Find Great Trout Fishing In Pennsylvania

All about fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and popular trout waters in the state. Pennsylvania is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing opportunities, with an abundance of lakes and rivers that are home to various trout species. Anglers can target popular trout species such as brook trout, brown trout, lake trout and rainbow trout throughout the state.

Brook trout, Pennsylvania's state fish, can be found in pristine mountain streams, providing a picturesque setting for anglers. These beautiful and colorful fish are highly prized by trout enthusiasts for their aggressive strikes and elusive nature. Anglers can explore the state's scenic mountain streams and headwater creeks for memorable brook trout fishing experiences.

Brown trout, known for their wily behavior and challenging fights, thrive in Pennsylvania's rivers and larger lakes. Popular trout fishing destinations like the Lehigh River, Youghiogheny River, and the famous limestone-rich waters of Spring Creek are known for their healthy populations of brown trout. Anglers often target them using various techniques, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure fishing.

Rainbow trout are another highly sought-after species in Pennsylvania. They can be found in both lakes and rivers, offering diverse fishing opportunities. Stocked lakes such as Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, and Marsh Creek Lake are popular destinations for rainbow trout fishing. In addition, Pennsylvania's designated Class A wild trout streams, such as Penns Creek and Pine Creek, provide excellent opportunities for anglers to pursue wild rainbow trout.

Pennsylvania boasts impressive state records for trout, reflecting the exceptional quality of its trout fishing. The state record for brook trout stands at 7 pounds, caught in Fishing Creek. The record for brown trout is over 20 pounds. As for rainbow trout, the record is over 15 pounds. These records illustrate the trophy-sized trout that can be found in Pennsylvania's waters.

Whether you prefer the challenge of catching wild trout in pristine streams or the excitement of landing stocked trout in lakes and rivers, Pennsylvania offers a wealth of opportunities for trout fishing enthusiasts. With its diverse trout species, stunning natural landscapes, and impressive state records, Pennsylvania is a paradise for anglers seeking unforgettable trout fishing experiences.

Trout Waters

You don't have to go far to find trout here. Many of the rivers, streams, small lakes and ponds hold trout. The major lakes offering trout fishing include Allegheny Reservoir , Blue Marsh Lake, Canoe Creek Lake, East Branch Lake, Glendale Lake, Kettle Creek Lake, Keystone Lake, Lackawanna Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Pleasant, Lake Wallenpaupack, Little Pine Lake, Locust Lake, Raystown Lake and Upper Woods Pond. Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Trout Rivers & Creeks

Flowing waterways with wild or stocked trout include Allegheny River, Big Cove Creek, Big Spring Creek, Black Creek, Brodhead Creek, Buffalo Creek, Cedar Run, Chest Creek, Clark Creek, Clear Shade Creek, Clover Creek, Conococheague Creek, Dyberry Creek, East Branch Codorus Creek, East Branch Tunungwant Creek, East Branch White Clay Creek, Falling Spring Branch, First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, Fishing Creek, Harveys Creek, Hickory Run, Jordan Creek, Kettle Creek, Kinzua Creek, Lackawanna River, Lackawaxen River, Laurel Hill Creek, Lehigh River, Letort Spring Run, Little Juniata River, Little Lehigh Creek, Little Schuylkill River, Loyalhanna Creek, Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming Creek, McMichael Creek, Meadow Run, Middle Branch White Clay Creek, Middle Creek, Nescopeck Creek, Neshannock Creek, Oil Creek, Penns Creek, Pine Creek, Piney Creek, Pohopoco Creek, Quittapahilla Creek, Roaring Brook, Saucon Creek, Slate Run, South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, Spring Creek, Spruce Creek, Tionesta Creek, Toms Creek, Tulpehocken Creek, West Branch Brandywine Creek, West Branch Lackawaxen River, White Clay Creek, West Branch Delaware River, Wiconisco Creek, Wissahickon and Yellow Breeches Creek.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Pennsylvania Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout came out of Jordan Creek.

The state record brook trout was caught out of Fishing Creek.

Lake Erie gave up the state record brown trout.

Lake Erie served up both the state record lake trout and palomino trout.

The state record steelhead trout was caught out of Walnut Creek.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Luke Gearing caught this excellent rainbow trout, in Ligonier, PA, on his 16th birthday.

Visit the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for information about trout stocking in PA.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.