All About Bass
Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book
Fishing Regulations
Bass Seasons, Sizes and Creel Limits - Commonwealth Inland Water Regulations
Big Bass Program - Special Regulations
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Warm streams and rivers with gravel bottoms; Rocky areas along weed beds; A few clear lakes, ponds and reservoirs
How
Bait -- Crayfish, minnows, hellgrammite fished on a jig-head or a light wire hook drifted on the bottom or under a bobber
Lures -- Bucktail jigs, crankbaits, spinners, twisters, top-water poppers & stickbaits
Lure Color -- Brown, black, motor-oil green, shad colored
Line -- 4-10 lb. test
Hook Size -- 1-4
Lure Size -- 1/16 to 3/4 oz.
When
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early morning, Late evening
Fall -- Daytime
Largemouth Bass Fishing Tips
Where
Habitat -- Weedy lakes and ponds, sluggish or backwater areas on rivers. Largemouth can tolerate a wide range of conditions
How
Bait -- Large minnows, crayfish fished on the bottom or under a bobber
Lures -- Jigs, crankbaits, plastic worms, twisters & poppers
Lure Color -- Black, brown, purple and green
Line -- 6-14 lb. test
Hook Size -- 3/0-4
Lure Size -- 1/16 to 1 oz.
When
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early morning, Early evening
Fall -- Daytime
Interactive Maps
Find waters by using our interactive maps:
- Best Fishing Waters - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
- Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have bass in them
- Special Regulation Areas (Big Bass Program)
- Biologist Reports for reports on waters surveyed by Commission biologists
- County Guide for access points
