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.

Trout Fishing Video

---

Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Pennsylvania lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. More...

---

Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Pennsylvania's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

---

Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Pennsylvania lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. More...

---

Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

---

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.

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.

072324