These special regulations apply to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass in the waters listed below. Approved Trout Waters (lakes) that are in the Big Bass Program are closed to all fishing from March 1 until the opening day of the trout season (indicated below by an asterisk). This closure does not pertain to Approved Trout Waters (lakes) open to year-round fishing. For all other species, inland regulations apply.
NOTE: For purposes of this section, navigational dam pools in the Ohio River drainage are “rivers.” Anglers that harvest bass on a tributary to the waters managed under the Big Bass Program who later enter the special regulation area with fish in possession must abide by the special regulation area season, sizes and creel limits.
RIVERS & STREAMS
Season
Minimum Size
Daily Limit
Jan. 1 through April 12 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31
18 inches
2
(combined species)
April 13 through June 14
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted)
June 15 through Sept. 30
15 inches
4 (combined species)
LAKES
Season
Minimum Size
Daily Limit
Jan. 1 through April 12 and June 15 through Dec. 31
15 inches
4
(combined species)
April 13 through June 14
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted)
* Closed to fishing from April 1 until 8 a.m. on opening day of trout
** Lake under drawdown status, effective March 2013
CATCH AND RELEASE REGULATIONS for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers have a closed season and extend to tributary portions (view regulations).
