Fishing Charters in Pennsylvania
Browse fishing charters in Pennsylvania that can help you catch crappie.


Inman Outdoors Guide Service
Erie, Pennsylvania


Bulldog Fishing Charters
North East, Pennsylvania


Redeye Smallie Guide
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
Experience the thrill of catching smallmouth bass with our professional fishing guide services. Book your fishing charter today!


Riseforms Fly Fishing
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Eric Naguski Guided Fly Fishing-Riseforms Fly Fishing


Wanderercharters
Emporium, Pennsylvania
Lake Erie charters for walleye & perch in the central basin about 10 miles east of Ashtabula, out of Geneva Ohio.Some of the best summer walleye fishing you will find.


Penns Creek Guides
Spring Mills, Pennsylvania


Reel Hawg Fishing Charters
Meadville, Pennsylvania


Relentless Fly Fishing
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
I have been a bass fanatic for over 15 years now, but trout have always been on the top of my list to chase with a fly rod. So we had to add a new trout logo to the arsenal!


Strictly Fishin’ Charter
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Strictly Fishin’ Charter in Aliquippa, PA offers fishing trips to clients who want to explore the waters of Lake Erie. We have been in business for more than four years, so you can trust that we have the expertise to assist you during your adventure. Get in touch with us today for more information.


Brecht Fishing
Foxburg, Pennsylvania
Explore our fishing rates for Pymatuning Lake guided trips. Offering affordable pricing, family-friendly packages, and discounts. Book your next adventure today!


Chocolatetown River Guide Service
Hershey, Pennsylvania


Big D River Guide
Furlong, Pennsylvania
Best Time to Catch Crappie
Crappie can be caught year-round in Lancaster. Right now in February, activity is Poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Crappie
If you're looking to fill your cooler with crappie, Lancaster County, PA, has some under-the-radar spots worth exploring. While not as widely publicized as other fisheries, local lakes and reservoirs such as Speedwell Forge Lake and Lake Clarke on the Susquehanna River offer decent crappie populations. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is undoubtedly the best time to target these panfish, as they congregate in shallow, weedy areas. Small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are deadly presentations. Look for submerged brush piles, docks, and fallen trees, as these structures provide cover and attract crappie. A local tip: Speedwell Forge Lake can be accessed from multiple points around the lake, but be prepared for some bank fishing as boat access can be limited. The crappie in these waters tend to run on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers, providing a fun and productive fishing experience.
How to Catch Crappie
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Crappie in Lancaster.
Crappie Fishing Regulations in Pennsylvania
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
50 per day
Size Limit
9-inch minimum
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
No more than 20 crappie may be taken from Pymatuning Lake.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Pennsylvania state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for crappie around Lancaster?
Small minnows are a classic and effective bait for crappie. Jigs tipped with soft plastics are also popular and come in a variety of colors and sizes that can entice crappie.
What size crappie can I keep in Pennsylvania?
The minimum size limit for crappie in Pennsylvania is 9 inches. If you catch a crappie smaller than this, you must release it back into the water.
How many crappie are anglers allowed to keep in PA?
The daily bag limit for crappie in Pennsylvania is 50. This generous limit allows anglers to enjoy a good crappie harvest.
Do I need a fishing license to fish for crappie near Lancaster?
Yes, you need a valid Pennsylvania freshwater fishing license to fish for crappie in the Lancaster area. Be sure to have your license with you while fishing.
More Crappie Fishing in Pennsylvania
Other Species to Fish in Lancaster
Ready to Catch Crappie in Lancaster?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.



