Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Regulations | License & Trout Permit

Pennsylvania Fishing License & Permits

Get Your PA Fishing License

Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish in public waters.

You can purchase a license:

• Online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
• At local sporting goods stores and bait shops
• At authorized license issuing agents

Keep your license with you while fishing. Conservation officers may request to see it at any time.

👉 Tip: Many bait shops around Lake Wallenpaupack sell licenses if you need one last minute.

Apply for a Cast Net Fishing Permit

Trout Fishing Permit

Trout Fishing Rules

If you plan to fish for trout, you must also purchase a Trout Permit in addition to your fishing license.

The permit is required if you are:

• Fishing in stocked trout waters
• Keeping trout you catch
• Fishing during trout season

Even if you’re targeting other fish, you must have the permit if you’re fishing in a stocked trout water.

Cast Net Rules

Cast nets are not permitted for game fish in Pennsylvania.

They may only be used to collect baitfish and must follow these rules:

• Net diameter may not exceed 8 feet
• Mesh size must be 1 inch or smaller
• Baitfish collected can only be used as bait

Always check current regulations before using a cast net.

Popular Game Fish

These are some of the most commonly caught species in Lake Wallenpaupack and their size and daily catch limits.

-Updated for 2026 season-

Inland Water Rules Apply

Seasons and size limits
Daily catch limits
Legal fishing methods and tackle

Species commonly regulated on the lake include bass, walleye, striped bass, trout, and panfish.

Stocked Fish

The lake is regularly stocked with:

Striped Bass (pure and hybrid)
Walleye
Brown Trout

Stocking is managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to maintain fishing opportunities.

Regulations can change each year. Always confirm current rules with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before fishing.

• Use barbless hooks or pinch the barbs to reduce injury.

• Keep fish in water as much as possible; use a landing net for safer handling.

• Minimize handling time and avoid touching gills or eyes.

• Tip: Wet your hands before handling fish to protect their slime coating.

Catch & Release Best Practices

Plan Your Trip

Fish For Free Days

Pennsylvania offers two Fish-for-Free Days each year when anyone can fish without a license.

All other fishing regulations still apply, including size and creel limits.

Free Fishing Tackle Loaner Program

Borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box with hooks and bait free of charge from the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors' Center.

Hours: The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Shore Fishing Limitations

Much of the shoreline is private property with private docks, so public fishing access is limited to designated areas like:

• Mangan Cove Boat Launch
• Ironwood Point fishing pier