Pennsylvania Fishing Report – September 22, 2022

Northwest Region

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Crawford County

Pymatuning Reservoir

Anglers are catching walleye north and south of the causeway using crawler harnesses and stickbaits in 19 to 25 feet of water. Anglers are catching muskellunge trolling from boats north of the causeway. Anglers are catching catfish and Yellow Perch all throughout the reservoir. When fishing from the bridge of the causeway, be courteous and reel your lines in to allow boaters to pass. Be sure to use the correct navigational lights on boats between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Shenango River

Anglers are catching panfish and catfish at the tailwaters. Anglers are catching Muskellunge using live bait. A Pennsylvania Fishing License is required when fishing the outflow of Pymatuning Reservoir.

Mercer County

Shenango Reservoir

With the cooler nights, the lake temperature should be dropping, which means fish will be trying to fatten up for the winter. Due to the lack of rain, the water level in the reservoir has been low. In the evening, White Bass and hybrids are chasing shad to the surface. Anglers are catching panfish in the deeper water close to shore. A reminder that Shenango Reservoir is designated as a Panfish Enhancement Lake. Crappie must be nine inches to harvest, and the creel limit is 20.

Shenango River

The fall trout stocking for the Shenango River will be in October, so be sure to check the website for stocking dates. The Shenango River fish consumption advisory is still in effect until further notice.

Lake Wilhelm

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 9am – 12pm, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is hosting a Fish with a Waterways Conservation Officer event at M. K. Goddard State Park Launch #3. Waterways Conservation Officers from the NW Region will be providing this FREE public fishing event. Equipment and bait will be provided OR participants can bring their own.

Southeastern Region

Northampton County

Water levels on area streams have been low.  Anglers have been fishing streams and  various small impoundments, despite these conditions., Check out the Lehigh River at the Route 33 access in Bethlehem Township, if the stream fishing is difficult or you want a slower body of water.

Bushkill Township has several ponds that provide good panfish and bass fishing opportunities. Minsi Lake is scheduled to be stocked with Trout on October 13^th. Visit  the Trout Stocking Schedule for the most recent information and note that stocking dates may change due to unfavorable water level or temperature conditions.

Northern Lancaster County

The Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only area on Donegal Creek is being stocked by Donegal Fish & Conservation Association (DFCA) this month with brown trout and rainbow trout.

North Bucks County

The East Branch Perkiomen Creek is scheduled to be stocked in mid-October. It will be the last stocking on this waterway for the year.  Be sure to come out and lend a hand. Check the Trout Stocking Schedule to see when area streams and lakes are being stocked.

Northern Chester County

Bluegills and crappies are taking mealworms, wax worms, nightcrawlers, minnows and small jigs in Marsh Creek Lake. These panfish have been caught around structures near the shore.

Anglers have been catching bass on jigs, spinners, and crank baits. Large black, purple, or dark green rubber worms and pumpkin seeds have been the best colors and lures to use on Marsh Creek Lake. Crayfish, minnows, and night crawlers have been the best live baits.

The French, Pickering, East Brandywine, and West Valley Creeks have been low, clear, and very warm. Trout have been stressed, trying to survive the higher water temperatures. Cooler evenings will  also cool down water temperatures.  The trout fishing should improve. Anglers should remember to review the information on Special Regulation Areas from the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary.

The fishing action around the Black Rock area of the Schuylkill River near the Cromby Power Plant outflow has been slow due to the hot weather. Crankbaits and live baits are still the best choices for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.

The fishing action for catfish over the past month has been fair.  Anglers have been catching flatheads on bluegills and nightcrawlers. Channel Catfish have been caught using on chicken liver.

Stay clear of the fish ladder area when fishing at the Black Rock Dam. Violators caught within 100 feet of the fish ladder will receive a citation.  Respect the hazards on the river and wear a life jacket (Personal Floatation Device) while on board a boat.