Pennsylvania is an angler’s paradise, boasting an abundance of rivers and streams teeming with a diverse array of fish species. From the mighty Susquehanna River to the picturesque Allegheny River, the state offers a wealth of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Summary:
- Explore top rivers like the Susquehanna, Allegheny, Youghiogheny, Delaware, and Lehigh
- Discover popular fish species and best fishing spots along each river
- Get pro tips for successful fishing on these renowned Pennsylvania waterways
- Learn about licenses, regulations, and conservation efforts
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the top rivers for fishing in Pennsylvania, highlighting their unique features, popular fish species, and insider tips for a successful fishing adventure on these world-class waterways.
1. Susquehanna River: The Mighty Smallmouth Bass Fishery
The Susquehanna River is the largest river on the East Coast, stretching over 444 miles from New York to the Chesapeake Bay. This mighty waterway is a true gem for anglers, offering a diverse range of fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish.
Popular Fish Species: Smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, panfish, musky, northern pike, American shad
Best Fishing Spots: The Susquehanna River can be fished from various access points along its length, but some of the most popular spots include the West Branch near Williamsport, the Middle Susquehanna near Harrisburg, and the Lower Susquehanna near the Chesapeake Bay.
Fishing Tip: When fishing for smallmouth bass, try using topwater lures or crankbaits in the early morning or late evening hours. For walleye, drift fishing with live bait or trolling with crankbaits can be effective. Catfish anglers often have success with cut bait or prepared baits fished on the bottom.
2. Allegheny River: Steelhead and Trout Heaven
The Allegheny River is a 325-mile-long tributary of the Ohio River, flowing through western Pennsylvania and New York. This scenic river is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, particularly for steelhead and rainbow trout.
Popular Fish Species: Steelhead, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, walleye
Best Fishing Spots: The Allegheny River offers numerous fishing opportunities along its length, with popular spots including the Kinzua Dam tailwaters, the Allegheny National Forest region, and the lower Allegheny near Pittsburgh.
Fishing Tip: For steelhead and trout, fly fishing or drift fishing with egg patterns, nymphs, or streamers can be productive. When targeting smallmouth bass, try using topwater lures or crankbaits around rocky areas and current seams.
3. Youghiogheny River: A Trout Angler’s Delight
The Youghiogheny River, often referred to as the “Yough,” is a popular destination for trout anglers in southwestern Pennsylvania. This scenic river is known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities and diverse fish populations.
Popular Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger
Best Fishing Spots: The Youghiogheny River Gorge, located in Ohiopyle State Park, is a prime fishing spot, offering access to the river’s catch-and-release trout fishing section. The tailwaters below the Youghiogheny River Lake also provide excellent trout fishing opportunities.
Fishing Tip: Fly fishing with nymphs, dry flies, and streamers is a popular technique on the Yough. For bass and walleye, try using crankbaits, jigs, or live bait around structure and current breaks.
4. Delaware River: A Trout and Bass Angler’s Playground
The Delaware River forms the eastern border of Pennsylvania and is a renowned fishing destination for a variety of species, including trout, bass, and shad.
Popular Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, American shad, striped bass
Best Fishing Spots: The Upper Delaware River, located in the Poconos region, is a popular spot for trout fishing. The Middle Delaware, near the Lehigh Valley, offers excellent bass fishing opportunities, while the Lower Delaware, near Philadelphia, is known for its shad and striped bass runs.
Fishing Tip: For trout, try using nymphs, dry flies, or streamers in the Upper Delaware. In the Middle and Lower Delaware, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures can be effective for bass fishing. During the shad and striped bass runs, anglers often have success with shad darts or live bait.
5. Lehigh River: A Diverse Trout and Bass Fishery
The Lehigh River is a tributary of the Delaware River, flowing through eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region. This scenic river offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from trout to bass and panfish.
Popular Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, panfish
Best Fishing Spots: The Lehigh River Gorge, located in the Lehigh Gorge State Park, is a popular spot for trout fishing. The river’s tailwaters below the Francis E. Walter Dam also provide excellent trout fishing opportunities.
Fishing Tip: For trout, try using nymphs, dry flies, or streamers in the Lehigh River Gorge. When targeting bass, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures can be effective around structure and current breaks.
| River | Popular Species | Best Spots | Fishing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susquehanna | Smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, panfish | West Branch near Williamsport, Middle Susquehanna near Harrisburg, Lower Susquehanna near Chesapeake Bay | Use topwater lures or crankbaits for smallmouth bass, drift fish or troll for walleye, cut bait or prepared baits for catfish |
| Allegheny | Steelhead, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, walleye | Kinzua Dam tailwaters, Allegheny National Forest, lower Allegheny near Pittsburgh | Fly fish or drift fish with egg patterns, nymphs, or streamers for trout and steelhead, topwater lures or crankbaits for smallmouth bass |
| Youghiogheny | Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger | Youghiogheny River Gorge in Ohiopyle State Park, tailwaters below Youghiogheny River Lake | Fly fish with nymphs, dry flies, and streamers for trout, crankbaits, jigs, or live bait for bass and walleye |
| Delaware | Rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, American shad, striped bass | Upper Delaware in Poconos for trout, Middle Delaware near Lehigh Valley for bass, Lower Delaware near Philadelphia for shad and striped bass | Nymphs, dry flies, or streamers for trout, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures for bass, shad darts or live bait for shad and striped bass |
| Lehigh | Rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, panfish | Lehigh River Gorge in Lehigh Gorge State Park, tailwaters below Francis E. Walter Dam | Nymphs, dry flies, or streamers for trout, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures for bass |
These are just a few of the top rivers for fishing in Pennsylvania, but the state offers countless other fishing opportunities in its streams, lakes, and ponds. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, Pennsylvania’s diverse waterways provide a wealth of fishing adventures waiting to be explored.
Conservation Tip: Remember to always obtain the necessary fishing licenses and follow all regulations to ensure a safe and responsible fishing experience. By respecting the resource and practicing catch-and-release when appropriate, we can help preserve these incredible fishing destinations for generations to come.
Obtaining a Pennsylvania Fishing License
To legally fish in Pennsylvania, anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at various license-issuing agents throughout the state.
Resident and non-resident licenses are available, with options for annual, multi-year, and short-term licenses. Be sure to review the license requirements and regulations before your fishing trip to ensure compliance.
Fishing Regulations and Conservation Efforts
Pennsylvania’s waterways are carefully managed and protected through various regulations and conservation efforts. These measures aim to maintain healthy fish populations and preserve the state’s natural resources for future generations.
Some key regulations to be aware of include:
- Creel limits: Limits on the number of fish that can be kept per day or per trip.
- Size restrictions: Minimum or maximum size limits for certain species to protect breeding populations.
- Catch-and-release areas: Designated areas where all fish must be released unharmed.
- Seasonal closures: Certain waters or sections may be closed during specific times of the year to protect spawning fish.
Additionally, a portion of the revenue generated from fishing license sales goes towards funding conservation projects, habitat restoration, and public access initiatives. By obtaining a valid fishing license, anglers contribute directly to the preservation of Pennsylvania’s world-class fishing destinations.
Pro Tip: Before your fishing trip, be sure to check the Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations and Laws for the most up-to-date information on creel limits, size restrictions, and any special regulations specific to the waters you plan to fish.
By following these best practices and regulations, anglers can enjoy the incredible fishing opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer while ensuring the sustainability of these natural resources for years to come.
