An inadvertent fall in the water can be an amusing story afterwards, or it can result in tragedy -- ALWAYS wear a life jacket when you are on, in, or near water. 2021 Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws (PDF) Use of Lead Fishing Tackle on Inland Waters (PDF) Lead Fishing Tackle Trade-In Program (PDF) If you would like to receive an official copy of the 2021 Maine Open Water and Ice Fishing Laws by mail, please send your request by email or call us at (207) 287-8000. Boat Registration & Titling FAQ's Primary hazards are capsizing, swamping or just falling out of the boat. Just remember, always check your local regulations before you go out fishing. View the 2021 Tournament Rules and Regulations For lures, small jigs, grubs and wax worms are quite effective. Before heading out, it’s also critical to become familiar with the rules and regulations associated with ice fishing, and always think about safety. No fishing license is required to fish on Pennsylvania's waterways on these days. The park has family-friendly facilities such as camping, have a picnic or rent a boat. Know the river. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice. Opening Days and Seasons Fishing Regulations in State Parks and Forests. Portage (carry) your boat around any section of water about which you feel uncertain. Avoid surprises. Each device shall contain a single fishing … PA League of Angling Youth Be prepared for the weather. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources states that an ice thickness of at least 4 inches is safe for a small group of anglers. Catch bluegills by jigging rods with a 2- to 4-lb. Ice fishing. This lake has plenty of room to fish for sunfish, crappie, bass and trout. Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a child. 03/06 Mosquito Lake – Cortland, OH . Scout ahead whenever possible. Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. Fishing at Dunlap Creek Park in Pennsylvania. On open water (not covered by ice), it is unlawful for a person to fish with more than three fishing rods at a time. Anyone 16 years or older will require a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout stamp if targeting trout. There are dangers that can be lessened with knowledge, preparation and practice. Keep in mind that paddling is a “get wet” sport. You might be surprised at just how well it works. Charter Boats / Fishing Guides Rules change frequently, so stay on top of all the changes each season. Never boat alone. Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes coiled and secured. The license must be upon your person and provided upon the request of an officer. Top Locations for Ice Fishing in Pennsylvania 1. Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. While steelhead fishing in the rivers has been tough, ice anglers have been doing well with walleye, bowfin, and muskellunge. General Fishing Regulations. FishBoatPA Mobile App-Google, PA's Best Fishing Waters (a) It is unlawful to fish for game fish with more than three lines of any description, whether fished by rod or by hand, at one time except while ice fishing in accordance with § 63.10 (relating to ice fishing). You can ice fish for a variety of species in Pennsylvania. Report Boat Fuel Use The latest cutting edge tips and techniques for tipups, jigging, and ice fishing related equipment. Never tie a rope to yourself or to another paddler, especially a child. In most cases, it is legal and safe to use corn for bait where bait is allowed. Statewide General Fishing Laws General Fishing Laws for Inland Waters. For largemouth bass in south-central Pennsylvania, ice fishing is most productive in Shawnee Lake, Lake Marburg and Lake Redman. Kneel to increase your stability before entering rougher water, like a rapid. Boating safety increases with numbers. Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. The earlier trout season for 18 southeastern Pennsylvania counties has been eliminated in 2020 due to COVID-19. Tackle & Equipment Regulations in PA Requirements & Law Tackle & Equipment RODS, LINES, AND HOOKS – An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. You are allowed to use up to five fishing devices when ice fishing, which can include rods, tip-ups and hand lines. Subpart B. Keep painter lines (ropes tied to the bow) and any other ropes coiled and secured. Biologist Reports In addition to special regulations… 01/23 Lake Wilhelm – Sandy Lake, PA. 02/06-02/07 Presque Isle Bay – Erie, PA. 02/20 Chautauqua Lake – Bemus Point, NY. When ice fishing for largemouth bass, jigging tip-ups or rods with 8-lb. Yes. If the water looks too hazardous to swim in, don't go paddling. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line. Laurel Lake. The Pennsylvania state parks Winter Report allows winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts to monitor snow and ice conditions with state parks. All anglers 16 years and older must have and display a valid Pennsylvania fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) to fish Pennsylvania waterways. Whether it is is big pike, big perch, big trout, or even big crappie, Lake Arthur is definitely home to more quality than quantity. Be prepared to swim. RODS, LINES, AND HOOKS – An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish. Expect to get wet and dress properly. 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