Waterbody · Pennsylvania · Maryland
Susquehanna River Fishing Regulations 2026
Susquehanna River fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are catfish, muskellunge, smallmouth bass. 462 current rules across 19 species from 2 state agencies (Pennsylvania, Maryland).
Species pages for Susquehanna River
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
Pennsylvania waters
363 rules from Fish & Boat Commission, 14 species.
Smallmouth Bass
Susquehanna RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Susquehanna River (98.0 Miles) From The Inflatable Dam Near Sunbury Downstream To Holtwood Dam Including All Tributaries To A Point ½ Mile Upstream From The Confluence.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
January 1 to December 31: NO HARVEST CATCH AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONLY. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass as with Commonwealth Inland Waters fishing regulations. From January 1 to April 11 and June 14 to December 31: Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments permitted. From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Beaverdam Run ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Blue Marsh LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Bradys Run LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Bridgeport ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Canoe Creek Lake (State Park) To Include Two Small Ponds And Raceway Adjacent To Canoe LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Carsonia LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Chambers LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Colyer LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Jan 1 – Apr 11 / Oct 1 – Dec 31
Commonwealth Inland Waters -
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
Oct 1-Dec 31, Combined Species Oct 1-Dec 31
Conowingo Reservoir Up To Holtwood DamIn season
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
combined species
Cross Creek LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Delaware RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Delaware River And EstuaryCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST combined species
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Donegal Lake - Big Bass Program
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Jan 1-Apr 10 And Jun 13-Dec 31
Duman LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Frances Slocum Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Glade Run LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Gouldsboro LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Harris PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hinckston Run ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hopewell LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hunters Lake — Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day combined
Jun 13–Sept 30
Indian Creek Reservoir (Mill Run Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Indian LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Juniata RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Juniata River (31.7 Miles) From Sr0075 Bridge At Port Royal Downstream To The Mouth Including All Tributaries To A Point ½ Mile Upstream From The Confluence.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
January 1 to December 31: NO HARVEST CATCH AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONLY. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass as with Commonwealth Inland Waters fishing regulations. From January 1 to April 11 and June 14 to December 31: Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments permitted. From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Kaercher Creek DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Keystone LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Keystone Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lackawanna Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake Arthur (Moraine State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake ChillisquaqueCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake ErieOut of season
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 20"
Applies to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety, which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries.
Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake NessmukCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake RedmanCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake TowheeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake WilliamsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lakes (Big Bass Program)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. combined species
Lakes, Rivers And StreamsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 14
- Season closes
- Sep 30
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted); begins at 12:01 a.m. combined species
Leaser LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lily LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Little Bufalo Lake(Holman Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Mammoth DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Marsh Creek Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Marshall LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Mauch Chunk LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Nockamixon Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
North Park LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Northmoreland LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Opossum LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Peters Twp. Lake(Res. #2)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Pinchot Lake(State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Pymatuning ReservoirOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5
- Min size
- 12"
Quemahoning ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Rose Valley LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Shawnee Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Shenango River LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Speedwell Forge LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Stevens LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Sugar LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Tamarack LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Twin Lake Number Two Reservoir(Upper)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Twin Lakes Number One Reservoir (Lower)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Upper, Middle And Lower Deer LakesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Virgin Run Lake – Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
(combined species); June 13–Sept 30
Wilmore DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Yellow Creek Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Muskellunge
Commonwealth Inland WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round combined species
Commonwealth Inland Waters, Combined With Tiger Muskellunge
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Conneaut LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Conowingo Reservoir Up To Holtwood DamOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Min size
- 36"
Conowingo Reservoir, Combined With Striped Bass/White Bass Hybrids
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Edinboro LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Howard Eaton ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Hunters Lake — Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day combined
Lake CanadohtaCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Lake ErieOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 40"
Applies to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety, which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries.
Lake WilhelmCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Mauch Chunk Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
(combined with Tiger Muskellunge)
Pymatuning ReservoirOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
- Min size
- 30"
combined species
Rose Valley Lake (Commonwealth Inland Waters, Combined With Tiger Muskellunge)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Virgin Run Lake – Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
(combined with Tiger Muskellunge)
Woodcock Creek LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
From April 1 through May 31, fishing for these species is permitted on a catch and release/no harvest basis. It is unlawful to take or possess any Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge (hybrids), Northern Pike and pickerel from these lakes during this period. When caught, these fish species shall be immediately returned unharmed.
Pennsylvania statewide
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Pymatuning Reservoir (Combined With Tiger Muskellunge)
Tiger Muskellunge
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Hunters Lake — Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day combined
Pennsylvania statewide
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Commonwealth Inland Waters (Combined With Muskellunge)
American Eel
Susquehanna RiverOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 25 fish
- Min size
- 9"
Open year-round 25 9 inches
Susquehanna River And TributariesOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 25 fish
- Min size
- 9"
Open year-round 25 9 inches
Catfish
Commonwealth Inland WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 50 fish/day
Open year-round combined species
Lake ErieOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 50 fish
Applies to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety, which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries. Applies to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety, which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries.; (combined species)
Pennsylvania statewide
- Gear
- Bow And Arrow
Bow and arrow (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish on all Commonwealth waters, day or night.
Striped Bass And Striped Bass/White Bass Hybrids
Susquehanna River And TributariesOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 20"
Open year-round 2 (combined species) 20 inches
Susquehanna River
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 20"
Open year-round 2 (combined species) 20 inches
All Species
Susquehanna River And TributariesClosed
- Status
- Closed
CLOSED YEAR-ROUND
West Branch Susquehanna River (Sr 1001 Bridge Near Hyde To First Railroad Bridge Downstream Of The Confluence With Moose Creek)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing
West Branch Susquehanna RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
Open to Year-Round Fishing
West Branch Susquehanna River (Anderson Creek To Sr 2024 Crossing At Porters Bridge)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing
West Branch Susquehanna River (26.1 Miles; From Outflow Of Amd Treatment Plant Near Watkins Downstream To Confluence Of Cush Creek Near Dowler Junction)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Catch and Release All Tackle
American Shad
Susquehanna River And TributariesClosed
- Status
- Closed
CLOSED YEAR-ROUND
Susquehanna RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unlawful to take, catch or kill American Shad in the Susquehanna River and all its tributaries.
Susquehanna River TributariesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unlawful to take, catch or kill American Shad in the Susquehanna River and all its tributaries.
Susquehanna River And All Its TributariesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Unlawful to take, catch or kill American Shad
Channel Catfish
Conowingo Reservoir Up To Holtwood DamOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5
River Herring (Alewife And Blueback Herring)
Susquehanna River And TributariesClosed
- Status
- Closed
CLOSED YEAR-ROUND season with zero daily limit
Susquehanna River TributariesClosed
- Status
- Closed
closed year-round season with zero daily limit applied to Susquehanna River and tributaries, Lehigh River and tributaries, Schuylkill River and tributaries, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware River, Delaware estuary, Delaware River tributaries upstream to the limit of the tidal influence and Conowingo Reservoir.
Susquehanna RiverClosed
- Status
- Closed
closed year-round season with zero daily limit applied to Susquehanna River and tributaries, Lehigh River and tributaries, Schuylkill River and tributaries, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware River, Delaware estuary, Delaware River tributaries upstream to the limit of the tidal influence and Conowingo Reservoir.
Largemouth Bass
Susquehanna RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Susquehanna River (98.0 Miles) From The Inflatable Dam Near Sunbury Downstream To Holtwood Dam Including All Tributaries To A Point ½ Mile Upstream From The Confluence.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
January 1 to December 31: NO HARVEST CATCH AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONLY. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass as with Commonwealth Inland Waters fishing regulations. From January 1 to April 11 and June 14 to December 31: Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments permitted. From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Rock Bass
Plus 2 more species. See the Pennsylvania pillar page for the full list.
Maryland waters
99 rules from DNR, 11 species.
Smallmouth Bass
Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown Dam.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road).Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County— Located On Md Route 5.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County—Located On Md Route 5
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Tidal Tributaries Of The Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Youghiogheny River Lake (Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 13
- Season closes
- Oct 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
No Harvest (Catch and Release) all other dates; No tournaments during closure. in aggregate
Maryland statewide
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 12"
in aggregate or as provided for by special regulations.
Striped Bass
Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
DEC. 6–DEC. 31 SEPT. 1–DEC. 5 Eels may not be used as bait. DEC. 6–DEC. 31
All Areas Open To Catch And Release Fishing Only. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Dec 6
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest Eels may not be used as bait.
Susquehanna Flats, Upstream Of A Line From Sandy Point To Turkey Point And The Susquehanna River Downstream From A Line Connecting The Susquehanna State Park Boat Ramp At Lapidum (Defined By Lat. 39°35.86' N And Long. 76°07.67' W) To Twin Rocks (Defined By Lat. 39°36.17' N And Long. 76°07.56' W) To Tomes Wharf In Port Deposit (Defined By Lat. 39°36.23' N And Long. 76°06.99' W); And The Northeast River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Mar 31
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest. Eels may not be used as bait.
All Areas Closed To Striped Bass Fishing. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Aug 1
- Season closes
- Aug 31
No targeting. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period.
All Areas Open. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Out of season
- Season opens
- Sep 1
- Season closes
- Dec 5
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
Channel Catfish
All AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LEGALLY HUNTED FISH INCLUDE Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
All WaterbodiesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is illegal to release live catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught.
Invasive Division
- Gear
- Angling Only
All legal recreational fishing gear including rod and reel, bow and spear is eligible
Invasive Species Division
- Min size
- 40"
Invasive species division—only harvested fish are eligible
Maryland statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Finfish Trotlines
There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue catfish There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters.
Flathead Catfish
All WaterbodiesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is illegal to release live catfish into a waterbody different than where it was caught.
Invasive Division
- Gear
- Angling Only
All legal recreational fishing gear including rod and reel, bow and spear is eligible
Invasive Species Division
- Min size
- 34"
Invasive species division—only harvested fish are eligible
Maryland statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Finfish Trotlines
There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell flathead catfish There are licenses that allow you to use finfish trotlines to harvest and sell blue and flathead catfish caught from tidal waters.
Tiger Muskie
Maryland statewideClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 36"
Cannot be used as bait.
Muskellunge
Catfish
Conococheague CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Monocacy RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
Potomac RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dip nets may only be used in areas of the Potomac River, Monocacy River and Conococheague Creek that lie within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties to catch catfish
All Species
Susquehanna RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
If fishing upstream of this location, nontidal fishing regulations apply. If fishing downstream, tidal regulations apply.
Perryville Ice House Park—Within The Park Boundaries Of Ice House Park Downstream Of The Route 40 Bridge On The Susquehanna River.Open
- Status
- Permitted
License-free fishing area. Angler registration required for tidal water.
Crayfish
Susquehanna River BasinClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Sex Restriction
- No Egg Bearing
it is illegal to Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen. it is illegal to: Catch or process any species of crayfish unless the head is immediately removed behind the eyes upon capture. Use any species of crayfish as bait unless the head is removed behind the eyes. Catch and possess a female crayfish with eggs attached to the underside of the abdomen.
Tiger Muskellunge
Maryland statewideClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
To use tiger muskellunge as bait
FAQ
Which states regulate fishing on Susquehanna River?
Susquehanna River spans 2 states (Pennsylvania, Maryland). Each state's wildlife agency sets rules for its own waters; Fish & Boat Commission / DNR.
What species can I target on Susquehanna River?
Susquehanna River is best known for catfish, muskellunge, smallmouth bass. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize Fish & Boat Commission / DNR's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.