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    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

     

    Smallmouth, Largemouth and Spotted Bass

    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: