Fishing Pennsylvania

• There are more than 90 different fish in Pennsylvania's miles of rivers, creeks and streams, lakes and ponds. Among some of the most popular are the four main Pennsylvania bass--black, white, rock and striped--bluegill, carp, catfish, northern pikes, muskellunge, perch and trout. The state Fish and Boat Commission stocks many of the waterways with fish, though trout fishing is heavily regulated and is limited to seasonal fishing.
  
  

Best Fishing Waters

• Pennsylvania offers several top fishing spots, including Lake Erie to the west and the Delaware River to the east. In between, some of the best fishing spots include the Allegheny Reservoir, Allegheny, Susquehanna and Monongehela rivers, French and Mahoning creeks and Lake Wilhelm, Lake Arthur and Tamarack Lake.
  
  

Fishing License

• Pennsylvania fishing licenses cost $22.70 for residents, $11.70 for senior residents and $52.70 for non-residents. One-day licenses for residents are $11.70. Seven-, three- and one-day licenses are available for non-residents. Discounted rates are available for National Guardsmen, armed forces reservists and former prisoners of war who are residents. Seniors and senior former prisoners of war can also buy discounted lifetime licenses. In addition to a license, fishermen need a Lake Erie permit to fish on the lake. There is also a special permit for fishing trout and salmon. Both the trout/salmon permit and Lake Erie permit are $9.70, but a combo purchase of both is $15.70.
  
  

Boating Licenses

• Boaters need to have any gasoline, diesel or electric motor boat titled and registered in Pennsylvania. Documented pleasure boats must also be registered, such as yachts or sailboats with auxiliary power motors. Un-powered boats do not need to be registered unless used at a commission access area or lake or a state park. Registration fees run from $18 to $52 and titles cost $15. Registration and titling can be done at any county treasurer's office or at any regional office of the Fish and Boat Commission.
  
  

Boating Safety

• Pennsylvania requires watercraft operators to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. To get a certificate an operator must complete a Fish and Boat Commission-approved course and examination. They are available on-line, as a take-home video course or a classroom course. More information on the courses is available at the commission website. The commission does not charge fees for the courses, but often partners with outside organizations that may charge. There are no boating licenses in Pennsylvania.