Notice to Anglers fishing the Delaware River
The Delaware River is a boundary water shared by Pennsylvania and New Jersey with each state’s border generally following the centerline of the river. Although the majority of the fishing regulations enacted by both states are identical, there are some distinct differences. It is the responsibility of anglers fishing in the river to be aware of each state’s fishing regulations. Anglers, regardless of their residency or point of boat launching, are required to comply with the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. An angler fishing or in possession of fish between the centerline of the river and the New Jersey shoreline must comply with the New Jersey fishing regulations. An angler fishing or in possession of fish between the centerline of the river and the Pennsylvania shoreline must comply with the Pennsylvania fishing regulations. The reciprocal agreement regarding fishing licenses remains in effect and anglers may continue to fish from shoreline to shoreline in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey using either state’s fishing license. Information on each state’s fishing regulations can be found at www.fishandboat.com and www.njfishandwildlife.com. It is incumbent upon anglers to determine in which state they are currently fishing, taking into account that in areas where the river splits, such as around islands, the boundary is clearly and legally defined to one side of the island or another. All anglers are reminded to comply with each state’s marine registry requirements when angling for or catching anadromous species such as striped bass, river herring or shad in the tidal portions of the Delaware River.
Berks County
Happy New Year!
Keep the ice sleds packed for a while, because we have no ice. It is hard to believe that its winter, but for now we will have to provide open water reports.
The recent hot spot has been the Blue Marsh Stilling Basin with many notable walleyes and a few muskies caught on plugs mainly after sunset. The area is open 24/7 for fishing, just be careful climbing around the rocks along the discharge.
If you prefer trout fishing, Kaercher Creek Lake in Hamburg was stocked with trout in December, and fishing conditions have been great on the special regulations area of the Tulpehocken Creek.
Crappie fishing has been notable at Lake Ontelaunee along Route 73, with fish taken on minnows and small jigs.
Do not forget its 2012, so pick up your new fishing license before getting out.
Good Luck!
N. Chester County
Marsh Creek Lake - Although the weather has been terrific so far this winter and the bass and panfish action has been comparable, there have not been many anglers on the lake to take advantage. The best baits have been bright-colored jigs, mealworms and live minnows. Marsh Creek Lake is a part of the Big Bass Program. The bass must be at least 15 inches to keep.
French Creek, Pickering Creek, East Brandywine Creek and West Valley Creek are at average seasonal flow. I have observed only a few anglers on these streams so far this winter. For the ones out enjoying the unseasonably mild temperatures, the fishing and catching have been notable. Worms and live minnows have been good producers and small black flies are coming off for those interested in casting flies.
On a warm day, the water temperature needs only to warm up a degree or two for fish to turn on. Fish the offering deep and slow for best results. The West Valley and Pickering DHALO (Delayed Harvest Areas Artificial Lures Only) areas as well as the French Creek Catch & Release Fly-Fishing Only area will be stocked on February 15. The East Brandywine DHALO will be stocked on February 16. Anglers may never have bait in possession in DHALO areas. You may not be in possession of fish in these areas until June 15.
Schuylkill River - There have been a few boats on the river at Black Rock on the days the weather has been warm. Stay clear of the fish ladder at the Black Rock Dam. Violators caught fishing within the fish ladder area will be prosecuted.
S. Lancaster County
Lifetime License Holders – Some significant regulation changes come with the New Year. Senior Resident Lifetime License holders are reminded to stop at any of the 34 issuing agents in Lancaster County to obtain a 2012 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary. One notable change is the modification to last year’s Catch & Release Bass Regulations for the Susquehanna River and Juniata River. The regulations now specify a closed season, no tournaments from 12:01a.m. on May 1 through June 15. Details can be found here: http://fishinpa.com/inland.html.
Additionally, these regulations now extend to all tributaries to a point ½ mile upstream from the confluence. Reference the WHAT’S NEW FOR 2012 section on page 3, and the corresponding pages for complete regulatory information on this.
Paddler Advisory - With the relatively mild winter temperatures that we have been experiencing, paddlers have taken to local waterways in pursuit of outdoor leisure. Be mindful that winter temperatures still present the danger of hypothermia, no matter how mild. That may be stating the obvious, but when we experience mild daytime air temperatures, people tend to forget the dangers inherent in cold-water immersion.
Presently, regulations only require PFDs to be onboard the canoe or kayak; effective November 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 PFDs will be required to be worn at all times on all canoes & kayaks. For those paddlers that launch out of the Blue Rock Access in Manor Township, Lancaster County’s premier waterfowl hunting spot on the Susquehanna River, the duck season will end this Saturday, January 14. Be aware that you may still encounter waterfowl hunters on the river through April 27, as this is within the Atlantic Population Goose Hunting Zone Conservation Season for Snow Goose.
As an aside, paddle sports continue to increase in popularity across the Commonwealth and locally. Last year, Lancaster County residents purchased 15,249 (through 11/30/2011) PFBC launch use permits, 7th in the state in terms of units sold.
New Year’s Fish Tale - Fishing in the county has been slow and sporadic of late; however, the District Officer had a report last week that a rainbow trout was caught on a hot dog last weekend at Muddy Run Lake, in an apparent effort to prepare for a Super “Fish Bowl” Party. It seems the trout landed the prized consolidated meat by-product on an adipose fin buttonhook listing slightly to the starboard.
Lehigh County
Recent warm weather had the trout bite on at the Little Lehigh Creek. Fly anglers throughout the Catch & Release Fly-Fishing Only area and throughout the Lehigh Parkway were doing quite well with small midge patterns in red, along with small bead heads. Other anglers were catching trout on small spinners and minnows. Anglers on the Lehigh River were catching a few trout, but suckers have been biting on earthworms. It is rather early for the sucker spawn, but they have been caught. Not many smallmouth bass were caught recently.
N. Montgomery County
There may not be any ice, but there are still trout in Deep Creek Lake. Anglers have caught trout that were stocked by the PFBC back in mid-November. With the warmer than expected weather, you will have to fish from shore, but Deep Creek Lake has plenty of access for some great fishing opportunities.
Philadelphia County
Fishing action has dropped off significantly with the arrival of cold weather. There are reports of walleyes still biting on shad bodies and twister tails down at the Art Museum. There are also plenty of reports that the catfish are still taking chicken livers at several locations on the Schuylkill River, including Norristown Riverfront Park and the Art Museum/Fairmount Dam area. |
