Tom Evans.

October
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Creek Lake
This 720-acre lake in Indiana County is a favorite family fishing destination due to its excellent fishing for smallmouths and panfish.

Fish crayfish or minnows on a jig-head or a light wire hook drifted along bottom or beneath a bobber.

There’s a horsepower restriction here, so check the regulations before heading out. Access is off Route 259.

Coho Salmon
Presque Isle Bay
The Bay is just one small portion of the great lake, but it’s a great base of operations for anglers seeking Erie’s famous coho salmon. In the fall, these big fish are closer to shore as they make their way toward tributaries of the big lake. Access is through Presque Isle State Park in Erie, off Peninsula Drive. Or try Dobbin’s or Perry’s landings off Bayfront Highway.

Rainbow Trout
Bowman Creek
This Delayed Harvest Fly-Fishing Only water gets a fall infusion of stocked rainbow trout. That and the beautiful fall scenery make this an ideal destination.

The lower half of the creek can be accessed off State Route 309. Take State Route 29 to access the creek above the Town of Noxin.

November
Walleyes
Allegheny River
During spring and late fall, anglers can expect to take good numbers of walleyes, bass and muskies from the run of the river from Emlenton to Hillville. Fish minnows, leeches or night crawlers on a gig head or a slip-rig near the bottom. Access is at several points off U.S. Route 6. Check the DeLorme’s Pennsylvania Atlas and Gazetteer, Map 33.

Tiger Muskellunge
Beltzville Lake
Beltzville, in Carbon County, is home to mighty tiger muskellunge. Anglers here may also land bass, pickerel, walleyes and channel cats.

The lake is located in Beltzville State Park. Take the Northeast Extension to Mahoning City, Exit 34, then turn left off the ramp. Follow signs to Beltzville’s north side. Access the south shore off Route 209.

Northern Pike
Conneaut Lake
This lake in Crawford County is known for excellent pike action.

Conneaut is also home to muskies, bass and panfish. Access is off State Route 6/322 west of I-79 in the Town of Conneaut Lake.

December
Rainbow Trout
Lake Pleasant
This Erie County lake is stocked annually. Cheese, corn, marshmallows and salmon eggs all make excellent winter trout baits.

Lake Pleasant is off Arbuckle Road, just north of the Town of Arbuckle. But be sure to check the extended trout season regulations before heading out.

Largemouth Bass
Glades Wildlife Area
This Butler County water is located in a waterfowl propagation area and is closed to anglers much of the year.

That makes the fishing all the sweeter for ice-anglers, who have reported catches of big largemouth bass and catfish here. There is also an impressive population of crappies swimming here.

Access can be had off State Route 308 north of West Sunbury, just south of Monateau High School.

Muskellunge
Cowanesque Lake
This Tioga County water offers up excellent action for muskellunge, and is also home to decent populations of walleyes, largemouth bass, channel catfish and black crappies.

For access, take Route 15 north to Route 49 west, near the New York State border.

Find more about Pennsylvania fishing and hunting at PA gameandfish.com