06/13/2026
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Pennsylvania Bass Season Officially Opens Tomorrow, June 13
Anglers across the Keystone State are rigging their rods and checking their tackle boxes.
Saturday, June 13, marks the official statewide opening of the regular bass season in Pennsylvania. Following the annual spring "No Harvest" spawning period, fishermen can now legally keep their catch, opening up a massive summer playground across the state's 86,000 miles of streams and thousands of lakes.
While the bass opener doesn't always draw the chaotic, crowded shorelines typical of April's trout season, it is the premier event for the state's warm-water anglers. From the rushing, rocky waters of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers—prime territory for feisty smallmouth bass—to the quiet, w**dy coves of Glendale Lake and Raystown Lake where largemouths love to ambush prey, Pennsylvania offers world-class bass fishing for all skill levels.
Regulations to Keep in Mind
Before you head out to your favorite fishing hole, make sure your Pennsylvania fishing license is up to date and you know the local limits. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) enforces standard statewide regulations, though special rules apply in certain areas:
• Standard Inland Waters: From June 13 through September 30, the minimum size limit for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass is 12 inches, with a daily creel limit of 6 fish combined.
• The Big Bass Program: On specifically designated waters—such as Canoe Creek Lake, Shawnee Lake, and Colyer Lake—the minimum size is increased to 15 inches and the daily limit is reduced to 4 fish to help protect and grow trophy-sized populations.
Tips for Opening Weekend Success
With mid-June bringing warmer weather and bright sunshine, bass can become a bit lethargic during the heat of the day. For the best chance at a heavy pull on your line, consider these tips:
• Watch the Clock: Early morning and late evening are prime times. Bass are much more active in low-light conditions.
• Look for Cover: Largemouths love to hide near sunken logs, docks, and heavy w**d beds. Smallmouths favor moving water, so target river pools just below riffles or behind large boulders.
• Mix Up Your Bait: Because bass have a highly varied diet, they will strike at everything from live minnows and crayfish to plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures.
Whether you are floating down a river in a kayak or casting from a state park dock with family, the June 13 opener is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the best of Pennsylvania’s summer waters. Good luck, and tight lines!
