UTERWalleye fishing in Pennsylvania freshwater
In Pennsylvania freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Susquehanna and Allegheny walleye spawn — season and size rules apply; check PFBC.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Pennsylvania freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningSusquehanna and Allegheny walleye spawn — season and size rules apply; check PFBC.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye near Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run
Limestone spring creeks, stocked trout everywhere, Susquehanna smallmouth, Raystown's stripers, the Delaware's shad, and the Lake Erie steelhead (see Lake Erie).
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. April: Susquehanna and Allegheny walleye spawn — season and size rules apply; check PFBC.
Where do walleye hold in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run, Raystown Lake, Allegheny River, Delaware River.
What is the best bait for walleye in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit.
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All about walleye · Pennsylvania fresh water, the whole year