Reading Fishing Guides
Reading fishing charters put anglers on the Schuylkill River, Tulpehocken Creek, and nearby lakes for smallmouth bass, trout, catfish, and panfish.
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Reading, PA Fishing Guide
Fishing around Reading is centered on the Schuylkill River and its feeder streams, with Tulpehocken Creek being a standout for trout fishing. Charter and guide options range from half-day trips targeting river bass to full-day excursions that mix river and lake fishing. Specialty trips include fly fishing for trout on the Tulpehocken, night catfishing on the Schuylkill, and seasonal trips to nearby Blue Marsh Lake for bass and crappie.
The fishery here is a mix of flowing river water, rocky shoals, and deep pools along the Schuylkill, plus classic limestone and freestone stream sections in the creeks. Blue Marsh Lake offers open water structure like submerged timber, creek channels, and points. Run distances are short—most launches are within 10–20 minutes of the fishing grounds. Key launch points include the Fritz Island boat ramp for Schuylkill River access, Union Canal Trail put-ins for kayak fishing, and the Dry Brooks Day Use Area for Blue Marsh Lake.
The bite changes through the seasons. Spring brings trout stockings and strong bass action as fish move shallow. Summer shifts toward low-light periods for bass and catfish, with steady panfish catches in deeper water. Fall sees aggressive bass feeding in both river and lake systems, while winter offers limited open-water fishing and some ice fishing opportunities at Blue Marsh if conditions allow.
Techniques vary with the water. Light tackle spinning and baitcasting setups work for bass and panfish, with soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits being staples. Fly anglers match hatches for trout on the Tulpehocken and use streamers in cooler months. Live bait rigs—nightcrawlers, minnows, and chicken liver—produce catfish. Jigging spoons and small blade baits get attention in cold water. For variety, anglers also hit Ontelaunee Lake, Antietam Lake, or drive east to the Delaware River for bigger seasonal runs.
Fishing Seasons in Reading
Spring (March–May)
As waters warm, smallmouth bass start moving from deeper wintering holes into current seams and rocky shallows. The Tulpehocken Creek trout season peaks right after stockings, with both fly and spin anglers finding good success. Blue Marsh Lake sees crappie stack up around submerged brush and timber, making for quick limits with small jigs. Catfish activity increases in the Schuylkill, and panfish become more active in sheltered coves. Many charters focus on mixed-bag trips this time of year, switching between bass, trout, and panfish depending on bite windows.
Summer (June–August)
The summer bite means early mornings and evenings for river smallmouth, as midday heat pushes them into deeper runs. Catfish become prime nighttime targets on the Schuylkill, especially around deep holes and bridge pilings. Blue Marsh Lake bass relate to offshore structure, and trolling for walleye can be productive at first light. Panfish remain consistent in deeper weed edges. Trout fishing slows in the lower Tulpehocken due to warmer temps, but upper stretches and cold-water feeder creeks can still produce. Many summer trips focus on light tackle bass fishing at dawn, then switching to panfish or catfish later.
Fall (September–November)
Bass feed heavily in both the river and lake, hitting crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits with aggression. Smallmouth on the Schuylkill are especially active in the 55–65°F range, and walleye fishing picks up in deeper river runs. Crappie and bluegill school tightly, making them easy to locate and target. The Tulpehocken Creek sees a late-season trout bite when cooler water returns, and fall-stocked fish give fly anglers fresh opportunities. Many charters run mixed trips to take advantage of aggressive multi-species action.
Winter (December–February)
Cold water slows most species, but deep-jigging for walleye in the Schuylkill can produce quality fish. Catfish are less active but can still be caught in slow, deep pools. On Blue Marsh Lake, blade baits and spoons work for schooling white perch and the occasional bass. If conditions allow, ice fishing at Blue Marsh or Ontelaunee can yield crappie, bluegill, and perch. Trout fishing on the upper Tulpehocken can be surprisingly good on milder winter days, especially with nymph and streamer presentations. Charter activity slows, but some guides still offer winter trips for hardy anglers.
Gamefish in Reading
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Found in Schuylkill River rocky runs and pools spring through fall; hit crankbaits, tubes, and topwater.
- Largemouth Bass – 12–18 inches. Taken from Blue Marsh Lake and Ontelaunee Lake around weeds and timber; spinnerbaits and soft plastics work year-round.
- Rainbow Trout – 10–16 inches. Stocked in Tulpehocken Creek each spring and fall; targeted with flies, spinners, and bait.
- Brown Trout – 12–18 inches. Thrive in cooler stretches of Tulpehocken; hit streamers and small nymphs in spring and fall.
- Channel Catfish – 2–10 pounds. Found in deep Schuylkill River holes; night fishing with cut bait or chicken liver.
- Crappie – 8–13 inches. Schooling in Blue Marsh Lake brush piles in spring and fall; jigs and minnows work best
- Walleye – 15–24 inches. Targeted in Schuylkill River deeper runs in fall and winter; jigging blade baits and minnows.
- Bluegill – 6–10 inches. Caught in lakes and backwaters throughout the year; small jigs and live worms.
Reading Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Reading?
Fritz Island boat ramp offers easy Schuylkill River access, while the Dry Brooks Day Use Area is the main launch for Blue Marsh Lake. Several smaller creek access points serve Tulpehocken anglers.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips run 4–5 hours and work well for river fishing or targeting a single species. Full-day trips often combine river and lake fishing to cover more water.
Do guides provide all the gear?
Most Reading fishing guides supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly fishing trips often include loaner gear, though many experienced anglers bring their own setups.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required, and trout anglers also need a trout permit. Licenses are available online or from local tackle shops.
When is the best time to fish Reading waters?
Spring and fall are prime for multi-species action, with trout, bass, and panfish all active. Summer nights are best for big catfish, and winter offers walleye and occasional ice fishing
What techniques work best here?
Light tackle spinning and baitcasting setups are versatile for bass and panfish. Fly fishing is effective on the Tulpehocken, while live bait rigs work well for catfish and walleye.
What species are most common on charters?
Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, trout, and crappie are the main targets, with seasonal walleye and panfish adding variety.
Can larger groups fish together?
Yes, many guides accommodate groups of 4–6 anglers on larger boats, and kayak or wade trips can be arranged for smaller parties.
Are there specialty trips offered?
Specialty options include fly fishing for trout, night catfish trips, and seasonal ice fishing on nearby lakes when conditions permit.