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On PFBC's ice-fishing destination list (retrieved Oct 4, 2026)
PFBC trout program
Stocked Trout Water, open to year-round fishing — PFBC GIS data. PFBC data, Aug 2026
Francis E Walter Reservoir covers 100 acres in Luzerne County. PFBC biologists last reported on it in June 2024. It has 3 dates on PFBC's 2026 adult trout schedule, as published Oct 4, 2026. The 2026 advisory has no lake-specific row for it; the statewide one-meal-a-week advice applies.
What PFBC biologists found
Jun 2024 survey · 2 years ago
PFBC biologist report
Gear: night electrofishing, boat electrofishing
Biologists captured 140 Smallmouth Bass, with 67% in the 3-inch to 6-inch length groups. (p. 1)
The 2024 Smallmouth Bass catch rate was 79.2 fish/h. (p. 1)
The survey captured 123 Yellow Perch. (p. 1)
The catch included 34 Bluegill, with 75% in the 3-inch and 4-inch length groups. (p. 1)
PFBC's plan, in our words: PFBC anticipates continuing fish population monitoring into the foreseeable future. (p. 3)
Open to year-round fishing; no trout may be kept from February 16 until the opener (2026 Fishing Summary, p. 23).
Fish consumption advice (2026 list)
No lake-specific advice for Francis E Walter Reservoir in the 2026 list.
Statewide advice:“Pennsylvania has issued a general, statewide health advisory for recreationally caught sport fish: eat no more than one meal (1/2 pound) per week of sport fish caught in the state’s waterways.”
“People who regularly eat sport fish, women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants that build up over time.”
“Fish stocked from PFBC state fish hatcheries are subject to the blanket one-meal-per-week consumption advisory that applies to recreationally caught sport fish in Pennsylvania.”
DEP: “The advisory listing was current at the time this summary went to press. Fish consumption advisories may have been issued or lifted since that time.”
PFBC lists Francis E Walter Reservoir on its adult trout schedule for 2026: 3 dates, as published Oct 4, 2026. Dates can change; check PFBC's schedule.
When is Francis E Walter Reservoir on PFBC's trout-stocking schedule in 2026?
As published Oct 4, 2026: Mar 3, 2026; Apr 7, 2026; May 8, 2026. PFBC: “All stocking events are subject to change without notice.”
Can you eat fish from Francis E Walter Reservoir?
The 2026 advisory has no lake-specific row for Francis E Walter Reservoir. The statewide advice — no more than one meal (1/2 pound) a week of sport fish — still applies. Not medical advice.
What fish are in Francis E Walter Reservoir?
PFBC's June 2024 survey recorded: Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead. Surveys record what biologists caught with their gear on those days, not everything in the lake.