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With the warmer weather and longer days of summer moving in, anglers are geared up for the start of bass season, which kicks off June 17 across the Commonwealth.
The black bass is one of the most popular sportfish targeted by Pennsylvania anglers, second only to trout, according to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway, who expects a large turnout on the most popular lakes and streams, including PA’s Best Bass Fishing Waters.
“One of the main reasons bass is popular is because the Commonwealth has so many fantastic spots for anglers to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, from creeks and rivers to large ponds and lakes,” Arway said. “Our Commonwealth has over 86,000 miles of streams and rivers to fish and more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, most which contain bass.”
Arway said many anglers fish for bass while visiting Pennsylvania state parks, where families and kids can enjoy fishing along with other amenities, including camping, hiking and biking, and canoeing and kayaking.
“State parks are great family-friendly places to fish, particularly if you have young kids,” he said. “And this year the start of bass season falls on Father’s Day weekend. I can’t think of a better way for grandfathers and fathers to spend their weekend than outside fishing with their sons, daughters and grandkids.”
In most waters during bass season, anglers can keep a daily limit of six bass, which must be at least 12 inches in length. There are also lakes and rivers managed with higher length limits and lower creel limits. Anglers can consult the Summary of Fishing Regulations for more specific information.
Arway added that “another option is to practice voluntary catch and release which provides another angler the opportunity to enjoy the same experience that you had catching that lunker bass.”
The PFBC reminds anglers that “catch and immediate release” no harvest regulations apply to smallmouth and largemouth bass on the lower sections of the Susquehanna River (below Sunbury) and Juniata River (below Port Royal) and into the rivers’ tributaries to points one-half river-mile upstream from the confluence.
To make the most of your bass season experiences, check out these online resources from the PFBC:
• Summary of Fishing Regulations
• Best Fishing Waters Program
• PFBC Fish/Boat FREE mobile app
• All about PA bass
• Smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River
Fishing licenses are available at GoneFishingPa.com or at any of the more than 900 licensing agents across the state.
