bass fishing tips

Bass fishing has been a great American pastime for generations. And with thriving populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass in many of its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, Pennsylvania is an ideal state for bass fishing. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, fishing for bass in Pennsylvania is an entertaining and rewarding challenge and can provide fun for the entire family.

Habits

Although largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in many of Pennsylvania's waters, they do not always share the same habitat.

Smallmouth bass tend to be schooling fish and often can be found in areas with a rock or gravel bottom. Largemouth bass are generally more solitary (though not always) and prefer vegetation and submerged wood cover. Largemouths also prefer slightly warmer water with less current than smallmouths.

Both species spawn on shallow flats when the water temperature reaches about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, though smallmouths might spawn slightly earlier than largemouths.

Timing

Fishing for smallmouths begins to heat up right after the first major warming trend of the year; at this time smallmouths may be found on drop-offs near spawning flats. Largemouth fishing usually picks up a little later.

Bass of both species often can be found cruising in shallow water looking for spawning sites once the water temperature reaches the low 50s. The spawn takes place in mid-May through early June on most Pennsylvania waters. Once the spawn is over, bass move to points, drop-offs and other deep structure. The times before and after the spawn are often the best times for bass fishing in Pennsylvania.

Tactics

Crankbaits, topwaters, spinnerbaits, jigs and various soft plastics are effective for catching bass in Pennsylvania. Live bait also works well: worms, minnows and crayfish all are popular.

In spring, cast shallow-running crankbaits around flats or work jigs around nearby drop-offs. Try fishing jigs and plastic worms along the edges of cover in summer, and focus on shallow water in the morning and evening, moving to deep structure during the heat of the day. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits work well in moderate depths in fall. Also try drifting live bait under a bobber or jigging it on bottom around cover.

Locations

Many waters across the state of Pennsylvania have healthy bass populations. Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Erie, Lake Marbug, Lake Wallenpaupack, Marsh Creek Lake, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, the Susquehanna River, Shenango River Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake are among the best.

Regulations

Bass fishing is strictly catch and release from April 17 through June 11. Length restrictions and daily limits vary according to the time of year, and river regulations are slightly different from lake regulations. Complete details can be found on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website.

Many of the state's best bass waters are under Big Bass Program special regulations, which involve a higher minimum length and lower daily limit to improve fishing in these waters. You must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish for bass, which can be purchased at most bait shops and sporting goods stores statewide.