If you capsize, hold on to your boat, unless it presents a life-threatening situation. Rules change frequently, so stay on top of all the changes each season. Use lures such as large-sized minnows, shiny spoons and spinners. Official site of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. (a) Ice fishing is fishing through holes in the ice. Be prepared to swim. REFUGE AREAS on streams are CLOSED TO ALL ENTRY AND FISHING during the period March 1 through June 14. Please enable scripts and reload this page. While steelhead fishing in the rivers has been tough, ice anglers have been doing well with walleye, bowfin, and muskellunge. Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. No fishing license is required to fish on Pennsylvania's waterways on these days. Even the best paddlers sometimes capsize or swamp their boats. FishBoatPA Mobile App-Apple Each year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Executive Director designates 2 Fish for Free Days. FIELD DRESSING AND DISPOSAL OF FISH – It is unlawful to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of the Commonwealth, … Do I need a license to fish in Pennsylvania? FISHING CHAPTER 63. See License Requirements and Fees.. Terminal Gear North Zone. The license must be upon your person and provided upon the request of an officer. View the 2021 Tournament Rules and Regulations Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a child. Northwest Pennsylvania, the heartland of ice fishing in Pennsylvania, has several lakes where prospects are good. Charter Boats / Fishing Guides Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line. Lake Arthur (Prospect, PA) will be used as an alternative location for all events in lieu of cancelation, when possible. Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. Laurel Lake is a hotspot for ice fishing. Authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait. The earlier trout season for 18 southeastern Pennsylvania counties has been eliminated in 2020 due to COVID-19. In addition to special regulations… Kneel to increase your stability before entering rougher water, like a rapid. The information for the Pennsylvania Code included at this website has been derived directly from the Pennsylvania Code, the Commonwealth's official publication of rules and regulations.Cite all material in the Pennsylvania Code by title number and section number. Find and share lots of information in the ice fishing forums. ICE FISHING – An Ohio or Pennsylvania fishing license is recognized anywhere on the lake. Ice fishing season in Pennsylvania begins at the end of December and lasts through early March. FishBoatPA Mobile App-Google. Ice fishing season in Pennsylvania begins at the end of December and lasts through early March. Ice fishing and ice skating is allowed on Sweet Arrow Lake. General Fishing Regulations. FishBoatPA Mobile App-Google, PA's Best Fishing Waters Before heading out, it’s also critical to become familiar with the rules and regulations associated with ice fishing, and always think about safety. Be prepared for the weather. The PFBC will operate under a consolidated statewide schedule for Opening Day for all counties during the 2020 trout season. You can ice fish for a variety of species in Pennsylvania. Report Boat Fuel Use PA Fishing Licenses FAQ's Subpart B. Launch Permit Agents Kneel to increase your stability before entering rougher water, like a rapid. Ice/Winter fishing page, including ice/winter fishing destinations. Example: 1 Pa. Code § 17.51. Fishing Regulations in State Parks and Forests. A license is also needed to take fishbait or baitfish. In the north-central part of the state, the best areas to ice fish for bluegills are Stevenson Lake, Cowanesque Reservoir, Rose Valley Lake and Lake Chillisquaqua, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources. (a) It is unlawful to fish for game fish with more than three lines of any description, whether fished by rod or by hand, at one time except while ice fishing in accordance with § 63.10 (relating to ice fishing). Laurel Lake. Fishing at Dunlap Creek Park in Pennsylvania. If the water looks too hazardous to swim in, don't go paddling. All other fishing regulations still apply. You might be surprised at just how well it works. Almost everyone knows how enjoyable time on the water can be. Tackle & Equipment Regulations in PA Requirements & Law Tackle & Equipment RODS, LINES, AND HOOKS – An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. Species such as walleye, bluegill and bass thrive year-round, providing plenty of winter angling opportunities in "The Keystone State.". (Photo: ice fishing equipment image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com ), Fishing In Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Fishing Hot Spots in Butler, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Ice / Winter Fishing, PA DNR: Ice Fishing Tackle and Techniques, Fishing Tips for Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania, Fishing Seasons in Lake Redman, Pennsylvania, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. You can catch largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, chain pickerel, northern pike, bluegill and walleye through the ice in Pennsylvania. You can find bluegills at about 10 to 20 feet in cover during daylight hours. If you are fishing by boat, motorboats must … Mandatory cold weather wear Nov. 1 thru April 30, Safety Brochure - A Beginner's Guide to Safer Paddling, Recreational Boating Safety Program Reports (Coast Guard Grant). Summary of PA Regulations Yes. An exception to this rule exists for those fishing through ice in winter (see Ice Fishing Equipment below). You are allowed to use up to five fishing devices when ice fishing, which can include rods, tip-ups and hand lines. Paddling sports are very popular recreational water sports in Pennsylvania. (b) It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip ups or any combination thereof. If you collide with an obstruction, lean toward it. If you have never tried fishing with corn, give it a go. 03/06 Mosquito Lake – Cortland, OH . Keep in mind that paddling is a “get wet” sport. Catch bluegills by jigging rods with a 2- to 4-lb. Keystone State. Ice fishing. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. On open water (not covered by ice), it is unlawful for a person to fish with more than three fishing rods at a time. Top Locations for Ice Fishing in Pennsylvania 1. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice. This lake has plenty of room to fish for sunfish, crappie, bass and trout. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. For lures, small jigs, grubs and wax worms are quite effective. A valid fishing license is required. Never boat alone. Each device shall contain a single fishing … Early ice is one thing, but the quality of the Northeast Pennsylvania Ice Fishing is another. 2 ZZZ ÀVKDQGERDW FRP 3HQQV\OYDQLD)LVKLQJ6XPPDU\ CLOSE TO HOME but far from ordinary EXPERIENCE OHIO’S FISHING BOUNTY We have some of the best walleye, perch, and bass fishing to be found PA Fishing FAQ's You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. If you are after trophy fish, Lake Arthur is the best place in the whole state to fish. FISHING LICENSES & REGULATIONS FAQs 1. Fishing License Agents Use your auger to test the ice's thickness. Boat Registration Agents Wear wading shoes or tennis shoes with wool, polypropylene, pile or neoprene socks. The Pennsylvania state parks Winter Report allows winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts to monitor snow and ice conditions with state parks. Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. The park has family-friendly facilities such as camping, have a picnic or rent a boat. With hardwater destinations like Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake Jean, Lake Lackawanna, Promised Land, and Shohola Dam topping the list of favorites, there are litterally dozens of opportunities for ice … RODS, LINES, AND HOOKS – An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. Whether it is is big pike, big perch, big trout, or even big crappie, Lake Arthur is definitely home to more quality than quantity. Expect to get wet and dress properly. In most cases, it is legal and safe to use corn for bait where bait is allowed. Boating Accident Report (PFBC-260)Accident Analysis– 2020 | 2019 | 2018Fatality RecapRecreational Boating Safety Program Reports (Coast Guard Grant), PA Boating Handbook Just remember, always check your local regulations before you go out fishing. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park. test line using size 10 to 12 hooks. Statewide General Fishing Laws General Fishing Laws for Inland Waters. The report lists the ice thickness and what ice activities are available at that park. Report Pennsylvania Fishing Report – January 7, 2021. PFBC Water Safety Tips with Chris-Drowning Prevention (VIDEO), More paddling safety and other videos at our. Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes coiled and secured. You can ice fish for a variety of species in Pennsylvania. (Photo: ice fishing equipment image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com ), Pennsylvania is an inland northeastern state, but that doesn't mean there's not plenty of good fishing to be had: You can cast a line in the Pennsylvania's many lakes, streams and reservoirs to catch a variety of game fish, even in winter. Depending on the ice conditions, peak times can shift from January to February. Types of Fish: trout, chain pickerel, bass, perch. Lake Arthur. A current Pennsylvania fishing license, signed in ink and displayed (attach to a hat or outer garment), is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish. line and size 4 to 8 hooks work well. All anglers 16 years and older must have and display a valid Pennsylvania fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) to fish Pennsylvania waterways. Our mission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a child. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. If you collide with an obstruction, lean toward it. Primary hazards are capsizing, swamping or just falling out of the boat. Depending on the ice conditions, peak times can shift from January to February. There are dangers that can be lessened with knowledge, preparation and practice. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group. More info on our Follow the tips and links on this page for important safety information. Boating FAQ's Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice. The maximum width of ice fishing holes is 10 inches. Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes coiled and secured. Know the river. IceShanty.com, the web site strictly dedicated to the great sport of ice fishing.Whether you are a rookie ice man or seasoned ice fishing master you will definitely learn something. NURSERY WATERS are closed to fishing at all times. Hammond Lake is a 640-acre reservoir in north-central Pennsylvania's Tioga County. Each device shall contain a single fishing line. Portage (carry) your boat around any section of water about which you feel uncertain. You also can use weighted flies with bait. It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. For largemouth bass in south-central Pennsylvania, ice fishing is most productive in Shawnee Lake, Lake Marburg and Lake Redman. PENNSYLVANIA FISHING SUMMARY 2020 Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws Fish-For-Free Days May 24 & July 4, 2020. The latest cutting edge tips and techniques for tipups, jigging, and ice fishing related equipment. The past couple of winters left most serious ice fishers across Pennsylvania … ... All other fishing regulations still apply. Fishing equipment can contain only a single fishing line without exceeding three hooks attached. (Shutterstock image) You don't want to overlook these lakes for some great Pennsylvania ice fishing. Fish tend to stay around the structures. Boating safety increases with numbers. Where regulations appear in the Method column they pertain to all fishing in the listed water. Largemouth bass ice fishing is best during daylight hours, 5 to 20 feet deep. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish. § 63.10. When ice fishing for largemouth bass, jigging tip-ups or rods with 8-lb. Ice thickness is not monitored. Biologist Reports This is another area where the ice thickness is not monitored. PA League of Angling Youth Boat Registration & Titling FAQ's Scout ahead whenever possible. Boating Safety FAQ's FishBoatPA Mobile App-Apple An exception to this rule exists for those fishing through ice in winter (see Ice Fishing Equipment below). Don't let a moment of carelessness ruin your fun. All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to take fish. Yes. The Winter Report is updated weekly (at a minimum) by state parks during the winter season. In some cases, you will be referred to the regulations tables for major resource blocks (Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, … Charter Boats / Fishing Guides Avoid surprises. Use or possession of live fish as bait is PROHIBITED.The use of all other legal forms of bait (including worms and dead baitfish/smelts), artificial lures, and artificial flies is PERMITTED. There are a lot of structures in the water and that can be helpful when ice fishing. GENERAL FISHING REGULATIONS § 63.6. Get a forecast before you go. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Trout waters where ice fishing is permitted are identified here. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources states that an ice thickness of at least 4 inches is safe for a small group of anglers. Anyone 16 years or older will require a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout stamp if targeting trout. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish without a fishing license. According to "Pennsylvania Angler and Boater," bluegills occupy most of the state waters and make up a substantial portion of catch every winter. 2021 Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws (PDF) Use of Lead Fishing Tackle on Inland Waters (PDF) Lead Fishing Tackle Trade-In Program (PDF) If you would like to receive an official copy of the 2021 Maine Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws by mail, please send your request by email or call us at (207) 287-8000. Boat Registration / Titling Forms Opening Days and Seasons An inadvertent fall in the water can be an amusing story afterwards, or it can result in tragedy -- ALWAYS wear a life jacket when you are on, in, or near water. Located in Centre County, Colyer Lake is a 77-acre impoundment owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed by the Fish and Boat Commission for public fishing and boating. 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