Reports compiled by Ryan Walt (rwalt@state.pa.us), Southeast Regional Outreach and Education Coordinator, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.

Fall trout stocking continues with the October 23rd stocking of the Tulpehocken Creek from below Blue Marsh Lake downstream to Reading.  Anglers have reported good action on both spinners and flies.  A reminder that the area from the first deflector downstream of the Blue Marsh Stilling Basin to the Red Covered Bridge is regulated as Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only.  Please pay close attention to posted regulations in this area.  The section of the Tulpehocken Creek downstream of the Red Covered Bridge permits the use of bait with a 3 trout possession limit.  See the 2008 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for more information.

Bucks County

The October 17th trout stocking of Lake Luxembourg has been rescheduled for Friday, November 7th.  If anyone is interested in witnessing or helping with the stocking please meet at the main boat launch ramp in Core Creek Park at 1:45 PM.

Trout are still being caught in Levittown Lake.  Anglers have reported success using spinners to catch these fish.

Fishing in both lakes should be good for the next couple of months, with another trout stocking occurring in both lakes in early December.

If you haven't winterized your boat yet, time is running out.  A little precaution now will save you time come spring.

Chester County

While fishing has slowed down in the county the fall colors are almost at their peak in Hibernia County Park.  With its diversity of habitats, fields, forest, wetlands, a 90 acre lake (Chambers Lake), and a very scenic section of the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek that burbles along over large rocks and small falls downstream of Cedar Knoll Road.  Hibernia County Park offers a wide variety of photographic opportunities as well as a chance to study nature on its trails or by boat.  Chambers Lake has a nice boat ramp and ample parking.  Boats, electric motor only, are allowed and must have a launch permit or registration whether they are unpowered or powered.  

Boaters should always wear a lifejacket (PFD) when boating, but it is even more important when the water gets colder.  A trail map is available at the park office or you can get more information on line at http://dsf.chesco.org/ccparks/site/default.asp

Philadelphia County
Late fall trout stocking on the Wissahickon Creek has provide anglers with some great fishing opportunities.

Anglers fishing the Schuylkill River are reporting catfish and carp being caught above the Fairmount dam. 

Boating traffic on the Schuylkill River has slowed due to the colder temperatures.

On Monday, October 6th, Levittown Lake received its fall stocking of trout.  There has been a recent algae bloom along the shoreline of Levittown Lake.  Anglers are reporting success using either a spinner with a blade that will send vibrations through the cloudy water or fishing paste bait on the bottom of the lake out past the algae bloom.

The Lake Luxembourg trout stocking that was scheduled for Friday, October 17th has been postponed.  Further information regarding Lake Luxembourg stocking will be forthcoming.

Lancaster County

Walleye fishing on the Susquehanna River has been on the rise with the nights getting colder and the water temperatures dropping.  A few anglers are having success catching crappies.  The crappies are biting on minnows and chartreuse jigs.   

Anglers and boaters are reminded that as the colder months arrive they are encouraged to wear the appropriate warm clothing and a lifejacket (PFD).

Below is a picture of Ron Long of Middletown and Tony Fanus of Harrisburg with three crappie and four flathead catfish caught at Falmouth on the Susquehanna River

Lehigh County

The drawdown has begun at Leaser Lake for future dam repairs.  Fishing has been very good for crappie, perch, and bass.  Anglers are having the most success using live minnows.  As the water recedes, favorable shore fishing will once again present itself.  One can walk around the lake and fish nearly anywhere from the shore.

The Little Lehigh was stocked with trout last week and has made this stream a favorite fall fishing spot.  Anglers are catching these trout on live minnows and paste baits.

Montgomery County

Schuylkill River bass anglers on the Norristown Pool report that the fish are still biting and the cooler water temperatures have turned on some larger fish.  Minnows are the hot bait right now.

With the cooler weather, risk for hypothermia increases.  Paddlers should wear their lifejackets (PFDs) and bring extra warm clothes in a dry bag or other waterproof container.

Boaters on the Norristown Pool should be advised that the channel markers between Port Indian and Betzwood have been removed for the winter.  Be aware that the winter markers are smaller and less visible.

Last week the 11th annual Montgomery County Youth Field Day was held at Camp Kweebeck in Schwenksville.  Officers from the S. Montgomery County District with the assistance of some select volunteers staffed the canoeing station and over 150 children came through.  For some of them this was their first experience on the water.