What the PFBC Best Fishing Waters list is
PA Lake Fishing Almanac · reviewed Oct 4, 2026 against the 2026 Fishing Summary
- PFBC publishes a statewide map called Best Fishing Waters by Species, described on its Where to Fish page as a way to “Search for the best fishing waters by popular fish species found in Pennsylvania.” (pa.gov, retrieved Oct 4, 2026.)
- Behind the map is a GIS list with one layer per species group. The lake layers cover 14 groups: Common Carp; Bluegill and Pumpkinseed; bullheads; Channel Catfish; Largemouth Bass; Muskellunge; stocked trout; Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass; Walleye; White and Black Crappie; Yellow Perch; Smallmouth Bass; Chain Pickerel; Northern Pike.
- The list version we use is dated Nov 2024 (PASDA BestFishingWaters_Lakes202411). On this site 62 lakes carry at least one badge.
- What it doesn't tell you: PFBC's map doesn't publish a score, and we don't add one. A lake not on the list may still hold the species; check its survey block.
- How we use it: a badge “PFBC Best Fishing Waters (Nov 2024)” on the lake page, first place in the lake finder, and the top section of each species page. After 36 months without a newer list, badges turn amber on Data status.
Questions
Who picks the lakes?
PFBC. We show its list as published, with the list date.
Why isn't my favorite lake listed?
Only PFBC's list counts here; check the lake's PFBC survey block for species records.
Do you rank the lakes on the list?
No. Results are ordered by distance from your county only.
Sources: PFBC Where to Fish ; PFBC BestFishingWaters_Statewide map service and PASDA BestFishingWaters_Lakes202411.