PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2016 | Page 12

FISH FINDER
“The best time to go fishing is anytime,” says the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, charged with protecting the state’s vital aquatic resources and providing public
fishing and boating opportunities. But with so many fishing opportunities, where and
when might you hit the road in search of your favorite catch? The experts suggest these
favorite seasons and habitats for popular sport fishes in the Commonwealth:

Bluegill, Pumpkinseed:
Spring, summer and fall,
along weedy, rocky and
gravelly shorelines of lakes
and ponds.

Redbreast Sunfish,
Rock Bass: Spring, summer and fall, in rocky areas
of ponds and lakes, or
riffles and pockets behind
rocks in lakes and streams.

Black Crappies:

White Crappies:

Spring, summer and fall,

Spring, summer and fall,

in large streams, lakes and

in warmer, cloudier waters

ponds with clear water and

than black crappie, gener-

little vegetation, near sub-

ally large ponds, lakes and

merged logs and stumps.

reservoirs under submerged
logs and stumps.

Smallmouth Bass:
Spring, summer and fall,
in warm streams and rivers
with gravel bottoms, rocky
areas along weed beds and
a few clear lakes, ponds
and reservoirs.

Largemouth Bass:
Spring, summer and fall,
in weedy lakes and ponds,
sluggish or backwater
river areas.

Yellow Perch:
Spring and summer, in
clear, cool, open lakes,
ponds and a few slowmoving streams with
rocky bottoms.

Walleye:
Spring and summer, in
deep, clear lakes and
large rivers with a rocky or
gravel bottom.

Best Fishing Waters Program

The Best Fishing Waters Program is another
valuable resource to help you choose the
best places to catch the most popular fish.
Go to www.PaBestFishing.com and click
on the species for an interactive map of
locations with the best catch rates, identified
by biologists.

Know Before You Go

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a boatload of additional online
resources to plan a successful fishing trip.
Whether you are new to fishing and want
the basics or a master angler seeking stocking schedules, biologist reports and water
trail maps, their website has the information
you need. From www.fishandboat.com, select “Fish” and browse through an extensive
menu including:

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•

Carp:
All seasons, in slow brackish rivers, ponds and lakes
with lots of weeds.

Channel Catfish,
Bullheads:
Early to mid-June in waters
ranging from clear, deep
rivers to muddy ponds
and lakes.

Suckers:
Early spring, in streams and
rivers with a rocky, gravel
bottom and mouths of
feeder streams.

Brown, Rainbow and
Brook Trout:
Spring and summer, in cold
clear lakes and streams
and some rivers.

Get suggestions for recommended baits, lures and times of day to catch these fish
and dozens more at www.fishandboat.com/fishes.htm. Feeling lucky? Read up on the
Commission’s Angler Awards Program, including qualifying minimum weights and state
records for various age categories, even “First Fish” prizes!

10

EXPLORE

Pennsylvania

| 2016

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Tips on basic equipment, bait, gear
and skills
A comprehensive interactive county guide
with links to fishing and boating regula
tions, boat launch and rental information
and driving directions
Stocking schedules for streams and lakes
throughout the state
State rules to know before you go
Directions for how to buy a Pennsylvania
fishing license online or in person. A
license is required for anyone over 16.

As you plan, keep in mind that many waters
in Pennsylvania are privately owned. Always
obtain the landowner’s permission before
entering any area without a public
access point.

Trout Is Tops

With more miles of trout streams than any
state in the U.S. besides Alaska, Pennsylvania’s cool, spring-fed limestone creeks lure
anglers from around the world. With ten