Spring is in the air – are you itching to get outside? While most of us easily lean in to outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or biking, why not consider something new this year. We suggest angling!
There are many styles of fishing based on the location and type of fish you’re seeking, so if you’re a novice, consider enlisting the advice of an experienced angler before casting your line into a nearby stream, creek, pond, or the Susquehanna River.
We suggest having a conversation with one of two local experts:
~ David Lilley, owner of Blue Heron Fishing in Milton gave the SRVVB some expert tips about when, where, and how to fish waaaaay back in the spring of 2025 when we published our first blog post ever! Check out Spring Fishing in the SRV here.
~ Steve Lowe from Southside Outdoors LLC in Sunbury is another local expert who was recently featured in our “Explore the SRV” podcast series which is available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, and on our website.
Need some online help before talking to an expert? Start with our fishing webpage.
If you’re a fan of video tutorials, check out our new fishing video series, which is broken up into four parts. Created in partnership with Vincent Stuter of Anglers Anchor, this series takes an in-depth look at what makes fishing in Central PA so special, from the scenery to the species and everything in between.
Vincent takes viewers along the Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers on the East Coast and a hidden gem for anglers. From Milton State Park to the Isle of Que in Selinsgrove, he’ll reveal top public access points, popular fishing spots, and breathtaking river views.
Part 1: Fishing the Susquehanna: Welcome to the River
Part 2: Fishing with the Family: Getting Kids Hooked
Part 3: Beyond the River: SRV’s Hidden Gems
Part 4: Tactics and Targets: Chasing Big Fish on the Susquehanna
We also offer a hardcopy and digital Fishing Guide that outlines top access points and boat launches, seasonal tips for successful catches, local insights and pro tips from experienced anglers, plus where to find gear, guides, and great eats nearby.
Did you know?
The Susquehanna River is the longest river on the East Coast and one of the oldest rivers in the world, older than the Appalachian Mountains! The Susquehanna River Valley is uniquely located at the confluence of the river’s North and West branches, right at Shikellamy State Park.
Get the Kids Hooked!
Each spring, youth can fish for free with a licensed mentor on Mentored Youth Trout Day (MYTD). This year, the state-wide event takes place on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Youth anglers need a Mentored Youth Permit (which is free) or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.97) from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and to be accompanied by a licensed adult angler to participate. The Voluntary Youth Fishing License assists the state with stream-stocking programs, a win-win for kids and the environment alike.
With their License or Permit, kids can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches. Adult anglers are prohibited from taking trout.
Remember: anglers 16 years of age or older are adult anglers and need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. To participate on MYTD, anglers over 16 must be accompanied by an eligible holder of a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission.
The youth permit and youth voluntary license can be purchased at HuntFishPA or at a licensing agent.
The Opening Day of Trout Season in PA, which is almost a state-wide holiday is Saturday, April 4, 2026.
PA Fish Stocking
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) 2026 stocking schedule is now available online. Find the schedule and everything you need to plan your fishing season or help with stocking here. This will help you determine the most worthwhile fishing holes in your County.
In 2026, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams, and 130 lakes open to public angling. These include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout, 698,000 Brown Trout, and 128,000 Brook Trout. The average size 
of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.
The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. It also lists streams that have been added, removed, or revised. Thank you, PFBC for your tireless work!
Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Hatcheries said, “With spring fishing opportunities right around the corner, every angler 
can benefit from knowing when their favorite stream or lake will be stocked with trout, starting in just a few weeks.”
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
If you’re interested in fishing the river from a kayak or canoe, check out the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s wonderful Paddling Itineraries Guide online. Or request a physical guide here.
Thanks to the tireless work of the Middle Susquehanna River Keeper, the Susquehanna River has an active protector from pollution. The River Keeper focuses its work on the Susquehanna River, its tributaries and the aquatic ecosystem it supports 
across an 11,000-square-mile watershed defined by the North and West branches of the river and more than 20 counties in central, northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania that make up the drainage basin.
If you ever see pollution on the River, you can report it at 570-768-6300.
They offer a popular Floating Classroom which takes place on the Hiawatha Riverboat, Environmental Education Leadership for Students (EELS) program, Nature Book Club and much more.
Their newest project is called the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, named after the term vernal pools.
In the later parts of winter, small depressions gather moisture and warmth in the rays of sunshine unobstructed by a tree canopy yet to form. Leaf litter from the previous autumn and other organic matter in the bottom of these large, natural puddles offer nutrients and places to hide as certain species of frogs and salamanders are drawn out of hibernation to these unique nooks and crannies protected from some of their biggest threats as they begin a new cycle of life. Vernal pools are more than an early sign of spring, they foster new life that ultimately sparks the greater forest ecosystem for the coming year.
In much the same way, the Vernal School strives to provide a safe, resource-enriched environment to foster a new love and appreciation of nature, the sciences and creative problem-solving that will inspire the next generation of stewards.
Whether you’re new to angling or an experienced fisherman, we hope you find fishing the SRV a rewarding experience. Don’t forget to check out our fishing webpage and post some pics of your adventures!
Tag us at #ExploreSRV or @SusquehannaRiverValley.
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