ALL FISH SPECIES–INLAND WATERS COMMONWEALTH INLAND WATERS-2016 (includes the Youghiogheny River and does not include special regulation areas.) Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit All Species of Trout and Salmon Regional Opening Day of Trout Season* - April 2 at 7 inches 5-streams, and ponds 8 a.m. through Sept. 5 (only 18 southeastern PA counties) (combined species)

Regular Season - April 16 at 8 a.m. through Sept. 5 7 inches 5-streams, lakes and ponds (combined species) Extended Season: Stocked trout waters and all 7 inches 3 (combined species) waters downstream of stocked trout waters. Jan. 1 through Feb. 29 and Sept. 6 through Dec. 31 Additional regulations may apply- Extended Season: Class A wild trout stream sections. NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only see Trout Regulations-pages 20-29 Jan. 1 through Feb. 29 and Sept. 6 through Dec. 31 Class A stream listing: http://www.fishandboat.com/classa.pdf Bass-Lakes Jan. 1 through April 15 and Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 15 inches 4 (combined species) Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted April 16 through June 17 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted) Additional regulations may apply- see page 11 June 18 through Oct. 31 12 inches 6 (combined species) Bass-Rivers and Streams Jan. 1 through April 15 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 15 inches 4 (combined species) Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted April 16 through June 17 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted) Additional regulations may apply- see page 11 June 18 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 Walleye and Saugeye (Hybrids) Jan. 1 through March 14 and May 7 through Dec. 31 15 inches 6 Sauger Jan. 1 through March 14 and May 7 through Dec. 31 12 inches 6 American Shad*** Open year-round No minimum 3 American Shad Open year-round - Lehigh River, Schuylkill River**** and tributaries NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only American Shad CLOSED YEAR-ROUND River Herring*** Susquehanna River and tributaries Hickory Shad*** CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Herring, Gizzard Shad Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) American Eel Open year-round 9 inches 25 Striped Bass and Striped Bass/ Open year-round 20 inches 2 (combined species) White Bass Hybrids Sunfish, , White Perch, Crappies, Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) Catfish, Rock Bass, Suckers, Carp, White Bass, Bowfin and other gamefish not otherwise listed Additional regulations may apply- see Panfish Enhancement Special Regulations-page 15 Baitfish/Fishbait*****(except Mudbugs/includes Crayfish) Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) Mudbugs (Dragonfly Nymphs) Open year-round No minimum Unlimited if taken from lakes, ponds, swamps and adjacent areas. 50 per day if taken from moving waters (rivers and streams) Mussels/Clams CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Paddlefish, Spotted Gar and other threatened and endangered species CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Seasons, sizes and creel limits – Except for trout season, **** Lehigh River upstream of the first dam in Easton, Pennsylvania and its NOTE: It is legal to fish for trout in Class A trout streams which begins at 8 a.m., all regulatory periods in the fishing regulations tributaries and the Schuylkill River upstream of the I-95 Bridge and its tributaries. year-round, with no harvest beginning the day after Labor Day are based on the calendar day, one of which ends at midnight and the NOTE: It is not a violation of the bass regulations if a bass is immediately through the opening day of trout season the following year. next of which begins immediately thereafter. returned unharmed to the waters from which it was taken. It is unlawful ***** BAITFISH includes all forms of minnows; suckers, chubs, * Includes only those waters in 18 southeastern PA counties and two for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest Fallfish, lampreys; Gizzard Shad; and all forms of darters, waters crossing from those counties listed in the Regional Opening or redd in an effort to catch or take bass. killifishes and stonecats (except those listed as threatened NOTE: For bass regulations, power dam pools and recreational dam Day of Trout Season (see pages 22, 23, 26 and 28). pools on the Susquehanna River and navigational dam pools on the Ohio or endangered species). Legally taken gamefish may be used ** Except those species in waters listed in the Brood Stock Lakes River drainage are “rivers.” It is unlawful to conduct a fishing tournament as bait. It is unlawful to use or possess goldfish, comets, Program. Tiger Muskellunge is a muskellunge hybrid. on the North Branch, West Branch or main stem of the Susquehanna koi and Common Carp as baitfish while fishing. FISHBAIT *** Unlawful to take, catch or kill American Shad, in the Susquehanna River River that allows a tournament angler to harvest bass. includes crayfish, crabs, and the nymphs, larvae and pupae and all its tributaries. River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring) has a NOTE: Stocked trout waters are closed to fishing from March 1 to the of all insects spending any part of their life cycle in the water. closed year-round season with zero daily limit applied to Susquehanna opening day of the regular trout season in April, unless included in the River and tributaries, Lehigh River and tributaries, Schuylkill River and Regional Opening Day of Trout Season or Stocked Trout Waters For all crayfish species, the head must be immediately tributaries, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware River, Delaware open to Year-Round Fishing. removed behind the eyes upon capture unless used as bait estuary, Delaware River tributaries upstream to the limit of the tidal NOTE: Landlocked Alewife taken from inland ponds, lakes or in the water from which taken. influence, and Conowingo . that are collected by legal means may be harvested for use as baitfish. 10 www.fishandboat.com 2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws PYMATUNING & CONOWINGO RESERVOIRS

PYMATUNING RESERVOIR FISHING PRIVILEGES Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit IN BOUNDARY WATERS The following fishing license agreements apply to Walleye and Saugeye (Hybrids) Open year-round 15 inches 6 (combined species) boundary waters. You must abide by all other rules Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth Open year-round 12 inches 5 and regulations of the state in which fishing and where Muskellunge and Open year-round 30 inches 2 (combined species) you launch or retrieve your boat. Tiger Muskellunge (Hybrids) A PENNSYLVANIA or MARYLAND LICENSE is All Other Species Open year-round No minimum None valid on the Conowingo Reservoir or Youghiogheny Baitfish/Fishbait* Open year-round No minimum None See page 8 for definitions River Lake when fishing from a boat (excluding coves Frogs and Tadpoles July 1 through Oct. 31 No minimum 15 and tributaries). DOES NOT INCLUDE SHORE Snapping Turtles July 1 through Oct. 31 No minimum 15 daily limit FISHING. 30 possession limit A PENNSYLVANIA or NEW YORK LICENSE is Turtles (all species other Open year-round No minimum 2 valid on the Delaware River (including West Branch) than Snapping Turtles) between New York and Pennsylvania when FISHING FROM A BOAT OR FROM EITHER SHORE. Mussels/Clams CLOSED YEAR-ROUND A PENNSYLVANIA or NEW JERSEY LICENSE Threatened and endangered CLOSED YEAR-ROUND is valid on the Delaware River between New Jersey species and Pennsylvania when FISHING FROM A BOAT OR FROM EITHER SHORE. A Pennsylvania fishing ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may license is required to fish in all other waters identified consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. on page 13 as being part of the Delaware Estuary. FOR PYMATUNING RESERVOIR Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no more A PENNSYLVANIA or OHIO LICENSE is valid on • Lights or firearms may not be used to take frogs. than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice the Pymatuning Reservoir when fishing from a boat. may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as • Hooks used to take turtles shall be at least 3.5 inches long DOES NOT INCLUDE SHORE FISHING. with at least 1 inch space between the point and shank. measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall • Spears, longbows, compound bows and crossbows may be under the immediate control of the person using them. A PENNSYLVANIA LICENSE is required to fish ONLY be used to take carp and suckers. NOTE: See this page for reciprocal fishing privileges Kinzua Reservoir in McKean and Warren counties. • Minnow seines and dip nets are restricted to 4 feet in size; between Pennsylvania and Ohio. No agreement has been established with New York. mesh must measure not less than one-eighth inch, nor NO FISHING AGREEMENTS have been made on larger than one-half inch on a side. *For all crayfish species, the head must be immediately any other boundary waters. • ICE FISHING – An Ohio or Pennsylvania fishing license is removed behind the eyes upon capture unless used as bait recognized anywhere on the lake. It is unlawful while ice in the water from which taken. TER ANGLER LTWA REG SA IST IA RY SALTWATER N P A R LV O Y G S R N A N M ANGLER E P

up to Holtwood Dam CONOWINGO RESERVOIR REGISTRY:

P E N DELAWARE RIVER N IO N S SY IS Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit LV M AN OM AND ESTUARY IA FIS OAT C All Species of Open year-round No minimum 2 (combined species) H & B Trout and Salmon Anglers who target or catch shad, striped bass and Bass: Jan. 1 through Feb. 12 inches 5 (combined species) river herring from the Delaware River below Trenton Largemouth, 29 and June 16 Falls or in the Delaware Estuary are required to Smallmouth through Dec. 31 register through the Fish and Boat Commission’s free Northern Pike Open year-round 30 inches 2 on-line system (PA-SARP); register, for a fee, with the Walleye Open year-round 15 inches 5 National Saltwater Angler Registry administered by Muskellunge and Open year-round 36 inches 1 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tiger Muskellunge (Hybrids) (NOAA); or meet the saltwater angler registration Pickerel Open year-round 14 inches 5 requirements of another state. Anglers do not need to register if they meet one of the following exceptions: Striped Bass and Striped Open year-round 18 inches 2 (combined species) Bass/White Bass Hybrids only one of which may • Are under the age of 16. exceed 30 inches • Hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit. Sunfish, , Rock Bass Open year-round No minimum 15 (combined species) • Fish commercially under a valid license. Crappies Open year-round No minimum 15 • Possess a valid registration with the National Carp Open year-round No minimum 15 Saltwater Angler Channel Catfish Open year-round No minimum 5 • Registry administered by NOAA or from another Suckers Open year-round No minimum 30 exempted state. American Eel Open year-round 9 inches 25 Pennsylvania fishing license holders may choose to register for free with the Fish and Boat Commission. Yellow Perch Open year-round No minimum No daily limit Visit www.fishandboat.com/saltwater.htm for Baitfish/Fishbait*See page 8 Open year-round No minimum 35 registration details. All Other Fish Species No minimum Open year-round No daily limit Anglers may also register with the National Registry American and Hickory Shad, website at www.countmyfish.noaa.gov with NOAA River Herring (Alewife and by clicking on the Angler Registry link or call the Blueback Herring) CLOSED YEAR-ROUND toll-free registration line NATIONAL SALTWATER Bivalves/Shellfish includes all threatened and endangered species ANGLER REGISTRY: DELAWARE RIVER AND (Mussels/Clams) ESTUARY at 1-888-MRIP-411 (1-888-674-7411). *For all crayfish species, the head must be immediately removed behind Please note that registered anglers must still possess the eyes upon capture unless used as bait in the water from which taken. a valid state fishing license. 12 www.fishandboat.com 2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws DELAWARE RIVER FISHING

DELAWARE RIVER AND ESTUARY DELAWARE RIVER The folllowing seasons, sizes and creel daily limits apply to the Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River and Delaware ESTUARY River tributaries, from the mouths of the tributaries upstream to the limit of the tidal influence and the Lehigh River from its mouth upstream to the first dam in Easton, Pennsylvania. The Delaware River estuary waters are listed at the right. (including tributaries to limits of tidal influence) Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit The Delaware River estuary consists of the water areas listed below to their upper tidal limits: Trout April 16 at 8 a.m. North of I-84: 1 (combined species) through Oct. 15 14 inches WATER AREA UPPER TIDAL LIMIT South of I-84: 5 (combined species) Chester Creek Kerlin Street No minimum (Chester city) Crum Creek U.S. Route 13 West Branch 2 (combined species) (Eddystone) Delaware River * 12 inches Darby Creek Pine Street (Darby borough) Bass Jan. 1 through April 15 and 12 inches 5 (combined species) Largemouth June 18 through Dec. 31 Delaware River From the PA state line Smallmouth upstream to the U.S. Route 1 bridge Frankford Creek U.S. Route 13 (Frankford Avenue) April 16 through June 17 NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only Marcus Hook Creek U.S. Route 13 (Marcus Hook borough) Muskellunge and Open year-round 40 inches 1 Tiger Muskellunge Neshaminy Creek Hulmeville Falls (Hybrids) Pennypack Creek U.S. Route 13 (Frankford Avenue) Northern Pike Open year-round 24 inches 2 Poquessing Creek State Road Pickerel Open year-round 12 inches 5 Ridley Creek MacDade Boulevard Walleye The portion of the Delaware 18 inches 3 (Chester city) River between New Jersey and Schuylkill River Fairmount Dam Pennsylvania - open year-round. The portion of the Delaware DELAWARE RIVER AND ESTUARY River between New York and ANGLERS: SALTWATER ANGLER Pennsylvania - Jan. 1 through REGISTRY-see page 12 March 14 and May 7 through Dec. 31 DELAWARE RIVER American Shad** Open year-round No minimum 3 BLUE CRABS American Eel Open year-round 9 inches 25 Striped Bass and From the Pennsylvania state line 1 FEMALE BLUE CRABS bearing eggs Hybrid Striped Bass upstream to Calhoun Street Bridge; or from which the egg pouch or bunion Jan. 1 through March 31 and 28 inches has been removed may not be possessed. June 1 through Dec. 31 CRAB POTS are limited to no more than April 1 through May 31 21 to 25 inches 2 two pots per person when taking crabs. In From Calhoun Street Bridge 28 inches 1 addition, two handlines may be used. upstream - open year-round UNATTENDED CRAB POTS must be Baitfish/Fishbait* Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) labeled with the name and address of the See page 8 for definitions owner or user. River Herring*** CLOSED YEAR-ROUND DISTURBING UNATTENDED CRAB Hickory Shad, POTS is unlawful, except by the owner, user Sturgeon and other CLOSED YEAR-ROUND threatened and or members of the immediate family, and of- endangered species ficers or representatives of the Pennsylvania Mussels/Clams CLOSED YEAR-ROUND Fish & Boat Commission. Other Species Inland seasons, size and creel limits apply except for waters under special regs. HORSESHOE CRABS are unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or purchase any horse- * A special no-kill season with the use of artificial lures only year-round season with zero daily limit applied to Susquehanna has been established on the West Branch Delaware River River and tributaries, Lehigh River and tributaries, Schuylkill shoe crabs. It is unlawful to import into or (see page 16 for details). River and tributaries, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware transport in this Commonwealth horseshoe ** American Shad is catch and release in the Schuylkill River, Delaware estuary, and Delaware River tributaries crabs for the purpose of sale. River from I-95 upstream including all tributaries and three upstream to the limit of the tidal influence. (3) American Shad in all other Delaware River tributaries, *For all crayfish species, the head must be immediately including those above tide. removed behind the eyes upon capture unless used as bait * Measured *** River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring) has a closed in the water from which taken point to point See fish consumption advisory for Delaware River estuary Striped Bass over 28”–see page 31.

DELAWARE RIVER BLUE CRABS Harvesting blue crabs from the Delaware Season Minimum Size Daily Limit River and its estuary waters is permitted Open year-round 4 inches * (hard shell) One (1) bushel pursuant to the regulations at left. 3.5 inches * (soft shell) (combined - hard shell and soft shell)

2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws www.fishandboat.com 13 LAKE ERIE FISHING

Because of diseases and invasive species, the Com- LAKE ERIE mission recommends as a good conservation practice The following seasons, sizes and daily limits apply to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular that anglers not transport any live fish out of the Lake waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Erie Watershed and introduce those fish into other wa- Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle tersheds. For more information on invasive species, Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile please see “Aquatic Invasive Species” on page 18. Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, For more information on VHS, please contact the Com- Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries. mission’s Northwest Regional Office (page 3) or visit Species Seasons Minimum Size Daily Limit www.fishandboat.com/pafish/all/vhs/vhs.htm. Muskellunge and Open year-round 40 inches 1 * It is unlawful to conduct or participate in a fishing Tiger Muskellunge tournament for bass on Lake Erie or Presque Isle Bay (Hybrids) during the period from opening day of the trout season Northern Pike Open year-round 24 inches 2 in April until midnight the first Saturday after June 11. ** It is unlawful to fish or possess trout or salmon in or along any Lake Erie tributary stream from 12:01 a.m. Walleye Jan. 1 through March 14 15 inches Established on April 15 until 8 a.m. on April 16 (32 hours total). and May 1 through Dec. 31 annually by April 15*** *** Adaptive management for daily limits: After the Bass* Jan. 1 through April 15 and 15 inches 4 (combined species) PFBC Executive Director establishes the daily limit Largemouth June 18 through Dec. 31 for the year, the information will be available from any PANFISH ENHANCEMENT SPECIAL REGULATIONS Smallmouth April 16 through June 17* 20 inches 1 PFBC office and posted at www.fishandboat.com. Yellow Perch Dec.1 through April 30 7 inches Established Special Regulations–Lake May 1 through Nov. 30 None annually by April 15*** Erie Tributary Streams Sunfish, Crappies, Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) • Designated as Nursery Waters are Trout Catfish, Rock Bass, Run and its tributaries, Godfrey Run, Orchard Suckers, Eels, Beach Run, and Crooked Creek (where posted). Carp, White Bass It is unlawful to fish, wade or possess fishing Burbot (when taken by June 1 through Sept. 30 No minimum 5 equipment while in or along Lake Erie tributary scuba divers by use of non- streams designated as Nursery Waters. mechanical spears or gigs at • Archery fishing or spear fishing is prohibited in a depth of at least 60 feet) or along Lake Erie tributary streams. Burbot (when taken by Open year-round No minimum 5 hook and line) • From September 6 until the opening day of Smelt (when taken by Open year-round No minimum None trout season in April, all Lake Erie tributary streams hook and line) are closed to fishing from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on the following day except for Walnut Creek north Trout Jan.1 through 15 inches 3 (combined species), only and Salmon** of Manchester Bridge Road and Elk Creek north April 14 two (2) of which may be of Route 5. lake trout. • It is unlawful to fish from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. 8 a.m. April 16 through 9 inches 5 (combined species), only on the following day within 50 yards of the mouth Sept. 5 two (2) of which may be of both Trout Run and Godfrey Run while fishing lake trout. the Lake Erie shoreline. Sept. 6 through 15 inches 3 (combined species), only April 13, 2017 two (2) of which may be Lake Erie Permit lake trout. Baitfish/Fishbait* Open year-round No minimum 50 (combined species) All anglers fishing in the waters of Lake Erie, See page 8 for definitions Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries, includ- American Eel Open year-round 9 inches 25 ing waters that flow into those tributaries are Mussels/Clams CLOSED YEAR-ROUND required to possess a valid Lake Erie permit or Combination Trout/Salmon/Lake Erie permit. Sturgeon, Spotted Gar and other threatened CLOSED YEAR-ROUND The main tributaries where a permit is required and endangered species are: Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Transportation of VHS-Susceptible Fish Out of the Lake Erie Watershed Mill Creek, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Turkey Creek, An infectious fish disease, caused by a variant of Viral It is unlawful to transport or cause the transportation of Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek and Walnut Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHS), has caused fish VHS-susceptible species of fish out of the portion of the Creek. A permit is also required for all of those mortalities in the Great Lakes. The initial list of fish spe- Lake Erie Watershed in this Commonwealth into other waters that flow into these main tributaries. cies that are susceptible to VHS includes Black Crap- watersheds of this Commonwealth except when certain Anglers fishing the East and West Basin ponds pie, Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brown Bullhead, Brown conditions are met. It is illegal to use VHS-susceptible (Waterworks Ponds, Presque Isle State Park) are Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon, Coho fish species, fish parts and eggs taken from the Lake not required to possess a Lake Erie Permit. Salmon, Emerald Shiner, Freshwater Drum, Gizzard Shad, Erie Watershed as fishbait in Commonwealth waters Anglers fishing inland ponds, lakes and reservoirs Herring, , Muskellunge, Northern Pike, outside the Lake Erie Watershed except when the fish in Erie County are not required to possess a Lake Pink Salmon, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Redhorse are certified as VHS-negative. It is legal to transport Erie Permit. Sucker, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White dead recreationally caught fish out of the Lake Erie Wa- *For all crayfish species, the head must be im- Bass, White Perch, Whitefish and Yellow Perch. tershed solely for the purpose of human consumption. mediately removed behind the eyes upon capture unless used as bait in the water from which taken.

14 www.fishandboat.com 2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws MUSKELLUNGE, PIKE, PICKEREL & PANFISH

Muskellunge Northern Pike

Chain Pickerel BROOD STOCK LAKES PROGRAM

These regulations are intended to restrict harvest and fish County Water Area County Water Area consumption from designated lakes during the FDA-mandated Crawford Conneaut Lake Wayne Belmont Lake withdrawal period. During this period, fish anesthetics are used Lake Canadohta Harbor Pond during Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike Sugar Lake Lake Wallenpaupack and pickerel culture operations. From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and Woodcock Creek Lake Miller Pond release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess Erie Edinboro Lake Prompton Dam any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike Howard Eaton Reservoir For all other species, Commonwealth inland and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, Union City Reservoir waters seasons, sizes and creel limits apply. these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.

PANFISH ENHANCEMENT SPECIAL REGULATIONS These regulations are intended to increase the number, quality and size of panfish through the use of minimum length limits on sunfish, crappies and Yellow Perch. For all other species, Commonwealth inland waters seasons, sizes and creel limits apply, unless listed in other special regulation programs. It is unlawful to fish in the Panfish Enhancement Special Regulations waters listed below except in compliance with the following size and creel limits: Redear Bluegill Sunfish County Water Area Species Minimum Size Daily Limit Pumpkinseed Berks Blue Marsh Reservoir Crappie 9 inches 20 Cambria Beaverdam Run Reservoir Yellow Perch 9 inches When Panfish Hinkston Run Reservoir Sunfish 7 inches White Crappie 9 inches Enhancement Crappie Yellow Perch Wilmore Dam Sunfish 7 inches Regulations Black Crappie Crappie 9 inches apply to more Yellow Perch 9 inches than one Centre Foster Joseph Sayers Lake Sunfish 7 inches species in the Crappie 9 inches same water- CATCH AND RELEASE Chester Chambers Lake Sunfish 7 inches way, the creel LAKES Crappie 9 inches limit is 20 for These lakes are regulated year-round as Yellow Perch each species 9 inches catch and release for all fish species. This Lake Chillisquaque with the total Montour Sunfish 7 inches means fishing is permitted on a catch and Crappie 9 inches creel not to exceed release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to Monroe Bradys Lake Sunfish 7 inches take, kill or possess any fish from these lakes. 50 panfish Crappie 9 inches Once caught, all fish shall be immediately Yellow Perch 9 inches combined. returned unharmed. Gouldsboro Lake Sunfish 7 inches Additional catch and release regulations Crappie 9 inches “Sunfish” specifically for trout can be foundon page 21. Yellow Perch 9 inches includes These include: Catch and Release-Artificial Pike Lower Lake Sunfish 7 inches , Lures Only, Catch and Release-All Tackle (Lower Promised Lake) Yellow Perch 9 inches Pumpkin- and Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only. seeds Promised Land Lake Sunfish 7 inches and Redear (Upper Promised Land Lake) Yellow Perch County Water Area 9 inches Sunfish. Somerset Quemahoning Reservoir Sunfish 7 inches Allegheny Pine Township Park Pond Crappie 9 inches Beaver Raccoon Creek State Park “Crappie” Upper Pond Yellow Perch 9 inches includes Washington Cross Creek Lake Sunfish 7 inches l Centre Colyer Lake both Black Columbia and Bear Gap Reservoir Crappie 9 inches and White Northumberland McWilliams Reservoir l Peters Twp. Lake (Reservoir #2) Crappie 9 inches Crappies. Westmoreland l Bridgeport Reservoir Crappie 9 inches Columbia klines Reservoir Sunfish 7 inches l Lancaster Speedwell Forge l Indian Lake Crappie 9 inches l Luzerne and Lake Jean Sunfish 7 inches Sullivan Lower Twin Lake Crappie 9 inches l Schuylkill Lower Owl Creek Reservoir Northmoreland Lake Sunfish 7 inches Schuylkill Owl Creek Reservoir Crappie 9 inches l Tioga Lake Nessmuk Upper Twin Lake Crappie 9 inches Westmoreland Lower Burrell Park Pond

2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws l =NEW www.fishandboat.com 15 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY LOCATION

MISCELLANEOUS WATERS WITH SPECIAL REGULATIONS These special regulations apply to fish Sanctuary boundary at the Route 285 bridge, lo- SOMERSET/FAYETTE/WESTMORELAND/ species identified for each location and cally known as Blair Bridge, upstream 100 yards. ALLEGHENY: Youghiogheny River – From regulation. Fish species not covered by CRAWFORD/ERIE: Conneaut Creek the confluence with the Casselman River a special regulation in these locales – • Lake Erie Tributary Regulations apply (see downstream to the confluence with Ramcat inland regulations apply unless otherwise page 14) for entire stream in Crawford and Erie Run and Youghiogheny River from the PA Route designated for these species. counties. 381 bridge at Ohiopyle downstream to the mouth CUMBERLAND: Opossum Lake of the river. BEAVER: Hopewell Township Park Lake • All species except trout – catch and release/ • No closed season on trout. Daily limit – • Bass – 15-inch minimum size, creel limit 2 per no harvest; it is unlawful to take, kill or possess Opening day of the trout season through Labor day. Panfish – Creel limit 10 combined species any fish except trout. All fish caught other than Day – 5 trout; the day after Labor Day through per day. Use of live fish for bait is prohibited. Refer trout must be immediately returned unharmed. the opening day of the trout season of the follow- to Big Bass Waters for NO HARVEST dates (see This miscellaneous special regulation will remain ing year – 3 trout. For all other species, inland page 11). in effect until June 18, 2016. regulations apply. See All-Tackle Trophy- Trout BLAIR/HUNTINGDON/JUNIATA/MIFFLIN/ Trout – inland regulations apply. regulations on page 21. PERRY: Juniata River and tributaries l HUNTINGDON: Lake Perez WARREN: Allegheny River – 8.75 miles from • The daily creel limit of Rock Bass is 10; open • All species except trout – catch and release/ the outflow of the Allegheny Reservoir down- season year-round; no minimum size limit. no harvest; it is unlawful to take, kill or possess stream to the confluence of Conewango Creek. CENTRE: Penns Creek– 7 miles from the any fish except trout. All fish caught other than • From 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regu- confluence with Elk Creek downstream to the trout must be immediately returned unharmed. lar trout season through Labor Day, the minimum Catch and Release area. This miscellaneous special regulation will remain size for trout is 14 inches and the daily limit is 2 • Trout (all species), all other species, inland in effect until further notice. (combined species). regulations apply. Open to fishing year-round Trout – inland regulations apply. • From Labor Day until 8 a.m. of the opening • From 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regular HUNTINGDON: Raystown Lake and Raystown day of the trout season of the following year, no trout season through Labor Day, the slot limit for Branch – From dam downstream to Juniata River. trout may be killed or had in possession. trout is at least 7 inches and less than 12 inches • Trout (all species) no closed season. Creel limit WASHINGTON: Little Chartiers Creek – From in length, caught on, or in possession. and the 5 per day during regular season; 3 per day from Canonsburg Lake Dam approximately 0.25 mile daily limit is 2 (combined species). the day after Labor Day to 8 a.m. on the opening downstream to the mouth. • From the day after Labor Day until 8 a.m. day of the next regular season, minimum size – 7 • No fishing from March 1 until 8 a.m. opening of the opening day of the trout season of the inches. day of the trout season. following year, no trout may be killed or had in • Raystown Lake and Tributaries – Smelt may be WAYNE: West Branch Delaware River – From possession. taken with a dip net from the shore or by wading the Pennsylvania/New York border downstream • Fishing may be done with artificial lures, only. Dip net may not exceed 20 inches in diameter to the confluence with the East Branch of the flies or streamers, natural bait, baitfish and fish or square. Daily limit – 200 smelt or one gallon by Delaware River. Artificial-Lures-Only season bait. Spinning or fly fishing gear may be used volume, whichever is greater. runs from October 16 until 8 a.m. on the opening on this water. LEHIGH: Leaser Lake day of the trout season. CLARION: Beaver Creek Ponds • All species, except trout–catch and release/no • Fishing may be done with artificial lures only, • Closed to fishing from Jan. 1 through opening harvest; it is unlawful to take, kill or possess any constructed of , plastic, rubber or wood, or day of bass season. fish, except trout. All fish caught other than trout with flies and streamers constructed of natural or • Bass – 15-inch minimum size, creel limit 2 must immediately returned unharmed. For trout, synthetic materials. All lures may be used with per day on entire project area. Panfish – Creel inland regulations apply. This regulation will remain spinning or fly fishing gear. limit 10 per day combined species on entire area. in effect until June 18, 2016. • The daily creel limit of trout is zero (0) during COLUMBIA AND NORTHUMBERLAND: LUZERNE: Harveys Lake the artificial-lures-only season. South Branch of Roaring Creek – from the bridge • The daily limit is 3 trout (combined species) on State Route 3008 at Bear Gap upstream to during the period from 8 a.m. on the opening day the bridge on State Route 42 – This is a catch of trout season through March 31. Only one of the CAREFREE & CONVENIENT and release/no harvest fishery for all species. 3 trout daily limit may exceed 18 inches in length. FISHING AT It is unlawful to take, kill or possess any fish. The lake is closed to fishing from April 1 until 8 YOUR FINGERTIPS! All fish caught must be immediately returned a.m. on the opening day of trout season. Inland unharmed. regulations apply to warmwater/coolwater species. Anglers can purchase a license for three CRAWFORD: Paden Creek, Linesville Creek MONROE/NORTHAMPTON/PIKE: Delaware years or five years with just one purchase. and Shenango River Water Gap National Recreation Area-The use of That’s right, no more remembering at the last • Nursery waters closed to all fishing March eel chutes, eelpots and fyke nets is prohibited. minute to buy a license before opening day 1 through May 1, 2015. Waters involved are The taking of the following fishbait is prohibited: or before that weekend fishing opportunity Paden Creek (Finley Creek) from the mouth Crayfish or crabs, mussels, clams and the nymphs, with friends and family. To order and for more upstream to “Finley Bridge” on U.S. Route 6, larvae and pupae of all insects spending any part information on licenses, including receiving Linesville Creek from the mouth (Pymatuning of their life cycle in the water. The taking, catching, a free subscription to the digital version of Sanctuary) upstream to the Conrail Railroad killing and possession of any species of amphibian Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine: bridge north of U.S. Route 6 in Linesville, and or reptile within the boundaries of the Delaware the Shenango River, from the Pymatuning Lake Water Gap National Recreation Area is prohibited. www.GoneFishingPa.com

16 www.fishandboat.com l =NEW 2016 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws