Trout Fishing in the Pocono Mountains

Trout fishing in Pennsylvania is a popular pastime for anglers of all levels, and the Pocono Mountains in particular offer some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the state. With numerous streams, rivers, and lakes to choose from, as well as a variety of trout species, the Poconos provide a diverse and exciting fishing experience.

 

Trout Species in Pennsylvania

Before we dive into trout fishing tips specific to the Pocono Mountains, it's important to understand the different trout species that can be found in Pennsylvania. The three main trout species that anglers target in Pennsylvania are brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

 

1. Brook Trout:

 

Introduction

Brook trout, also known as speckled trout or brookies, are the only trout species that is native to Pennsylvania. Brook trout are a beautiful fish with a distinctive appearance, characterized by their dark green or brown backs, with a lighter, almost silvery underside. They are found in a variety of waterways throughout Pennsylvania, from small mountain streams to larger rivers.

Bait Preferences:

Brook trout are known for their aggressive nature, and can be caught on a variety of baits and lures. Live bait such as worms, grubs, and minnows can be effective, as well as small spinners and spoons. Fly fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers can also be a great way to catch brook trout.

How to Catch:

Brook trout can be caught using a variety of techniques, but stealth and patience are key. When fishing in smaller streams or creeks, casting upstream and letting the bait drift downstream can be effective. When using lures or fly fishing, try casting towards structure such as rocks, logs, or undercut banks, as brook trout often hide in these areas to ambush prey.

Gear:

When fishing for brook trout in smaller streams, a light to ultralight rod and reel setup is recommended. In larger rivers, a light to medium setup may be necessary to handle larger fish. Fluorocarbon or monofilament line in the 4-8 lb test range is typically used.

Best Times to Fish:

Brook trout are active year-round but are most active during the cooler months of the year, with spring and fall being the best times to fish. Brook trout are also more active during low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening, so try to plan your fishing trips accordingly.

Where to Fish:

Brook trout can be found in many waterways throughout Pennsylvania, but are most commonly found in the smaller streams and creeks in the Pocono Mountains. Some popular brook trout fishing destinations in the Poconos include Bushkill Creek, Tobyhanna Creek, and Brodhead Creek.

Season:

The brook trout season in Pennsylvania is open year-round, but special regulations apply in certain areas. Check with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for specific regulations in your area before heading out.

Additional Tips:

When fishing for brook trout, it is important to practice catch and release. Brook trout are not only a beautiful fish but also an important indicator species of the health of Pennsylvania's waterways. By releasing these fish unharmed, you are helping to preserve these populations for future generations of anglers to enjoy. When handling brook trout, it is also important to wet your hands before handling them to prevent damage to their delicate scales and slime coating.

 

2. Brown Trout:

 

Introduction:

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) are another popular trout species in Pennsylvania waters. They are originally from Europe and were introduced to Pennsylvania in the late 1800s. Brown trout can be found in both streams and lakes throughout the state, including in the Pocono Mountains. Brown trout are often considered the most difficult of the trout species to catch, as they are known for their selective feeding habits and wariness.

Bait Preferences:

Brown trout are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of aquatic insects, minnows, and crustaceans. They are also known to feed on small mammals and birds that fall into the water. Brown trout tend to feed most actively during low-light conditions, such as early morning and late evening.

How to Catch:

When fishing for brown trout, it's important to use a stealthy approach and avoid spooking the fish. Use light line and small hooks, as brown trout are easily frightened by heavy gear. Brown trout are also known for their love of cover, so look for them near undercut banks, overhanging trees, and logjams. The best approach is to present your bait or lure in a natural way, allowing it to drift naturally with the current or using slow, gentle retrieves.

Gear:

When fishing for brown trout, it's important to use light gear. A light or ultralight spinning rod is ideal, as it allows for greater sensitivity and precision. A 4-6 pound test line is sufficient for most brown trout fishing situations.

Baits/Lures:

For brown trout, small spinners, spoons, and minnow imitations work well. Live bait such as worms, minnows, and crickets can also be effective. When using lures, it's important to use natural colors that blend in with the surroundings.

Techniques:

When fishing for brown trout, it's important to use a stealthy approach and avoid spooking the fish. Use light line and small hooks, as brown trout are easily frightened by heavy gear. Brown trout are also known for their love of cover, so look for them near undercut banks, overhanging trees, and logjams. The best approach is to present your bait or lure in a natural way, allowing it to drift naturally with the current or using slow, gentle retrieves.

Best Times to Fish:

Brown trout tend to feed most actively during low-light conditions, such as early morning and late evening. However, they can also be caught during the day if conditions are right. Overcast days or days with light rain can be particularly productive.

Where to Fish:

Brown trout can be found in both streams and lakes throughout Pennsylvania. In the Pocono Mountains, popular brown trout fishing spots include Bushkill Creek, McMichael Creek, and Brodhead Creek.

Season:

The brown trout season in Pennsylvania runs from the opening day of trout season in mid-April through Labor Day. Outside of this season, catch-and-release fishing is allowed.

Additional Tips:

When fishing for brown trout, it's important to be patient and persistent. Brown trout can be challenging to catch, but the reward is worth the effort. Keep in mind that brown trout are also a popular game fish, so be sure to check regulations and size limits before keeping any fish.

 

3. Rainbow Trout:

 

Introduction:

Rainbow trout are one of the most popular and widely distributed trout species in Pennsylvania, and can be found in streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the state. They are native to the western United States, but have been introduced throughout much of North America, including Pennsylvania.

Bait Preferences:

Rainbow trout are known for their voracious appetites and will take a wide variety of baits and lures. Some popular bait choices for rainbow trout include worms, minnows, salmon eggs, and power bait. Fly fishing is also a popular method for catching rainbow trout, with many different fly patterns and techniques that can be effective.

How to Catch:

When fishing for rainbow trout, it is important to keep in mind their feeding habits and preferred habitats. They are often found in areas with swift currents or riffles, where they can easily feed on drifting insects and other prey items. In addition to bait fishing and fly fishing, spin fishing can also be effective for rainbow trout, with small spinners and spoons being popular choices.

Best Times to Fish:

Rainbow trout can be caught year-round in Pennsylvania, but are most active in the spring and fall months. They prefer water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are more likely to feed during overcast or cloudy days.

Where to Fish:

Rainbow trout can be found in many of Pennsylvania's streams, rivers, and lakes, including the Pocono Mountains region. Some popular spots for rainbow trout fishing in the Poconos include the Lehigh River, Brodhead Creek, and Tobyhanna Creek.

Season:

In Pennsylvania, the season for rainbow trout typically begins in early April and runs through September. However, there are some exceptions, and anglers should check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for specific regulations and season dates in the area they plan to fish.

Additional Tips:

When fishing for rainbow trout, it is important to use light tackle and be patient. These fish can be easily spooked, so a stealthy approach is often necessary. It is also important to handle them gently and release them quickly to ensure their survival. Finally, anglers should be aware of any special regulations or restrictions in the area they plan to fish, as some waters have specific catch limits or gear restrictions.

 

4. Golden Trout:

 

Introduction:

Golden Trout, as their name suggests, are a beautiful species of trout with bright golden-yellow bodies and red or pink stripes along their sides. They are native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California but have been introduced to various parts of the country, including Pennsylvania. Golden Trout prefer clear, cold water with high oxygen levels, and they tend to inhabit small streams and high mountain lakes.

Bait preferences:

Golden Trout feed on a variety of insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, as well as small crustaceans and other small aquatic organisms. They can also be caught using small spinners, spoons, and flies.

How to catch:

Golden Trout can be challenging to catch due to their preference for remote and high-elevation habitats. Anglers can hike to these areas to access these fish or take advantage of helicopter drops. Once in the fishing area, anglers should use light line and small hooks to present their bait or lures delicately.

Best techniques:

When fishing for Golden Trout, it's essential to use stealth and approach the water carefully to avoid spooking the fish. Small dry flies, nymphs, and wet flies are all effective for Golden Trout, depending on the conditions. Anglers should focus on presenting their flies or lures in areas with cover or structure, such as undercut banks or overhanging vegetation.

Best times to fish:

Golden Trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, and they tend to feed actively during times of low light. Anglers should focus their efforts during the summer months when the water temperature is cooler, and insect activity is high.

Where to fish:

Golden Trout can be found in select waters in the Pocono Mountains, including the Brodhead Creek and other tributaries of the Delaware River. Anglers can also find Golden Trout in some high-elevation lakes throughout the state.

When the season starts/ends:

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks Golden Trout in select waters during the spring and fall stocking periods. Anglers can check the Commission's website for the exact stocking dates and locations.

Additional tips:

Golden Trout are a prized catch for many anglers due to their beauty and challenging nature. Anglers should practice catch-and-release fishing to preserve these fish populations, especially in their native habitats. Additionally, anglers should be prepared for the challenging terrain and weather conditions that come with fishing for Golden Trout in high-elevation areas. Proper clothing, footwear, and equipment are essential to ensure a safe and successful trip.

 

5. Lake Trout:

 

Introduction:

Lake Trout are a popular game fish found in Pennsylvania, especially in the northern part of the state. They are typically found in deep, cold water, and are known for their large size and fighting ability.

Bait preferences:

Lake Trout prefer live bait, such as minnows, but can also be caught using lures such as spoons, jigs, and crankbaits.

How to catch:

Lake Trout can be caught by trolling, casting, or still fishing. They tend to feed near the bottom, so it is important to get your bait or lure down deep.

Gear:

A medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rod and reel with a strong line is necessary to catch Lake Trout.

Best times to fish:

Lake Trout are best caught in early spring when they are spawning and in the fall when they are feeding heavily to prepare for winter.

Where to fish:

Lake Trout can be found in deep, cold water in lakes and reservoirs in the northern part of Pennsylvania, including Lake Erie and Lake Wallenpaupack.

Season:

Lake Trout can be caught year-round in Pennsylvania, but the best times to fish are in the spring and fall.

Additional tips:

Lake Trout are known for their strong fighting ability, so be prepared for a challenge when reeling them in. When fishing for Lake Trout, it is important to use a heavy lure or bait and to fish at the right depth.

 

Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Regulations 2023

When it comes to trout fishing in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand and follow the regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). These regulations are designed to protect the trout population and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Firstly, anglers are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing for trout in Pennsylvania waters. These licenses can be purchased online through the PFBC website or from authorized agents throughout the state. Additionally, a trout/salmon permit is required for anglers targeting trout or salmon in Pennsylvania waters.

The PFBC also sets regulations on when and where trout can be caught. The trout season in Pennsylvania is typically open from mid-April to mid-September, with the exact dates varying based on location and specific regulations. During the off-season, catch and release fishing is allowed on certain waters.

There are also specific regulations for different types of waters, including streams, rivers, and lakes. Some waters are designated as Class A Wild Trout Streams, which have more restrictive regulations in order to protect wild trout populations. It is important for anglers to check the specific regulations for the water they plan to fish before heading out.

Another important regulation is the daily creel limit, which specifies the number of trout an angler is allowed to keep in a day. The creel limit varies depending on the location and type of water, but is generally between two and five trout per day. There are also minimum size limits for trout, which vary depending on the species and location.

In addition to these regulations, there are also rules regarding the use of bait and tackle. Some waters may have restrictions on the types of bait or lures that can be used, and certain types of fishing gear, such as snag hooks, are prohibited.

It is important for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations before heading out to fish for trout in Pennsylvania. Following these regulations helps to ensure the long-term health of the trout population and allows for sustainable fishing opportunities for years to come.

 

 

In Conclusion:

Trout fishing in the Poconos is an unforgettable experience that every angler should have at least once in their lifetime. The Pocono Mountains region is home to some of the most beautiful trout streams and lakes in Pennsylvania, which are home to a variety of trout species including brook, brown, rainbow, golden, and lake trout. By following the tips and techniques mentioned in this guide and adhering to the Pennsylvania fishing regulations, anglers can increase their chances of catching these elusive fish. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, the Pocono Boat House is a one-stop-shop for all your fishing needs. From live and artificial bait to fishing gear and PA fishing licenses, the Pocono Boat House has got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your fishing gear, and head to the Poconos for a trout fishing adventure of a lifetime!