Top Places to Fish in Pennsylvania

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Whether you prefer trout, largemouth bass, or catfish, the Keystone State’s bounty of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams rewards millions of anglers with big catches every year. Organized by region, here are a few places to find outstanding fishing in Pennsylvania. PITTSBURGH & ITS COUNTRYSIDE Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park Nearby Town: Portersville What to Catch: Largemouth Bass, Pike, Muskellunge, Channel Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Panfish, Walleye, Perch Lucky anglers hook jumbo-size walleye, perch, and largemouth bass at Lake Arthur – a 3,225-acre, warm-water fishery with 9 public boat launches. While some of the best fishing is available on the lake’s 42 miles of shoreline, boat rentals are also available. Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park Nearby Towns: Portersville, Pittsburgh What to Catch: Trout, Bass Rock-strewn Slippery Rock Creek is famed for its trout fishing and offers a tranquil place to take in McConnells Mill State Park’s expansive green spaces. Fishing is allowed anywhere in the park (except dam structures), and hiking paths along the creek supply access to the water. PENNSYLVANIA WILDS West Branch of the Susquehanna River Nearby Town: Clearfield What to Catch: Trout, Smallmouth Bass, White Crappie Clearfield County is home to more than 100 miles of the 228-mile West Branch of the Susquehanna River, the only portion of the waterway stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Wade into the boulder-strewn waters for the best chances to wrestle in a big one. Allegheny River Nearby Towns: Foxburg, East Brady, West Hickory What to Catch: Muskellunge, Walleye, Catfish, Pike, Bass, Trout Giant musky are known to swim in the portion of the Allegheny River (part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System) that flows through the Pennsylvania Wilds. Hills Creek Lake in Hills Creek Lake State Park Nearby Towns: Wellsboro What to Catch: Muskellunge, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Yellow Perch, Catfish This 137-acre body of water in Tioga County brims with warm-water fish, including largemouth bass weighing up to eight pounds. Several fishing piers and boat launches are available. LAUREL HIGHLANDS Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Nearby Towns: Ohiopyle, Connellsville, Donegal, Ligonier, Meyersdale What to Catch: Trout The Laurel Highlands Trout Trail in southwestern PA encompasses 70 miles of bountiful trout streams, which were established through partnerships with state parks, local businesses, and Trout Unlimited – a cold-water conservation organization. Drop a line in one of the trail’s streams or attend an event. VALLEYS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA Lake Chillisquaque Nearby Towns: Danville, Bloomsburg What to Catch: Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Channel and Bullhead Catfish, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Crappie, Tiger Muskellunge Stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Lake Chillisquaque’s waters offer a wide variety of potential pole-bending catches. Local anglers recommend using live bait such as minnows, night crawlers, and crawfish at the 165-acre lake.