Pennsylvania FishingGet an email when Pennsylvania's fishing rules change
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Fishing rules change at the state line — and in your state. Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account. Get the app License
In Pennsylvania, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
Special-regulation waters in Pennsylvania
Allegheny River, Allegheny Reservoir outflow to Conewango Creek Warren Bald Eagle Creek, near Steel Hollow Run Centre Bald Eagle Creek, Spring Creek confluence to Sayers Lake inlet Centre Beaver Creek Ponds Clarion Big Bass Program lakes (Arthur/Nockamixon/Blue Marsh) Clarks Creek (Fly-Fishing Only section) Dauphin Delaware River PA-NJ reach: a valid Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid from a boat or from either shoreline. Upper NY-PA reach: a valid New York or Pennsylvania license is valid on both sides. Delaware does not have reciprocal agreements — tidal sections below the PA/DE border require a Delaware license. PA anglers age 16+ need a Pennsylvania Trout/Salmon Permit when taking trout from boundary waters. Fishing Creek (Tylersville), Tylersville Hatchery to Fleming's Bridge Clinton Fishing Creek, Cedar Run confluence to Country Club Rd bridge Mill Hall Clinton Freeman Run, W Branch confluence to mouth Potter Harveys Lake Luzerne Hopewell Township Park Lake Beaver Kishacoquillas Creek, near Tea Creek to Penn Central RR bridge Mifflin Lackawanna River (4.24 mi), Archbald to Lackawanna Ave bridge Lackawanna Little Juniata River (13.70 mi) Blair/Huntingdon Little Lehigh Creek, Spring Creek confluence to Wild Cherry Lane bridge Lehigh Martins Creek, E/W Branch confluence to Bangor STP outflow Northampton Monocacy Creek, Illicks Mill Dam to Lehigh River confluence Lehigh/Northampton Penns Creek, Spring Mills to Elk Creek confluence Centre Pohopoco Creek, Beltzville Lake outlet to Hideaway club cable Carbon Raystown Lake & Raystown Branch, dam to Juniata River Huntingdon South Branch Roaring Creek, Bear Gap to SR 42 bridge Columbia/Northumberland Spring Creek (16.24 mi) Centre Susquehanna & Juniata Rivers (Big Bass) West Branch Delaware River, PA/NY border to E Branch confluence Wayne Yellow Creek, Beaver Creek confluence to Red Bank Hill Bedford Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle to mouth & Casselman to Ramcat Run Somerset/Fayette/Westmoreland/Allegheny On the water? Pennsylvania boating rules — BUI limit, life jackets & boater education → Don't get caught off guard Cross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account. Get the free app Other Pennsylvania laws
Informational only — not legal advice.