Bass Season Details

Bass season opens statewide in Pennsylvania at midnight on Saturday, June 14. The daily limit is six fish, 12 inches or larger.

With the start of bass season, all species of gamefish will be in season for Pennsylvania anglers.

Where to Fish for Bass in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers numerous locations for bass fishing, from smaller lakes and ponds to larger impoundments like Sayers Lake and Raystown Lake, and rivers such as the Juniata River and its Raystown Branch.

Some local waters in the Big Bass Program include:

• Canoe Creek Lake in Canoe Creek State Park, blair County
• Shawnee Lake in Shawnee State Park, Bedford County
• Beaverdam Run Reservoir, Duman Dam, Hinckston Run Reservoir, and Wilmore Dam, all in Cambria County
• Colyer Lake in Center County

largemouth vs. Smallmouth Bass

The stars of bass season are the largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Nationwide the largemouth bass ranks as our most popular freshwater game fish, and it’s not even close. Largemouths are found in all the lower 48 states and southern Canada, and have been transplanted to Mexico, Central America, and other continents.

Largemouths thrive in diverse habitats, from small farm ponds to large reservoirs.

Smallmouth bass were originally native to the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada. They have been introduced into almost every other state but are not as widespread as the largemouth.

Smallmouth bass prefer lakes with clear water and gravel, rocks, and other hard bottom structure.Smallmouths, of course, thrive in rivers, while largemouths aren’t fond of river currents. Pennsylvania’s major river systems are known for their excellent smallmouth fisheries.Surprisingly, smallmouth bass were only native to the Allegheny and Ohio River watersheds and were introduced to the Susquehanna, Juniata, and Delaware rivers during the late nineteenth century.

Why Bass are Popular

Bass are popular with anglers as they are strong fighters and can reach a respectable average size. The world record largemouth weighed 22 pounds 4 ounces and was caught from Montgomery Lake in Georgia in 1932. That record was tied in 2009 by a bass taken in Lake Biwa in Japan. The Pennsylvania state record largemouth bass weighed 11 pounds, 3 ounces and was caught from Birch Run Reservoir in Adams County in 1983.

The world record smallmouth bass came from dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee in 1955 and weighed 11 pounds 15 ounces. pennsylvania’s record smallmouth weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and was caught from Scotts Run Lake in Berks County in 1997.

Bass Behaviour and Lures

Largemouths prefer cover such as weeds or sunken trees, ambushing prey with short bursts of speed. Smallmouths relate to rock piles or ledges but are agreeable in open water, hunting baitfish.

Largemouths are easier to catch on overcast days, while smallmouths often bite well on sunny days. Windy days can scatter the fish, making them harder to find.

Both species are predators, preying on virtually any creature they can swallow. This extremely varied diet means bass are likely to attack a wide variety of lures, a trait that endears these fish to both fishermen and tackle companies.

Anglers have sought new lures for over a century, and lure makers have been eager to satisfy that demand. probably more lures have been produced specifically to catch largemouth bass than every other species combined. And as long as we anglers keep buying them,it’s a sure bet the tackle manufacturers will keep turning them out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania

when does bass season open in Pennsylvania?

Bass season opens statewide at midnight on Saturday,June 14.

What is the daily limit for bass?

The daily limit is six fish, 12 inches or larger.

What are the regulations for Big Bass Program waters?

On Big Bass Program waters, the minimum size for bass is increased to 15 inches, and the daily limit is reduced to four fish.

Where can I find Big Bass Program waters?

Some local waters in the Big Bass Program include Canoe Creek Lake, shawnee Lake, Beaverdam Run Reservoir, Duman Dam, Hinckston Run Reservoir, Wilmore Dam, and Colyer Lake.

What is the world record for largemouth bass?

The world record largemouth bass weighed 22 pounds 4 ounces and was caught from Montgomery Lake in Georgia in 1932.That record was tied in 2009 by a bass taken in Lake Biwa in Japan.

What is the world record for smallmouth bass?

The world record smallmouth bass came from Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee in 1955 and weighed 11 pounds 15 ounces.