Northwest Region
Erie County
Steelhead Tributaries
With the recent rain the Erie area received, the tributary streams were blown out this week. Streams were still too cloudy to see if a fresh run of Steelhead entered the streams. Hopefully once the water clears a fresh run of Steelhead will be awaiting the anglers in 2016.
Venango County
Allegheny River
The USGS depth gage in Franklin reflects a current water level of +/- 11’-05”; which is significantly higher since last report, given nearly 2” of precipitation over the last five (5) days. Water temperature shows a near steady 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Smallmouth Bass and Walleye anglers continue to try their luck and catches were reported on both species in and around the Oil City area. Occasional Muskellunge catches were reported along the northern end of the county.
French Creek
The USGS depth gage in Utica reflects a current water level of +/-07’-11”, up nearly 4’-0” since last report. Fishing and boating activities are, due to conditions, essentially non-existent at this time.
Oil Creek
The USGS depth gage in Rouseville reflects a current water level of +/- 5’-02”, up over 3’-0” since last report. Fishing and boating activities are, due to conditions, essentially non-existent at this time.
Justus Lake
Justus Lake received a fresh stocking of sizeable Rainbow Trout during the first week of November and anglers have recently reported good catches. Boaters are reminded that only manually-powered, wind powered, and electric motor watercraft is permitted on Justus Lake. The use of internal combustion engines is PROHIBITED.
Kahle Lake
Catches of both Bluegill and crappies have been reported.
MANDATORY PFD (LIFE-JACKET) WEAR EFFECTIVE AS OF 01 NOVEMBER:
During the period of 01 November through 30 April, ALL BOATERS are required to wear a life jacket, at all times, while on watercraft less than 16’ in length or ANY canoe or kayak.
NAVIGATION HAZARD (OIL CITY—UPRIVER OF STATE STREET BRIDGE):
Watercraft operators should be aware that the ice control device spanning the Allegheny River, upstream of the State Street (Veteran’s) Bridge, in the City of Oil City, has been placed. Boaters are urged to use caution when operating in this area. A navigation channel/slot exists for the use of recreational watercraft traffic; it is located just to river left of center (southern shore).
Northeast Region
All Boaters are reminded that they are required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
Stream and river levels across the region are running higher than average. Anglers and boaters need to be aware that water levels will continue to rise as more rain is forecasted. Everyone needs to use caution before entering the water as a wading angler or on launching a boat. The best way to check water levels on many waterways across the state, including the northeast portion, is through the USGS Current Water Data for Pennsylvania, found at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/rt
Northcentral Region
REMINDER: GET YOUR FISHING LICENSE for next year OR for the next 3-5 years TODAY!!
Purchase your license online at – http://gonefishingpa.com/
Tioga County
Tioga Lake (spillway)
Anglers are catching Walleye and Pickerel using shiners and various plastic baits.
Centre County
Spring Creek
The stream is up and a little off color; however, the water level is beginning to drop. This means the streamer bite with be on!
Olive and black colored streamer patterns (e.g. slumpbusters; woolybuggers) are working well. Fishing streamers next to the streambank and in slack water areas is working best.
Anglers are catching trout using nymphs throughout the day. Patterns that are working well include pheasant tails (14-18); olive bird of prey caddis (14-16); walt’s worm (14-16) or olive scuds (14-18).
Water level at Houserville, PA information: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?site_no=01546400
Southeastern Region
Creeks across the region are high and off-color with the rain this week. If your Christmas wish was more open water this winter, then it looks like you may be in luck. With El Nino in the mix, extended forecasts don’t look promising for ice anglers with nights predicted to stay above freezing temperatures into January, but time will tell. The silver lining is that you can test out those new waders left under the tree. Keep in mind that water temps don’t fluctuate as quickly as air temps. Dress for the water you could fall into.
If you are patiently waiting for some ice fishing opportunities, take some time to check out the water & ice safety information on our website here: http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm