Pennsylvania is a top destination for bass fishing fans. The state has hundreds of public lakes, streams and rivers loaded with all species of bass. In this post we pull together the best places for you to do some bass fishing in PA.
Best bass Fishing Lakes & Reservoirs in PA
Boat Ramp Access in PA
Pennsylvania has hundreds of public access boating ramps throughout the state. Too many to list here so we recommend going to the PA fish and boat website and look at their interactive map and county guide.
Best bass Fishing Streams & Rivers in PA
Allegheny River
Clarion River
Delaware River
French Creek
Juniata River
Susquehanna River (Fabri Dam downstream to Route 462)
The Susquehanna River remains one of Pennsylvania’s best smallmouth bass fisheries despite continued below average spawning success and annual disease outbreaks in young smallmouth bass.
Youghiogheny River
Bass Species in Pennsylvania
- Largemouth
- Smallmouth
- Striped Bass
- Rock Bass
- White Bass
Do you need a fishing license in PA?
Yes, if you are over the age of 16, you will need to purchase a fishing license in Pennsylvania. For more info on PA licenses and regulations go to the fish and game website.
Pennsylvania State Record Bass
Bass, Largemouth (Micropterus salmoides)
Donald Shade, Waynesboro, PA
11 lb. 3 oz.
Birch Run Reservoir, Adams Co.
1983
Bass, Rock (Ambloplites rupestris)
David L. Weber, Lake City, PA
3 lb. 2 oz.
Elk Creek, Erie Co.
1971
Bass, Smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieui)
Robert T. Steelman, Havertown, PA
8 lb. 8 oz.
Scotts Run Lake, Berks Co.
1997
Bass, Striped – Inland (Morone saxatilis)
Robert Price, Huntingdon, PA
53 lb. 12 oz.
Raystown Lake, Huntingdon Co.
1994
Bass, Striped – Marine (Morone saxatilis)
Donald J. Clark, Boothwyn, PA
53 lb. 13 oz.
Delaware River, Delaware Co. 1989
Bass, White (Morone chrysops)
Robert H. Hornstrom, Meadville, PA
4 lb. 0 oz.
Conneaut Lake, Crawford Co.
2002
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