Philadelphia is perhaps most well known for its historical significance in the founding of United States, and the ever famous cheesesteak sandwich is authentically Philadelphia’s as well. Something that may be little known about Philadelphia is the sport fishing available in the city and the surrounding countryside. The state of Pennsylvania boasts over 83,000 miles of streams and rivers, and there are over 4,000 lakes, both man-made and natural, within the state. Several miles of waterways within Philadelphia and numerous streams, rivers and lakes in the surrounding countryside makes Philadelphia sport fishing a popular recreational activity.
Fairmont Park is located in Philadelphia redstreamsport and is the municipal park system of the city. The park system is made up of 63 parks, and Philadelphia sport fishing may be enjoyed along the 34 miles of waterways within the park which include: Pennypack Creek, Wissahickon Creek and the Schuylkill River. The areas around Philadelphia, generally within an hour and a half drive, where sport fishing may be enjoyed include:
Bucks County (30 minutes to 1 hour NE of Philadelphia)
o Nockamixon Lake – warm-water fishery
o Neshaminy Creek – warm-water fishery
o Tohickon Creek – cold-water fishery
Northampton County and Lehigh County (1 hour N of Philadelphia)
o Saucon Creek – cold-water fishery
State of Delaware (1 hour SW of Philadelphia)
o White Clay Creek – cold-water fishery
o Millstone Pond – warm-water fishery
o Cattail Pond – warm-water fishery
Warm-water species of fish include: walleye, small and largemouth bass, sunfish, carp, catfish, and black crappie. Cold-water species include: rainbow trout and brown trout.
Philadelphia sport fishing is enhanced by periodic stocking bosscast of streams, creeks and rivers. Trout stockings begin on March 1 of each year for approved trout waters and are stocked at specified times throughout the fishing season. Walleye and catfish are examples of other fish with which the waters are stocked. While many streams and creeks in Philadelphia and the surrounding countryside are stocked with both cold water and warm water fish species, some of the bodies of water support wild trout production. For example, wild trout may be found in the Schuylkill River and Saucon Creek.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are responsible for enforcing the fishing rules and regulations within the state. Regulations vary by location and species of fish. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 years of age and older. Following the rules and regulations as set forth by the state are safeguards that protect the angler as well as the fish, and help make sure that sport fishing may be enjoyed in the state for years to come.
Philadelphia sport fishing is a recreational activity that grandma streams can be enjoyed by both beginner and experienced anglers. Whether bait casting on the lake or fly fishing in a cold-water stream, the perfect fishing destination in Philadelphia and the surrounding countryside is waiting.