UTERMuskellunge fishing in Pennsylvania freshwater
In Pennsylvania freshwater, muskellunge peak April and June–July and September–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. November: Pymatuning and the Allegheny.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Muskellunge in Pennsylvania freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawning
- MayAround
- JunePeak
- JulyPeak
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeakPymatuning and the Allegheny.
- DecemberAround
Where to fish muskellunge 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 muskellunge
- 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.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 38–82°F water, best at 55–75°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch muskellunge in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Peak season is April and June–July and September–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Muskellunge are here year-round. November: Pymatuning and the Allegheny.
Where do muskellunge hold in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run, Raystown Lake, Allegheny River, Delaware River.
What is the best bait for muskellunge in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). 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 muskellunge 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.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores muskellunge for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about muskellunge · Pennsylvania fresh water, the whole year