Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What's biting

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Backwater coves and weed edges in the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and impoundments like Neshaminy Creek; also ponds and lakes in Fairmount Park.

  Early fall means bass move to deeper structure as water cools. Work soft plastics and crankbaits along drop-offs and submerged timber in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) of water. Dawn and dusk are most productive.

  Caution: Check Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current size and bag limits before fishing.

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Rocky ledges and current breaks in the main stem of the Delaware and Schuylkill; also in Conshohocken Creek and Wissahickon Creek.

  Smallmouth are active in cooler water; target current seams with tube jigs or live shiners in 1–3 m (3–10 ft). The incoming rain mid-week will push baitfish and trigger feeding.

  Caution: Check Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current size and bag limits before fishing.

• Channel Catfish

  Where: Main channels and deeper holes of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers; also in Neshaminy Creek and Pennypack Creek.

  Catfish feed aggressively in early fall. Use chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait on the bottom in 2–5 m (6–16 ft) of water; fish at dusk and through the night.

  Caution: Check Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current size and bag limits before fishing.

• White Perch

  Where: Tidal sections of the Delaware River below the falls; also in brackish transition zones near the mouth.

  White perch are schooling fish; look for them in 1–2 m (3–6 ft) around pilings and structure. Small spoons, shad lures, or live shiners work well. Incoming tide is best.

  Caution: Check Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current size and bag limits before fishing.

• Crappie (Black & White)

  Where: Shallow impoundments, ponds, and backwater areas with brush and fallen trees; common in Fairmount Park lakes and private ponds.

  Early fall crappie congregate around submerged structure in 1–2 m (3–6 ft). Use small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) tipped with minnows or soft plastics; fish slowly and deliberately.

  Caution: Obtain permission before fishing private ponds. Check Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for current size and bag limits.