Fishing Report: Philadelphia angler hooks record catfish
A 56.3-pound flathead catfish caught last week on the Schuylkill River near Philadelphia has broken the state record. Veteran flathead hunter Jonathan Pierce of Philadelphia hooked up with the monster from shore using a trout head for bait, then released it. The bulky cat, which was confirmed by the state Fish and Boat Commission, crushed the previous state record of 50 pounds 7 ounces set last year on Susquehanna River
Lake Erie and tributaries (Erie County) Top to bottom at 57-59 degrees with no thermocline, the lake was warming but still too cool for walleye. Some were found at 20-30 feet by day and 7-15 feet at night. An 18-inch walleye took a fluorescent orange deep diving crankbait trolled at night. Two walleye in the 28-inch range and a 20-inch smallmouth bass were caught shortly after dawn while trolling crankbaits in 8-14 feet of water east of the peninsula during a Small Program Charters trip on May 29. Largemouths and smallmouths were picked off the rip-rap on the north side of the bay.
Ohio River (Beaver County) A flathead catfish weighing the 39.66 pounds was boated last month by Brandon Collins of Reddi Bait in Bridgewater.
Private lake (Beaver County) A 50-pound, 13-ounce flathead catfish was caught May 21 by Beaver County Fishing Club member Chuckie Russell. The catch was not certified before its release.
Private Lake (Butler County) Conor Carney, 17, of Zelienople landed a channel catfish at Zelienople Sportsman’s Club.
North Park Lake (Allegheny County) A 16-inch golden rainbow trout was caught on a kernel of corn. Many largemouth bass and crappies were taken.
Ohio River (Allegheny River) While fishing from shore near Sewickley Monday night, Derek Peluso of Ross wrestled in a big flathead catfish.
Allegheny River (Allegheny County) Will Carnevale of Allegheny Township released two yard-long flatheads caught while night fishing with a bluegill as bait on Tuesday and May 29.
Pine Creek (Allegheny County) Anglers found trout in shady pools.
Canonsburg Lake (Washington County) An 18-inch rainbow trout was caught on a spinner by Ethan Estatico, 16, of Scott.
Cross Creek Lake (Washington County) Crappies were hit or miss on live minnows and red and white jigs fished in warm weedy shallows. Crappie schools were suspended at about 10 feet. Hand-sized bluegills were caught near shore, and in 71degree water largemouth bass went for red or purple crankbaits.
Enlow Fork Creek (Washington County) Anglers reported good trout fishing.