Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Pennsylvania
State, United States. Authority : Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
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- Licence
- US$261.9710-Year Resident
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 101.6 cmMuskellunge and tiger muskellunge
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearFish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm RulerTo check the minimum size: Muskellunge 101.6 cm here.
€48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Fishing Accessory Box, 329 PiecesFor : northern pike, zander, walleye · feeder fishing
€45.90£25.90Not shipped to the United States
Floating Spider Soft Lures, Pack of 6For : largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chub · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€33.90£19.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Regular season 5/day, 7 in; extended season on stocked trout waters Jan 1-Feb 15 and Sept 8-Dec 31 (3/day); catch and release only in extended season on waters not stocked
Jan 1-Apr 10 and Oct 1-Dec 31: 15 in, 4/day; April 11-June 12: no harvest, catch and release only (no tournaments)
Also open Jan 1 - March 14; closed March 15 - May 1
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–110 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Trout2 inland waters | 17.8 cm | |
| Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)2 Jan 1-Apr 10 and Oct 1-Dec 31; 12 in (30.5 cm) June 13-Sept 30 | 38.1 cm | |
| Walleye and saugeye2 inland waters | 38.1 cm | |
| Northern pike2 inland waters, open year-round | 61 cm | |
| Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge2 inland waters | 101.6 cm |
To check the minimum size: Muskellunge 101.6 cm here. Fish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm Ruler €48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Trout (combined)2 regular season; 3 in extended season on stocked waters | 5 per day |
| Bass (combined)2 Jan 1-Apr 10 and Oct 1-Dec 31; 6 from June 13-Sept 30; 0 April 11-June 12 | 4 per day |
| Walleye and saugeye2 inland waters | 6 per day |
| Northern pike2 inland waters | 2 per day |
| Muskellunge (combined with tiger muskie)2 inland waters | 1 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing License (16-64)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$27.97 |
| Resident (Annual), 16-641 | annual | US$27.97 |
| Senior Resident (Annual), 65+1 | annual | US$14.47 |
| Senior Resident (Lifetime), 65+1 | lifetime | US$86.97 |
| 1-Day Resident (not valid March 15 - April 30)1 | 1-day | US$14.47 |
| Non-Resident (Annual)1 | annual | US$60.97 |
| 1-Day Tourist (not valid March 15 - April 30)1 | 1-day | US$31.97 |
| 3-Day Tourist1 | 3-day | US$31.97 |
| 7-Day Tourist1 | 7-day | US$39.47 |
| 3-Year Resident1 | 3-year | US$79.97 |
| 5-Year Resident1 | 5-year | US$131.97 |
| 10-Year Resident1 | 10-year | US$261.97 |
| Voluntary Youth Fishing License (under 16)1 | annual | US$2.97 |
| Trout Permit (16+, required to fish for or keep trout/salmon)1 | annual | US$14.97 |
| Lake Erie Permit (16+)1 | annual | US$9.97 |
| Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit (16+)1 | annual | US$20.97 |
Buy the licence on huntfish.pa.gov
- Ages and exemptions1
- A fishing license is required for persons age 16 and over; under 16 free (optional $2.97 Voluntary Youth License). Seniors 65+ pay reduced annual ($14.47) or lifetime ($86.97) resident licenses. Fish-for-Free Days 2026: May 24 and July 4.
Good to know
A Trout Permit ($14.97) is needed in addition to the license to fish for trout; Lake Erie waters need a Lake Erie Permit. Bass spawning closure (catch and release only) April 11 - June 12, 2026. 1-Day licenses not valid March 15 - April 30. Lake Erie, Delaware River/Estuary and boundary waters have separate rules.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- Prix du 1-Day Tourist et du 3-Day Tourist identiques ($31.97) sur la page officielle (vérifié dans le HTML)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Lake Erie lake, Erie County
Channel catfish, Smallmouth bass, Walleye View on the map - Pymatuning Reservoir reservoir, Crawford County
Channel catfish, Muskellunge, Walleye View on the map - Allegheny Reservoir reservoir, Warren County
Northern pike View on the map - Raystown Lake reservoir, Huntingdon County
Common carp, Largemouth bass, Muskellunge, Smallmouth bass, Walleye View on the map - Lake Wallenpaupack reservoir, Pike/Wayne County
Channel catfish, Smallmouth bass, Walleye View on the map - Presque Isle Bay lake, Erie County
Largemouth bass View on the map - Lake Arthur (Moraine State Park) reservoir, Butler County
Channel catfish, Common carp View on the map - Lake Wilhelm reservoir, Mercer County
Common carp, Largemouth bass, Walleye View on the map - Foster Joseph Sayers Lake reservoir, Centre County
Bluegill, Channel catfish, Common carp View on the map - Nockamixon Lake (State Park) reservoir, Bucks County
Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, Muskellunge View on the map - Blue Marsh Reservoir reservoir, Berk County
Channel catfish, Walleye View on the map - Conneaut Lake lake, Crawford County
Bluegill, Common carp, Northern pike View on the map - Marsh Creek Lake (State Park) reservoir, Chester County
Largemouth bass, Muskellunge View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Pennsylvania in 2026?
The “10-Year Resident” licence costs US$261.97 (10-year). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for muskellunge in Pennsylvania?
Muskellunge: 101.6 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- Buy a Fishing License/Permit - PFBC (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.