHING ONLY • A current trout/salmon permit is required. • The regulations apply to brook trout only; all other species, inland regulations apply. • Open to fishing year-round (no closed ALL TACKLE • A current trout/salmon permit is required. season). TROPHY TROUT • Fishing hours – One hour before sunrise to EARLY SEASON one hour after sunset. • Open to fishing year-round (no closed • No trout may be killed or had in possession. season). TROUT-STOCKED • Fishing may be done with artifi cial fl ies and • Minimum size – 14 inches, caught on, or in WATERS PROGRAM streamers constructed of natural or synthetic possession on, the waters under these regula- During the month of March, when most trout-stocked materials, so long as all fl ies are constructed in a tions from 8 a.m. on the opening day of the waters are closed to fi shing, anglers may fi sh select normal fashion on a single hook with components regular trout season through Labor Day. lakes and the Youghiogheny River and Shenango wound on or about the hook. Anything other than • The daily creel limit is two trout – combined River tailwaters, which are stocked early with a por- these items is prohibited. species – from 8 a.m. on the opening day of the tion of the spring’s trout allotment. The following • Fishing must be done with tackle limited to regular trout season through Labor Day except regulations apply: fl y rods, fl y reels, and fl y line with a maximum of during the period from the day after Labor Day • Open season – March 1 through March 31 18 feet in leader material or monofi lament line to 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regular trout (no fi shing from April 1 to the opening day of attached. Spinning, spincast, and casting rods season of the following year when no trout may the trout season) and reels are prohibited. be killed or had in possession on the waters • Minimum size – 7 inches • The use or possession of any natural bait, under these regulations. • Creel limit – 3 trout (combined species) fi shbait, bait paste and similar substances, fi sh • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures, fl ies or • Inland regulations apply to all other species eggs (natural or molded), or any other edible streamers, natural bait, baitfi sh, and fi shbait. Spinning • A current trout/salmon permit is required substance is prohibited. or fl y fi shing gear may be used in these areas. to fi sh in tailwaters, • Taking baitfi sh or fi shbait is prohibited. • A current trout/salmon permit is required. Shenango River tailwaters, and on select lakes • Wading is permitted unless otherwise posted. • The regulations apply to trout only; all other if an angler intends to harvest trout. • A current trout/salmon permit is required. species, inland regulations apply.

12 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws SOUTHEAST REGION TROUT WATERS

SOUTHEAST REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS REGIONAL OPENING Lake Luxembourg DAY OF TROUT Levittown Lake Neshaminy Creek (Two sections SEASON -Valley Road to Mill Road NORTHAMPTON An explanation OPENING DAY: near Jamison and from the SCHUYLKILL MARCH 29 dam at the causeway in Tyler of each trout APPROVED TROUT State Park downstream to LEHIGH regulation WATERS the bridge on SR 332) is on pages 11 BERKS: Unami Creek (Milford Town- OPENING and 12. ship Park downstream to DAY OF TROUT FOR BERKS BUCKS Antietam Lake Trumbauersville Road (SR THESE COUNTIES Furnace Creek (Robesonia) 4051)) MARCH MONTGOMERY Hay Creek CHESTER: Kistler Creek Beaver Creek (at Downing- 29 Little Lehigh Creek town) Little Muddy Creek Big Elk Creek LANCASTER Little Buck Run CHESTER Maiden Creek ( East Branch Brandywine with Kistler Creek in Kemp- Creek (SR 4031 in Glen- DELAWARE ton downstream to dam in moore downstream to U S Lenhartsville) Business Route 30 in Down- Little Beaver Creek PHILADELPHIA: Manatawny Creek ingtown) Little Chickies Creek Pennypack Creek (county line Mill Creek (trib to Sacony East Branch Elk Creek Little Creek Crossing) downstream to Frankford Creek) East Branch White (power- Little Lehigh Creek Avenue (SR 0013)) Mill Creek (trib to Schuylkill Creek line upstream of Miller Road Monocacy Creek Wissahickon Creek (German- River) French Creek (T-707) downstream to Har- Ontelaunee Creek town Pike downstream to Mill Creek (trib to Tulpehocken Middle Branch White Clay risburg Pike (SR 4020)) South Branch Saucon tributary at intersection of Creek) Creek Little Muddy Creek (county line Creek Forbidden Drive and Lin- Northkill Creek Pickering Creek downstream to SR 0897) coln Drive) Ontelaunee Creek (Spring Pocopson Creek Meetinghouse Creek Switzer Creek SCHUYLKILL: House Road Bridge (SR West Branch Brandywine Creek Middle Creek (Clay Road Bridge MONTGOMERY: Bear Creek 4024) downstream to (SR 4005 near Cedar Knoll (SR 1035) at SGL # 46 down- Deep Creek Dam Beaver Creek mouth) downstream to US Business stream to Middle Creek Road Loch Alsh Reservoir Cold Run Perkiomen Creek Route 30) (SR 1039)) Mill Creek Deep Creek Pine Creek (trib to Maiden West Valley Creek Muddy Creek (Pleasant Val- Pennypack Creek Little Creek) White Clay Creek ley Road downstream to Perkiomen Creek (county line Little Sacony Creek (Bowers Road DELAWARE: SR 897) downstream to fi rst unnamed Little Schuylkill River (Two (T-616) downstream to Boro Chester Creek (confl uence of Muddy Run trib downstream of Fruitville sections-from confluence Dam) West Branch Chester Creek Muddy Run Rec Lake Road (T-414)) with Locust Creek down- Scotts Run Lake downstream to Bridgewater (Mast down- Skippack Creek stream to confl uence with Spring Creek Road (SR 3018)) stream to SR 0897) Stony Creek Panther Creek and mouth Creek ( Hill Darby Creek (0.5 mile upstream Rock Run Unami Creek upstream 1.1 miles to Port Road (SR 2001) downstream confl uence with Little Darby Stewart Run Kepner Creek Clinton) to mouth in Morgantown), Creek downstream to Hill- Swarr Run (Yellow Goose Wissahickon Creek Lizard Creek Tulpehocken Creek (county dale Road) Road (T-802) downstream NORTHAMPTON: Locust Creek line downstream to 0.5 mile Ithan Creek to SR 0741) Bushkill Creek Locust Lake downstream of Charming Little Darby Creek Trout Run Hokendauqua Creek Lower Forge Dam) Ridley Creek West Branch Little Cones- Indian Creek Willow Creek West Branch Chester Creek toga Creek Jacoby Creek Mahoning Creek Wyomissing Creek (headwaters LANCASTER: West Branch Octoraro Lehigh (0.6 mile down- Neifert Creek Control downstream to SR 0222) Big Beaver Creek Creek stream of Carbon County line Reservoir BUCKS: Bowery Run LEHIGH: downstream to confl uence Pine Creek (trib to Little Delaware Canal (Two Sec- Climbers Run Big Trout Creek with Bertsch Creek, and fi rst Schuylkill River) tions-Upper Washington (Spring Valley Cedar Creek (Lake Muhlen- lock upstream of Monocacy Pine Creek (trib to Mahan- Crossing State Park and Road (SR 3005) downstream burg outfl ow downstream Creek crossing downstream tango Creek) Lower Washington Cross- to 1 mile downstream of Black to mouth) to confl uence with Nancy Pine Creek (trib to Schuylkill ing State Park downstream Baron Road (T-311)) Coplay Creek Run Crossing) River) to East Street Bridge (Bossler Road Jordan Creek Little Bushkill Creek Pumping Station Dam in Morrisville) (SR 4019) downstream to Kistler Creek Martins Creek Rabbit Run Reservoir East Branch Perkiomen Creek mouth) Leaser Lake Minsi Lake Red Creek (Branch Road Bridge Fishing Creek Lehigh Canal (from fi rst lock Monocacy Creek Upper Little Swatara Creek (T-431) downstream through upstream of Monocacy Creek Saucon Creek Whipoorwill Dam Sellersville) Indian Run downstream to Monocacy 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 13 SOUTHEAST REGION/SOUTHCENTRAL REGIONS

APPROVED TROUT CATCH AND RELEASE the falls in Ridley Creek State TROPHY TROUT Pickering Creek – 1.5 miles; WATERS OPEN TO NORTHAMPTON: Park downstream to the PROJECTS from SR 1019 (Charlestown YEAR-ROUND Bushkill Creek– 1.1 miles; from mouth of Dismal Run NORTHAMPTON: Road) downstream to 330 FISHING the dam at Binney and Smith LANCASTER: Monocacy Creek – 1.9 miles; yards upstream of the rail- BERKS: downstream to the 13th Street – 2.4 miles; from Illick’s Mill Dam up- road bridge Allegheny Creek Bridge from 275 yards below SR 772 stream to and including the Middle Branch White Clay Creek Tulpehocken Creek (from cov- downstream to T-334 Gertrude Fox Conserva- – 1.7 miles; from SR 3009 ered bridge at T-921 down- CATCH AND RELEASE West Branch tion Area (Good Hope Road) down- stream to the mouth) ALL TACKLE – 2.1 miles; from a point 30 Saucon Creek – 2.1 miles; stream to the confluence Kaercher Creek Dam (fall CHESTER/MONTGOMERY: yards downstream of the SR from the upstream bound- with the East Branch stocking) Valley Creek– at Valley Forge 0472 Bridge downstream to ary of the city of Bethlehem West Valley Creek – 1.2 miles; BUCKS: and tributaries including Little near the confl uence with the property downstream to the from the mouth of Colebrook Tohickon Creek (from SR 1013 Valley Creek. Be aware that second unnamed tributary SR 0412 bridge Run downstream to about downstream to the mouth) Valley Forge National His- below S.R. 2010 0.25 mile below the railroad DELAWARE: toric Park has imposed spe- LEHIGH: DELAYED HARVEST tunnel Chester Creek (above confl u- cial bait restrictions. Check Little Lehigh Creek – 1.8 miles; ARTIFICIAL LURES SCHUYLKILL: ence with West Branch) local posters from the downstream face ONLY Bear Creek – 1.9 miles; from a LANCASTER: of the bridge on T-508 (Wild BERKS: cable 800 yards above T-662 East Branch Octoraro Creek CATCH AND RELEASE Cherry Lane) downstream Tulpehocken Creek– 3.8 miles; downstream to the down- MONTGOMERY: FLY-FISHING ONLY to the upstream face of the from the fi rst defl ector below stream side of the bridge Pennypack Creek (Lorimer CHESTER: bridge on T-510 (Millrace Blue Marsh Dam downstream on T-676 Park) East Branch Perkio- French Creek – 0.9 mile; from Road) to the covered bridge Little Schuylkill River – 1.7 men Creek (from near Sal- the dam at Camp Sleepy Little Lehigh Creek – 1 mile; CHESTER: miles; from upstream side of fordville Road downstream Hollow downstream to Hol- from upstream face of Fish East Branch Brandywine Creek SR 895 bridge downstream to Bergey’s Mill Road) low Road Hatchery Road bridge down- – 1.2 miles; from SR 4019 to the downstream side of SCHUYLKILL: DELAWARE: stream to near the 24th Street (Dorlan’s Mill Road) down- the bridge on T-848 Tuscarora Lake (fall and win- Ridley Creek – 0.6 mile; from bridge stream to SR 4004 (Dowlin ter stocking) Forge Road)

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS

Fuller Lake REGIONAL OPENING = DAY OF TROUT Green Spring Creek =OPENING DAY OF TROUT Laurel Lake OPENING DAY SEASON OF TROUT MARCH 29 OPENING DAY: Creek MIFFLIN A APRIL 12 DAUPHIN MARCH 29 Opossum Creek Lake JUNIAT APPROVED TROUT BLAIR PERRY WATERS DAUPHIN: LEBANON ADAMS: Armstrong Creek HUNTINGDON Clark Creek Carbaugh Run Mahantango Creek CUMBERLAND (SR 0234 Bridge downstream to SR Middletown Reservoir 3001) Pine Creek BEDFORD FRANKLIN ADAMS Powell Creek FULTON YORK East Branch Antietam Rattling Creek Creek South Fork Powell Creek Stony Creek Little Marsh Creek West Branch Rattling Creek Falling Spring Branch An explanation of each Marsh Creek (SR 3011 down- Letterkenny Reservoir Delaware Creek trout regulation is on stream to SR 0030) FRANKLIN: Little Cove Creek pages 11 and 12. Middle Creek Buck Run (Dickeys Run) Rowe Run Horning Run Opossum Creek Carbaugh Run West Branch Antietam Horse Valley Run Toms Creek (Mount Hope Road Conococheague Creek (Birch Creek Laurel Run (Liberty Valley with Horse Valley Run in Bridge (T-300) downstream Run Reservoir downstream West Branch Conococheague Run) East Waterford) to SR 0116) to Boyers Mill Road Bridge Creek (Amberson Road Lost Creek (SR 0035 Bridge West Branch Mahantango Waynesboro Reservoir (T-481)) Bridge (SR 4005) down- upstream of confl uence with Creek CUMBERLAND: (confl u- stream to US 30 Bridge at Little Lost Creek at - LEBANON: Big Spring Creek ence with Bear Valley Run Fort Loudon) land Mills downstream to Bachman Run Childrens Lake (Boiling downstream to SR 0997) JUNIATA: mouth) Conewago Creek Springs) Dennis Creek Big Run Tuscarora Creek (county line Hammer Creek Doubling Gap Lake East Branch Antietam Creek downstream to confl uence Indiantown Run

14 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws SOUTHCENTRAL REGION TROUT WATERS

Lions Lake South Branch Codorus Little Creek CATCH AND RELEASE Marquette Lake Creek (Moss Road Bridge (T-318) Musser Run FLY-FISHING ONLY Mill Creek South Branch Muddy Creek downstream to SR 0655 Strodes Run ADAMS: Yellow Breeches Creek Bridge) Swift Run Conewago Creek – 1.1 miles; Snitz Creek North Branch Little Aughwick from 0.1 mile downstream of Stoevers Dam Creek West Licking Creek T-340 (Russel Tavern Rd.) Trout Run APPROVED TROUT Oregon Creek WATERS downstream to SR 34 Tulpehocken Creek Sideling Hill Creek (conflu- APPROVED TROUT BEDFORD: PERRY: OPENING DAY: ence of Oregon Creek and Yellow Creek – 0.9 mile from Bixler Run APRIL 12 Laurel Fork downstream to WATERS OPEN TO YEAR-ROUND mouth of Maple Run (Jacks Buffalo Creek (Heritage Hills BEDFORD: intersection of SR 4013 and Run) upstream to cable near Road Bridge (T-326) down- Beaver Creek SR 0913) FISHING BEDFORD: Red Bank Hill stream to SR 0849 Bridge Bobs Creek South Branch Little Aughwick CUMBERLAND: downstream of Walnut Clear Creek Creek Koon Lake CUMBERLAND: Big Spring Creek – 1.1 miles; Grove) Cove Creek Spring Run from 100 feet below the source Bull Run Evitts Creek Wooden Bridge Creek Mountain Creek (from Adams County line downstream (Big Spring) downstream to Fishing Creek Gladdens Run HUNTINGDON: the Nealy Road Bridge Fowler Hollow Run Little Wills Creek Blacklog Creek (from county line to the backwaters of Lau- rel Lake) Green Spring Creek – 1 mile; Horse Valley Run Maple Run downstream to mouth from mouth upstream to near Laurel Run (Liberty Valley Raystown Branch Juniata Globe Run DAUPHIN/LEBANON: Stony Creek (from .4-mile up- confl uence with Bulls Head Run) River (county line down- (Newburg Branch Little Buffalo Creek (Manns- stream to confl uence with Park Road Bridge (T-370) stream of Cold Spring Road downstream to State Letort Spring Run – 1.5 miles; ville Road Bridge (SR 4003) Shobers Run) downstream to 200 yards from 300 yards above the downstream to mouth) Sherman Valley Run downstream of dam) Lands #211 gate) LEBANON: bridge on T-481 downstream Little Juniata Creek Shobers Run Greenwood Lake to the Reading Railroad bridge McCabe Run Three Springs Run Hares Valley Creek Lakeside Quarry PERRY: at the southern edge of Letort Montour Creek Town Creek Laurel Run Spring Park Panther Creek Wills Creek (county line down- North Branch Little Aughwick Holman Lake (Little Buffalo State Park) DAUPHIN: Raccoon Creek stream to B & O Railroad Creek (Nine Mile Creek) Clark Creek –2.4 miles; PGC rifl e Sherman Creek (lower Tusca- Bridge about 1.0 mile down- North Spring Branch YORK: South Branch range parking area on SR 325 rora State boundary stream of Hyndman) Perez Lake downstream to PGC access downstream to Couchtown Yellow Creek Saddler Creek (from SR 0616 in Centerville downstream to T-527) road at the Furnace Road Bridge (SR 3008) at BLAIR: Shade Creek FRANKLIN: Cisna Run) Bald Eagle Creek Shaver Creek (Perez Lake Glatco Lake Lake Marburg East Branch Antietam Creek – 1 Shultz Creek (Browns Run) Beaverdam Creek downstream to SR 305 bridge mile; from SR 16 downstream YORK: Bells Gap Run at Bethel Church) CATCH AND RELEASE to T-365 (Welty Rd.) Bald Eagle Creek Blair Gap Run (Penn Falling Spring Branch – 2.5 miles; CUMBERLAND: Beaver Creek Canoe Creek Roosevelt Dam downstream from the fi rst private lane located Yellow Breeches Creek– 1 Blymire Hollow Run Canoe Lake to powerline crossing 400 672 feet upstream of Briar Lane mile; from Boiling Springs Codorus Creek (Tannery Road Clover Creek (SR 2005 Bridge at yards downstream of SR bridge downstream to a wire downstream to the vicinity (T-399) downstream to con- Henrietta downstream to Larke 0026 Black’s Bridge) fence crossing the Thomas L. of Allenberry fl uence with West Branch Road Bridge near Larke) Three Springs Creek Geisel property HUNTINGDON: Codorus Creek) Frankstown Branch Juniata Tuscarora Creek YORK: Spruce Creek– 0.5 mile; Penn River (confl uence with Pine West Licking Creek Muddy Creek – 1.6 miles; from State Experimental Fisheries East Branch Codorus Creek Run near Claysburg down- Whipple Lake 300 yards downstream of Area (about 0.6 mile above the Fishing Creek (trib to Susque- stream to confl uence with MIFFLIN: Bruce Road Bridge (T-628) village of Spruce Creek) hanna River near Craley) near East East Licking Creek in Bruce downstream to 300 MIFFLIN/UNION: Fishing Creek (trib to Susque- Freedom) Havice Creek yards upstream of Bridgeton – 3.9 miles; from hanna River near Golds- Poplar Run Honey Creek (from the lower Road (SR 2032) Bridge in approximately 650 yards boro) Riggles Gap Run boundary of the Delayed Bridgeton YORK: Leibs Creek South Poplar Run Harvest Area downstream downstream of Swift Run Muddy Creek (confl uence of Vanscoyoc Run to SR 1002 Bridge 0.5 mile downstream to approximately North Branch Muddy Creek FULTON: downstream of confl uence 550 yards downstream of TROPHY TROUT and South Branch Muddy Cove Creek with Treaster Run) PROJECTS Creek downstream to pow- Cowans Gap Lake (Bunker YORK: erline crossing 1.6 miles Laurel Fork Road Bridge (T-340) down- CATCH AND RELEASE Codorus Creek – 2.0 miles; downstream of SR 0425 in Licking Creek (SR 0522 Bridge stream to railroad Bridge ALL TACKLE from the confluence of the Woodbine) downstream to confl uence at Yeagertown and Mill BLAIR/HUNTINGDON: West Branch downstream to North Branch Muddy Creek with Baby Run at Soliam Street Bridge downstream – 13.5 miles a point that is .4 mile down- Otter Creek Church) to mouth) from the railroad bridge at stream from SR 3082 (Por- Run Little Lingle Creek the east (downstream) bor- ters Road) Sheppard Myers Dam Little Brush Creek der of Ironville downstream to mouth

TO2008 FIND Pennsylvania THE STOCKING Summary DAY ofOF Fishing TROUT Regulations STREAMS ANDand Laws LAKES NEAR YOU, VISIT www.WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US.fi sh.state.pa.us 15 SOUTHCENTRAL REGION/SOUTHWEST REGIONS

DELAYED HARVEST Wiconisco Creek– .74 miles the lower Buchanan State MIFFLIN: EARLY SEASON ARTIFICIAL LURES from the western edge of Forest boundary Honey Creek – 1.75 miles; TROUT- STOCKED ONLY the Ned Smith Center for JUNIATA/MIFFLIN: from the upper Bald Eagle WATERS PROGRAM Nature and Art downstream East Licking Creek – 4.0 miles; St. Forest boundary down- BLAIR: BLAIR: to the power line crossing from the Texas Eastern gas stream 1.75 miles Little Juniata River– .75 mile; Canoe Lake located 1.7 miles upstream pipeline crossing downstream from the bridge on Route 220 FULTON: from the mouth to the upstream boundary of just northeast of Bellwood WILD BROOK TROUT Cowans Gap Lake FRANKLIN: the Karl B. Guss State For- downstream to the confl u- ENHANCEMENT HUNTINGDON: Falling Spring Branch– 1.1 miles; est Picnic Area ence of the unnamed tribu- PROGRAM Perez Lake from Walker Road down- LEBANON: tary south of Fostoria PERRY: stream to Fifth Avenue Quittapahilla Creek – .9 mile; DAUPHIN: Shaeffer Run– Tuscarora State FULTON: from Spruce Street Bridge An explanation Manada Creek– 1.8 miles; Forest upstream on Shaef- Cove Creek– 1.0 mile; from 200 on T-398 downstream to the from Fogarty Road down- fer Run to its headwaters, a of each trout yards downstream of the SR lower boundary of Quittie stream to Furnace Road distance of 6.7 miles, and all regulation is on 0928 bridge downstream to Nature Park (T-616) tributaries entering this por- pages 11 and 12. tion of Shaeffer Run

SOUTHWEST REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS APPROVED TROUT Little Sandy Creek South Branch Brady Run Noels Creek tion of T-836 and SR 1037 at WATERS North Fork Pine Creek Traverse Creek North Branch Blacklick Antioch Church downstream OPENING DAY: Upper Hereford Manor Lake Creek to McCormick Road Bridge APRIL 12 Plum Creek CAMBRIA: North Branch Little Conem- (SR 4018)) ALLEGHENY: Redbank Creek (county line to Beaverdam Run augh River Little Yellow Creek Big Sewickley Creek confl uence with Little Sandy Bens Creek Slate Lick Run Mudlick Run Bull Creek Creek) Stewart Run South Branch Two Lick Deer Creek Scrubgrass Creek Clearfi eld Creek (confl uence FAYETTE: Creek Flaugherty Run South Fork Pine Creek with Beaverdam Run near Back Creek Toms Run Long Run BEAVER: Ashville downstream to T- Big Sandy Creek Yellow Creek Lower Deer Lake Big Sewickley Creek 510 Bridge at Condron) Chaney Run SOMERSET: Middle Deer Lake Brady Run Lake Duman Dam Dunbar Creek Allen Creek Montour Run Lower Hereford Manor Lake Elton Sportsmens Dam Dunlap Creek Beaverdam Creek North Park Lake Mill Creek Hinckston Run Dunlap Creek Lake Beaverdam Run Pine Creek North Fork Big Sewickley Howells Run Georges Creek Bens Creek Turtle Creek Creek Killbuck Run Indian Creek Breastwork Run Upper Deer Lake North Fork Little Beaver Creek Lake Rowena Meadow Run Brush Creek ARMSTRONG: (county line downstream to Laurel Lick Run Mill Run (trib to Indian (from MD Buffalo Creek SR 551 Bridge) Laurel Run (trib to Conem- Creek) - PA state line downstream Cherry Run Raccoon Lake augh River) Mill Run (trib to Quebec to Moser Road (T-353) Cornplanter Run Laurel Run (trib to South Fork Run) Bridge) Cowanshannock Creek Little Conemaugh River) Mountain Creek Clear Shade Creek Glade Run Little Killbuck Run Virgin Run Dam Cub Run Huling Run Little Paint Creek Youghiogheny River (see mis- Elk Lick Creek OPENING cellaneous waters with spe- Flaugherty Creek DAY OF TROUT FOR cial regulations) Gladdens Run THESE COUNTIES ARMSTRONG GREENE: Glade Run Browns Creek (Bates Fork Jones Mill Run BEAVER APRIL INDIANA “Sycamore” downstream Kimberly Run 12 to mouth) Kooser Lake CAMBRIA Dunkard Fork Kooser Run Enlow Fork Laurel Hill Creek ALLEGHENY Lake Wilma Laurel Hill Lake North Fork Dunkard Fork Little Piney Creek South Fork Dunkard Fork McClintock Run WESTMORELAND Whiteley Creek (headwaters Middle Creek downstream to SR 0088) Miller Run WASHINGTON INDIANA: Piney Creek Blacklegs Creek Brush Creek Raystown Branch Juniata Canoe Creek River SOMERSET Cush Creek Shafer Run FAYETTE Cush Cushion Creek Shaffers Run GREENE Laurel Run South Fork Bens Creek Little Mahoning Creek (intersec- Stony Creek (from Yonai Road

16 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws SOUTHWEST/NORTHWEST REGIONS

(T-515) Bridge downstream Tubmill Creek ALL TACKLE FAYETTE: WILD BROOK TROUT to railroad retaining wall 0.25 Turtle Creek TROPHY TROUT Meadow Run–2.2 miles; from ENHANCEMENT mile downstream of Cov- Upper Twin Lake PROJECTS the SR 2011 bridge (Din- PROGRAM ered Bridge Road (T-565) FAYETTE/SOMERSET: ner Bell Road) adjacent to WESTMORELAND: Bridge) APPROVED TROUT Youghiogheny River– 9 miles; the Ohiopyle St. Park offi ce Camp Run Watershed– 4.1 Tub Mill Run WATERS OPEN TO from the confluence with downstream to mouth miles; from the headwa- Whites Creek YEAR-ROUND Ramcat Run downstream SOMERSET: ters downstream to mouth Wills Creek FISHING to the Route 381 bridge at Laurel Hill Creek – 1.2 miles; and all intermittent fl ow trib- Youghiogheny River lake tail- ARMSTRONG: Ohiopyle from the footbridge on State utaries waters Mahoning Creek (Mahoning Game Lands #111 Road in WASHINGTON: Creek Dam outfl ow down- Humbert downstream to Pad- Aunt Clara Fork DELAYED HARVEST EARLY SEASON stream to the confl uence of ARTIFICIAL LURES dytown Hollow Run TROUT- STOCKED Canonsburg Lake Laurel Hill Creek – 2.2 miles; Pine Run) ONLY WATERS PROGRAM Dutch Fork Creek INDIANA: from Enlow Fork ALLEGHENY: at Boy Scout Camp down- ALLEGHENY: Blue Spruce Lake Deer Creek – 2.1 miles; from North Park Lake Kings Creek SOMERSET: stream to T-364 Little Chartiers Creek the SR 0910 Bridge at T-678 WASHINGTON: BEAVER: Blue Hole Run (from confl u- intersection downstream to Brady Run Lake ence with Garys Run down- Dutch Fork Creek – 1.8 miles; Mingo Creek the lower boundary of Rose from the fi rst bridge (SR 0070) Lower Hereford Manor Lake stream to mouth) Ridge Golf Course Raccoon Lake Pike Run Fall Creek (from confl uence upstream of the Columbia Templeton Fork Pine Creek – 1.4 miles; from the Gas Compressor Station CAMBRIA: with Ansell Run downstream abandoned railroad bridge Duman Dam (from SR 0018 to mouth) downstream to the Dutch downstream to SR 0019) near the T-575 and Duncan Fork Lake backwaters at T- Lake Rowena Ave. intersection downstream FAYETTE: WESTMORELAND: CATCH AND RELEASE 487 bridge just off SR 3001 Donegal Lake to 150 yards downstream of (Lake Road) Dunlap Creek Lake Fourmile Run FLY-FISHING ONLY the SR 4019 bridge Virgin Run Dam FAYETTE: Pike Run – 1.1 miles; from Hannas Run Bull Creek – 1.0 mile; from the the confl uence with the un- FAYETTE/SOMERSET: Hendricks Creek Dunbar Creek – 4.1 miles; from fi rst bridge on T-721 (above Youghiogheny River (from the the confl uence of Glade Run named tributary upstream of Indian Creek the T-721 and T-719 intersec- the SR 2079 bridge down- lake downstream to the con- Indian Lake downstream to the stone tion) downstream to the T-721 fl uence of the Casselman quarry along SR 1055 stream to the powerline cross- Jacobs Creek bridge in Millerstown ing downstream of the SR River) Keystone Lake INDIANA: ARMSTRONG/BUTLER: SOMERSET: Little Mahoning Creek – 4.1 2036 bridge Linn Run Buffalo Creek– 3.7 miles; from WESTMORELAND: Laurel Hill Lake Lower Twin Lake miles; from Oberlin Road Little Buffalo Run downstream WASHINGTON: Bridge abutments upstream Indian Creek – 1.6 miles; from Loyalhanna Creek to 0.6 mile above SR 4035 the T-916 bridge downstream Canonsburg Lake Mammoth Dam of SR 1041 Bridge upstream in Craigsville WESTMORELAND: to Cesna Run to the SR 0381 bridge. Mill Creek CAMBRIA: Loyalhanna Creek – 1.7 miles; Donegal Lake Northmoreland Lake SOMERSET: Chest Creek – 1.8 miles; Keystone Lake Clear Shade Creek – 1 mile; from SR 711 downstream to Sewickley Creek from the northern Patton SR 2045 Lower Twin Lake Shannon Run from the cable at Windber borough line downstream Mammoth Dam Water Dam upstream to the SR 4022 bridge at Northmoreland Lake Thomas Mills Upper Twin Lake NORTHWEST REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS

APPROVED TROUT Slippery Rock Creek Conneaut Creek (Dicksonburg Sugar Creek (Center Road Ponds, Presque Isle State (T-549) downstream to Park) WATERS Thorn Creek Road (SR 4004) downstream CLARION: to Missing Bridge (Pennside county line) FOREST: OPENING DAY: Beaver Creek Road)) Thompson Creek (SR 2031 Beaver Run APRIL 12 Big Coon Creek East Branch Oil Creek (Clear downstream to mouth) Big Coon Creek BUTLER: Canoe Creek Lake outfl ow downstream Woodcock Creek Bluejay Creek Bear Creek Cathers Run to mouth) ERIE: East Hickory Creek Bonnie Brook East Sandy Creek Five Mile Creek Cascade Creek Little Hickory Run Buffalo Creek Leatherwood Creek Little Sugar Creek Conneauttee Creek Maple Creek Connoquenessing Creek Mill Creek McLaughlin Creek (T-890 Bridge Crooked Creek Queen Creek Cornplanter Run (county line to Piney Creek downstream to mouth) East Basin Pond (Waterworks Ross Run Moorehead Road (T-658)) Redbank Creek (county line to Muddy Creek (T-794 down- Ponds, Presque Isle State Salmon Creek Glade Run Lake confl uence with Little Sandy stream to SR 1033) Park) South Branch Tionesta Harbor Acres Lake Creek) North Deer Creek Elk Creek Creek Little Buffalo Run Richey Run Oil Creek (confluence with Lake Pleasant Spring Creek Little Connoquenessing Toms Run Mosey Run near Lincoln- South Branch French Creek The Branch Creek Turkey Run ville downstream to county Twentymile Creek Tionesta Creek (county line North Branch Slippery Rock CRAWFORD: line) Upper Pit downstream to Kelletville Creek Caldwell Creek Pine Creek West Basin Pond (Waterworks Bridge) Creek Toms Run

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 17 NORTHWEST/NORTHCENTRAL REGIONS

West Hickory Creek Creek Bridge LAWRENCE: An explanation of each OPENING trout regulation is DAY OF APPROVED TROUT Neshannock Creek – 2.7 miles; from the base of the Mill Dam on pages 11 TROUT FOR WATERS OPEN TO ERIE THESE COUNTIES YEAR-ROUND in Volant downstream to the and 12. APRIL FISHING covered bridge on T-476 FOREST: MERCER: 12 WARREN Cool Spring Creek – 1.25 miles; West Branch Tionesta Creek (from Tionesta Dam outfl ow downstream) from SR 2014 bridge upstream Millstone Creek CRAWFORD to the abandoned railroad West Hickory Creek LAWRENCE: Cascade Quarry grade LAWRENCE: VENANGO: Bessemer Lake FOREST CATCH AND RELEASE Oil Creek – 1.6 miles; from bridge Big Run at Petroleum Center down- WARREN: Deer Creek stream to railroad bridge at VENANGO West Branch Caldwell Creek– Hickory Run Columbia Farm 3.6 miles; West Branch Bridge Honey Creek MERCER Oil Creek – 1.0 mile; from the two upstream to Three Bridge Neshannock Creek green posts near the Drake Run North Fork Little Museum downstream Beaver Creek CLARION to hik- Slippery Rock Creek CATCH AND RELEASE ing trail bridge (county line LAWRENCE FLY-FISHING ONLY downstream to LAWRENCE: WILD BROOK TROUT Heinz Camp lower Blue Eye Run Slippery Rock Creek – 0.5 mile; ENHANCEMENT property line) BUTLER from Heinz Camp property Brokenstraw Creek PROGRAM Taylor Run Browns Run downstream to 0.25 mile West Branch Little Neshan- below SR 2022 Bridge FOREST/WARREN: Caldwell Creek Minister Creek– 5 miles; includes nock Creek Chapman Lake VENANGO: MERCER: Little Sandy Creek – 1.3 miles; and tributaries. Hemlock Creek Coffee Creek Cool Spring Creek from SR 3024 at Polk up- Horse Creek East Branch Spring Creek Little Shenango River stream to old bridge at Polk EARLY SEASON Justus Lake East Branch Tionesta Creek Mill Creek (trib to Cool Spring Center pump house TROUT- STOCKED Little Sandy Creek East Hickory Creek Creek) WARREN: WATERS PROGRAM Little Scrubgrass Creek Farnsworth Branch Neshannock Creek (SR 0058 Caldwell Creek – 1.4 miles; BUTLER: Little Sugar Creek Fourmile Run at Mercer downstream to from Selkirk highway bridge Glade Run Lake Lower Two Mile Run Hemlock Run county line) downstream to approximately Harbor Acres Lake Mill Creek Jackson Run North Deer Creek 0.5 miles upstream of the ERIE: Oil Creek (county line down- Little Brokenstraw Creek Pine Run Dotyville Bridge East Basin Pond (Waterworks stream to SR 0008 Bridge Perry Magee Run Sandy Creek (SR 173 Bridge Pond, Presque Isle) at Rynd Farm) Pine Creek downstream to county DELAYED HARVEST West Basin Pond (Waterworks Pine Run Queen Creek line) Pond, Presque Isle) Pithole Creek Sixmile Run ARTIFICIAL LURES Shenango River (outlet of Lake Pleasant Prather Creek South Branch Tionesta ONLY Shenango Dam down- Upper Gravel Pit Richey Run Creek CLARION: stream to Buckeye Drive LAWRENCE: Sandy Creek (county line down- Spring Creek Piney Creek – 1.2 miles; SR Bridge (SR 3025)) Bessemer Lake stream to SR 3013 (old Route Thompson Run 2016 bridge downstream to West Branch Little Neshan- MERCER: 8) Bridge in Pecan) Tidioute Creek 0.2 mile upstream of the SR nock Creek Shenango River tailwaters Sugar Creek Tionesta Creek 0066 bridge Wolf Creek VENANGO: Upper Two Mile Run FOREST: Yellow Creek Justus Lake West Pithole Creek West Branch East Hickory Creek– 1.7 miles; VENANGO: WARREN: WARREN: Caldwell Creek from the Queen Creek Bridge East Branch Sugar Creek Chapman Lake Akeley Run West Branch Tionesta Creek downstream to the Otter East Sandy Creek

NORTHCENTRAL REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS Driftwood Branch Sinnemhon- Sinnemahoning Portage Boggs-Howard Township (SR 0064 APPROVED TROUT Creek WATERS ing Creek line) Bridge near Hublersburg East Branch Cowley Run Stevenson Reservoir Black downstream to county line) OPENING DAY: East Branch Hicks Run Upper Jerry Run, West Branch Boy Scout Dam Marsh Creek APRIL 12 First Fork Sinnemahoning Cowley Run, West Branch Cold Stream (from outfl ow of Mountain Branch CAMERON: Creek Hicks Run, Wykoff Run Cold Stream Dam upstream Penns Creek (SR 0045 Bridge Brooks Run Hicks Run CENTRE: 1.0 mile to the power line in Spring Mills downstream Clear Creek Mix Run Bald Eagle Creek (T-305 near crossing) to confluence with Elk North Creek Port Matilda downstream Cold Stream Dam Creek) to 0.5 mile downstream of Eddy Lick Run Pine Creek ( Road 18 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws NORTHCENTRAL REGION TROUT WATERS

mile upstream of T-846 Bridge downstream to SR 2039 OPENING Bridge downstream of War- McKEAN DAY OF rensville) POTTER TIOGA TROUT FOR THESE COUNTIES (county line down- stream to confl uence with APRIL ) Pine Creek (county line down- 12 stream to confl uence with ELK CAMERON ) Pleasant Stream LYCOMING Rock Run (trib to ) JEFFERSON CLINTON Spring Creek

MONTOUR Upper Pine Bottom Run COLUMBIA MCKEAN: CLEARFIELD UNION (county line CENTRE downstream to confl uence with Allegheny Portage SNYDER Creek) Bell Run Bradford Reservoir No. 3 NORTHUMBERLAND Bridge downstream to fi rst road Bridge downstream of ELK: (Marilla Reservoir) bridge on Pine Creek the confl uence with Moose Bear Creek Cloe Lake Brewer Run Road) Creek), Wilson Run, Wolf Run Belmouth Run East Branch Chappel Fork Poe Creek (county line to mouth) Big Mill Creek Mahoning Combs Creek Poe Lake CLINTON: Boggy Run Creek East Branch Tionesta Creek Sinking Creek Baker Run Byrnes Run Five Mile Run Hamlin Lake Sixmile Run Cooks Run Crooked Creek (trib to Sandy Lick Creek) Havens Run South Fork Beech Creek Fishing Creek (confl uence with East Branch Clarion River Horm Run Kinzua Creek Wallace Run Cedar Run downstream to East Branch Hicks Run Laurel Run (trib to East Branch Marvin Creek mouth) East Branch Millstone Creek Mahoning Creek) North Branch Sugar Run Wolf Run Greenlick Run East Branch Spring Creek Little Sandy Creek Potato Creek (confl uence of CLEARFIELD: Hyner Run Elk Creek Little East Branch Potato Creek Anderson Creek Kettle Creek (county line down- Hicks Run Mill Creek (trib to Clarion River) and Havens Run down- Beaver Run stream to Owl Hollow) Hoffman Run Mill Creek (trib to Sandy Lick stream to confl uence with Bennett Branch Sinnemahon- Kettle Creek Lake Laurel Run Reservoir Creek) Marvin Creek) ing Creek Left Branch Young Womans Little Toby Creek North Fork Redbank Creek Red Mill Brook Chest Creek Creek Maxwell Run Pekin Run Sartwell Creek (county line Curry Run Little Fishing Creek Mead Run Creek to mouth) East Branch Mahoning Creek Long Run Medix Run Rattlesnake Run Sevenmile Run (confl uence with Beech Run Rauchtown Creek Millstone Creek Redbank Creek Skinner Creek downstream to county Right Branch Hyner Run Mix Run Sandy Lick Creek South Branch Kinzua Creek line) Powers Run Walburn Run Sugar Run COLUMBIA: Ridgway Reservoir Wolf Run Twomile Run Gifford Run Beaver Run (Moyers Farm Rocky Run LYCOMING: West Branch Clarion River Goss Run Dam downstream to mouth) Spring Creek Hoagland Run West Branch Potato Creek Hockenberry Run Briar Creek (confl uence with Twin Lakes (water company fi l- Willow Creek Jack Dent Branch West Branch Briar Creek West Branch Clarion River tration plant downstream to 1 MONTOUR: Janesville Dam downstream to mouth) West Branch Hicks Run mile downstream of confl uence Mahoning Creek Laborde Branch Fishing Creek (SR 4049 down- West Branch Millstone with First Fork Larrys Creek) Mauses Creek Laurel Run (trib to East Branch stream to Light Street) Creek Little Bear Creek Roaring Creek Mahoning Creek) Little Fishing Creek (Talmar Wilson Run Little Muncy Creek (SR 0118 NORTHUMBERLAND: Little Clearfi eld Creek Road (SR 4032) downstream Wolf Run Bridge downstream to con- Little Creek Little Muddy Run to Eyers Grove Road (SR JEFFERSON: fl uence with Big Run) Mahantango Creek (opens Medix Run 4021)) Big Run (trib to Little Sandy Little Pine Creek March 29) Moose Creek Pine Creek Creek) Little Pine Lake North Witmer Run West Branch Briar Creek Big Run (trib to Mahoning (county line South Branch Roaring Parker Lake West Creek Creek) downstream to SR 0973) Creek South Witmer Run Callen Run Lycoming Creek (confl uence Zerbe Twp Rod & Gun Club Tannery Dam Roaring Creek Canoe Creek with Roaring Branch down- Pond West Branch Susquehanna Scotch Run Cathers Run stream to confl uence with POTTER: River (SR 1001 Bridge near South Branch Roaring Clear Creek Hoagland Run) Allegheny River Hyde downstream to fi rst Rail- Creek Clear Run Mill Creek (Warrensville) (0.5 Bailey Run 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 19 NORTHCENTRAL REGION TROUT WATERS

Bell Run UNION: LYCOMING: feet downstream of the SR Bridge in Lewis Run Big Moores Run Buffalo Creek (T-366 Bridge Grays Run– 2.2 miles; from 0144 bridge to a sign located downstream to confl uence the Grays Run Club 1.7 miles upstream of the ALL TACKLE East Branch Cowley Run with Rapid Run) property line downstream to lower boundary. TROPHY TROUT East Branch Fishing Creek Halfway Lake the bridge on T-842 TIOGA: PROJECTS East Fork Sinnemahoning Laurel Run (Grays Run Road) at the old Francis Branch Tributary to CENTRE: Creek North Branch Buffalo Creek CCC camp – 1.7 miles; from Penns Creek– 7 miles from the Elevenmile Creek Penns Creek (0.3 mile down- MIFFLIN/UNION: mouth upstream to Kramer confl uence with Elk Creek First Fork Sinnemahoning stream of confl uence with Penns Creek– 3.9 miles; from Hollow. downstream to the Catch Creek Cherry Run downstream approximately 650 yards UNION: and Release area Fishing Creek to SR 0235 Bridge in Glen downstream of Swift Run White Deer Creek – 3.1 miles; Freeman Run Iron) downstream to approximately from Cooper Mill Road up- DELAYED HARVEST Rapid Run (from outflow of 550 yards downstream of stream to Union/Centre ARTIFICIAL LURES Kettle Creek Halfway Lake to mouth) Cherry Run County line. Little Kettle Creek POTTER: ONLY Spring Creek CENTRE: Lyman Lake – 5.4 miles; from Spruce Run CATCH AND RELEASE – 1.3 Lyman Run Bear Trap Lodge downstream White Deer Creek (from Cooper ALL TACKLE miles; from Dry Hollow down- Middle Branch Genesee to the Weed property Mill bridge to mouth) CENTRE: stream to 0.3 mile down- River UNION: Spring Creek– 16.5 miles; from stream of the Huckleberry Oswayo Creek (confluence Cherry Run– 2.7 miles; from APPROVED TROUT the Boalsburg Road Bridge Road bridge with Clara Creek down- the mouth upstream a dis- WATERS OPEN TO (SR 3010) at Oak Hall up- CLEARFIELD: stream to Sharon Center tance of 2.7 miles YEAR-ROUND stream of Hanson Quarry Little – 1.3 Bridge (T-372)) (formerly HRI/Neidig Bros. Pine Creek FISHING miles; from SR 2023 (Turkey CAMERON: CATCH AND RELEASE Quarry) downstream to the Hill) bridge upstream. Sartwell Creek FLY-FISHING ONLY mouth with the exception South Branch Oswayo West Creek Sandy Lick Creek– 1.71 miles; CLEARFIELD: CAMERON: of special regulations area from the mouth of Laborde Creek Driftwood Branch Sinnemahon- at Fisherman’s Paradise South Woods Branch Laurel Run (Parker Dam State Branch downstream to the Park) ing Creek – 1.4 miles; from and the Exhibition Area in SR 219 bridge. West Branch Cowley Run the Shippen Township Build- Bellefonte West Branch Genesee River ELK: COLUMBIA: West Creek (SR 1008 at Rath- ing downstream to near SR ELK: Fishing Creek– .5 mile; from 120 west of Emporium. Clarion River– 8.6 miles; from SNYDER: bun downstream to SR 3001 180 yards upstream of the at Howard Siding) CENTRE: the confl uence of the East upstream Benton borough Kern Run, Spring Creek (Fisherman’s and West branches down- Middle Creek (headwaters Straight Creek line to the upstream Richard MCKEAN: Paradise) – 1 mile; lower stream to the Main St. Bridge Kriebel property line downstream to 0.5 mile down- boundary of Bellefonte State (SR 948) in Ridgway stream of SR 0522 Bridge Meade Run ELK: Fish Hatchery to a point ad- Big Mill Creek– 1.5 miles; from at Middleburg) jacent to the Stackhouse TROPHY TROUT North Branch Mahantango CATCH AND RELEASE the confluence of Rocky CAMERON: School Pistol Range. PROJECTS Run downstream to 0.3 mile Creek ELK: CENTRE: North Branch Middle Creek Hunts Run– 4.7 miles; from downstream of the Allegh- confluence with McNuff West Branch Clarion River – 0.5 Lick Run – 2.5 miles; from the eny National Forest Forest South Branch Middle Creek mile; from intersection of SR headwaters to the mouth Swift Run Branch downstream to the Road 135 Bridge mouth 219 and SR 4003 upstream CLINTON: East Branch Clarion River– West Branch Mahantango to wire across stream. Fishing Creek – 0.9 mile; from Creek (opens March 29) CLINTON: 1.15 miles; from 110 yards Fishing Creek– 2.0 miles; from JEFFERSON: the private lane bridge at the downstream of the outfl ow TIOGA: North Fork Redbank Creek Tylersville State Fish Hatch- Asaph Run, State Game Lands #295 of East Branch Clarion River boundary (located 300 – 1.9 miles; from SR 322 ery downstream to the State Lake downstream Beechwood Lake in Brookville upstream 1.9 Game Lands #295 boundary Corey Creek yards downstream of the LYCOMING: upstream SR 2002 bridge) miles, except a 110-yard (located 300 yards down- Little Pine Creek – 1.1 miles; Cowanesque River (county line section from the Brookville stream of the upstream SR downstream to confl uence downstream to a point 1.3 from the confl uence of Ot- miles upstream of the lower Water Authority Dam down- 2002 bridge) and 2.1 miles; ter Run downstream to the with Troupes Creek) stream to the wire across from a point 1.3 miles up- East Branch Stony Fork SR 2002 bridge confl uence of Schoolhouse Rauchtown Creek– 1.2 the creek. stream of the lower SR 2002 Hollow Lake Hamilton LYCOMING/TIOGA: bridge downstream to Flem- Long Run (trib to Pine miles; from the confl uence Loyalsock Creek – 1.4 miles; of Rockey Run and Krape Slate Run – 7 miles; from the ing’s Bridge (SR 2004) at the from Lycoming County line Creek) confl uence of the Cushman Lamar Fish Hatchery Marsh Creek (SR 3024 down- Run downstream to the SR downstream to Sandy Bot- 0880 crossing upstream of and Francis branches down- LYCOMING/TIOGA: tom stream to mouth) stream to the mouth. Cedar Run – 7.2 miles; from Mill Creek the Ravensburg St. Park Lycoming Creek – 1.3 miles; Picnic Area. McKEAN: the confl uence with Buck from the SR 0015 bridge Pine Creek Marvin Creek – 1.1 miles; from Run downstream to the Seeley Creek Young Womans Creek – 5.7 (Old Route 15) near Haleeka miles; from the Beechwood vicinity of high voltage line mouth upstream 1.3 miles to the Stony Fork (3 miles south of Smethport) McKEAN: Tioga River (county line down- Trail downstream to a point upstream of Powys .7 mile upstream of the con- downstream. East Branch Tunungwant Creek Curve stream to confl uence with POTTER: – 3.0 miles; from the confl u- Fall Brook) fl uence with the Left Branch Muncy Creek – 1.1 miles; Young Womans Creek Kettle Creek – 1.7 miles; ence with Pigeon Run down- from R. Sullivan property from a sign located 500 stream to the Main Street 600 yards upstream of T- 20 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws NORTHCENTRAL/NORTHEAST REGIONS

650 bridge downstream to pipeline crossing near confl u- Swamp Road) to the down- Lyman Run– Lyman Run basin EARLY SEASON vicinity of confl uence of Big ence of Gates Hollow stream boundary of State from the infl ow to Lyman Lake TROUT- STOCKED Run at Tivoli POTTER: Game Lands #188 upstream on Lyman Run to WATERS PROGRAM Pine Creek – 1.2 miles; from Allegheny River – 2.7 miles; from TIOGA: its headwaters, a distance CAMERON: the confl uence with Slate Run Pond Road 0.3 mile downstream Pine Creek – 1.0 mile; from Dar- of 5.3 miles, and including George B. Stevenson Reservoir downstream to a point 150 of Colesburg downstream to ling Run to a point 150 meters all tributaries to this portion CLINTON: meters upstream of the con- 0.3 mile downstream of downstream of the confl uence of Lyman Run Kettle Creek Lake fl uence with Naval Run Prosser Hollow Bridge with Owassee Slide Hollow POTTER/TIOGA: JEFFERSON: McKEAN: First Fork Upper Kettle Creek Basin– 28.3 Cloe Lake Kinzua Creek– 2.3 miles; From – 2.1 miles; from mouth of WILD BROOK TROUT miles; from the main stem of LYCOMING: SR 219 at Tallyho down- Bailey Run downstream to ENHANCEMENT Kettle Creek from the head- Little Pine Lake stream to Camp Run. a bend above Berge Run PROGRAM waters downstream to the POTTER: West Branch Tunungwant Bridge POTTER: confl uence with Long Run Lyman Lake Creek – 1.2 miles; from T- SNYDER: Birch Run Watershed– Entire water- including Long Run and all TIOGA: 499 bridge downstream to Middle Creek – 1.2 miles; from shed, which includes 5.3 miles of tributaries upstream to the Beechwood Lake the bridge on SR 4007 (Pine Birch Run and its tributaries headwaters Lake Hamilton NORTHEAST REGION REGULATED TROUT WATERS REGIONAL OPENING Tuscarora Creek DAY OF TROUT OPENING CARBON: DAY OF SEASON TROUT FOR Aquashicola Creek SUSQUEHANNA OPENING DAY: Buckwha Creek BRADFORD THESE COUNTIES MARCH 29 Drakes Creek WAYNE APRIL APPROVED TROUT Francis E. Walter Reservoir 12 WATERS (Bear Creek Reservoir) LACKAWANNA *These Northeast Region wa- Hickory Run (outlet of Hickory WYOMING ters fl ow beyond the counties Run Lake downstream to SULLIVAN designated as part of the Re- Saylorsville Dam) gional Opening Day of Trout Hickory Run Lake PIKE Season and are included as Lehigh Canal (Long Run Level part of this trout program. near Weissport) LUZERNE CARBON: Lehigh River (Carbon - Lu- stream of Nuangola Road MONROE Lizard Creek zerne county line from out- Mahoning Creek (SR 2042) downstream to let of FE Walter Reservoir county road) An downstream to confl uence F.E. Walter Reservoir (Bear CARBON explanation APPROVED TROUT with Sandy Run) Creek Reservoir) of each trout WATERS Mauch Chunk Creek (outlet Harvey Creek regulation is on OPENING DAY: Mauch Chunk Lake down- Harveys Lake APRIL 12 stream to Mauch Chunk Irena Lake Bushkill Creek pages 11 and 12. BRADFORD: Reservoir) Kitchen Creek (Shedy Hill Dotters Creek Gaylord Creek Road (T-559) downstream Hidden Lake erty downstream to upper Little (con- Pohopoco Creek (outlet of to mouth) Lake Creek limit of Bushkill Rod & Gun fl uence with Marsh Creek Beltzville Lake downstream Lake Francis Lehigh River Club property and Bushkill downstream to mouth) to backwater of Parryville Lake Took A While (River- McMichaels Creek Falls boundary downstream North Branch Sugar Creek Dam) lands) Pocono Creek to mouth) (Alparon Park Fairgrounds Spring Run Lehigh River (F.E. Walter Princess Run Little Mud Pond downstream to mouth) LACKAWANNA: Dam downstream to Sandy Snow Hill Dam Lower Promised Land Lake North Fork Mehoopany ) Tobyhanna Creek (including outlet from Upper Creek Gardner Creek Lily Lake Tobyhanna Lake Promised Land Lake) Schrader Creek Lackawanna Lake Moon Lake PIKE: Masthope Creek (Upper SGL Seeley Creek Bushkill Creek #316 boundary downstream South Branch Towanda Lehigh River Pine Creek Decker Brook (SR 0006 Bridge to lower SGL #316 bound- Creek Merli-Sarnoski Wapwallopen downstream to lower SGL ary) South Creek Park Lake Creek #183 boundary) Middle Branch Creek Sugar Creek (confl uence with Roaring Wrights Creek Fairview Lake Saw Creek (Bushkill Falls Road South Branch Sugar Creek Brook MONROE: (county line (SR 2003) downstream to downstream to SR 0006 in South Branch Appenzell Creek downstream to mouth) State Forest boundary down- East Troy) Tunkhannock Creek Brodhead Creek (Cherry Lane Lake Loch Lomond stream of Whitaker Road Sunfi sh Pond West Branch Wallenpaupack Bridge (SR 1002) down- Lake Minisink (T-324)) (South Ave., Creek stream to SR 0080 Bridge Lily Pond Shohola Creek (SR 0739 down- T-998 downstream to SR LUZERNE: at Exit 52) Little Bushkill Creek (lower limit stream to lower boundary of 3001 Bridge) Buckwha Creek of Lehman Lake club prop- SGL #180) (powerline crossing up-

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 21 NORTHEAST REGION TROUT WATERS

SULLIVAN: Lackawanna River stream to Elmhurst Res- Double Run Lackawaxen River ervoir Elk Creek Long Pond PIKE: Hoagland Branch (confl uence Rose Pond Brook Toms Creek– 2.1 miles; from with Porter Creek down- Shehawken Creek the Delaware stream to mouth) Upper Woods Pond National Recreation Area Hunters Lake Van Auken Creek boundary downstream to Kings Creek (intersection of West Branch Dyberry Creek the mouth Tall Maple Road (T-395) West Branch Lackawaxen and SR 4008 downstream River (Pleasant Mount State CATCH AND RELEASE to mouth), Fish Hatchery downstream FLY-FISHING ONLY (SR to 0.4 mile downstream of MONROE: 0087 Bridge south of Du- third bridge on Hatchery Bushkill Creek – 6.1 miles; shore downstream to the Road (T-611) and from out- on the Resica Falls Scout confluence with Big Bot- fl ow of Prompton Dam to Reservation property ex- tom Run) Seelyville) cept 200 yards on each side Loyalsock Creek West Branch Wallenpaupack of the falls Mill Creek (Hillsgrove) Creek WAYNE: Muncy Creek WYOMING: Dyberry Creek – 0.8 mile; from North Fork Mehoopany 300m (.19 mile) downstream Creek Horton Creek from the third bridge on Dug Pole Bridge Run Lake Winola Rd. (SR 4009) upstream of Schrader Creek Leonard Creek the mouth, downstream to Shanerburg Run Martins Creek the second bridge on Dug LUZERNE: lapoose Rd. (SR 3009) West Branch Fishing Creek Rd. (SR 4009) upstream – 1.5 miles; bridge SUSQUEHANNA: from the mouth from Jackson Road (T-812) Canawacta Creek Oxbow Lake WYOMING: downstream to Pavlick Road WILD BROOK TROUT East Branch Tunkhannock Riley Creek Bowman Creek – 1 mile; from (T-497) ENHANCEMENT Creek South Branch Tunkhannock the vicinity of SR 292 down- Nescopeck Creek – 2.4 miles; PROGRAM East Branch stream to near the confl uence from the upstream bound- CARBON: Creek Tuscarora Creek with Marsh Creek ary of State Game Lands Jeans Run– From border of Fall Brook West Branch Meshoppen #187 downstream to a cable State Game Lands #141 Gaylord Creek Creek TROPHY TROUT across the stream upstream on Jeans Run to Horton Creek PROJECTS MONROE: its headwaters, a distance Lackawanna River APPROVED TROUT LACKAWANNA: McMichaels Creek – 1.66 miles; of 2.5 miles, and all tributar- Martins Creek WATERS OPEN TO Lackawanna River – 5.2 miles; from a point .71 mile down- ies entering this portion of Meshoppen Creek YEAR-ROUND from the Gilmartin Street stream of the bridge on Tur- Jeans Run North Branch Wyalusing FISHING Bridge in Archbald down- key Hill Road (T-416) down- MONROE: Creek BRADFORD: stream to the Lackawanna stream to Glen Brook Road Kistler Run Watershed– Entire Quaker Lake Mountain Lake Avenue Bridge (SR 0347) SR 2004 Bridge watershed, which includes Riley Creek Sugar Run in Olyphant. Excepted is a Tobyhanna Creek – 1 mile; 3.1 miles of Kistler Run and Salt Lick Creek LUZERNE: mid-section area extending from the confl uence of Still its tributaries Silver Creek Frances Slocum Lake .7 mile from the Depot Street Swamp Run, downstream to Wolf Swamp Run Water- Snake Creek Sylvan Lake Bridge in Jessup downstream the PPL service bridge shed– Entire watershed, LUZERNE/SULLIVAN: to the foot bridge in Robert PIKE: which includes 2.1 miles Tunkhannock Creek Lake Jean Mellow Park Dingmans Creek – 1.4 miles; of Wolf Swamp Run and West Branch Meshoppen WAYNE: from the base of Deer Leap its tributaries Creek Harbor Pond DELAYED HARVEST Falls downstream to Ding- WAYNE: WYOMING: ARTIFICIAL LURES mans Falls EARLY SEASON Dyberry Creek Mehoopany Creek (from con- ONLY SUSQUEHANNA: TROUT- STOCKED East Branch Dyberry Creek fl uence with Kasson Brook BRADFORD: Salt Lick Creek – 1.45 miles; WATERS PROGRAM Equinunk Creek (Tanners downstream to confl uence Towanda Creek – 1.7 miles; from 90 yards downstream LACKAWANNA: Falls downstream to Hon- of North Fork Mehoopany from SR 3001 downstream from Beaver Creek down- Lackawanna Lake esdale) Creek) to Con’s Road (T-350) stream to boundary of State LUZERNE: Hollister Creek CARBON: Game Lands #35 Irena Lake Jones Creek CATCH AND RELEASE Mud Run – 2.5 miles; in Hick- WAYNE: Lake Took-a-While CARBON: ory Run State Park Butternut Creek – 2.1 miles; Lily Lake Hickory Run– 2.9 miles; from LACKAWANNA/WYOMING: from Butternut Rd. (SR 3002) Moon Lake An explanation the outlet of Saylorsville Dam South Branch Tunkhannock downstream to mouth MONROE: Hidden Lake of each trout downstream to the mouth Creek – 1.0 mile; from SR West Branch Wallenpaupack LACKAWANNA: 6 downstream through Key- Creek – 1.6 miles; from 0.6 SULLIVAN: regulation is on Roaring Brook– 3.9 miles; from stone College campus miles downstream from the Hunters Lake pages 11 and 12. Hollisterville Dam down- Jones Creek confluence WAYNE: downstream to the Cal- Upper Woods Pond

22 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING

CATCH AND RELEASE LAKES PROGRAM These lakes are regulated year-round as catch County Water Area and release for all fi sh species. This means fi shing Allegheny Pine Township Park Pond is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest Beaver basis. It is unlawful to take, kill, or possess any fi sh from these lakes. Once caught, all fi sh shall Upper Pond be immediately returned unharmed. Columbia and Bear Gap Reservoir Additional catch and release regulations specifi - Northumberland McWilliams Reservoir cally for trout can be found on page 12. These Columbia Klines Reservoir include: Catch and Release, Catch and Release Schuylkill Owl Creek Reservoir All Tackle, and Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Westmoreland Lower Burrell Park Pond Only.

HOW TO RELEASE FISH - CATCH AND RELEASE

Some waters are managed strictly as “Catch 1. Use barbless hooks. 8. Cut the line. and Release” waters. Every angler should expect When it is not possible to remove the hook without and be prepared to release some portion of his 2. Play fi sh quickly. harming the fi sh, cut the line. catch. Minimum size limits require that fi sh less Try to land your fi sh as quickly as possible and than the minimum must be released. Creel limits don’t play the fi sh to exhaustion. 9. Don’t touch the gills. require that fi sh caught in excess of the limit Do not handle fish by placing your fingers in must be released. Closed seasons require the 3. Use a landing net. the gill slits. release of fi sh species caught during a season when keeping them is not permitted. Just as im- 4. Keep the fi sh in the water. 10. Hold the fi sh upright underwater portant, catch and release has become a popular The chance of a fi sh being injured increases the after hook removal and allow it to swim and preferred method of angling. The idea for longer it is held out of water. both voluntary catch and release and catch and away under its own power. release required by regulations is that the fi sh 5. Wet your hands. If necessary, hold the fi sh out of the current until survive to grow larger, and perhaps reproduce, Wet your hands, your net, and other materials it revives. and perhaps then can be caught again. The that may come in contact with the fi sh. number of fi sh that survive depends on several 6. Hold the fi sh upside down while 11. Fish that are bleeding from the factors, including the length of the fi ght, where mouth or gills due to hook removal the fi sh is hooked, water temperature, and how removing the hook. the fi sh is handled and released. This can often pacify the fi sh and reduce han- and handling indicate your catch and To give fi sh released the best chance for survival, dling time. release techniques need to improve. follow these recommended guidelines: Survival is reduced signifi cantly when damage 7. Remove hooks quickly. resulting in bleeding occurs; if regulations allow, Hemostats or long-nose pliers are essential fi sh that are bleeding are the ones that you should tools for quickly removing hooks. consider keeping.

hemostats

CAST/THROW NET PERMIT The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is- The use of a cast net or throw net in any other wealth waters except those listed above; use a cast sues permits for use of cast nets or throw nets for Commonwealth waters is a violation of the Fish and net or throw net to take, catch, kill or possess any taking gizzard shad 8 inches or less in length and Boat Code and is punishable by a fi ne and may result fi sh species except gizzard shad 8 inches or less alewife only in waters determined by the executive in the loss of fi shing privileges. Cast nets or throw in length and alewife; use gizzard shad or alewife director. The executive director has determined that nets shall not exceed 10 feet in radius or 20 feet in taken under the required permit as live bait in any the Commission will issue cast net or throw net per- diameter and possess a mesh size of at least 3/8- water other than the water from which it was taken; mits only for the waterways listed below. A separate inch. The holder of the cast net or throw net permit use a cast net/throw net without possessing a valid permit is required for each area. may take, catch, kill or possess a daily creel limit of fi shing license. 100 gizzard shad and alewife (combined species). County Water Area The holder of the permit shall carry the permit on Berks Blue Marsh Lake his/her person while using the net or while possess- Bucks Nockamixon Lake ing more than 50 gizzard shad or alewife (combined Carbon Beltzville Lake species). The permit shall be available for inspec- Huntingdon Raystown Lake tion by a waterways conservation offi cer. Wayne/Pike Lake Wallenpaupack It is unlawful to: use a cast net or throw net in the Butler Lake Arthur waterways listed above without the required permit; Mercer Shenango Lake use a cast net or throw net in any other Common-

26 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws MUSKELLUNGE, PIKE, PICKEREL, & PANFISH

BROOD STOCK LAKES PROGRAM

Northern Pike Muskellunge These regulations are intended to restrict harvest Chain Pickerel and fi sh consumption from designated lakes during the FDA-mandated withdrawal period. During this County Water Area County Water Area period, fi sh anesthetics are used during muskel- Crawford Canadohta Lake Wayne Belmont Lake lunge, tiger muskellunge (hybrids), northern pike, and pickerel culture operations. From April 1 Conneaut Lake Duck Harbor Pond through May 31, fi shing for these species is Sugar Lake Lake Wallenpaupack permitted on a catch and release/no harvest Tamarack Lake Lower Woods Pond basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any mus- Woodcock Lake Miller Pond kellunge, tiger muskellunge (hybrids), northern Erie Edinboro Lake Prompton Dam pike, and pickerel from these lakes during this Howard Eaton Reservoir For all other species, Commonwealth inland waters period. When caught, these fi sh species shall be Union City Reservoir seasons, sizes and creel limits apply. immediately returned unharmed. PANFISH ENHANCEMENT SPECIAL REGULATIONS These regulations are intended to increase the number, quality, and size of panfi sh through the use of minimum length limits on sunfi sh, crappies, and yellow perch. For all other species, Commonwealth inland waters seasons, sizes, and creel limits apply, unless listed in the Early Season Trout-Stocked Bluegill Waters Program. It is unlawful to fi sh in the Panfi sh Enhancement Special Regulations waters listed below except in compliance with the following size and creel limits: Pumpkinseed County Water Area Species Minimum Size Daily Limit Berks Blue Marsh Reservoir Crappie 9 inches Cambria Beaverdam Run Reservoir Yellow Perch 9 inches “Sunfi sh” Hinkston Run Reservoir Sunfi sh 7 inches includes Crappie 9 inches , Wilmore Dam Sunfi sh 7 inches pumpkinseeds Crappie 9 inches and redear sunfi sh. Yellow Perch 9 inches Centre Colyer Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches 20 Redear Sunfi sh Yellow Perch 9 inches Crappie 9 inches When Panfi sh Sayers Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches Enhancement Crappie 9 inches Regulations Chester Chambers Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches apply to more Crappie 9 inches than one species in the Black Yellow Perch 9 inches 7 to 8 dorsal spines Crappie Lancaster Speedwell Forge Lake Crappie 9 inches same water- Lehigh Leaser Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches way, the com- Crappie 9 inches bined creel Yellow Perch 9 inches limit is 20 for Montour Lake Chillisquaque Sunfi sh 7 inches each species Crappie 9 inches with the total “Crappie” Pike Upper Promised Land Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches creeled not includes both white and black crappies. Yellow Perch 9 inches to exceed 5 to 6 dorsal spines Lower Promised Land Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches 50 panfi sh Yellow Perch 9 inches combined. Somerset High Point Lake Yellow Perch 9 inches Quemahoning Reservoir Sunfi sh 7 inches Crappie 9 inches White Yellow Perch 9 inches Crappie Washington Cross Creek Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches Yellow Crappie 9 inches Perch Westmoreland Lower Twin Lake Crappie 9 inches Northmoreland Lake Sunfi sh 7 inches Crappie 9 inches Upper Twin Lake Crappie 9 inches

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 27 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY LOCATION

MISCELLANEOUS WATERS WITH SPECIAL REGULATIONS

These special regulations apply to fi sh the fi shing pier designated for use by persons with species identifi ed for each location and disabilities unless such person is: regulation. Fish species not covered by -totally blind, a special regulation in these locales – in- -so severely disabled that he or she is unable to cast land regulations apply unless otherwise or retrieve a line or bait hooks and remove fi sh, designated for these species. -deprived of the use of both legs, or -participating in a special fi shing event for per- BEAVER: Hopewell Township Park Lake sons with disabilities under conditions approved by • Bass – 15-inch minimum size, creel limit the owner of the lake. 2 per day. Panfi sh – Creel limit 10 combined Such person may fi sh with only one legal device species per day. Use of live fish for bait is and must be within 10 feet of the device used. A prohibited. Refer to Big Bass Program for NO person authorized to fi sh from the fi shing pier under HARVEST dates (see page 7). the above rules may be attended by another indi- BLAIR/HUNTINGDON/JUNIATA/MIFFLIN/ vidual who may assist the person with the disability PERRY: Juniata River and tributaries in using the fi shing device. • The daily creel limit of rock bass is 10; open LUZERNE: Harveys Lake season year-round; no minimum size limit. • The daily limit is 3 trout (combined species) CHESTER/MONTGOMERY: Elk Creek (Big during the period from 8 a.m. on the opening day Elk Creek) – Maximum size limit of 8 inches of trout season through March 31. Only one of the 3 applies to taking or possessing blueback her- trout daily limit may exceed 18 inches in length. The ring and alewife. lake is closed to fi shing from April 1 until 8 a.m. on CLARION: Beaver Creek Ponds the opening day of trout season. Inland regulations • From 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regular • Closed to fi shing from Jan. 1 through open- apply to warmwater/coolwater species. trout season through Labor Day, the minimum ing day of bass season. MERCER: Shenango River – From dam down- size for trout is 14 inches and the daily limit is 2 Bass – 15-inch minimum size, creel limit 2 per stream 1.5 miles to SR 3025. (combined species). day on entire project area. Panfi sh – Creel limit • Closed season on trout – April 1 until 8 a.m. on • From Sept. 2 until 8 a.m. of the opening day 10 per day combined species on entire area. the opening day of regular trout season. Daily limit of the trout season of the following year, no trout COLUMBIA AND NORTHUMBERLAND: – Opening day of the trout season to Labor Day – 5 may be killed or had in possession. South Branch of Roaring Creek – from the trout; the day after Labor Day through March 31 of WASHINGTON: Little Chartiers Creek – From bridge on State Route 3008 at Bear Gap up- the following year – 3 trout. Canonsburg Lake Dam approximately 0.25 mile stream to the bridge on State Route 42 – This MONROE/NORTHAMPTON/PIKE: Delaware downstream to the mouth. is a catch and release/no harvest fi shery for all Water Gap National Recreation Area-The use of eel • No fi shing from March 1 until 8 a.m. opening species. It is unlawful to take, kill or possess chutes, eelpots and fyke nets is prohibited. The tak- day of the trout season. any fi sh. All fi sh caught must be immediately ing of the following fi shbait is prohibited: Crayfi sh or WAYNE: West Branch Delaware River – From returned unharmed. crabs, mussels, clams and the nymphs, larvae and the Pennsylvania/New York border downstream CRAWFORD: Paden Creek and Linesville pupae of all insects spending any part of their life to the confluence with the East Branch of the Creek cycle in the water. The taking, catching, killing and Delaware River. Artifi cial-Lures-Only season runs • Nursery waters closed to all fi shing March possession of any species of amphibian or reptile from October 16 until 8 a.m. on the opening day 1 through April 15. Waters involved are Paden within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap of the trout season. Creek (Finley Creek) from the mouth upstream National Recreation Area is prohibited. • Fishing may be done with artifi cial lures only, to “Finley Bridge” on U.S. Route 6 and Linesville SOMERSET/FAYETTE/WESTMORELAND/AL- constructed of metal, plastic, rubber or wood, or Creek from the mouth (Pymatuning Sanctuary) LEGHENY: Youghiogheny River – (1 mile) From lake with fl ies and streamers constructed of natural or upstream to the Conrail Railroad bridge north downstream to confl uence with Casselman River. synthetic materials. All lures may be used with of U.S. Route 6 in Linesville. • Closed season on trout – April 1 until 8 a.m. on spinning or fl y fi shing gear. CRAWFORD/ERIE: Conneaut Creek the opening day of trout season. Daily limit-8 a.m. • The use or possession of natural bait, baitfi sh, • Lake Erie Tributary Regulations apply (see on the opening day of trout season to Labor Day fi shbait, bait paste and similar substances, fi sh page 9) for entire stream in Crawford and Erie – 5 trout; the day after Labor Day through March 31 eggs (natural or molded), or any other edible counties. A Lake Erie permit is not required. of the following year – 3 trout. substance is prohibited. HUNTINGDON: Raystown Lake and Ray- Youghiogheny River – From the confl uence with • The daily creel limit of trout is zero (0) during stown Branch – From dam downstream to the Casselman River downstream to the confl uence the artifi cial-lures-only season. Juniata River. with Ramcat Run and Youghiogheny River from the WESTMORELAND: Indian Lake (North Hunt- • Trout (all species) no closed season. Creel PA Route 381 bridge at Ohiopyle downstream to the ingdon Township) limit 5 per day during regular season; 3 per mouth of the river. • Bass – 15-inch minimum size limit. Daily day from the day after Labor Day to 8 a.m. on • No closed season on trout. Daily limit – Opening limit 2 per day. Refer to Big Bass Program for NO the opening day of the next regular season, day of the trout season through Labor Day – 5 trout; HARVEST dates (see page 7). Panfi sh (combined minimum size – 7 inches. the day after Labor Day through the opening day of species) – Daily limit 10 per day. • Raystown Lake and Tributaries – Smelt may the trout season of the following year – 3 trout. For WYOMING: Lake Winola – Only bass less than be taken with a dip net from the shore or by all other species, inland regulations apply. See All- 12 inches and over 18 inches in length may be wading only. Dip net may not exceed 20 inches Tackle Trophy- Trout regulations on page 12. harvested. Refer to Big Bass Program for NO in diameter or square. Daily limit – 200 smelt or WARREN: Allegheny River – 8.75 miles from the HARVEST dates (see page 7). The daily creel one gallon by volume, whichever is greater. outfl ow of the Allegheny Reservoir downstream to limit is 6, but only one of those bass may be over LACKAWANNA: Lake Scranton the confl uence of Conewango Creek. 18 inches in length. • It is unlawful for any person to fish from Cast net/throw net regulations for selected waterways appear on page 26.

28 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, ENDANGERED SPECIES

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS - SEASONS AND LIMITS The following regulations apply to reptiles and amphibians. They DO NOT apply to endangered and threatened species. Species Season Daily Limit Possession Limit Bullfrog July 1 through October 31 10 (combined species) 20 (combined species) Green July 1 through October 31 10 (combined species) 20 (combined species) Snapping Turtle July 1 through October 31 15 30 Amphibian Eggs No closed season 15 (combined species) 15 (combined species) and Tadpoles Timber Rattlesnake* June 14 through July 31 1 annual limit** (must be at least 42 inches in

length, measured lengthwise along the dorsal Jr. Duran illustration-Tom surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales.***) ADDITIONAL Northern Copperhead June 14 through July 31 1 annual limit** RESTRICTIONS: Native species not No closed season 1 1 ALL Reptiles and Amphibians: listed on this page • A fi shing license is required to catch or take reptiles and amphibians from the waters * It is unlawful to hunt, take, catch, or kill timber west of Route 15 and south of to the Maryland line where there is no open season. of the Commonwealth. A fi shing license is not ** It is unlawful to possess, take, catch, or kill more than one timber rattlesnake or northern copperhead per required for reptiles and amphibians on land. calendar year except as provided in Chapter 79.7(f) (Fish & Boat Code) relating to organized reptile and • Unless otherwise indicated, reptiles and amphibian hunt permits). It is unlawful to possess more than one timber rattlesnake or northern copperhead amphibians may only be taken by hand, hook, at any time (except as provided in Chapter 79.7 (f) (Fish & Boat Code). snake tongs, turtle hooks, traps, and nets *** Subcaudal scales are large fl at scales located on the underside of a timber rattlesnake between the vent less than four feet square or four feet in di- (anal scale) and the base of the tail rattle. ameter. • It is unlawful to take, catch, or kill a reptile The following reptile and amphibian species have NO OPEN SEASON. or amphibian through the use of firearms, The DAILY LIMIT is 0 (zero) and POSSESSION LIMIT is 0 (zero). chemicals, explosives, winches, jacks, or other devices. SNAKES SALAMANDERS FROGS • It is unlawful to damage or disrupt the Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Hellbender Northern Cricket Frog Eastern Ribbon Snake Four-toed Salamander Mountain Chorus Frog nest or eggs of a reptile or to gather, take or Eastern Worm Snake Jefferson Salamander Striped Chorus Frog Complex possess the eggs of any reptile in the natural Mountain Earth Snake Marbled Salamander environment of this Commonwealth. Queen Snake Mudpuppy TURTLES • Except for snapping turtles taken by Shorthead Garter Snake Salamander Blanding’s Turtle commercial permit, reptiles, and amphib- Smooth Earth Snake Eastern Box Turtle ians whether dead or alive, in whole or parts, Smooth Green Snake SKINKS/LIZARD Spotted Turtle including eggs or any life stage taken from Broadhead Skink Wood Turtle within the Commonwealth may not be sold Northern Skink or offered for sale. Northern Fence Lizard • Taking, catching, and possessing amphib- ians and reptiles in Department of Conserva- ENDANGERED SPECIES PERMITS tion and Natural Resources natural areas The Commission has identifi ed some species of • A permit is required to hunt timber rattlesnakes designated by posters is prohibited. reptiles, amphibians, fi sh, and aquatic organisms and nothern copperhead snakes. Frogs: as endangered, threatened, or candidate species. • A permit is required to hunt, take, catch, or kill common • The use of artifi cial light to take frogs at Endangered and threatened species face extirpa- snapping turtles for the purpose of sale, barter, or trade. night is illegal. tion from the Commonwealth. Candidate species Permit applications for these two permits must • Frogs may be taken with long bow and may be more abundant but face similar perils. be mailed to: PA Fish & Boat Commission, Environ- arrow, including compound bows, crossbows, To obtain a current list, write to: PA Fish & Boat mental Services Division, Natural Diversity Section, spears, or gigs. Spears or gigs may not have Commission, Environmental Services Division, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823. more than fi ve barbs and cannot be used in Natural Diversity Section, 450 Robinson Lane, approved trout waters. Bellefonte, PA 16823, or visit: http://sites.state. pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/etspecis.htm. Turtles: • Set-lines, turtle traps, or other devices for catching turtles must include a tag indicat- Snapping Turtle Consumption Advice ing the name, address, and phone number Snapping turtle meat has been found to contain of the owner or user. Traps, nets, or other only small amounts of PCB’s and is safe to eat devices must be of a fl oating or partially sub- without restrictions. Snapping turtles do retain merged design so as to allow for the release PCBs in their fat and internal organs. If you choose of untargeted turtles. Hooks must be at least to eat snapping turtles, you can reduce your 3.5 inches long with not less than one inch exposure by carefully trimming away all fat and space between the point and shank of the internal organs and discarding them before cooking hook. The number of lines or hooks per line the meat or making soup. illustration-Tom Duran Jr. is unlimited.

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 29 LICENSES, PRICING, PROOF OF RESIDENCY

FISHING LICENSES

Recently, the Commission announced the availability of fi shing licenses in a new format. POINT- Licenses are sold by license issuing agents through a new electronic point-of-sale (P.O.S.) OF-SALE system. This new system brings increased effi ciency, more options, and easier upgrades for LICENSE anglers. Internet fi shing licenses are sold online at: www.fi sh.state.pa.us. Permits are E A current license, signed in ink, is required of persons age 16 and over to fi sh or angle for any spe- printed on MPL cies of fi sh herein legally provided for, and to take fi shbait, baitfi sh, and all species of amphibians and the license. SA reptiles from Commonwealth waters by those legal methods described in this booklet. FISHING is defi ned as the act of angling, or to catch, take, kill or remove, or the attempt to catch, take, kill or remove, from any waters or other areas within or bordering this Commonwealth any fi sh by any means or method for any purpose whatsoever. CASTING and/or RETRIEVING, whether by rod, reel and line, or by handline, for oneself or for others, requires a current license, unless specifi - cally exempted by law.

22008008 FISHINGFISHING LICENSESLICENSES Disabled Veterans Licenses – Any disabled veteran who has a disability incurred in any war or LICENSE YEAR Type of Fishing License or Permit Age Cost* armed conflict that consists of the loss of one or Annual licenses are valid from Resident (Annual) 16-64 $22.00 December 1, 2007, through more limbs or the loss of use of one or more limbs, December 31, 2008. Senior Resident (Annual) 65 & up $11.00 WHILE FISHING, your license or total blindness, or who is 100 percent disabled as Senior Resident (Lifetime) 65 & up $51.00 must be signed in ink and must certifi ed by the Veterans Administration be displayed on an outer National Guard/Armed Forces Reserve (NGAFR) (Resident) 16 & up $ 2.00 garment. In addition, anglers and is a resident of this Commonwealth may obtain must be prepared to furnish Prisoner of War (POW) (Resident) 16 & up $ 2.00 positive proof of identifi cation. a free resident fi shing license upon application to the Prisoner of War (POW) (Senior Lifetime) 65 & up $2.00 Commission or county treasurer. 1-Day Resident 16 & up $11.00 Military personnel are required to purchase a fi sh- Non-Resident (Annual) 16 & up $52.00 ing license. Those who are stationed in Pennsylvania 1-Day Tourist (includes all privileges) 16 & up $26.00 under permanent change of station orders (PCS) 3-Day Tourist 16 & up $26.00 for a duration of 6 months or more, who produce 7-Day Tourist 16 & up $34.00 documentation proving same, qualify for a resident Trout-Salmon Permit 16 & up $ 9.00 fi shing license. All others must obtain a tourist or www.fi sh.state.pa.us Lake Erie Permit 16 & up $ 9.00 non-resident license. Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit 16 & up $15.00 Certain active duty military personnel are exempt * Includes issuing agent fee. Must have been deployed for 180 consecutive days (NGAFR). Sold only at county treasurer and PFBC offi ces (POW & NGAFR). from Pennsylvania’s fishing license requirement. To be eligible for the military waiver, an angler must be a bona fi de Pennsylvania resident, be on active OBTAIN YOUR LICENSE: National Guard & Armed Forces Reserve li- duty, be stationed outside Pennsylvania and be here a) at more than 900 license-issuing agents censes are available to those persons who provide on authorized leave. While in the act of fi shing, the b) at county treasurers offi ces documentation that within the previous 24 months the military personnel must carry proof of each of these c) at Fish & Boat Commission regional offi ces person was deployed overseas as a member of the requirements, such as a PA driver’s license, a military d) on the Internet at www.fi sh.state.pa.us. reserve component of the armed forces for a period ID, and valid military orders showing the place of as- A LOST FISHING LICENSE is replaced by applying of 180 consecutive days or more or was released signment and leave status. to any issuing agent. The cost is $4.25 for the license early from service because of an injury or disease Under the law, a qualifying soldier, sailor, airman, or plus the face value of any trout/salmon or Lake Erie incurred in the line of duty. marine does not receive a free Pennsylvania fi shing privileges and issuing agent fee. Prisoner of War (POW) licenses are available to license. Instead, eligible active duty military person- You qualify for a RESIDENT fi shing license if you persons who provide military documentation stating nel can legally fi sh without a license under the limited are a bona fi de resident of Pennsylvania. When the person is a former prisoner of war. circumstances outlined in the law. The Pennsylvania purchasing a resident fi shing license, you must show Senior resident and senior Fish & Boat Commis- positive proof of permanent residency by presenting lifetime licenses are available sion recommends one of the following documents: to those persons at anytime SENIOR RESIDENT that anyone taking a) valid PA driver’s license during the year in which they LIFETIME LICENSE advantage of this b) a valid non-driver photo identifi cation card will become age 65. UPGRADE provision display a c) a current PA fi rearms permit • Persons who possess a RES- A durable plastic military ID while in d) a previous year’s PA state income tax return IDENT SENIOR LIFETIME card version of the Senior Resident Lifetime the act of fishing in showing proof of payment of personal income tax license dated before Janu- license is available. This upgrade is available much the same way as a resident of PA ary 1, 1991, are not required for $5.00. Complete form PFBC-L-166S and as one would display e) a previous year’s local earned income tax return to purchase a trout/salmon send to the address indicated. Forms are a conventional fi shing showing tax paid to a PA municipality permit. available from the Commission’s web site at: license. f) a current PA voter registration card. • RESIDENT SENIOR LIFETIME http://fi sh.state.pa.us/forms_fi shing.htm. The law does not National Guard & Armed Forces Reserve li- license holders are required to Upgrades can also be purchased through exempt military per- censes and Prisoner of War (POW) licenses are purchase only one permit for issuing agents. sonnel on leave from available only at Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Com- a lifetime. any other require- mission and county treasurer offi ces. ments of fi shing or boating laws and regulations.

30 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws PERMITS, ASSISTING CHILDREN, ADA

Students from out of state who are attending COMBINATION TROUT/ school in Pennsylvania but who have not become CHARTER BOAT/FISHING residents of Pennsylvania are not eligible to purchase SALMON/LAKE ERIE GUIDE PERMITS a resident fi shing license and must obtain a tourist or PERMIT Charter boat operators and fi shing guides are non-resident license. In many cases an angler may need both a required to obtain a permit when conducting trout/salmon permit and a Lake Erie permit to fi sh business on the waters of the Commonwealth TROUT/ in waters in the Erie area. Rather than purchasing including the boundary waters. The annual SALMON these individually, a Combination Trout-Salmon/ fee for the permit is $100.00 for residents and Lake Erie permit may be purchased. PERMIT $400.00 for non-residents. Permit applications A current Pennsylvania trout/salmon permit is EXEMPTIONS: The following persons are NOT are available from the Harrisburg offi ce, regional required to fi sh for trout or salmon in Pennsylvania required to possess a trout/salmon permit or Lake headquarters, or the PFBC web site: www. waters. An angler “fi shes for trout or salmon” when Erie permit: fi sh.state.pa.us. For additional information he or she: • Persons under 16 years of age. about Charter Boat/Fishing • Takes, kills, or possesses, while in the act of fi shing, • Disabled persons who possess a “free” fi shing Guide permits contact a trout or salmon from any PA or boundary waters. license or other persons who are exempt from the Bureau of Law • Fishes in waters under special trout/salmon regu- license requirements. Enforcement at 717- lations. • Persons who possess a 1-day tourist license. 705-7861. • Fishes in any Class A Wild Trout Waters or Wilder- ANGLERS: ness Trout Streams or their tributaries. To find a charter boat • Fishes in “approved trout waters” on March 1 operator or fishing guide for a fish species through May 31. or location you wish to fi sh, go to the Commis- sion’s web site: www.fi sh.state.pa.us. LAKE ERIE PERMIT All anglers fi shing Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributar- ies are required to possess a valid Lake Erie permit. See page 9 for a list of main tributaries that require a permit.

ACCOMMODATIONS for Persons with Disabilities ASSISTANCE The PA Fish & Boat Commission facilities listed here have fi shing piers or other accommodations to provide TO CHILDREN angling opportunities for persons with disabilities. All areas may not be suitable for all disabilities. An adult who assists a child (12 years of age County Facilities County Facilities and under) by casting or retrieving a fi shing line Butler Glade Run Lake Jefferson Kyle Lake or fi shing rod is not required to possess a valid Carbon Mauch Chunk Lake Jefferson Cloe Lake fi shing license provided that the child remains Crawford Tamarack Lake Lackawanna Ford’s Pond, Lake Scranton within arms’ reach of the assisting adult and is Erie North East Marina Lancaster Speedwell Forge Lake actively involved in the fi shing activity. (shoreline fi shing) Northampton Minsi Lake An adult may assist a child by baiting hooks, Erie Walnut Creek Philadelphia Frankford Arsenal Access - removing fi sh from the line, netting fi sh, prepar- (shoreline fi shing) Delaware River ing the fi shing rod for use, and untangling the line Fayette Dunlap Lake (railed shoreline fi shing area) without possessing a valid fi shing license. Fayette Youghiogheny River Somerset Lake Somerset An adult is required to possess a fishing Lake Outfl ow Wyoming Lake Winola license if they intend to set the hook for the Wyoming Oxbow Lake child. For an up-to-date listing of exclusive areas for children and persons with disabilities, go PERSONS with DISABILITIES to the Commission’s web site: http://sites. Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in a Fish & Boat Commission program and who state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/fi shpub/ anticipate the need for special accommodations should telephone (717) 705-7833. This publication summary/children.html. is available on our web site at www.fi sh.state.pa.us and may also be obtained as a computer fi le Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, (alternative accessible format) by contacting the phone number above. Persons using a TTY should color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, or disability. dial Pennsylvania Relay telephone number 711 to contact us. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and it complies with applicable federal and Pennsylvania Persons who are deprived of the use of a leg or both legs or who are disabled in a manner that nondiscrimination laws and regulations. In addition, the Pennsylvania signifi cantly limits their mobility may apply for a permit to use an off-road motorized vehicle to access Fish & Boat Commission receives federal aid in sport fi sh restoration and boating enhancement. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and fi shing and boating opportunities on Fish & Boat Commission property. Permit applications may be Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination on requested in writing from the PA Fish & Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability in federally assisted 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. programs. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire For a listing of waters available exclusively for children 12 years of age and younger and persons further information, contact the Human Resources Offi ce, PA Fish & with disabilities, please contact a regional offi ce or visit www.fi sh.state.pa.us. Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, or the U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20420.

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 31 GENERAL REGULATIONS, TACKLE, AND BAIT

GENERAL REGULATIONS BAIT BOATING – Coast Guard-approved wearable personal fl otation devices are required for each occupant BAITFISH includes all forms of minnows; on all types of watercraft on all waters. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear an approved suckers, chubs, fallfi sh, lampreys, eels between Type I, II, III, or V PFD while underway on Commonwealth waters in any boat 20 feet or less in length and 6 and 8 inches in length; gizzard shad 8 inches in all canoes and kayaks. See “PFD (life jacket) Requirements” on page 33. or less; and all forms of darters, killifi shes and Motorboats (including boats powered by electric motors) must be registered. Boat operators of boats stonecats (except those listed as threatened or with greater than 25 horsepower and born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, may not operate unless they endangered species). Legally taken gamefi sh have obtained and have in possession a Boating Safety Education Certifi cate. may be used as bait. It is unlawful to use or Owners of unregistered, unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc.) that launch their boats at possess goldfi sh, comets, koi, and common Commission lakes and access areas and at PA state parks must display the Commission’s Use Permit. carp as baitfi sh while fi shing. PA state park launching and mooring decals are also recognized. FISHBAIT includes crayfi sh or crabs, mus- NURSERY WATERS are closed to fi shing at all times. sels, clams, and the nymphs, larvae and pupae REFUGE AREAS on streams are CLOSED TO ALL ENTRY AND FISHING during the period March of all insects spending any part of their life 1 through June 14. cycle in the water. FIELD DRESSING AND DISPOSAL OF FISH – It is unlawful to possess a fi sh in any form or condition SEASON, SIZE, LIMIT: No closed season other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of the Com- (except as noted below) and no minimum monwealth, onboard a boat or on a dock, pier, launch area, or parking lot adjacent thereto. Fish may be size. The daily limit and possession limit is 50 processed fully if they are being prepared for immediate consumption on site. This does not apply to fi sh combined species. When purchasing bait, be processed at a fi sh cleaning station offi cially recognized by the Commission or by a permitted charter sure to obtain and keep the sales slip or receipt. boat/fi shing guide operation. The receipt authorizes the possession of the It is unlawful to discard any fi sh carcass or parts thereof into the waters of the Commonwealth or upon fi shbait or baitfi sh so purchased for a period any public or private lands contiguous to the waters unless disposal is on lands with permission from the of 15 days after its date of issue. Fishbait or landowner or it is where fi sh are properly disposed into suitable garbage or refuse collection systems or baitfi sh purchased from a licensed dealer do at an offi cially recognized fi sh cleaning station. not have a possession limit and do not count TAGGED FISH – The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and agencies in adjacent states apply tags toward your daily limit of fi shbait and baitfi sh to fi sh for special research purposes. If an angler catches a tagged fi sh and wishes to keep the fi sh, the tag taken from Commonwealth waterways. Ap- number and location of the catch should be reported to the address or phone number on the tag or to the proved trout waters are closed for taking fi sh- Fish & Boat Commission. If the angler doesn’t wish to keep the fi sh, no attempt should be made to remove bait and baitfi sh from March 1 to the opening the tag unless special instructions have been posted at access areas, by the media, or elsewhere. For ex- day of trout season. Most specially regulated ample, sometimes the Fish & Boat Commission uses two-part tags and parts of or all of the tags should be trout waters are closed to taking fi shbait and removed in some cases with scissors or a knife. This type of tag typically resembles rubber spaghetti and baitfi sh at all times. information such as tag numbers and toll-free phone numbers can be easily read. Tagged fi sh that are not TAKING AND KEEPING BAIT is permit- kept should be returned to the water immediately after removing the tag or recording the information from ted using rod and reel or handline, dip net, the tag. In no case should tags be pulled from a fi sh as this will cause signifi cant injuries. or minnow seine not over 4 feet square or It is unlawful for a person to implant tracking devices in or to tag, brand, mark, or fi n clip any fi sh taken in diameter, or a minnow trap with no more from Commonwealth waters, unless the fi sh are purchased from an authorized commercial aquaculture than two openings that shall not exceed 1 facility, are part of a Commission-recognized and sanctioned stocking by a cooperative nursery, are au- inch in diameter. All devices must be under thorized by a scientifi c collector’s permit issued by the Commission, or are part of a tagged fi sh contest the immediate control of the person using in a boundary lake for which the Commission has issued a permit. them. Unattended minnow traps or baitfi sh containers left in Commonwealth waters must TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT be identifi ed with the owner’s or user’s name, RODS, LINES, AND HOOKS. An angler may use a maximum of two lines fi shed either by rod or hand when address, and telephone number. If fi shing in fi shing for gamefi sh, baitfi sh, or both. It is unlawful for a person to fi sh with more than two fi shing rods at a time. No a group and the total number of fi shbait or more than three hooks shall be attached to a line used in fi shing (one hook having two or three points is considered baitfi sh taken exceeds the possession limit a “single hook”). All rods, lines, and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. (50), separate containers must be provided SNAGGING HOOKS may not be used or possessed while in the act of fi shing. A snagging hook is a device for the fi shbait and baitfi sh. Total possession designed or modifi ed to facilitate the snagging of fi sh, and may be a hook with a single barb, weighted on a shank limit in any one container may not exceed 50 below the eye and above the barbs; or a hook otherwise designed or modifi ed to make the snagging of fi sh more baitfi sh or fi shbait combined. likely than it would be with a normal hook. MUDBUGS (dragonfl y nymphs): No daily ICE FISHING EQUIPMENT. It is unlawful while ice fi shing to use more than fi ve fi shing devices, which may limit from lakes, ponds, swamps, or adjacent consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups, or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fi shing line with no more areas; the daily limit from rivers and streams than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as is 50. measured in any direction. All lines, rods, or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. FROGS AS BAIT: Except for those listed On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, shelters, or shanties must be removed when through fi shing for the day. as endangered or threatened, or those with GAFF OR LANDING NET. A gaff or landing net is permitted to assist in landing fi sh caught using a lawful device. zero possession limit, frogs may be used Nets of all types can be no larger (excluding the handle) than 4 feet square or 4 feet in diameter. It is unlawful to as bait. Certain seasons and possession use any type of net or seine to catch or take gamefi sh. limits apply. SPEARS OR GIGS. Spears or gigs may be used to take ONLY carp and suckers. Spears or gigs may not Releasing fi sh from another state, province, be mechanically propelled, may not have more than fi ve barbed points, and may not be used in approved trout or country into Commonwealth waters is illegal waters. without written permission from the Commis- BOW AND ARROW (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking ONLY carp and suckers on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, except in approved trout waters during the closed season and in special sion. Transferring fi sh from one Pennsylvania regulation waters. On the Delaware River, catfi sh and herring (shad excepted) may also be taken with bow and watershed to another where that species is not arrow (including compound bow and crossbow), spear or gig, except within 275 yards of an eel weir. always present is also illegal without written consent from the Commission.

32 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws UNLAWFUL ACTS, BUI, AND LIFE JACKETS

• To sell, offer for sale, purchase, or barter any fi sh IT IS UNLAWFUL . . . parts or fi sh eggs obtained from fi sh taken from waters BOATING AND • To possess, to introduce or import, transport, of this Commonwealth including boundary waters. ALCOHOL DO NOT MIX! sell, purchase, offer for sale, or barter the following This prohibition does not apply to fi sh parts or fi sh Alcohol use increases the chances of live species in the Commonwealth: snakehead eggs (1) lawfully taken or sold or offered for sale by having an accident. Alcohol affects balance, (all species), black carp, bighead carp, silver holders of Lake Erie commercial fi shing licenses if coordination, and judgment. It is illegal to carp, zebra mussel, quagga mussel, European the particular species of fi sh is authorized for tak- operate a boat while under the infl uence of rudd, rusty crayfish, ruffe, round goby, and ing by commercial licensees, or (2) those obtained alcohol or a controlled substance. Penal- tubenose goby. from fi sh taken lawfully from waters outside of this ties include fi nes up to $7,500, two years • To fi sh with more than two fi shing lines at any time Commonwealth. imprisonment, and loss of boating privileges when fi shing for gamefi sh, baitfi sh, or both. • To release any species of fi sh, except those • To fi sh (includes taking baitfi sh and fi shbait) from listed as approved by the Fish & Boat Commission, for up to one year. March 1 to 8:00 a.m. on the opening day of trout in Commonwealth waters without written permission season in any approved trout water. Excepted are from the executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish certain specially regulated waters and “in-season & Boat Commission. PFD (LIFE JACKET) only” stocked waters. • To place an obstruction in any waterway that REQUIREMENTS • To take or attempt to take fi sh, or keep fi sh ac- blocks the free movement of fi sh. • All boats must have a USCG-approved wearable cidentally caught, by snatch-fi shing, foul hooking, or • To use or have in possession while on or along (Type I, II, III, or V) life jacket on board for each snag fi shing. Handfi shing is not permitted. Commonwealth waters, nets larger than 4 feet square person. • To catch, kill, or possess more than one day’s or in diameter except with a special permit issued • In addition to wearable life jackets, boats 16 feet limit of any fi sh, except: (a) at your residence and by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. and over must have a throwable device (Type IV) (b) you may possess two days’ limit while traveling • To conduct an organized fi shing tournament on board. Canoes and kayaks, regardless of length, in which there are 10 or more participants without to your residence from an overnight fi shing trip of are not required to carry a throwable device. two or more consecutive days. a permit issued by the Commission. Applications • Type V life jackets must be used in accordance • To have on a stringer or in a container or otherwise must be submitted 60 days before the date of the with any requirements on the approval label. in possession, while in or along waters of the Com- proposed tournament. Fishing tournaments may monwealth or immediately returning therefrom, more not be conducted for a species of fi sh during the • All life jackets must be in good and serviceable than the daily creel limit of any fi sh for one person. closed season for that species. Unless a special condition and legibly marked showing the USCG • To fail to immediately return unharmed to the exemption is granted, fi shing tournaments may not be approval number. This means the life jacket must waters from which it was taken, any fish caught conducted on the opening day of the season for any be fully functional, free of tears or defects in the out of season, or undersize, or over the daily creel species of game fi sh. Contact the nearest regional material. All buckles, straps, zippers, and other limit. Any fi sh placed on a stringer, in any container headquarters (page 42) for further information and closures must be operable. or given away, counts toward the possession limit of permit applications. Applications are also available • Wearable life jackets must be “readily accessible,” the person having caught it, and the person to whom online: www.fi sh.state.pa.us. which means that the PFDs (personal flotation it was given. • To conduct an organized fi shing tournament and devices) are stowed where they can be easily • To kill any fi sh and fail to make a reasonable fail to submit an accurate fi shing tournament catch reached, or that they are out in the open ready to effort to lawfully dispose of it. report when required. wear. Type IV fl otation devices (throwables) must • To fi sh in, or within 100 feet of, the entrance or • To conduct a tagged fishing tournament in be “immediately available,” which means that the exit points of any fi shway, including fi sh ladders and boundary waters without a permit issued by the device cannot be in a protective covering and shall other fi sh passage facilities. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. be within arm’s reach of the operator or passenger • To use gamefi sh as bait except when taken by rod • To throw, leave, discard, or deposit litter, debris, or while the boat is operated. A PFD that is sealed in and reel or handline in conformance with seasons, trash of any kind in or along waters or lands adjacent its original packaging is not readily accessible or sizes, and creel limits or when purchased from an to or contiguous to waters of the Commonwealth. immediately available. authorized bait dealer. • To obstruct the ingress, egress or regress to a • Life jackets must be the appropriate size for the • To sell baitfi sh or fi shbait taken from waters of the person’s property, cattleways, or fi elds. person intended and adjusted to wear. Commonwealth, except that licensed and authorized • To dig in or drive upon any lands. commercial fi shermen may take and sell baitfi sh from • To cut or damage or . WHO HAS TO WEAR Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. • To build or tend open fi res without permission. • To sell baitfi sh or fi shbait within the Common- • To run any vehicle, except fording in the most A LIFE JACKET? wealth, or transport same out of the state, except by direct manner, in any stream. • All water skiers and anyone towed behind authorized and licensed commercial bait dealers. • To interfere with offi cers authorized to enforce vessels, personal watercraft operators and • To sell any species of fi sh, reptile (with the excep- the Fish and Boat Code in the performance of their passengers, and sailboarders (windsurfers). tion of snapping turtles), or amphibian taken from the duties, or to refuse to accompany any offi cer after Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable for Commonwealth. having been arrested for a violation of the Fish and these activities. Boat Code. • Children 12 years of age and younger on Commonwealth waters when underway in any IF A VIOLATION OCCURS . . . boat 20 feet or less in length and in all canoes Persons accused of violating the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code or rules and regulations may be and kayaks. issued a citation and have a right to a hearing before a district justice. Law enforcement personnel have • On District U.S. Army Corps of the authority to confi scate or seize as evidence fi sh and fi shing equipment that are illegal or used to Engineers lakes (only), everyone in boats under violate fi shing laws or regulations. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission may, upon proper notice, 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks. suspend or revoke the fi shing privileges, boating privileges, or other permits of any person convicted (or Remember that life jackets should be acknowledging guilt) of a violation of the Fish and Boat Code or Fish & Boat Commission regulations. personalized, properly fitted, and tested If you have been convicted of or plead guilty to a second or subsequent violation within a 12-month period, in the water. Everyone should know how you may be assessed an additional fi ne of $200 for those offenses classifi ed as summary offenses. to use them.

2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 33 PROPERTY AND DOG REGULATIONS

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF FISH & BOAT COMMISSION-OWNED OR COMMISSION-CONTROLLED PROPERTY

• A powerboat using a Commission lake or • On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, infl atable • Trespassing on Fish & Boat Commission access area shall be registered and shall dis- boats must be seven or more feet in length, be property is prohibited where posted. play the offi cial registration number and current constructed of durable corded fabric reinforced with • Float tubes or similar devices are permit- validation stickers. Unpowered boats using a cloth and coated, and have at least two separate ted while fi shing on Fish & Boat Commission lakes Commission lake or access area must either buoyancy chambers, excluding infl atable fl ooring so long as the device contains two air bladder be properly registered, or display an offi cial or bottom. systems. It may not be propelled by a mechanical and valid Commission use permit, or display an • Vehicles must be parked in designated areas device. The user must wear a Coast Guard-ap- offi cial and valid watercraft launch or mooring only. Blocking or obstructing driveways, access proved personal fl otation device. permit issued by DCNR. Fees for Commission roads, or launch ramps is prohibited. • Tagged fi sh contests are prohibited on Fish use permits are $10 for a one-year permit and • No person may construct, place, or maintain & Boat Commission lakes or access areas where $18 for a two-year permit. any structure, fi xture, or any other tangible property prizes are awarded for catching tagged fi sh and Overnight mooring of boats is permitted at on or in Commission-owned or Commission-con- where an entry fee is required to participate. designated mooring areas from April 1 through trolled property or waters without a permit from the • Please see bulletin boards at Commission November 30. A boat utilizing mooring areas executive director or his designee. Persons are properties for any additional restrictions that shall be registered and display the offi cial reg- further prohibited from encroaching upon Com- may apply. istration number and current validation sticker. mission property in any manner incompatible with Mooring is at the sole risk of the boat owner. public use. • Boats have the right of way over fi shing from • A vehicle properly registered and operated in boat launch areas or boat docks. It is unlawful for FISH & BOAT conformance with the Vehicle Code (except all-ter- COMMISSION PROPERTY persons fi shing from a boat launch area or boat vehicles) is permitted on Commission-owned dock to permit their fi shing activity to interfere with or Commission-controlled property on those areas DOG REGULATIONS boat traffi c into and out of the boat launch area or that are open to vehicular traffi c such as roadways, Dogs are permitted on Commission prop- boat dock. driveways, launch ramps, and designated park- • Overnight camping, building, or maintain- erty if they are licensed and otherwise in ing areas. It is unlawful to operate a vehicle on compliance with all other provisions of the ing open fi res, swimming, and picking, cutting, Commission property on (a) roads not open to or digging fl owers, plants, shrubs, and trees is Dog Law. the public, (b) in a negligent or reckless manner, • The maximum number of dogs that an prohibited. (c) in a manner that obstructs or impedes public • The leaving or disposal of any rubbish on Com- owner or handler is permitted to have on access to driveways, access roads, and launch Commission property at one time is two. mission property is prohibited unless placed in ramps, (d) in a manner not in conformance with containers, if provided for this purpose. Disposal of • The owner or handler shall keep the dogs the posted traffi c control signs or devices, (e) on under his or her supervision and control by any refuse accumulated off Commission property forested areas, grasslands, , and lands is prohibited. keeping the dogs on a leash not exceeding six under cultivation, and (f) on frozen lakes, ponds, feet in length while on Commission property. • Any personal, organizational, or commercial rivers, or streams. The use of off-road motorized use other than normally intended fi shing and boat- Mechanically retractable leashes of any length vehicles, including trail bikes, Tote Gotes, all-ter- may also be used. Dogs on board boats are ing activities is prohibited, except that the execu- rain vehicles (ATVs), air-cushioned vehicles, track tive director or his designee may issue permits exempt from leash requirements. The owner vehicles, hydrofoils and the like, is prohibited. or handler shall immediately scoop, contain, to organizations for the use of Pennsylvania Fish • Snowmobiles may be used on Commission- & Boat Commission properties, when it is deter- and retain droppings of the dog and may not owned or Commission-controlled property that dispose of dog droppings on Commission mined that such use will not damage Commission has been designated for such use by the execu- property and will not interfere with normal usage property. tive director and is so posted. The operation of • The leash requirements do not apply when by others. Launching or retrieving swimming aids snowmobiles on frozen lakes, ponds, and streams at Commission access areas is prohibited. an owner is training a dog for water retrieval is prohibited. Parking areas on Commission-owned purposes and when the following apply: • The removal or defacing of any sign, poster, or Commission-controlled property shall not be or property is prohibited, and it shall be unlawful to 1. The dog is actually performing customary used for general snowmobile operation. water retrieval functions. damage in any manner any lands or to interfere with • Walnut Creek Access, Channel and Basin- any device or structure, or to alter or interfere with 2. The dog remains within 10 feet of the Boats have the right of way over shore fi shermen. owner or handler while on land. the fl ow of water over or through any structure. Fishing from boats is prohibited in channel and • Legal hunting and trapping is permitted on 3. The dog is under the immediate control Commission property unless otherwise posted. of the owner or handler at all times. • The carrying or use of fi rearms on Fish & Boat 4. The dog does not interfere with anglers or Commission properties is prohibited except while boaters engaged in fi shing, boating, or other lawfully hunting or trapping. This does not apply to lawful activities. those individuals licensed to carry fi rearms under • An owner or handler of a hunting dog 18 Pa. C.S. 6109 (licenses) or those individuals is exempt from the leash requirements and authorized to do so in conformance with 18 Pa. removal of dog droppings requirements when C.S. 6106 (fi rearms not to be carried without a he or she keeps the dog off lawn areas, trails, license). and parking lots and when he or she is en- basin. Shore fi shing is allowed in the basin ONLY gaged in legal hunting or training during the • The use of electric motors for boat propulsion at places and times designated. The west bank is permitted on all Commission lakes. The use of seasons established by the Pennsylvania of Walnut Creek is closed to all access from the Game Commission. internal combustion engines is not permitted. mouth to the fi rst bridge.

34 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY 2008 FISH CONSUMPTION

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING FISH Spacing the meals out helps prevent the contaminants from building up to harmful levels Fish are nutritious and good to eat. Fish are low in fat, high in protein and provide in the body. For example, if the fi sh you eat is in the “One Meal a Month Group”, wait substantial human health benefi ts. Fish provide valuable vitamins and and a month before eating another meal of fi sh from any restricted category. benefi cial oils that are low in saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fi sh are also Women beyond their childbearing years and men generally face fewer health risks benefi cial, particularly in terms of cardiovascular health. Preliminary evidence suggests from these contaminants. However, it is recommended that you also follow the advisory that early exposure to omega-3 fats may enhance brain development as well. The federal to reduce your total exposure to contaminants. For these groups, it is the total number Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers eat a balanced diet, of meals that you eat during the year that becomes important and many of those meals choosing a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, foods that are low in trans can be eaten during a few months of the year. If most of the fi sh you eat are from the fat and saturated fat, as well as foods rich in high fi ber grains and nutrients. A diet that “One Meal a Month” category, you should not exceed 12 meals per year. includes a variety of fi sh and shellfi sh can be an important part of a balanced healthy Sometimes, anglers catch fi sh with external growths, sores, or other lesions. Such diet. The U.S. FDA, EPA, the American Heart Association, and other nutrition experts abnormalities generally result from viral or bacterial infections and may occasionally recommend eating two meals (12 oz) of fi sh per week. Following these advisories means be caused by exposure to certain chemical contaminants. The appearance of viral or that you should feel comfortable making one of those meals (up to 8 oz) a recreationally bacterial infections in fi sh may be unsightly, but there is no evidence to suggest that caught Pennsylvania sport fi sh. these infections pose a threat to consumers of these fi sh. Whether or not to eat such fi sh is a matter of personal choice. CONTAMINANTS IN FISH While most recreationally caught sport fi sh in Pennsylvania are safe to eat, chemicals CLEANING AND COOKING YOUR FISH such as and PCBs have been found in some fi sh from certain waters. While the PCBs and most other organic contaminants usually build up in a fi sh’s fat deposits levels of these unavoidable chemical contaminants are usually low, they could potentially and just underneath the skin. By removing the skin and fat before cooking, you can be a health concern to pregnant and breast-feeding women, women of childbearing age, reduce the levels of these chemicals. Mercury, however, collects in the fi sh’s muscle children and individuals whose diet consists of a high percentage of fi sh. and cannot be reduced by cleaning and cooking methods. To reduce PCBs and other Long lasting contaminants such as PCBs, chlordane, and mercury build up in your organics: body over time. It may take months or years of regularly eating contaminated fi sh to • Remove all skin. build up amounts that are a health concern. Health problems that may result from the • Slice off fat belly meat along the bottom of the fi sh. contaminants found in fi sh range from small changes in health that are hard to detect • Cut away any fat above the fi sh’s backbone. to birth defects and cancer. Mothers who eat highly contaminated fi sh for many years • Cut away the V-shaped wedge of fat along the lateral line on each side of the fi sh. before becoming pregnant may have children who are slower to develop and learn. • Bake or broil trimmed fish on a rack or grill so some of the remaining fat drips The meal advice in this advisory is intended to protect children from these potential away. developmental problems. Adults are less likely to have health problems at the low levels • Discard any drippings. Do not eat them or use them for cooking other foods, or in that affect children. If you follow this advisory over your lifetime, you will minimize your preparing other sauces. exposure and reduce health risks associated with contaminants in fi sh

INTRODUCTION TO FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES It is important to note that we are not recommending that you stop eating sport caught fi sh, except where “Do Not Eat” is shown in the advisory listing. When properly prepared, FATTY eating fi sh regularly offers important health benefi ts as a good choice to replace high AREAS TRIM AWAY DOTTED AREAS fat foods. You will gain those benefi ts if you follow the sport fi sh consumption advisory carefully to: choose safer places to fi sh; pick safer species to eat; trim and cook your catch correctly; and follow the recommended meal frequencies. Using this advice, you will reduce your exposure to possible contaminants. IMPORTANT: You must follow these cleaning and Consumption advisories provide guidance to individuals or segments of the popu- cooking directions. The meal advice is for eating lation that are at greater risk from exposure to contaminants in fi sh. Advisories are skinned and trimmed fi sh. not regulatory standards, but are recommendations intended to provide additional Also remember that larger and older fi sh tend to collect more contaminants, and information of particular interest to high-risk groups. These advisories apply only to fatty fi sh (such as channel catfi sh, carp, and eels) tend to collect PCBs and other recreationally caught sport fi sh in Pennsylvania, not commercial fi sh. The federal Food organic chemicals. Therefore, eating smaller, younger fi sh and avoiding fatty species and Drug Administration establishes the legal standards for contaminants in food sold can help limit your exposure. Your exposure depends not only on levels in the fi sh, commercially, including fi sh. but also the amount of fi sh you eat. The consumption of any fi sh from contaminated STATEWIDE ADVISORY waters is a matter of personal choice. Pennsylvania has issued a general, statewide health advisory for recreationally Trout stocked from Fish & Boat Commission state fish hatcheries are caught sport fi sh. That advice is that you eat no more than one meal (one-half pound) subject to the blanket one-meal-per-week consumption advisory that applies per week of sport fi sh caught in the state’s waterways. This general advice was issued to recreationally caught sport fi sh in Pennsylvania. If additional consumption to protect against eating large amounts of fi sh that have not been tested or that may advisories for state hatchery trout are appropriate for 2008, they will be an- contain unidentifi ed contaminants. nounced in February or March 2008. HOW TO USE THIS ADVISORY FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Follow the general, statewide one meal per week advisory to limit your exposure to The advisory listing was current at the time this summary went to press. Fish contaminants. To determine if more protective advice applies to the fi sh you have caught, consumption advisories may have been issued or lifted since that time. Notice of fi nd the locations and species of fi sh you’ve caught in the tables that follow. Find the such actions has been released to the public through press releases. meal advice for the fi sh you’ve caught. “Do Not Eat” means no one should eat those fi sh For further information or the most current advice, contact: because of very high contamination. The other groups (“Two meals a Month”, “One Meal a Month”, “One Meal Every Two Months”) are advice for how often to eat a fi sh meal. Dept. of Environmental Protection: 717-787-9637, web site: www.depweb. One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fi sh (8 oz before cooking) for a 150- state.pa.us. For questions concerning current advisory listings, waters sampled, pound person. The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger sampling methods. meals, and smaller people who eat smaller meals. Dept. of Health: 717-787-1708, web site: www.health.state.pa.us. For questions People who regularly eat sport fi sh, women of childbearing age, and children are about effects of chemicals on human health. particularly susceptible to contaminants that build up over time. If you fall into one of these categories, you should be especially careful to space fi sh meals out according to Fish & Boat Commission: 814-359-5147, web site: www.fi sh.state.pa.us. For the advisory tables that follow. Your body can get rid of some contaminants over time. questions about effects of chemicals on fi sheries, current advisory listings.

TO2008 FIND Pennsylvania THE STOCKING Summary DAY ofOF Fishing TROUT Regulations STREAMS ANDand Laws LAKES NEAR YOU, VISIT www.WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US.fi sh.state.pa.us 35 2007 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES NO-KILL ZONE Water Body No-Kill Zone Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Valley Creek at Valley Forge (Chester Co.) Entire basin All Unlawful to kill or possess any fi sh PCB DELAWARE RIVER BASIN Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Brandywine Creek (Chester Co.) From U.S. 1 at Chadds Ford to PA/DE border American eel Do Not Eat Chlordane Beltzville Lake () (Carbon Co.) Entire lake Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Bush Kill (Monroe and Pike Co.) Confl uence of Saw Creek to mouth American eel 2 meals/month Mercury Delaware River Source to Trenton, NJ-Morrisville, PA bridge American eel 2 meals/month Mercury Delaware Estuary, including the tidal portion of all Trenton, NJ-Morrisville, PA Bridge White perch, Channel catfi sh 1 meal/month PCB PA tributaries and the Schuylkill River to the Fair- to PA/DE border Flathead catfi sh, Striped bass mount Dam (Bucks, Philadelphia, & Delaware Co.) American eel, Carp Do Not Eat PCB Lake Wallenpaupack (Pike & Wayne Co.) Entire lake Walleye 1 meal/month Mercury Lehigh River (Northampton Co.) Confl uence of Saucon Creek to mouth Carp, American eel 1 meal/month PCB Levittown Lake (Bucks Co.) Entire lake White perch 1 meal/month PCB Little Neshaminy Creek (Bucks Co.) Entire basin Carp 1 meal/month PCB Promised Land Lake Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury () (Pike Co.) Prompton Reservoir Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury (W. Br. Lackawaxen River) (Wayne Co.) Walleye 2 meals/month Red Clay Creek (Chester Co.) Entire basin (includes all tributaries) American eel 1 meal/month PCB Schuylkill River (Schuylkill Co.) Confl uence of Mill Cr. at Port Carbon Brook trout Do Not Eat PCB to Auburn Dam Brown trout, Rainbow trout 6 meals/year Schuylkill River (Schuylkill & Berks Co.) Confl uence of Mahannon Cr. at Landingville Bluegill, Brown bullhead 1 meal/month PCB to Kernsville Dam Schuylkill River Felix Dam above Reading to Black Rock Dam Carp, Channel catfi sh 6 meals/year PCB (Berks, Chester, & Montgomery Co.) above Phoenixville Schuylkill River Black Rock Dam to Fairmount Dam Carp Do Not Eat PCB (Chester, Montgomery, & Phila. Co.) in Philadelphia Channel catfi sh, Flathead catfi sh 1 meal/month Schuylkill River Felix Dam above Reading to Fairmount Dam American eel Do Not Eat PCB (Berks, Chester, Montgomery & Philadelphia Co.) White sucker 1 meal/mouth Tobyhanna Creek (Carbon and Monroe Co.) Pocono Lake dam to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Tulpehocken Creek (Berks Co.) Blue Marsh Dam to mouth Brown trout, Rainbow trout 1 meal/month PCB West Branch Brandywine Creek (Chester Co.) From business Rt. 30 (Lincoln Highway) American eel 6 meals/year PCB in Coatesville to confl uence of Buck Run West Branch Delaware River (Wayne Co.) Entire section in PA Brown trout 2 meals/month Mercury West Branch Schuylkill River (Schuylkill Co.) Entire basin Brook trout 1 meal/month PCB SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Big Elk Creek (Chester Co.) Confl uence of East and West Branches American eel 2 meals/month Mercury to PA/MD border Black Moshannon State Park Lake (Centre Co.) Entire lake Chain pickerel 1 meal/month Mercury (Bradford Co.) NY/PA border to mouth Channel catfi sh 2 meals/month Mercury Smallmouth bass 1 meal/mouth (Lancaster Co.) Slackwater to mouth Rock bass 2 meals/month Mercury Cowanesque Reservoir (Tioga Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Cowanesque River (Tioga Co.) Cowanesque Reservoir dam to PA/NY border Black crappie 2 meals/month Mercury First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek-George B. Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Stevenson Dam () (Cameron & Potter Co.) First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek (Cameron Co.) George B. Stevenson Dam to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Fishing Creek (Columbia Co.) SR 4008 bridge near Light Street to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Hammond Reservoir (Tioga Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Hunters Lake (Sullivan Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Jacks Creek (Miffl in Co.) Paintersville Bridge to mouth Brown trout, Bluegill, Rock bass, 1 meal/month PCB Fallfi sh, White sucker Kettle Creek Lake () (Clinton Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Kettle Creek (Clinton Co.) Alvin R. Bush Dam to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Lackawanna Lake Entire lake Bluegill 2 meals/month Mercury () (Lackawanna Co.) Lake Jean Entire lake Chain pickerel 1 meal/month Mercury () (Sullivan and Luzerne Co.) Yellow perch 2 meals/month Lake Winola (Wyoming Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Laurel Lake (Cumberland Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Lily Lake (Luzerne Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Logan Branch (Centre Co.) Axemann to mouth Brown trout 1 meal/month PCB Loyalsock Creek (Sullivan and Lycoming Co.) Confl uence of Little Loyalsock Creek Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury at Forksville to mouth 36 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Middle Creek (Snyder Co.) SR 0035 bridge to mouth Rock bass 2 meals/month Mercury Penns Creek (Snyder and Union Co.) Confl uence of Laurel Run to SR 0204 Rock bass 2 meals/month Mercury at New Berlin Pine Creek (Tioga Co.) Confl uence of Painter Run to confl uence of Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Fourmile Run near Colton Sinnemahoning Creek (Clinton and Cameron Co.) Confl uence of Lower Jerry Run to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Sugar Creek (Bradford Co.) Confl uence of Bailey Run to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Sunfi sh Pond (Bradford Co.) Entire pond Largemouth bass, Yellow perch 2 meals/month Mercury Susquehanna River (Susquehanna Co.) Entire section in PA from the NY border above Smallmouth bass, Fallfi sh 2 meals/month Mercury Starrucca Creek to the NY border below Great Bend Susquehanna River (Bradford and Wyoming Co.) NY border above Sayre to PA Route 92 bridge at Falls Walleye 1 meal/month Mercury Channel catfi sh 1 meal/month PCB Susquehanna River (Wyoming, Lackawanna, PA Route 92 bridge at Falls to confl uence with West Br. Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Luzerne, Columbia, Northumberland, All suckers Do Not Eat PCB and Montour Co.) Channel catfi sh, Quillback, 1 meal/month PCB Carp, and Walleye Tioga River (Tioga Co.) Confl uence of Crooked Creek to PA/NY border Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Towanda Creek (Bradford Co.) Confl uence of Schrader Creek to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Trindle Spring Run (locally Silver Spring Run) Silver Spring Meeting House to mouth (approx. 1 mile) Rainbow trout 1 meal/month PCB (Cumberland Co.) Tunkhannock Creek (Wyoming Co.) Confl uence of South Branch to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Tuscarora Creek (Juniata Co.) SR 3008 bridge above Port Royal to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury West Branch Susquehanna River (Clinton, Bald Eagle Creek to I-80 bridge Channel catfi sh 1 meal/month PCB Lycoming, Union, and Northumberland Co.) West Conewago Creek (York Co.) SR 0295 bridge to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury White Deer Creek (Union Co.) I-80 bridge to mouth Brown trout 2 meals/month Mercury Wyalusing Creek (Bradford Co.) SR 0706 bridge at Camptown to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Yellow Breeches Creek (Cumberland Co.) SR 3017 bridge at Huntsdale to confl uence of Spruce White sucker, Brown trout 1 meal/month PCB Run

OHIO RIVER BASIN Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Allegheny River (McKean Co.) Confl uence of Potato Creek to PA/NY border Smallmouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Allegheny Res. (Warren and McKean Co.) Entire lake Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Allegheny River (Warren Co.) Kinzua Dam to confl uence of Morse Run Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Allegheny River (Forest Co.) Warren/Forest County line to confl uence of Tubbs Run Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Allegheny River (Venango Co.) Confl . of Sandy Ck to confl uence of Witherup Rn at St. George Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Allegheny River (Armstrong Co.) Pool 6 - Lock & Dam 7 to Lock & Dam 6 Carp 1 meal/month PCB Allegheny River (Allegheny Co.) From Lock & Dam 3 to the Point in Pittsburgh Carp, Channel catfi sh 1 meal/month PCB Beaver River (Lawrence & Beaver Co.) Confl .of Mahoning and Shenango Rivers to New Brighton Dam Carp, Channel catfi sh 6 meals/year PCB Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Beaver River (Beaver Co.) New Brighton Dam to mouth Carp, Channel catfi sh Do Not Eat PCB Beaver Run Reservoir (Westmoreland Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Brokenstraw Creek (Warren Co.) Confl uence of Little Brokenstraw Creek to mouth Golden redhorse 2 meals/month Mercury Chartiers Creek Canonsburg to mouth Largemouth bass 1 meal/month PCB, Chlordane (Allegheny & Washington Co.) Carp Do Not Eat Smallmouth bass 6 meals/year PCB Clarion River (Clarion Co.) Confl .of Canoe Creek above Callensburg to confl . of Turkey Run Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Conemaugh R. (Indiana & Westmoreland Co.) Conemaugh Lake dam to mouth Carp 1 meal/month PCB Conewango Creek (Warren Co.) NY/PA border to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Conneaut Lake (Crawford Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Dunkard Creek (Greene Co.) Confl uence of Toms Run to confl uence of Roberts Run Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Dunkard Creek (Greene Co.) SR 2021 bridge to mouth Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury East Branch Lake (E. Br. Clarion R.) (Elk Co.) Entire lake Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Eaton Reservoir (Erie Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Walleye Edinboro Lake (Erie Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury French Creek (Erie, Crawford , Mercer, & Entire basin Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Venango Co.) Lake LeBoeuf (Erie Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Muskellunge, Carp Lake Pleasant (Erie Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Mahoning River (Lawrence Co.) Entire portion in PA Carp 6 meals/year PCB Monongahela River (Fayette & Greene Co.) Point Marion Lock & Dam to Grays Landing Lock & Dam Carp 1 meal/month PCB Monongahela River (Fayette & Washington Co.) Pool 4 - Maxwell Lock & Dam to Channel catfi sh Do Not Eat Chlordane Lock & Dam 4 Carp 1 meal/month PCB Monongahela River Pool 3 - Lock & Dam 4 to Lock & Dam 3 Carp 1 meal/month PCB (Allegheny, Washington & Westmoreland Co.) Monongahela River (Allegheny Co.) Pool 2 - Lock & Dam 3 to Lock & Dam 2 Carp 1 meal/month PCB Monongahela River (Allegheny Co.) From Lock & Dam 2 to the Point in Pittsburgh Freshwater drum 6 meals/year PCB Carp Do Not Eat Channel catfi sh 1 meal/month

TO2008 FIND Pennsylvania THE STOCKING Summary DAY ofOF Fishing TROUT Regulations STREAMS andAND Laws LAKES NEAR YOU, VISIT www.WWW.FISH.STATE.PA.US.fi sh.state.pa.us 37 FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY

Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Ohio River (Allegheny and Beaver Co.) From the Point in Pittsburgh to the Montgomery Walleye, Sauger, White Bass, & 1 meal/month PCB Lock and Dam Freshwater drum Carp, Channel catfi sh Do Not Eat Ohio River From Montgomery Lock and Dam to the state border. White bass, Hybrid-striped 1 meal/month PCB Based on advisory issued by Ohio and West bass, Freshwater drum, & Walleye 17” and over Flathead catfi sh 6 meals/year Channel catfi sh under 17” Channel catfi sh over17” Do Not Eat Carp Oil Creek (Venango Co.) SR 1004 bridge at Petroleum Center to mouth Smallmouth bass 1 meal/month Mercury Shenango River (Mercer & Lawrence Co.) Shenango Lake dam to mouth Muskellunge, Carp Do Not Eat PCB Largemouth bass, Smallmouth 1 meal/month bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Sunfi sh, Channel catfi sh, White sucker Sugar Lake (Crawford Co.) Entire lake Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Tamarack Lake (Crawford Co.) Entire lake Muskellunge 1 meal/month Mercury Walleye 2 meals/month Thorn Creek (Butler Co.) Source to SR 2012 bridge at Frazier Mill Trout 2 meals/month Mercury Tionesta Creek (Warren and Forest Co.) SR 0666 bridge at Henrys Mills to Tionesta Res.dam Smallmouth bass, Golden redhorse 2 meals/month Mercury Traverse Creek (Beaver Co.) Source to dam in Raccoon State Park Largemouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Tunungwant Creek (McKean Co.) Confl uence of East and West Branches to PA/NY border Carp 2 meals/month Mercury West Branch Caldwell Creek(Warren Co.) Entire basin Brown trout 2 meals/month Mercury Youghiogheny R. Lake (Fayette/Somerset Co.) Entire lake Smallmouth bass, Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury Youghiogheny River (Fayette and Somerset Co.) Youghiogheny Lake dam to confl uence of Lick Run Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury LAKE ERIE BASIN Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Lake Erie (Erie Co.) Open waters Walleye under 23” 2 meals/month Mercury Walleye over 23” , Coho salmon*, Steelhead* (Rainbow trout), Smallmouth bass, 1 meal/month PCB White perch, White bass, Lake whitefi sh, Carp under 20”, Freshwater drum, Lake trout, & Channel catfi sh Carp over 20” Do Not Eat Lake Erie (Erie Co.) Presque Isle Bay Smallmouth bass, Northern pike, White perch, Freshwater drum, Bowfi n, Carp, 1 meal/month PCB Coho salmon*, & Steelhead* (Rainbow Trout) Conneaut Creek (Erie Co.) SR 0215 bridge to PA/OH border Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury * Salmon and trout are migratory. They may be found seasonally in Presque Isle Bay or Lake Erie tributary streams. Trout, salmon and other fi sh, whether caught in the lake or elsewhere, should be treated as Lake Erie fi sh. BASIN Water Body Area Under Advisory Species Meal Frequency Contaminant Licking Creek (Fulton & Franklin Co.) Confl uence of Big Cove Creek to PA/MD border Smallmouth bass 2 meals/month Mercury Meadow Grounds Lake (Fulton Co.) Entire lake Walleye 2 meals/month Mercury

2008 Recognizing and Reporting POLLUTION or PA Trout Fishing DISTURBANCE of Waterways POLLUTION or DISTURBANCE of any waterway or watershed is a serious violation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code that must be recognized and reported to your local waterways conservation offi cer. The law April 12 provides for criminal penalties for pollution or disturbances. Two POLLUTION is an introduction into any waterway of anything that “might” harm or kill fi sh. Examples of “pollut- Opening* ants” are: Electricity, explosives, runoff, , insecticides, poisons, high volumes of extremely hot Days! March 29 water, liquid concrete or cement, paint, chemicals, petroleum products like gasoline or oil, brine runoff from gas or water well drilling, and waste. Common pollution indicators are: Dead fi sh including crayfi sh, frogs, and any other types of aquatic life; strange odors like manure, sewage, or chemicals; muddy, cloudy, or discolored water; shiny, oily sheen on water’s surface; foamy material fl oating on the surface; and extremely muddy water. DISTURBANCE of waterways or watersheds includes any alteration of a waterway, its banks, bed, or fi sh that “might” cause damage to or kill fi sh. Common disturbance indicators are: Removal of gravel from stream beds; earth-moving in or along a waterway; dragging logs across stream banks and through stream beds; *Early opening in 18 southeastern installing pipes or culverts; building or installing bridges; making roadways through or along a stream; draining counties a waterway, or watershed; or changing the channel fl ow of a waterway. Various types of permits are required for any such work. If you see anything suspected to be a pollution or disturbance of any waterway, regardless of how seemingly insignifi cant, report it immediately by calling the local Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission regional law enforce- photo-Stephen Hartt Get more information at ment offi ce listed on page 42 of this publication or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at www.FishandBoat.com 1-800-541-2050 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

38 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws STOP AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES It is UNLAWFUL to possess, to introduce or import, transport, sell, purchase, offer for sale, or barter the following live species in the Common- wealth: snakehead (all species), black carp, bighead carp, silver carp, zebra mussel, quagga mussel, European rudd, rusty crayfi sh, ruffe, round goby, and tubenose goby. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic animals and plants that have been introduced into waterways in which they do not live naturally. They Tired of looking? for the news? have harmful effects on the natural resources in these ecosystems and the human uses of these resources. Some other least-wanted ANS in We have the answer! Pennsylvania are European ruffe, sea lamprey, hydrilla, spiny water fl ea, purple loosestrife, Eurasian watermilfoil, Asian clam, and red- Sign up to have eared slider (turtle). Help prevent the spread of ANS by doing the following: PA Fish & Boat Commission • When retrieving your boat for the day, check your boat, motor, and trailer for weeds and other news sent directly to your inbox. items “tagging along.” • Wash your boat’s hull with hot water or with a high-pressure spray. • Drain livewells, bilges, other compartments, and To fi nd out more, go to all standing water from the boat. • Don’t dump leftover bait into the water you’re the Commission’s e-alerts page: fi shing, unless you collected the bait there. Pennsylvania has laws for the propagation, stocking, www.fi shandboat.com/newsreleases/edelivery.htm. transportation and importing of fi sh. See Chapter 71 of the Fish and Boat Code. PFBC FREE PUBLICATIONS

Please indicate the requested titles with a check mark. Single copies are free. Limit: 6 pamphlets. For multiple copies of the same title, please call the Commission at 717-705-7835.

❑ Pocket Guide Commonwealth inland waters, Big Bass Program regulations ❑ A SmartStart for Safe Paddling Safety Tips for Paddlers ❑ Angler Award Program State records, big fish, first fish, rules and application ❑ Basics of Water Pollution Types of water pollution, effects on resources ❑ Careers with the PFBC Opportunity descriptions, civil service, non-civil service ❑ Drinking, Boating and the Law Commonly asked questions with answers ❑ Fish Scale Sketch Commission overview, mission and programs ❑ Fishing and Boating Map Accesses and amenities, with PennDOT highway map ❑ Great Fishing Needs Great Habitat Brochure about habitat components ❑ Hazards on the Water Recognizing, avoiding dangers to boaters ❑ I Just Bought a Boat, Now What Do I Do? Boat registration’s frequently asked questions ❑ Paddle Pennsylvania Water trail listings, map and launch permit application ❑ PA Fishes Identification Guide Quick reference with illustrations, depicts over 90 fish species ❑ Snakes in Pennsylvania Biology, identification, venomous, non-venomous

Name

Address

City State ZIP PUBS08 Please mail entire form to: Educational Media Services, PA Fish & Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Or fax to Educational Media Services at 717-705-7831. Publication requests can be emailed with publication title(s) and complete shipping information to: [email protected]. 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 39 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Products

Name email (optional)

Street Address

City State Zip

Wall Chart Sets (17” x 22” - Full Color): Price Quantity Subtotal A Set of: Coldwater Fishes, Coolwater/ A C Warmwater Fishes, Migratory Fishes, Miscellaneous Fishes, Panfi shes, Forage Fishes (6 posters) $5.66 B Set of: Frogs, Salamanders, Snakes, Turtles (4 posters) $3.77

Educational Books: D I C Pennsylvania Amphibians & Reptiles $9.43 D Pennsylvania Fishes $9.43 Collectible Patches (fully embroidered): J E NEW! 2008 Northern Fence Lizard $4.71 B F NEW! 2008 PLAY Patch-Muskellunge $2.83 G G 2006 Red-bellied Turtle $4.71 H 2006 Wood Turtle $4.71 I 2007 Green Salamander $4.71 H J 2007 Northern Red Salamander $4.71 K 2005 PLAY Patch-Bluegill (25th Anniversary) $2.83 L 2006 PLAY Patch-Yellow Perch $2.83 M 2007 PLAY Patch-Smallmouth Bass $2.83 E 2008 N “I’m a Pennsylvania Angler” Patch $2.83 N O “I’m a Pennsylvania Boater” Patch $2.83

NORTHERN FENCE LIZARD ©PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION F O 2008 Other Products: SINCE MUSKELLUNGE 1980 S P “Resource First” Short 16 oz. Mug $4.71 Q PENNSYLVANIA LEAGUE OF ANGLING YOUTH Q “Resource First” Tall 16 oz. Mug $4.71 M P R “Go Fish” Game Cards $4.71 S PFBC Safety Whistle $5.66 Products/Publications Total L PA Residents Add 6% State Sales Tax ugust 2006 July/A $ 3.00 Subtotal R Shipping & Handling for Orders Under $10.00 - Add $2.00 K Shipping & Handling for Orders of $10.00 or More - Add $3.00 PA Angler & Boater Subscriptions/Renewals - Subscribe Today! YES! Enter my subscription for ONE YEAR (6 issues) $12.00

YES! Enter my subscription for THREE YEARS (18 issues) $30.00 For more products, NEW RENEWAL Account # (if renewing) TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

order online at: FishandBoat.com. SUM08 Please mail entire form to: PA Fish & Boat Commission, Educational Media Services, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Use check or money order for remittance made payable to: PA Fish & Boat Commission. Prices subject to change without notice. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. 40 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws Whatever the Season...

July/August 2006 $3.00 get hooked on

PA Fish & Boat Commission web site: www.fish.state.pa.us spring summer AnglerBoater.com 6 BIGBIG IssuesIssues per year! No matter what time of year, PA Angler & Boater

ININ TTHISHIS Steelhead,Steelhead, Muskies,Muskies, January/February 2005 $3.00 LargemouthLargemouth Bass,Bass, magazine is your guide to better fi shing and ISSUE:ISSUE: WhiteWhite BassBass andand more!more!

September/OctoberSeptember/October 20042004 boating in Pennsylvania. $3.003.00

www.fish.state.pa.uswww.fish.state.pa.us www.fish.state.pa.us zDiscover the best places to catch fi sh. zRead expert advice on hauling in the big ones. zLearn new fi shing techniques. zFind out more about fi shing and boating in Pennsylvania’s state parks. And much more! “PA Angler & Boater gets me going. For decades, articles The Keystone State’s TheThe KeystoneKeystone SState'state's OfficialOfficial FishingFishing aandnd BBoatingoating MMagazineagazine Official www.fish.state.pa.us Fishing & Boating Magazine Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • January-February 2005 1 have reminded me how much fun it is to fi sh a stream for trout, to fi sh crappies in the spring, or to go after steelhead fall winter in the fall.”—Blair Smoulder, longtime subscriber. Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - Subscribe Today!

Name ❑ New ❑ Address Renewing or extending current subscription ❑ One year (6 issues) $12 City State Zip ❑ Three years (18 issues) $30

Acct. number if renewing or extending Payment must accompany orders. Use check or money order made payable to Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Return this form with payment to: PA&B Circulation, PA Fish & Boat Com- mission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Subscription prices may change without notice. Allow 45 days to receive the fi rst issue. PAB08 TOTAL ENCLOSED

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE For over 75 Years, PA’s offi cial fi shing & boating magazine www.fi shandboat.com 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fi sh.state.pa.us 41 INDEX/PFBC INFORMATION CONTACTS

Use the following contacts for answers to your questions or better yet, go online to the PFBC INDEX web site (www.fi sh.state.pa.us) for a wealth of information about fi shing and boating. REFERENCE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Catch and Release Guidelines 26 Fish Consumption Advisory 35 STATE HEADQUARTERS PLEASANT GAP COMPLEX FISHING LICENSES: Fish Identifi cation 1601 Elmerton Avenue 450 Robinson Lane Phone: (717)705-7930 Trout 11 P.O. Box 67000 Bellefonte, PA 16823 Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Pickerel 27 Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000 Phone: (814)359-5100 BOAT REGISTRATION/TITLING: Panfi sh 27 Phone: (717)705-7800 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Phone: (866)262-8734 or Information Contacts, PFBC 42 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Phone: (717)705-7940 Pollution, Recognizing and Reporting 38 Monday through Friday BOATING SAFETY PUBLICATIONS: What’s New for 2008 5 EDUCATION COURSES Phone: (717)705-7833 REGULATIONS BY LOCATION Phone: (888)723-4741 Boundary Waters 10 Catch and Release Lakes Program 26 REGION OFFICES: LAW ENFORCEMENT/EDUCATION Conowingo Reservoir 10 Delaware River and estuary 8 Contact Law Enforcement for information about regulations and fi shing and boating opportunities. Inland Waters 6 Contact Education for information about fi shing and boating programs and boating safety education. Lake Erie and tributary streams 9 NORTHWEST REGION SOUTHCENTRAL REGION Misc. Waters with Special Regulations 28 11528 SH 98, Meadville, PA 16335 1704 Pine Road, Newville, PA 17241 Northeast Region 21-22 Law Enforcement: Education: Law Enforcement: Education: Northcentral Region 18-21 (814)337-0444 (814)336-2426 (717)486-7087 (717)705-7850 Northwest Region 17-18 Fax (814)337-0579 Fax (814)337-0579 Fax (717)486-8227 Fax (717)705-7831 Pymatuning Reservoir 10 Counties: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Southcentral Region 14-16 Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Southeast Region 13-14 Juniata, Lebanon, Miffl in, Perry, York Southwest Region 16-17 SOUTHWEST REGION 236 Lake Road, Somerset, PA 15501 NORTHEAST REGION REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Law Enforcement: Education: P.O. Box 88, Sweet Valley, PA 18656 Big Bass Program 7 (814)445-8974 (814)443-9841 Law Enforcement: Education: Blue Crabs, Delaware River 8 Fax (814)445-3497 Fax (814)445-3497 (570)477-5717 (570)477-2206 Brood Stock Lakes Program 27 Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fax (570)477-3221 (570)477-3221 Trout Fishing 11 Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Counties: Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Approved Trout Waters 11 Washington, Westmoreland Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Approved Trout Waters Open Year-Round 11 Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming Catch and Release 12 NORTHCENTRAL REGION Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only 12 466 Robinson Lane, P.O. Box 5306 SOUTHEAST REGION Catch and Release All Tackle 12 Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 P.O. Box 9, Elm, PA 17521 Delayed Harvest Artifi cial Lures Only 12 Law Enforcement: Education: Law Enforcement: Education: Early Season Trout-Stocked Waters (814)359-5250 (814)359-5193 (717)626-0228 (717)626-9081 Program 12 Fax (814)359-5254 Fax (814)359-5153 (717)626-0486 Fax (717)626-0486 Regional Opening Day of Trout Season 11 Counties: Cameron, Centre, Clearfi eld, Counties: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Trophy Trout, All Tackle 12 Clinton, Columbia, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Trophy Trout Projects 12 McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Philadelphia, Schuylkill Wild Brook Trout Enhancement Program 12 Snyder, Tioga, Union Panfi sh Enhancement Special Regulations 27 Reptiles and Amphibians 29 STATE FISH HATCHERIES REQUIREMENTS & LAW Alcohol, Boating Under the Infl uence 33 BELLEFONTE* BENNER SPRING OSWAYO* REYNOLDSDALE* Aquatic Nuisance Species 39 1150 Spring Creek Road RESEARCH STATION 96 State Route 244 East 162 Fish Hatchery Road Bellefonte, PA 16823 1225 Shiloh Road Coudersport, PA 16915 New Paris, PA 15554 Bait 32 (814) 355-3371 State College, PA 16801 (814) 698-2102 (814) 839-2211 Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit 31 BIG SPRING (814) 355-4837 TIONESTA* Children, Assistance to 31 PLEASANT GAP* 844 Big Spring Road HUNTSDALE* 450 Robinson Lane HCR2 Box 1 Endangered Species 29 Newville, PA 17241 195 Lebo Road Pleasant Gap, PA 16823 Tionesta, PA 16353 Fishing Licenses, Types, Requirements, (717) 776-3170 Carlisle, PA 17013 (814) 359-5121 (814) 755-3524 and Pricing 30 CORRY* (717) 486-3419 PLEASANT MOUNT* TYLERSVILLE General Regulations 32 13365 Route 6 LINESVILLE* P.O. Box 3 43 Hatchery Lane Life Jacket Requirements 33 Corry, PA 16407 13300 Hartstown Road Pleasant Mount, PA Loganton, PA 17747 Permits (Trout, Lake Erie, and Combo) 31 (814) 664-2122 Linesville, PA 16424 18453 (570) 725-3965 Persons with Disabilities 31 FAIRVIEW (814) 683-4451 (570) 448-2101 UNION CITY PFBC Property/Dog Regulations 34 2000 Lohrer Road * Includes visitor center. Visitors are welcome 9450 Route 6 Tackle and Equipment 32 Fairview, PA 16415 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Union City, PA 16438 Unlawful Acts 33 (814) 474-1514 Groups should make advance arrangements. (814) 664-2122

42 www.fi sh.state.pa.us 2008 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws