Fishing in Pennsylvania

Fishing Regulations in Pennsylvania

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission writes the rules for water this varied, and they're anything but one-size-fits-all. Wild brook trout streams, stocked seasonal fisheries, the Susquehanna's smallmouth water, and Lake Erie's walleye and steelhead each carry their own size limits, creel limits, and seasons, and a number of waters follow special regulations all their own. Know the rules for your species and your water before you keep a fish, the species-by-species breakdown is below.

40 species with limits54 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

Lake Erie and TributariesConowingo ReservoirDelaware RiverChambers LakeColyer LakeDelaware River and EstuaryGouldsboro LakeLake Nessmuk

Statewide

Jan 1 – Apr 10, Oct 1 – Dec 31

Min size15"Daily bag4

Apr 11 – Jun 12 · Catch and immediate release only

Daily bag0

No tournaments permitted

Jun 13 – Sep 30

Min size12"Daily bag6

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check Pennsylvania Regulations on the App

Take size limits, bag limits, and seasons for every species with you on the water. CatchVault is on iOS, with Android on the way.

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