Fishing in Pennsylvania. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Pennsylvania

Below are 52 types of fish that can be caught in Pennsylvania. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Pennsylvania and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Pennsylvania to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Pennsylvania

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Pennsylvania. Each Pennsylvania body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Licenses for Fishing in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, various fishing licenses are available for residents and non-residents. Special licenses are available for seniors, disabled veterans, and active military personnel. Licenses can be purchased online at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, where you can also find more detailed information.

License Type	Resident Price	Non-Resident Price
Annual (16-64)	$25.47	$56.97
Senior Annual (65+)	$13.22	-
Senior Lifetime (65+)	$76.97	-
1-Day	$13.22	$29.47
3-Day Tourist	-	$29.47
7-Day Tourist	-	$36.97
Trout Permit	$12.47	$12.47
Lake Erie Permit	$9.97	$9.97
5-Year Resident (16-64)	$119.47	-
5-Year Senior Resident (65+)	$58.22	-
10-Year Resident (16+)	$236.97	-
10-Year Non-Resident (16+)	-	$551.97

Fishing Regulations in Pennsylvania

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is prohibited.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is allowed only with specific permits and in designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is restricted in certain waters to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specified waters.

Catch Limits

Trout and Salmon: Daily limit varies by area, typically 5 fish with size restrictions.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Daily limit of 5, with a minimum length of 12 inches.
Panfish (Bluegill, Sunfish, Crappie): Daily limits vary, often 50 combined.
Walleye: Daily limit of 6, with minimum size restrictions in some areas.
Catfish: Daily limits vary, often no more than 5 fish.
Muskellunge: Daily limit of 1, minimum length of 40 inches.
Pike: Daily limit of 2, with size restrictions in some areas.
Carp: No daily limit, no size limit.
Pickerel: Daily limit of 4, with size restrictions in some areas.
Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass: Limits and size restrictions vary, especially in rivers and reservoirs.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or public safety reasons.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in state parks and wildlife refuges.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout and bass.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or fly fishing zones.
Slot limits for bass and other species in certain lakes and rivers.
Special regulations in waters with high fishing pressure or ecological sensitivity.
Trophy fisheries with enhanced size and bag limits in selected areas.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits.
Reporting accidental catches of rare species is important for conservation efforts.
Areas with significant ecological value may have additional fishing restrictions.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Ice fishing regulations, including shelter and gear restrictions, during winter months.
Seasonal closures in sensitive ecological areas for species protection and habitat restoration.
Temporary closures during environmental events or for population studies.
Special regulations for early and late fishing seasons in certain areas.

Most popular cities for fishing in Pennsylvania

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Pennsylvania. Cities in Pennsylvania include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.