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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Get Started Fishing

    If you're a beginner angler or just looking to expand your fishing knowledge, check out our tips and tricks for a successful and safe adventure.

    Wide angle photo of a young boy with a surprised look on his face as he holds up his fishing rod to a pair of adult's hands helping to take the fish off the hook

    Fishing Gear

    Follow our Fishing Gear Checklist for all of the basic essentials needed for a successful fishing trip, like rods, reels, lure, bait and more.

    Catch PA Fish

    Learn about where, when and how to target the many species of Pennsylvania fish.

    Where to Fish 

    When to Fish

    The Fish and Boat Commission Summary Book highlights everything you need to know when it comes to fishing. Learn about the seasons, sizes and creel limits​ for various fish species in PA.

    How to Fish

    After you've mastered the basics, check out these other ways you can take to the water in Pennsylvania.

    Fly fishing angler, Tony Sobina, casts his fly rod out to Sugar Creek in Bradford County, PA.

    Fly Fishing

    Fly fishing is a fun and challenging way to catch many types of fish. Flies usually imitate aquatic insects, baitfish, and worms.

    Fly Fishing
    Man wearing a life jacket kayaking with his dog, also wearing a life jacket, and fishing on Poe Lake in Centre County.

    Kayak Fishing

    ​Pair your two favorite outdoor activities together with kayak fishing!

    Kayak Fishing
    Man wearing layers under a life jacket showcasing his large Bluegill caught while ice fishing on Nessmuk Lake in Tioga County, PA.

    Ice Fishing

    Check out our ice fishing maps, fishing tips and educational programs to expand your fishing skills onto the ice!

    Ice Fishing

    Catching and Handling Fish

    Land the fish quickly. Don't let it fight and jump until it's exhausted. This is important anytime, but especially when the waters are warm. Water temperatures of 70 degrees and warmer are rough on coldwater fish. Increase the drag on your reel and make sure your fishing line is in good condition.

    A landing net can help you land fish quickly. The best nets have a shallow bag made of fine mesh. If you must handle a fish, wet you hands first. It's best for the fish if you keep your hands off.

    Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Being out of the water is stressful for fish.

    Handle the fish as little as possible. If you must handle the fish, make sure your hands are wet before you touch the fish.

    Quickly remove the hook. Practice grabbing the hook shank and turning the hook upside down. Usually the fish will slide off of the hook. Pliers are a helpful took to have when removing a hook.

    • Sometimes a fish will get hooked deeply and there's no way to get the hook out. Just snip the line as close as possible to the fish's mouth. Then release the fish.

    Return the fish gently to the water as soon as possible. 

    Give the fish a few seconds to "shake it off." Then, if the fish doesn't swim away, gently move it back and forth in the water. This helps get a fresh dose of oxygen to the fish by moving water over its gills.

    WATCH the proper way to handle a fish for safe catch and release.

    How to Handle Fish for Safe Catch and Release

    Follow these steps to learn safe catch and release while fishing.