Fishing Regulations and licensing

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

General Regulations

BOATING - Coast Guard Approved Wearable Personal Flotation Devices are required for each occupant on all types of watercraft on all waters. Motorboats (including electric) must be registered. Children l2 years of age and younger shall wear an approved type I, II, II, or V PFD while underway on Commonwealth waters on any boat 20'or less in length and all canoes and kayaks. ALL boats using any Fish and Boat Commission lake, access area or launch ramp MUST be registered.

NURSERY WATERS are closed to fishing at all times.

REFUGE AREAS on streams are CLOSED TO ALL ENTRY AND FISHING during the period March l to June l5.

FIELD DRESSING OF FISH - Species regulated by minimum size limits or closed seasons may not be filleted until arrival at the place of consumption. These fish may be field dressed, but head and tail must remain intact. Fish without minimum size limits or closed seasons may be filleted in the field, but the skin must remain on the filet until arrival at the place of consumption.

TAGGED FISH - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and agencies in adjacent states, for special research purposes, apply tags to fish. If an angler catches a tagged fish and wishes to keep the fish, the tag number and location of catch should be reported to the address or phone number on the tag or to the PFBC. If the angler doesn't wish to keep the fish, no attempt should be made to remove or read metal tag. The fish should be returned to the water immediately. Some tags resembling rubber spaghetti can be easily read to note tag and toll-free phone numbers.

TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT

RODS, LINES AND HOOKS - An angler may use a maximum of two lines fished by either rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. No more than three hooks shall be attached to a line used in fishing (one hook having two or three points is considered a "single hook"). All rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. The use of any type of net to catch game fish is prohibited.

SNAGGING HOOKS may not be used or possessed while in the act of fishing. A snagging hook is a device designed or modified to facilitate the snagging of fish, and may be a hook with other than a single barb, weighted on a shank below the eye and above the barbs; or a hook otherwise designed or modified so as to make the snagging of fish more likely than a normal hook.

ICE FISHING EQUIPMENT - May include a maximum of five tip-ups or any combination of five devices, but may not include more than two lines fished by rod or hand. Holes cut in ice may not exceed l0 inches measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On Fish and Boat Commission lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day.

GAFF OR LANDING NET - A gaff or landing net is permitted to assist in landing fish caught using a lawful device. Nets of all types can be no larger (excluding the handle) than four-feet square or four feet in diameter.

SPEARS OR GIGS - Spears or gigs may be used to take carp, gar, suckers and eels ONLY. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points, and may not be used in approved trout waters.

BOW AND ARROW (including compound bows) may be used for taking carp, gar, suckers and eels ONLY on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, except in approved trout waters during the closed season an in special regulation waters.

On the Delaware River, catfish and herring (shad excepted) may also be taken with bow and arrow (including compound bow), spear or gig, except within 275 yards of an eel weir.

BAIT

BAITFISH includes all forms of minnows; suckers, chubs, fallfish, lampreys, eels between six (6) and eight (8 inches in length; gizzard shad eight (8) inches or less; all forms of darters (except Eastern sand darter), killifishes and stone catfish.

FISHBAIT includes crayfish or crabs, mussels, clams, and the nymphs, larvae and pupae of all insects spending any part of their life cycle in the water.

SEASON, SIZE, LIMIT - No closed season (except as noted below) and no minimum size. The daily limit - and possession limit - is 50 combined species. When purchasing bait, be sure to obtain and keep the sales slip or receipt. The receipt authorizes the possession of the fishbait or baitfish so purchased for a period of l5 days after its date of issue. Fishbait or baitfish purchased from a licensed dealer does not have a possession limit and does not count toward your daily limit of fishbait and baitfish taken from Commonwealth waterways.

Approved trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish from March l to the opening day of trout season. Most Specially Regulated Trout Waters are closed to taking fishbait at all times.

TAKING AND KEEPING BAIT is permitted using: rod and reel or handline, net or minnow seine not over 4 ft. sq. or in diameter, or a minnow trap with no more than two openings which shall not exceed one inch in diameter. All devices must be under the immediate control of the person using them.

Unattended minnow traps or baitfish containers left in Commonwealth waters must be identified with the owner's or user's name, address and telephone number.

If fishing in a group and the total number of fishbait or baitfish which were taken from Commonwealth waters exceeds the possession limit (50), separate containers must be provided for the fishbait or baitfish. Total possession limit in any one container may not exceed 50 baitfish or fishbait combined.

MUDBUGS (dragonfly nymph) - No daily limit from lakes, ponds, swamps or adjacent areas; the daily limit from rivers and streams is 50.

FROGS AS BAIT - Except for those listed as endangered or threatened, frogs may be used as bait. Certain seasons and possession limits apply.

IT IS UNLAWFUL...

To fish (includes taking baitfish and fishbait) from l2:0l a.m. March l, to 8:00 a.m.on the opening day of trout season any approved trout water. Excepted are certain Specially Regulated Waters listed and "in season only" stocked waters.
To take or attempt to take fish, or keep fish accidentally caught, by snatch fishing, foul hooking or snag fishing. Handfishing is not permitted.
To catch, kill or possess more than one day's limited of any fish except (a) at your residence and (b) you may possess two days' limit while traveling to your residence from an overnight fishing trip of two or more consecutive days.
To have on a stringer or in container, while in or along waters of the Commonwealth or immediately returning therefrom, more than the daily creel limit of any fish for one person.
To fail to immediately return unharmed to the waters from which it was taken, any fish caught out of season, or undersize, or over the daily creel limit. Any fish placed on a stringer, in any container or given away, counts toward the possession limit of the person having caught it.
To kill any fish and fail to make a reasonable effort to lawfully dispose of it.
To fish in, or within l00 ft. of, the entrance or exit points of any fishway, including fish ladders and other fish passage facilities.
To use gamefish as bait except when taken by rod and reel or handline in conformance to season, size and creel limit.
To sell baitfish or fishbait taken from waters of the Commonwealth, except licensed and authorized commercial fishermen may take and sell baitfish from Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
To sell baitfish or fishbait within the Commonwealth, or transport same out of the state, except by authorized and licensed commercial bait dealers.
To sell any species of fish, reptiles and amphibians taken from the Commonwealth with the exception of snapping turtles.
To release any species of fish, except those listed as approved by the Fish and Boat Commission, in Commonwealth waters without written permission from the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
To place an obstruction in any waters that blocks the free movement of fish.
To use or have in possession while on or along Commonwealth waters, nets larger than four feet square or in diameter except with a special permit issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
To conduct an organized fishing tournament in which there are ten or more participants without a permit issued by the Commission. Permits must be submitted sixty days prior to the date of the proposed tournament. Fishing tournaments may not be conducted for a species of fish during the closed season for that species. Unless a special exemption is granted, fishing tournaments may not be conducted on the opening day of the season for any species of game fish. Contact your nearest Regional Office for further information and permit applications.
To conduct a tagged fishing tournament in boundary waters without a permit issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
To throw, leave, discard or deposit litter, debris or trash of any kind in or along waters or lands adjacent to or contiguous to waters of the Commonwealth.
To obstruct the ingress, egress, or regress to a person's property, cattleways or fields.
To dig in or drive upon any cleared or cultivated lands.
To cut or damage trees or shrubs.
To build or tend open fires without permission.
To interfere with any Waterways Conservation Officer, or their deputies, in the performance of their duties, or refuse to accompany any officer after having been arrested for a violation of the Fish and Boat Commission Code.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF FISH
AND BOAT COMMISSION-OWNED OR
CONTROLLED PROPERTY

Overnight camping, building or maintaining open fires, swimming, and picking, cutting, or digging flowers, plants, shrubs and trees is prohibited.
The leaving or disposal of any rubbish on Commission property is prohibited unless placed in containers, if provided for this purpose. Disposal of any refuse accumulated off Commission property is prohibited.
Fishing from the breast of a dam is prohibited where posted.
Any personal, organizational or commercial use other than normally intended fishing and boating activities is prohibited, except that the Executive Director or his designee may issue permits to organizations for the use of Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission properties, when it is determined that such use will not damage Commission property and will not interfere with normal usage by others. Launching or retrieving of swimming aids at Commission access areas is prohibited.
The removal or defacing of any sign, poster, or property is prohibited and it shall be unlawful to damage, in any manner, any lands or to interfere with any device or structure, or to alter or interfere with the flow of water over or through any structure.
Legal hunting and trapping is permitted on Commission property unless otherwise posted.
The carrying or use of firearms on Fish and Boat Commission properties is prohibited except while lawfully hunting or trapping; the use of .22 caliber rimfire weapons with shotshell only is permitted to take frogs during the open seasons unless otherwise posted. This does not apply to those individuals authorized to carry firearms under l8 Pa. C.S. 6l09 (licenses) or those individuals authorized to do so in conformance with l8 Pa. C.S. 6l06 (Firearms not to be carried without a license).
The use of electric motors for boat propulsion is permitted on all Commission lakes. Internal combustion engines are not permitted.
All watercraft must have on board a Coast Guard Wearable Approved Personal Floatation Device in good, serviceable condition for each occupant. Children under l2 years of age and younger shall wear an approved type I, II, III, or V, PFD while underway on Commonwealth waters on any boat 20' or less in length and all canoes and kayaks.
On fish and Boat Commission lakes, inflatable boats must be seven or more feet in length, be constructed of durable corded fabric reinforced with cloth and coated, and have at least two separate buoyancy chambers, excluding inflatable flooring or bottom.
Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. Blocking or obstructing driveways, access roads or launching ramps is prohibited. Use of designated disabled person parking spaces by other than those specifically authorized is prohibited.
No person may construct, place or maintain any structure, fixture or any other tangible property on or in Commission-owned or controlled property or waters without a permit from the Executive Director or his designee. Persons are further prohibited from encroaching upon Commission property in any manner incompatible with public use.
A vehicle properly registered and operated in conformance with the Vehicle Code is permitted on Commission property. Prohibited is the use of motorized vehicles which are not registered, and which are capable of off-highway use, including trail bikes, Tote Gotes, ATV's and the like. Snowmobiles may be used in designated areas. Parking areas will not be used for general snowmobile operation.
ALL boats using ANY Fish and Boat Commission-owned or controlled facility MUST be registered. Mooring boats overnight at designated areas on Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lakes and access areas is permitted from April l to November 30. Boats must be registered and display the official registration sticker on each side of the bow.
Walnut Creek Access, Channel and Basin - Boats have the right-of-way over shore fishermen. Fishing from boats is prohibited in channel and basin. Boats may be moored at the Access between May l5 and the first Sunday in November on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee is charged. Shore fishing is allowed in the basin ONLY at places and times designated. The west bank of Walnut Creek is closed to all access from the mouth to the first bridge.
Northeast Access Area - Boats may be moored between April l5 and the first Sunday in November on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee is charged.
Trespassing on Fish and Boat Commission property is prohibited where posted.
Float tubes or similar devices are permitted while fishing on Fish and Boat Commission lakes so long as the device contains two air bladder systems. It may not be propelled by a mechanical device. The user must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
Organized fishing tournaments/derbies in which there are more than l0 participants require a permit issued by the Commission. Permits must be submitted sixty days prior to the date of the proposed tournament. Fishing tournaments may not be conducted for a species of fish during the closed season for that species. Fishing tournaments may not be conducted on the opening day of the season for any species of game fish. Contact your nearest regional office for further information and permit applications.
Tagged fish contests are prohibited on Fish and Boat Commission lakes or access areas where prizes are awarded for catching tagged fish and where an entry fee is required to participate.
Additional restrictions, such as time closures or bans on the use of alcohol may be imposed on Commonwealth properties during certain times of the year. Please see bulletin boards at Commission properties for any additional restrictions that may apply.

Persons who are deprived of the use of a leg or both legs or are disabled in a manner that significantly limits their mobility may apply for a permit to use an off-road motorized vehicle on Commission property for the purpose of gaining access to fishing and boating opportunities. Permit applications may be requested in writing from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, Pa. l7106-7000.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

The Commission has listed some species of reptiles, amphibians, fish and aquatic organisms as endangered, threatened or candidate. Endangered and threatened species face extirpation from the Commonwealth. Candidate species may be more abundant, but face similar perils. To obtain a current list, write to: Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, Nongame and Endangered Species Unit, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, Pa. l6823.

IF A VIOLATION OCCURS...

Persons accused of violating the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code or Rules and Regulations have a right to a hearing before a District Justice. For summary violations, guilt may be acknowledged by paying the prescribed penalty to the Waterways Conservation Officer prosecuting the case by use of a "Field Acknowledgement of Guilt". Law enforcement personnel have the right to confiscate, or seize as evidence, fishing equipment that is illegal or used to violate fishing laws or regulations. The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission may, upon proper notice, suspend or revoke the fishing privileges, boating privileges, or other permits of any person convicted (or acknowledging guilt) of a violation of the Fish and Boat Code or Fish and Boat Commission Regulations.

If you have acknowledged guilt or been convicted of a second or subsequent violation within a l2-month period, you will be assessed an additional fine of two times the statutory fine for the second or subsequent offenses.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY - l998 - SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN

WATER BODY - Susquehanna River (Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Northumberland and Montour County)
AREA UNDER ADVISORY - PA. Rt. 92 Bridge, Falls to confluence with West Branch.

SPECIES	MEAL FREQUENCY	CONTAMINANT
All suckers	Do Not Eat	PCB
Channel catfish, Quillback Carp, Walleye	One meal a month	PCB
Smallmouth Bass	One meal a week	PCB