Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part II - FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
Subpart B - FISHING
Chapter 65 - SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS
Section 65.9 - Big bass

Universal Citation: 58 PA Code ยง 65.9

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) The Executive Director, with the approval of the Commission, may designate waters as "big bass" waters. The designation shall be effective when the waters are so posted after publication of a notice of designation in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

(b) It is unlawful to take, catch, kill or possess a largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass on or in designated "big bass" waters except in compliance with the following seasons and size and creel limits. It is not a violation of this section if the bass is immediately returned unharmed to the waters from which it was taken.

Seasons

Size (in)

Creel Limit

Lakes:

January 1 to midnight the day before the second Saturday in April and 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June to midnight December 31

15

4 (combined species)

12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June

NO HARVEST-Catch and immediate release only

Rivers and Streams:

January 1 to midnight the day before the second Saturday in April and October 1 to midnight December 31

18

2 (combined species)

12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June

NO HARVEST-Catch and immediate release only

12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June to midnight September 30

15

4 (combined species)

Note: For purposes of this section, power dam pools and recreational dam pools on the Susquehanna River and navigational dam pools in the Ohio drainage are "rivers."

(c) Other Commonwealth inland fishing regulations apply to designated "big bass" waters.

(d) Tournaments are permitted only during the designated harvest periods.

The provisions of this §65.9 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. §§ 2102 and 2307; and section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 186).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Pennsylvania may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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