When is walleye season in Pennsylvania?

Open May (first Saturday) through March 14 on most inland waters; Lake Erie + connecting waters open year-round. Those are the 2026 Pennsylvania dates; always confirm against Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.

What is the Pennsylvania bag limit for walleye?

The Pennsylvania daily bag limit for walleye is 6 / day statewide. The possession limit is 6 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.

What size walleye can you keep in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania size rule for walleye is 15 in minimum.

Do you need a license to fish for walleye in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a valid fishing license to fish for walleye, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Pennsylvania license — compare resident and non-resident Pennsylvania fees on the state regulations page below.

Are there gear restrictions for walleye in Pennsylvania?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, walleye fishing carries these gear rules: Lake Erie Permit required to target walleye on Lake Erie + listed tributaries; Snagging walleye prohibited; Pymatuning Reservoir: OH/PA reciprocal — bag is 4 / day combined under the compact; Ohio River: PA licence covers the river to the PA side; flathead + sauger may be in mixed bag.

Do specific Pennsylvania waters have different walleye rules?

Yes. 5 named Pennsylvania waters carry rules that override the statewide walleye regulation, including Lake Erie (Pennsylvania waters), Pymatuning Reservoir (PA/OH), Allegheny River, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

2026 regulation year

Pennsylvania Walleye 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules

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Last updated May 26, 2026

PA walleye fishing centers on Lake Erie (Pennsylvania waters), Pymatuning Reservoir (OH/PA reciprocal), the Allegheny River system, the Susquehanna River, and northeastern reservoirs like Lake Wallenpaupack. Lake Erie + connecting waters are open year-round; most inland waters have a closed spawning season from March 15 through the first Saturday of May. Statewide 15-inch minimum and 6-per-day bag apply to nearly all PA walleye fisheries.

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Season

Open May (first Saturday) through March 14 on most inland waters; Lake Erie + connecting waters open year-round.

May 2 – Mar 14Inland
Most inland lakes + reservoirs: opens first Saturday in May, closes March 14
Jan 1 – Dec 31Lake Erie + connecting waters
Open year-round on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie tributaries

Bag & possession

Daily bag: 6 / day statewide
Possession: 6 in possession

Size, slot, trophy rules

Size: 15 in minimum

Gear restrictions

Lake Erie Permit required to target walleye on Lake Erie + listed tributaries
Snagging walleye prohibited
Pymatuning Reservoir: OH/PA reciprocal — bag is 4 / day combined under the compact
Ohio River: PA licence covers the river to the PA side; flathead + sauger may be in mixed bag

Named water-body overrides

Where statewide rules differ on specific Pennsylvania waters:

Lake Erie (Pennsylvania waters)
6 / day, 15 in min; open year-round; Lake Erie Permit required
Pymatuning Reservoir (PA/OH)
Reciprocal: 4 / day combined OH/PA, 15 in min
Allegheny River
6 / day, 15 in min; tailwater + main-stem fishery
Lake Wallenpaupack
6 / day, 15 in min; northeastern PA reservoir
Susquehanna River
6 / day, 15 in min; mixed walleye + sauger

Official source

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission publishes the authoritative 2026 Pennsylvaniafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.

Visit official Pennsylvania fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

Walleye closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's emergency-order feed — check it before any Pennsylvania trip during the active season.

Frequently asked questions

When is walleye season in Pennsylvania?: Open May (first Saturday) through March 14 on most inland waters; Lake Erie + connecting waters open year-round. Those are the 2026 Pennsylvania dates; always confirm against Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.
What is the Pennsylvania bag limit for walleye?: The Pennsylvania daily bag limit for walleye is 6 / day statewide. The possession limit is 6 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
What size walleye can you keep in Pennsylvania?: The Pennsylvania size rule for walleye is 15 in minimum.
Do you need a license to fish for walleye in Pennsylvania?: Yes. Pennsylvania requires a valid fishing license to fish for walleye, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Pennsylvania license — compare resident and non-resident Pennsylvania fees on the state regulations page below.
Are there gear restrictions for walleye in Pennsylvania?: Yes. In Pennsylvania, walleye fishing carries these gear rules: Lake Erie Permit required to target walleye on Lake Erie + listed tributaries; Snagging walleye prohibited; Pymatuning Reservoir: OH/PA reciprocal — bag is 4 / day combined under the compact; Ohio River: PA licence covers the river to the PA side; flathead + sauger may be in mixed bag.
Do specific Pennsylvania waters have different walleye rules?: Yes. 5 named Pennsylvania waters carry rules that override the statewide walleye regulation, including Lake Erie (Pennsylvania waters), Pymatuning Reservoir (PA/OH), Allegheny River, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

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