Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing
The most common gamefish in Pennsylvania are trout, bass, catfish and panfish. Walleye, pike, muskellunge and carp are also popular with anglers. For a comprehensive overview of the most common fishes of Pennsylvania, visit FishandBoat.com.
Depending on where you’re fishing and what species you’re targeting, two types of permits are required. If you’re fishing on a lake, pond or reservoir, permits are generally not required.
A Trout Permit is required to fish for trout in Pennsylvania waters. An angler fishes for trout when they take, kill or possess a trout; fish in waters under special trout regulations; fish in any Class A Wild Trout Waters or Wilderness Trout Streams or their tributaries; or fish in streams and rivers designated as Stocked Trout Waters on March 1 through May 31.
A Lake Erie Permit or Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit is required to fish in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries, including waters that flow into those tributaries.
Support conservation efforts with a purchase of voluntary permits.
Buy permits at HuntFish.PA.gov, License Issuing Agents, County Treasure Offices or Fish and Boat Commission offices.
A good place to start is at Fishing License Issuing Agents. Most are commercial businesses that sell some type of fishing gear, and many also sell bait. The Fish and Boat Commission maintains a list of Issuing Agents at FishandBoat.com.
You can either keep the fish to eat or release it back into the water. If you want to keep the fish, reference the Summary Book at FishandBoat.com to make sure it is legal. If you release the fish, use proper catch-and-release techniques.
You can buy a gift voucher for licenses and permits for someone else through the same outlets as buying a license for yourself. You only need to provide the gift recipient’s name when purchasing a voucher.
A voucher is not and cannot be used as a fishing license. Redeem vouchers at any issuing agent. The voucher is non-refundable and expires as noted.
The public can borrow free fishing gear from participating Fishing Tackle Loaner Program locations across Pennsylvania.
Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website at FishandBoat.com.
A Pennsylvania fishing license is required to fish in PA, and you should have a basic knowledge of Pennsylvania’s fishing regulations. The Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws contains an overview of fishing regulations. It also provides fishing tips and other valuable information.
A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for people 16 and older fishing for any species of fish. The license must be on your person and provided upon the request of an officer. A screen shot or electronic copy is acceptable. Anglers are also required to carry another positive means of identification (a valid driver’s license, for example) to establish their identity if requested by an officer. Licenses can be purchased at HuntFish.PA.gov, License Issuing Agents, County Treasurer Offices or Fish and Boat Commission offices.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers two Fish-for-Free Days each year. On these days, all anglers are allowed to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways with no fishing license required. Find more information at FishandBoat.com.
If you’re catch-and-release fishing from most lakes, ponds and reservoirs in Pennsylvania, as long as you have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license there are few rules and regulations. If you plan to keep your catch, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the seasons and size and possession limits.
Regulations and laws are outlined in the Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws. Print copies of the booklet are available at issuing agents.
Pennsylvania is home to many different fishing opportunities, but we recommend starting on lakes, ponds and reservoirs. State parks are a great place to start. Use our map to find great fishing spots near you.
Note that many waters in Pennsylvania are privately owned. Respect the privacy and rights of landowners, and always get permission before entering any privately owned land.
An adult assisting a child by casting or retrieving a fishing line or fishing rod is not required to possess a valid fishing license if the child remains within arms’ reach of the assisting adult and is actively involved in the fishing activity.
An adult may assist a child by baiting hooks, removing fish from the line, netting fish, preparing the fishing rod for use and untangling the line without possessing a valid fishing license.
A number of Pennsylvania waters are available to fishing exclusively for children 15 years of age and younger.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers free educational programs to teach people with little to no fishing experience basic fishing skills. Some programs are designed for families, too. Most programs provide free equipment, bait and instruction and do not require a fishing license.
The Fish and Boat Commission maintains a list of registered commercial Charter Boats and Fishing Guides at FishandBoat.com.
Paddling
Lakes and water trails suitable for canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddleboards are located throughout Pennsylvania.
In addition to your boat, paddlers are required by law to have a wearable life jacket for each person on board, a sound-producing device like a whistle and a light between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is low.
There are many boat rental locations and outfitters across Pennsylvania that can easily be found via an internet search, but we recommend starting at state parks. Use our map to find state parks with boat rentals.
Each person in a canoe, kayak, rowboat or paddleboard must have a wearable, USCG-approved life jacket. Life jackets must be the appropriate type, size and fit for the person intended. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket when underway. Find life jackets at most sporting goods retail stores and free life jacket loaner stations.
Pennsylvania is blessed with numerous waterways great for paddling. Use our map to find access points near you.
Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website at FishandBoat.com.
The Pennsylvania Boating Handbook provides detailed explanations of boating regulations and safety information. Paddlers are also encouraged to take the free paddle safety course at paddlecourse.com. Paddlers must adhere to life jacket, sound-producing device and registration/launch permit requirements. Paddlers should also expect to get wet and dress properly, leave a float plan, never boat alone, prepare for the weather, prepare to swim and scout ahead.
There are no age restrictions to paddle. Children 12 years and younger must wear a life jacket in all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Restrictions do apply on powered boats. Please see FishandBoat.com for more information.
Any boat using a PFBC lake or access area, PA state parks and PA state forests must display a current registration or launch permit. Buy launch permits at HuntFish.PA.gov, Commission region offices, authorized issuing agents or many state park offices.
Learn more about registering your boat at FishandBoat.com.
Use the “touchdown test” to determine if your life jacket fits.
Here’s how:
- Put on your life jacket.
- Raise your arms over your head as if you were signaling a touchdown.
- Have someone lift the jacket straight up by the shoulders.
- The jacket should stay in place. If the zipper touches your nose or the jacket almost comes off, it is too loose.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission provides virtual opportunities to learn the basics of paddling in Pennsylvania at youtube.com/@PaFishandBoat. Paddlers are also encouraged to take the free paddle safety course at paddlecourse.com.
Many partners also offer educational programs usually found via an internet search. If you’re struggling to find a program near you, contact a PFBC Outreach and Education Region Office for more information.
The U.S. Geological Survey provides daily streamflow conditions and the National Weather Service provides Middle Atlantic River and Ohio River forecasts.
You can also call hotlines for specific water conditions:
- Allegheny River, Kinzua Reservoir – Water Condition Hot Line: 814-726-0164
- Central PA River Conditions – NWS: 888-881-7555
- Susquehanna River (Lower) Hotline: 800-692-6328
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources updates snow and ice conditions during the winter months.