UTERRainbow trout fishing in Pennsylvania freshwater
In Pennsylvania freshwater, rainbow trout peak April–June and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Opening day in April — stocked streams statewide.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Pennsylvania freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeakOpening day in April — stocked streams statewide.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow trout 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 rainbow trout
- 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.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October–November. Rainbow trout are here year-round. April: Opening day in April — stocked streams statewide.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around Susquehanna River, Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run, Raystown Lake, Allegheny River, Delaware River.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Pennsylvania freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole 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. 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 rainbow trout 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 rainbow trout · Pennsylvania fresh water, the whole year