Angling in the Endless Mountains

The Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania offers exceptional trout fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from near and far. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) enhances these experiences through a comprehensive stocking program, ensuring that both novice and seasoned fishermen can enjoy abundant catches.

Premier Trout Fishing Destinations

Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties boast renowned “Class A” trout streams. These waterways are meticulously managed and regularly stocked by the PFBC, making them prime locations for trout fishing enthusiasts.

Diverse Fishing Experiences

Beyond the stocked streams, the North Branch of the Susquehanna River meanders through parts of Susquehanna, Bradford, and Wyoming counties, offering diverse trout fishing environments. Numerous lakes and ponds, accessible to the public or through private landowner agreements, provide additional venues for anglers to explore.

Trout Species and Stocking Programs

While the brook trout holds the title of Pennsylvania’s official state fish, the PFBC also releases substantial numbers of brown and rainbow trout into regional streams and lakes between March and April, coinciding with the start of trout fishing season. Notably, the Loyalsock Creek in Sullivan County and the South Branch Tunkhannock Creek in Wyoming County are part of the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program. These areas receive large trout, aged two to three years and measuring 14 to 20 inches, under the Delayed Harvest, Artificial Lures Only special regulation.

Year-Round Trout Fishing Opportunities

Trout fishing in the Endless Mountains is a year-round activity, whether you’re casting from a boat or kayak, fishing from the shoreline, or ice fishing during the winter months. Anglers aged 16 and older are required to purchase fishing licenses through the PFBC when accessing public waters from Monday through Saturday. However, on designated “Fish-for-Free” days, no permits are necessary. Additionally, annual stickers are required for boats and kayaks, especially when utilizing public access points.

Variety of Fish Species

In addition to trout fishing, the Susquehanna River and the region’s many lakes are home to a variety of sought-after fish species, including smallmouth bass, muskellunge, pickerel, walleye, catfish, and popular panfish like bluegills, perch, and crappies. The PFBC maintains access to select ice fishing sites, such as Sunfish Pond, Stephen Foster Lake, and Cooks Pond in Bradford County; Hunters Lake and Lake Jean in Sullivan County; Quaker and Stillwater lakes in Susquehanna County; and Stevens Lake, Lake Winola, and Oxbow Lake in Wyoming County.

Planning Your Trout Fishing Adventure

After obtaining a license, anglers can plan their trout fishing adventures by utilizing the PFBC’s interactive maps. These tools allow users to target waterways by season and the types of fish they hope to catch. Notably, Sullivan County offers an extensive network of streams accessible to anglers, surpassing other counties in the region.

Guided Trout Fishing Services

For those seeking guided trout fishing experiences, the region features celebrated anglers offering their expertise. Lance Dunham, owner of L.D. Guide Service in Bradford County, has assisted anglers in netting over 140,000 fish from the North Branch Susquehanna River since 2006. In Wyoming County, Al Casal of Al’s Susquehanna Guide Service, a certified Fishing Skill Instructor with the PFBC, coordinates fishing trips on local lakes.

Local Resources and Accommodations

The area supports numerous mom-and-pop bait shops, bait vending machines at convenience stores, and sporting goods stores with dedicated sections for anglers. Lodging options include hotels, cabin rentals, bed & breakfasts, and family-style campgrounds, many of which offer private lakes and trout fishing as amenities.

For a digital format of the Susquehanna River Water Trail – North Branch maps and a list of river access points, visit the water trail page at:

Regional tackle and bait shops include:

Bradford County

• Bump’s Bait & Tackle Shop
  8856 SR 220, Towanda (Monroeton)
  570-265-7888
• Rutt’n Bucks Outfitters
  13150 SR 187, Wyalusing
  570-746-1110
  ruttnbucksoutfitters.com

Sullivan County

• Sinclair’s Hardware
  221 Center Street, Dushore
  570-928-8870

Susquehanna County

• Sible & Sons Bait & Tackle
  494 PA-367, Laceyville (West Auburn)
  570-637-8058

• Outdoor Insiders
  310 Outdoor Drive, New Milford
  570-782-2520
  outdoorinsiders.com

• Montrose Sporting Goods
  51 Public Avenue, Montrose
  570-274-3154

Wyoming County

• T-Town Bait & Tackle
  600 Hunter Highway, Suite 1, Tunkhannock
  570-996-6180
• Z’s Bait & Tackle
  321 PA-92, Falls, PA 18615
  570-388-2978

Embark on a memorable trout fishing adventure in the Endless Mountains, where stocked trout streams and diverse fishing opportunities await every angler.

To learn more about waterways, campgrounds and other outdoor recreational activities in the Endless Mountains, check out our newly released “Endless Mountains Outdoor Recreation Guide”, done in partnership with the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, the Susquehanna County Promotion and Tourism Agency, and the DCNR.

Click here to get your copy of the Endless Mountains Outdoor Recreation Guide.