Wolf Creek meanders through the landscape of western Pennsylvania, passing through Grove City, a town of just over 8,000 residents in Mercer County. If you enjoy pleasant adventures along the shores of rural creeks in the hopes of landing a big bass or trout, then fishing Wolf Creek may be just what you're looking for. Before you pick up your rod and head out the door, though, make sure you know the most recent rules and regulations regarding fishing in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) oversees all fishing and boating in the state. If you would like to fish anywhere in Pennsylvania, the first thing you need is a fishing license. Unless you are under age 16 or disabled, you must obtain a license before setting out to fish. The price of licenses varies based on your age and place of residence, but typically are between $9.70 and $26.70, as of 2010. If you will be trout fishing, you will also need to get a Trout/Salmon stamp.
Obtaining a Fishing License
Through the PFBC's website, you can order a license online, print the necessary documents to mail in an order or visit a local issuing agent, such as a county office, PFBC office or select local businesses. As of 2010 there are two local businesses in Grove City that issue licenses: Trader Horn and Wal-Mart.
Trout Fishing
The common species of trout in Pennsylvania are rainbow, brown, brook, golden rainbow and lake trout. Wolf Creek is an approved trout water by the PFBC's fishery biologists, which means that it is open to the public and gets stocked with trout every season, but also that its use is carefully monitored and regulated.
Trout Fishing Season and Regulations
The regular season for trout fishing in Pennsylvania is April 17 until Labor Day; the extended season includes Labor Day through the end of February. During the open season, you may only keep a trout that measures over 7 inches in length, and you may only keep up to five trout a day. During the extended season, you may only keep up to three trout a day. Fishing in Wolf Creek is closed from March 1 to April 17 of each year, when the commission restocks the river.
Bass Fishing Season and Regulations
Bass fishing is also a popular sport in Pennsylvania, and the common species of bass include black, rock, striped and white bass. Bass season is slightly different than trout season: from January 1 through April 16, a bass needs to be 15 inches in length to keep, and you may only keep four bass a day. From June 12 until September 30, you may keep a bass that is 12 inches in length, and you may keep up to six bass. From April 17 until June 11, however, you may not keep any bass, for the only bass fishing allowed is strictly catch and release. During this time, there are also no bass fishing tournaments.
Other Fish
Even if you're fishing for one particular species, you will probably encounter other fish in Wolf Creek as well. You may find sunfish, carp, catfish, muskellunge, perch, pickerel, pike, shad, steelhead or walleye. Regulations regarding these fish are often less stringent, and their fishing season is usually year-round. There are still limits on the size and quantity of the fish you can keep, however, and it is best to keep a copy of the most updated regulations with you when you fish.
Member Comments