CHAPTER 63. GENERAL FISHING REGULATIONS Sec.
63.1. Time.
63.2. Possession of fishing license and verification of license purchase.
63.3. Fishing in stocked trout waters.
63.4. Fishing in areas or waters where fishing is prohibited.
63.5. Methods of fishing.
63.6. Authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait.
63.7. Exceptions to limitations on devices.
63.8. Long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs.
63.9. Snatch fishing, foul hooking and snag fishing.
63.10. Ice fishing.
63.11. [Reserved].
63.12. [Reserved].
63.13. Nets unlawful without permit.
63.14. Identification of fishbait and baitfish containers.
63.15. Field dressing of fish.
63.15a. Officially-recognized fish cleaning stations.
63.16. Fishing in the vicinity of fishways.
63.17. Importation and sale of hard clams.
63.18. Blue crabs—prohibited acts.
63.19. Sale and purchase of fish.
63.20. Permits for the protection and management of trout and salmon.
63.21. Designation of fishing regulations.
63.22—63.29 [Reserved].
63.30. Importation of weakfish.
63.31. Importation and transportation of horseshoe crabs.
63.32—63.39 [Reserved].
63.40. Fishing tournaments and fishing derbys.
63.41. [Reserved].
63.42. Sale, purchase or barter of fish parts and fish eggs.
63.43. Fishing for bass during spring season.
63.44. Illegal baitfish.
63.45. Tagging, branding, marking and finclipping of fish.
63.46. Sale, purchase or barter of injurious species.
63.47. Landing of finfish, shellfish, crustaceans and other marine seafood.
63.48. Permit for the use of cast nets or throw nets.
63.49. Reporting by dealers of American eels.
63.50. Importation of tautog—2102(c).
63.51. Sale of VHS-susceptible species of fish.
63.53. Egg collection.
63.54. Possession or use of eggs as bait.
63.55. Saltwater angler registration.
63.56. Replacement costs for fish killed.
63.57. License, permit and issuing agent fees.Authority The provisions of this Chapter 63 issued under 30 Pa.C.S. § § 322, 741, 901, 929, 2102, 2106, 2305—2307, 2703, 2711, 2903 and 2911, unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 63 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051, unless otherwise noted.
§ 63.1. Time.
Whenever a time is specified in this part, the time shall be prevailing local time.
Source The provisions of this § 63.1 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; amended March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80323).
§ 63.2. Possession of fishing license and verification of license purchase.
(a) Officers designated to check licenses. A person fishing in waters of this Commonwealth or in boundary waters shall show his fishing license upon the request of a waterways conservation officer, deputy waterways conservation officer or other officer authorized to enforce the code or this title under section 903 of the code (relating to delegation of enforcement powers).
(b) Possession of fishing license. It is unlawful for a person required by Chapter 27 of the code (relating to fishing licenses) to purchase a fishing license to fish in the waters of this Commonwealth or in boundary waters or land unless the person has a valid fishing license certificate and associated permits on his person and shows them upon the request of an officer. A person may elect to display a license certificate, a license button or other device approved by the Executive Director on a hat or outer garment while fishing. If a license button or other device is displayed, the person shall carry the license on his person. An institutional license issued under section 2708 of the code (relating to institutional licenses) may be possessed or maintained by the person fishing or by the person attending the person who is fishing.
(c) Fishing without a license in possession.
(1) When a person is apprehended for fishing without a license in his possession and claims that he previously purchased a valid fishing license for that year, the officer apprehending the individual shall give the individual 7 days to produce the original of the license certificate, if the individual provides to the officer’s satisfaction, at the time of apprehension, positive proof of identity and a residence address within this Commonwealth. The original license certificate shall show all required permits and a purchase date and time prior to the date and time of apprehension.
(2) If it is inconvenient for the individual to produce the certificate in person, the officer may permit the individual to mail the original license certifi-cate to the officer together with a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. If the officer permits the individual to mail the original license certificate to the officer, the officer shall provide the individual with a receipt or other documentation allowing the individual to fish during the period that the original license certificate is not in his possession.
(3) Upon receipt of the original license certificate, the officer shall examine and verify it and return it to the licensee.
(4) If the person apprehended fails to send the original license certificate and required permits to the officer within the time allotted, the officer shall institute summary proceedings against the individual in the manner prescribed by law.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.2 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2703.
Source The provisions of this § 63.2 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; amended March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended June 6, 1986, effective June 7, 1986, 16 Pa.B. 2021; amended April 10, 1998, effective April 11, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1753; amended September 19, 2014, effective September 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5970; amended March 13, 2020, effective March 14, 2020, 50 Pa.B. 1526. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (378388) to (378389).
§ 63.3. Fishing in stocked trout waters.
It is unlawful to fish in stocked trout waters regulated under § 61.1 (relating to Commonwealth inland waters) from 12:01 a.m. on the third Monday in February to 8 a.m. on the opening day of the regular season for trout. As used in this subpart, the term ‘‘stocked trout waters’’ means waters that are stocked with adult trout by the Commission. A listing of stocked trout waters is published in the Commission’s ‘‘Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws,’’ which is available from the Commission at Post Office Box 67000, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-7000. The Executive Director or a designee may, from time to time, supplement or modify the list of stocked trout waters, and additions or deletions will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.3 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.3 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended February 1, 1991, effective February 2, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 422; amended November 15, 2002, effective November 16, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 5658; amended September 9, 2005, effective January 1, 2006, 35 Pa.B. 5008; amended September 22, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, 36 Pa.B. 5872; amended September 25, 2015, effective January 1, 2016, 45 Pa.B. 5788; amended December 10, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 7691. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (406269) to (406270).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.20 (relating to permits for the protection and management of trout and salmon).
§ 63.4. Fishing in areas or waters where fishing is prohibited.
There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a person is fishing in violation of this subpart if the person has in his possession a fishing line, rod or other device that may be used for fishing while on or in water where fishing is prohibited or on the banks within 25 feet of the waters.
Source The provisions of this § 63.4 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (60220) to (60221).
§ 63.5. Methods of fishing.
It is unlawful to use a method for taking fish or attempting to take fish from the waters of this Commonwealth, including boundary lakes and rivers, unless the use of the method is specifically authorized by law or this part.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.5 amended under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a).
Source The provisions of this § 63.5 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended November 7, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 4297; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6669; amended September 16, 2022, effective September 17, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 5947. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (407682).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.21 (relating to designation of fishing regulations).
§ 63.6. Authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait.
(a) It is unlawful to fish for game fish with more than three lines of any description, whether fished by rod or by hand, at one time except while ice fishing in accordance with § 63.10 (relating to ice fishing). There is not a restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing for game fish, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line used in fishing. Rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. For purposes of this chapter, an authorized device shall be deemed under the immediate control of a person if it is within reasonable reach and can be adjusted, manipulated or brought to hand quickly and the person is nearby. Downriggers, planer boards, depth control devices, pre-loaded rod holders, rod holders that provide for a loaded rod or a triggering device, or both, (with or without mechanically induced jigging motion), or hook setting devices are authorized devices. Drones and other remote controlled devices are not authorized devices.
(b) It is unlawful to fish for baitfish with more than three lines of any description, whether fished by rod or by hand, at one time; a dip-net or minnow seine not over 4 feet square or 4 feet in diameter, and a minnow trap, with not more than two openings, which may not exceed 1 inch in diameter. There is not a restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing for baitfish, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line used in fishing. Rods, lines, hooks, nets and seines used in fishing for fishbait and baitfish shall be under the immediate control of the person using the same. For the purposes of this subpart, gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) 8 inches or less in length are considered baitfish.
(c) For purposes of this section, a hook is considered a fishing device with no more than three points or barbs.
(d) It is unlawful to use more than three lines at any time, except while ice fishing in accordance with § 63.10, when fishing for game fish, baitfish or both.
(e) It is unlawful to use any type of net or seine to catch or take game fish. A landing net may be used to land game fish legally caught by hook and line.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.6 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.6 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended July 12, 1985, effective July 13, 1985, 15 Pa.B. 2578; amended February 3, 1989, effective February 4, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 405; amended October 31, 1997, effective November 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5605; amended February 27, 2004, effective February 28, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1231 and 1232; amended June 10, 2011, effective January 1, 2012, 41 Pa.B. 2950; amended March 21, 2014, effective March 22, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 1762; amended September 17, 2021, effective September 18, 2021, 51 Pa.B. 6028. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (401238) and (378391).
§ 63.7. Exceptions to limitations on devices.
The limitations on fishing devices contained in this chapter do not:
(1) Prohibit the use of a gaff or landing net to assist in landing fish caught by a lawful device.
(2) Limit devices by which holders of artificial propagation licenses may remove artificially propagated fish at the licensed premises.
(3) Limit the means or devices by which fish may be taken under special permits issued under Chapter 29 of the code (relating to special licenses and permits), except trout/salmon permits.
(4) Apply to the taking, catching or killing of amphibians and reptiles—See Chapter 79 (relating to reptiles and amphibians).
(5) Apply to taking, catching or killing of blue crabs—See § 63.18 (relating to blue crabs—prohibited acts).
Authority The provisions of this § 63.7 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 101—7314.
Source The provisions of this § 63.7 adopted May 23, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 2051; amended November 7, 1980, effective January 1, 1981, 10 Pa.B. 4297; amended January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended April 29, 1988, effective April 30, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 2030; amended October 31, 1997, effective November 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5605; amended December 22, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, 36 Pa.B. 7850. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (322889) to (322890) and (317917).
§ 63.8. Long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this part, snakehead, carp, suckers and catfish may be taken with long bows and arrow, including compound bows, crossbows, spears or gigs any hour of the day or night aided by a light at night if so desired, in Commonwealth waters and waters bounding and adjacent thereto.
(b) Lake Erie. Scuba divers, who possess a valid fishing license and Lake Erie stamp, shall be permitted to take burbot at a depth of at least 60 feet.
(c) Restrictions. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points, and may not be used in stocked trout waters.
(d) Exceptions:
(1) It is unlawful to use bow and arrow (including compound bows and crossbows), spears and gigs in any special regulation trout waters.
(2) It is unlawful to cast direct rays of a spotlight, mounted headlight or any other artificial light of any kind from any watercraft upon any occupied building or another watercraft.
(3) It is unlawful to use generators on board a watercraft engaged in bowfishing with a noise level that exceeds 90 dB(a). The noise emission test measurement will be made with the sound level meter at a distance of at least 4 feet above the water at a point where the transom gunwale and the port or starboard gunwale intersects.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.8 amended under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.8 adopted January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 22, 1995, effective December 23, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 5970; amended April 12, 1996, effective April 13, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1706; amended October 31, 1997, effective November 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5605; amended November 7, 1997, effective November 8, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5779; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 870; amended November 21, 2003, effective November 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 5704; amended February 27, 2004, effective February 28, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1232; amended March 10, 2006, effective March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1124; amended September 5, 2008, effective September 6, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 4900; amended September 25, 2015, effective January 1, 2016, 45 Pa.B. 5788; amended September 16, 2022, effective September 17, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 5948; amended December 2, 2022, effective December 3, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 7383. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (411144) to (411145).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.9 (relating to snatch fishing, foul hooking and snag fishing); and 58 Pa. Code § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations).
§ 63.9. Snatch fishing, foul hooking and snag fishing.
(a) It is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish by the methods known as snatch fishing, foul hooking or snag fishing or to take or attempt to take fish with a snagging hook or device which may be used to capture the fish by engaging the device in, to, with, or around any part of the body of the fish. In addition, it is unlawful to possess a snagging hook while in the act of fishing. A snagging hook is a fishing device that is designed or modified to facilitate the snagging of fish. It is either of the following:
(1) A hook with other than a single barb which is weighted on the shank at any point below the eye of the hook and above the barbs thereof.
(2) A hook that is otherwise designed or modified so as to make the snagging of fish more likely when it is used than if a normal hook or fishing device were used.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) may be construed to prohibit the use of long bow, crossbow, spear and gigs as provided in § 63.8 (relating to long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs) or other net or devices specifically authorized by law or this subpart.
(c) Nothing in this section prohibits the use of a device so long as the eye of the hook is no more than 2 inches below the device.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.9 amended under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a).
Source The provisions of this § 63.9 adopted January 23, 1981, effective January 24, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 422; reserved March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended April 10, 2009, effective April 11, 2009, 39 Pa.B. 1859; amended September 16, 2022, effective September 17, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 5948. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (406272) to (406273).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.21 (relating to designation of fishing regulations).
§ 63.10. Ice fishing.
(a) Ice fishing is fishing through holes in the ice.
(b) It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices as authorized in § 63.6 (relating to authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait). Each device shall contain a single fishing line. There is not a restriction on the number of hooks that may be used for ice fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line used in fishing.
(c) Reserved.
(d) It is unlawful to fish through holes in the ice that measure more than 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.10 amended under section 10 of the Sunshine Act (65 P. S. § 280); section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186); and under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.10 adopted January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended November 5, 1999, effective November 6, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 5717; amended February 27, 2004, effective February 28, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1231; amended March 21, 2014, effective March 22, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 1762; amended September 17, 2021, effective September 18, 2021, 51 Pa.B. 6028. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (378393) and (317919).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.6 (relating to authorized devices for game fish, baitfish and fishbait).
§ 63.11. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.11 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended August 13, 1982, effective January 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 2692; amended January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 14, 1990, effective December 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 6179; amended October 31, 1997, effective November 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5605; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6669; reserved March 10, 2006, effective March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1124. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (303033) and (285583).
§ 63.12. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.12 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended August 13, 1982, effective January 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 2692; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; reserved October 31, 1997, effective November 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 5605. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (222089) to (222090).
§ 63.13. Nets unlawful without permit.
(a) It is unlawful for a person to make, sell or have in his possession while on, in or about Commonwealth waters, including while within 25 feet of the waters, a net larger than 4 feet square or 4 feet in diameter unless the person has in possession a permit issued under section 2902 of the code (relating to net permits).
(b) It is unlawful for a person to violate the terms and conditions set forth on a permit issued under section 2902 of the code, including, but not limited to, when and where the nets shall be used.
(c) The Commission may waive the issuance of a net permit to cooperative nurseries, persons who possess an artificial propagation license or permit for special fish collecting activities, and other persons as the Commission will designate.
Source The provisions of this § 63.13 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 614; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80325).
§ 63.14. Identification of fishbait and baitfish containers.
It is unlawful for a person to leave unattended a container for fishbait or baitfish in waters of this Commonwealth unless the container has attached a tag or other means of identification setting forth the name, address and telephone number of the owner or user of the container.
Source The provisions of this § 63.14 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80325) to (80327).
§ 63.15. Field dressing and disposal of fish.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of this Commonwealth, onboard a boat or on a dock, pier, launch area or a parking lot adjacent thereto.
(b) Fish may be processed fully if they are being prepared for immediate consumption.
(c) This section does not apply to fish processed at a fish cleaning station officially recognized under § 63.15a (relating to officially-recognized fish cleaning stations).
(d) Provided that the requirements of this subsection are met, this section does not apply to fish processed by a permitted charter boat/fishing guide operation. The charter boat operator or fishing guide may fully process the fish at any time provided the charter boat operator or fishing guide retains the carcass until possession of the fish is transferred to the customer on shore. The charter boat operator or fishing guide shall give the customer who receives the processed fish a signed, dated receipt on the form prescribed by the Commission.
(e) This section does not apply to fish caught or sold in compliance with Chapter 31 of the code (relating to regulated fishing lakes).
(f) This section does not apply to fish caught under a Lake Erie commercial license issued consistent with Chapter 29 of the code (relating to special licenses and permits) after the fish reach established retail or wholesale markets.
(g) It is unlawful to discard any fish carcass or parts thereof into the waters of this Commonwealth or upon any public or private lands contiguous to the waters unless one of the following conditions apply:
(1) On lands with the permission of the landowner.
(2) Where fish are properly disposed into suitable garbage or refuse collection systems or at officially recognized fish cleaning stations.
Authority This section amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.15 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; amended January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 22, 1995, effective December 23, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 5970; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6669; amended February 27, 2004, effective February 28, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1231; amended March 10, 2006, effective March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1124. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (316051).
§ 63.15a. Officially-recognized fish cleaning stations.
(a) Types.
(1) Commercial. An operator of a fish cleaning station that provides services to the public for a fee may apply for recognition as an official commercial fish cleaning station.
(2) Noncommercial. An operator of a fishing cleaning station that provides services at no cost may apply for recognition as an official noncommercial fish cleaning station.
(b) Receipts. Except as provided in this subsection, the operator of an officially-recognized fish cleaning station shall give the person who receives the filleted fish a signed, dated receipt on the form prescribed by the Commission. This subsection does not apply to the operator of a noncommercial fish cleaning station.
(c) Inspection. The operator of an officially-recognized fish cleaning station shall allow officers authorized to enforce the code unrestricted access to the station to inspect angler catches for compliance with seasons, sizes and creel limits.
(d) Application. An operator of a fish cleaning station may apply for official recognition to: Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Post Office Box 67000 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-7000
(e) Identification. Noncommercial officially-recognized fish cleaning station users shall leave at least a 2-inch by 2-inch piece of skin on processed fillets for identification purposes. Cutting the fillets into pieces (also known as chunking) is prohibited.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.15a issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 2102 and 2907.3.
Source The provisions of this § 63.15a adopted March 10, 2006, effective March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1124; amended September 16, 2022, effective September 17, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 5949. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (404087).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.19 (relating to sale and purchase of fish).
§ 63.16. Fishing in the vicinity of fishways.
(a) It is unlawful to fish within a fishway, chute, slope, fish ladder, fish lift or other fish passage facility located on or in connection with a dam on the waters of this Commonwealth.
(b) It is unlawful to fish in an area within a radius of 100 feet of the entrance or exit points from a fishway, chute, slope, fish ladder, fish lift or other fish passage facility located on or in connection with a dam on the waters of this Commonwealth.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.16 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 305, 322, 741, 928, 2102, 2307, 2711 and 5122—5124.
Source The provisions of this § 63.16 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 28, 1984, effective December 29, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 4691. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (87997).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.21 (relating to designation of fishing regulations).
§ 63.17. Importation and sale of hard clams.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), it is unlawful for a person to possess, import into this Commonwealth, sell, offer for sale or purchase a hard clam (mercenaria species) measuring less than 1 inch in thickness.
(b) The size (thickness) limit in subsection (a) does not apply to hard clams cultured by a clam hatchery or clam aquaculture operation, if the origin of the cultured clams is documented that permits immediate determination of the point of origin and the ultimate destination. The documentation will include, at a minimum, a bill of lading or bill of sale stating the origin of the clams and a signed certification from the clam hatchery or clam aquaculture operation identifying the volume or number of the clams in the shipment. The documentation required by this subsection shall be displayed upon request to officers authorized to enforce the code and this part.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.17 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.17 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended March 13, 1987, effective March 14, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 1088; amended September 6, 1991, effective September 7, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 3990. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (153768).
§ 63.18. Blue crabs—prohibited acts.
In harvesting blue crabs, it is unlawful:
(1) For a person to use more than two pots at one time.
(2) For a person to use an unattended pot for taking blue crabs unless the pot is labeled with the name and address of the owner or user.
(3) For a person other than the owner, user, members of the owner’s or user’s immediate family and officers and authorized representatives of the Commission to disturb unattended pots used for taking blue crabs under this section.
(4) For a person to possess a female blue crab bearing eggs or from which the egg pouch or bunion has been removed.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.18 issued under 30 Pa.C.S. § § 101—7314.
Source The provisions of this § 63.18 adopted April 29, 1988, effective April 30, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 2030.
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 63.7 (relating to exceptions to limitations on devices).
§ 63.19. Sale and purchase of fish.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), it is unlawful for a person to sell, purchase, offer for sale or exchange or export for consideration, trade or barter any fish, whether dead or live, in whole or in part, including eggs and any lifestage of the fish caught or taken from the waters of this Commonwealth.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), it is unlawful for a person to take, catch, kill or possess any fish, whether dead or live, in whole or in part, including eggs and any lifestage of the fish, for the purpose of selling the fish or offering it for sale.
(c) In prosecutions for violation of this section, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a species of fish that occurs within the waters of this Commonwealth was taken or caught from Commonwealth waters. A receipt or other document showing the lawful origin of the fish from waters in a state other than this Commonwealth or from an artificial propagator or dealer in live aquatic organisms registered in this Commonwealth, shall be sufficient to rebut the presumption created in this subsection.
(d) This section does not prohibit the sale, purchase, offer for sale, trade or barter of any fish propagated by or from a propagator or dealer of live aquatic animals registered under 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 42 (relating to aquacultural development), if the fish are lawfully propagated or acquired by means other than fishing from the waters of this Commonwealth in accordance with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. This section does not prohibit the sale, purchase, offer for sale, trade or barter of any fish by or from the holder of a commercial fishing license issued under Chapter 29 of the code (relating to special licenses and permits), if the fish are lawfully caught or taken in accordance with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. This section does not prohibit the sale, purchase, offer for sale, trade or barter for the purpose of disposal of any non-flesh fish parts or roe that are the byproduct from any lawfully taken fish processed at a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission recognized fish cleaning station under § 63.15a (relating to officially-recognized fish cleaning stations). This section does not prohibit the sale of mounted fish.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.19 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(c).
Source The provisions of this § 63.19 adopted March 2, 1990, effective March 3, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 1287; amended June 25, 1999, effective June 26, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3211; amended January 22, 2021, effective January 23, 2021, 51 Pa.B. 429. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (373647) to (373648).
§ 63.20. Permits for the protection and management of trout.
(a) Finding. The Commission finds under section 2904 of the code (relating to permits for the protection and management of particular fish) that it is necessary for the protection and management of trout in the waters of this Commonwealth that persons who fish for trout have a permit for that activity.
(b) Permit required. It is unlawful for a person required by Chapter 27 of the code (relating to fishing licenses) to procure a fishing license to fish for trout unless that person has first procured a valid trout permit or a combination trout permit and Lake Erie permit.
(c) Exceptions.
(1) The Commission will issue a trout permit without fee to disabled veterans who possess a free fishing license under section 2707 of the code (relating to disabled veterans).
(2) A person who is exempt from the fishing license requirements of Chapter 27 of the code or who is issued an institutional fishing license under section 2708 of the code (relating to institutional licenses) is exempt from this section.
(3) A person who purchased a senior resident lifetime fishing license and a trout permit or a combination trout permit and Lake Erie permit prior to January 1, 2015, shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(4) A trout permit is not required to fish for trout on free fishing days designated by the Commission under section 2709(d) of the code (relating to exemptions from license requirements).
(5) A trout permit is not required to fish for trout on Class A regulated fishing lakes. A trout permit is not required to fish for trout on designated Class B regulated fishing lakes that have the following characteristics:
(i) The lake is a natural pond or impoundment located wholly on private property and constructed and maintained wholly with private funds.
(ii) The lake is operated by a private club or organization.
(iii) The lake is not open for fishing by the general public, and fishing is restricted to members only.
(iv) The trout/salmon population of the lake is composed entirely of trout or salmon stocked from private resources and contains no trout or salmon stocked by the Commission, the United States Government or cooperative nurseries recognized by the Commission.
(d) Fish for trout or salmon. A person fishes for trout or salmon when one of the following applies:
(1) The person fishes in waters under special trout regulations designated under those sections of Chapter 65 (relating to special fishing regulations) that require a trout permit, wilderness trout streams or their tributaries or Class A wild trout waters or their tributaries.
(2) The person fishes in streams or rivers that are stocked trout waters as defined in § 63.3 (relating to fishing in stocked trout waters) or their tributaries during the period from 12:01 a.m. on the third Monday in February until midnight May 31.
(3) The person takes, kills or possess, while in the act of fishing, a trout or salmon on or in waters of this Commonwealth or boundary waters.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.20 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2904.
Source The provisions of this § 63.20 adopted March 2, 1990, effective January 1, 1991, 20 Pa.B. 1287; amended April 15, 1994, effective April 16, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1958; amended November 15, 2002, effective November 16, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 5658; amended November 25, 2005, effective January 1, 2006, 35 Pa.B. 6434; amended August 25, 2006, effective August 26, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 4724; amended September 22, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, 36 Pa.B. 5872; amended September 19, 2014, effective September 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5970; amended September 25, 2015, effective January 1, 2016, 45 Pa.B. 5788; amended December 10, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 7691. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (404090) and (378395).
§ 63.21. Designation of fishing regulations.
(a) The following regulations are designated under section 2102(a) of the code (relating to rules and regulations) as being for the protection of fish or fish habitat or for the health and safety of persons who fish:
(1) Section 63.9 (relating to snatch fishing, foul hooking and snag fishing).
(2) Section 65.23 (relating to special restrictions on polluted zones).
(3) Section 67.2 (relating to refuge areas).
(4) Section 63.5 (relating to methods of fishing).
(b) Section 63.16 (relating to fishing in the vicinity of fishways) is designated under section 3507 of the code (relating to protection of fish near dams) as being for the protection of fish near dams.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.21 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 2102 and 3507.
Source The provisions of this § 63.21 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended December 14, 1990, effective December 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 6179; amended December 7, 2001, effective December 8, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6669. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222095).
§ 63.22. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.22 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80331).
§ 63.23. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.23 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80331) to (80332).
§ 63.24. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.24 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80332).
§ 63.25. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.25 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80332) to (80333).
§ 63.26. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.26 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80333) to (80334).
§ 63.27. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.27 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80334).
§ 63.28. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.28 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80334).
§ 63.29. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.29 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80335).
§ 63.30. Importation of weakfish.
It is unlawful for a person to import into this Commonwealth, sell, offer for sale or purchase weakfish measuring less than 13 inches in length.
Source The provisions of this § 63.30 adopted February 26, 1993, effective February 27, 1993, 23 Pa.B. 942.
§ 63.31. Importation and transportation of horseshoe crabs.
It is unlawful for a person to import into or transport in this Commonwealth horseshoe crabs for the purpose of sale at wholesale or retail. It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale or purchase any horseshoe crabs.
Source The provisions of this § 63.31 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46; amended April 30, 1999, effective May 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2298. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222097).
§ 63.32. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.32 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80337) to (80338).
§ 63.33. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.33 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80338) to (80339).
§ 63.34. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.34 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80339).
§ 63.35. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.35 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80339).
§ 63.36. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.36 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80340).
§ 63.37. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.37 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80340).
§ 63.38. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.38 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; amended February 4, 1983, effective January 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 617; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (80340) to (80341).
§ 63.39. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.39 adopted March 5, 1982, effective March 6, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 870; reserved January 6, 1984, effective January 7, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 46. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80341).
§ 63.40. Fishing tournaments and fishing derbies.
(a) Definitions. The following terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Fishing tournament—An organized competitive fishing event, other than a fishing derby, where ten or more individuals fish during a specified time period. An activity that involves one or more of the following factors is considered a fishing tournament:(i) The event is sponsored or promoted by an individual or organization.
(ii) The event involves the award of trophies, prizes or other recognition for participation in the tournament.
(iii) The event is conducted during a distinct time period (usually 72 hours or less) on a particular body of water.
Fishing derby—An organized event involving 10 or more participants conducted for children under the age of 16, senior citizens (as defined in section 2701 of the code (relating to definitions)), anglers with disabilities, special populations or other group when the principal purpose is education or enjoyment, rather than competition among anglers.(b) Permits. It is unlawful to conduct a fishing tournament on Commonwealth waters without obtaining a special activity permit under this section.
(1) Content of application. An application for a special activity permit for a fishing tournament shall contain the following information:
(i) The date, time and place.
(ii) The nature of the proposed tournament.
(iii) The anticipated number of participants and watercraft.
(iv) The proposed disposition of fish caught.
(v) The species and source of fish sought.
(vi) Whether or not the sponsor charges an entry fee.
(2) Deadline for submission. The deadline for submission of applications for special activity permits for fishing tournaments shall be as follows:
(i) For tournaments involving 50 or more boats, the application shall be submitted after October 1 and before December 1 of the year prior to the year of the proposed tournaments.
(ii) For tournaments involving 49 or less boats or fishing from shore, the application shall be submitted at least 60 days prior to the date of the proposed tournament.
(iii) The Commission may consider applications for tournaments submitted after the deadlines established by this section.
(3) Review of applications.
(i) The Commission staff will review applications for special activity permits to conduct fishing tournaments on Commonwealth waters and will endeavor to issue or deny permits within 45 days after the receipt of the application. The factors to be reviewed include:
(A) Whether the proposed tournament at the proposed time and location will have adverse impacts on the protection and management of fish in the waters to be fished in connection with the tournament.
(B) Whether the proposed tournament at the proposed time and location will impede or reduce fishing and boating opportunities for members of the angling and boating public who are not participants in the tournament.
(C) Whether the proposed tournament is scheduled on the opening weekend of the season for any species of game fish.
(D) Whether the proposed tournament at the proposed time and location competes with another tournament already permitted for the same time and place. In the event of competing applications, a fishing tournament where fish are intended to be released alive shall be given preference over a fishing tournament where fish are intended to be killed or taken.
(E) Whether the proposed tournament at the proposed time and location may result in congestion of watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth.
(F) Whether the sponsors of the proposed tournament have demonstrated their ability to conduct the tournament in accordance with this title and the conditions of the permit.
(ii) If the Bureau of Law Enforcement determines to deny the application for the special activity permit for a fishing tournament, it will notify the applicant in writing of the denial and the reasons. The applicant may, within 10 days of notification, request the Executive Director to reconsider the denial of the permit. The Executive Director will act on the request for reconsideration within 10 days of its receipt. If the Executive Director denies the permit after reconsideration, the applicant may appeal to the Commission under 1 Pa. Code § 35.20 (relating to appeals from actions of staff).
(4) Permit conditions. The Bureau of Law Enforcement may impose conditions in connection with the issuance of a permit under this section. The conditions may include:
(i) Limitations on the numbers of boats or participants in the tournament when the number of boats or participants involved in the proposed tournament exceeds the capacity of the waters being fished taking into account other permitted activities at the same time and place.
(ii) Limitations on the time or duration of the tournament. When reasonably necessary and appropriate to provide for protection of fish, the Commission may, for tournaments conducted during the months of July and August, include a condition limiting the duration of the tournament to no more than 10 hours of fishing.
(iii) Limitations on taking, catching, possessing and killing fish, including, when necessary for the protection and management of fish, requiring that the tournament be conducted as a catch-measure-and release or aerated livewell tournament.
(iv) Requirements for the proper disposal of fish taken in the tournament. Tournament sponsors engaged in returning live fish to the waters of this Commonwealth after completion of a tournament may possess fish in excess of the daily possession limit if they carry the tournament permit and can document the catch of the individual tournament participants. The permit condition may provide that live fish will be distributed to the waters from which taken away from the ramp or access area where the weigh-in occurs.
(v) Requirements for filing of catch reports within 30 days after completion of the tournament.
(vi) Upon request of an applicant for a tournament permit, the Commission may include a condition providing that one or more uninjured largemouth bass, smallmouth bass or spotted bass that an angler is landing, measuring or in the process of releasing from a recirculated or aerated livewell will not be considered as part of the daily creel limit if the fish is caught during a tournament that as part of its rules penalizes the return of any dead or distressed bass to the water, requires use of recirculating or aerated temperature-controlled livewells, distributes to the contestants instructions on the proper maintenance and use of livewells and limits the fishing hours to no more than 9 hours per day. This permit condition will be included only in circumstances when the Commission finds that permitting culling will have no substantial adverse impacts on the protection and management of fish.
(c) Fishing derbies.
(1) General rule. It is unlawful to conduct a fishing derby as defined in this section on Commonwealth waters without first obtaining a special activity permit from the Commission, except that this requirement does not apply to fishing derbies to be held on privately owned lakes or ponds that are not open to the public.
(2) Special activity permit. An applicant for a special activity permit for a fishing derby shall apply at least 60 days before the date of the proposed derby and indicate the following:
(i) The date, time and place.
(ii) The nature of the proposed derby.
(iii) The anticipated number of participants and watercraft.
(iv) The proposed disposition of fish caught.
(v) The species and source of fish sought.
(3) Review of applications.
(i) The Commission staff will review applications for special activity permits to conduct fishing derbies and will endeavor to issue or deny permits within 45 days after the receipt of the application. The factors to be reviewed include:
(A) Whether the proposed derby at the proposed time and location will have adverse impacts on the protection and management of fish in the waters to be fished in connection with the derby.
(B) Whether the proposed derby at the proposed time and location will impede or reduce fishing and boating opportunities for members of the angling and boating public who are not participants in the derby.
(C) Whether the proposed derby is scheduled on the opening weekend of the season for any species of game fish.
(D) Whether the proposed derby at the proposed time and location competes with another derby or fishing tournament already permitted for the same time and place.
(E) Whether the proposed derby at the proposed time and location may result in unsafe congestion of watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth.
(F) Whether the sponsors of the proposed derby have demonstrated their ability to conduct the derby in accordance with this title and the conditions of the permit.
(ii) If the Bureau of Law Enforcement determines to deny the application for the special activity permit for a fishing derby, it will notify the applicant in writing of the denial and the reasons. The applicant may, within 10 days of notification, request the Executive Director to reconsider the denial of the permit. The Executive Director will act on the request for reconsideration within 10 days of its receipt. If the Executive Director denies the permit after reconsideration, the applicant may appeal to the Commission under 1 Pa. Code § 35.20 (relating to appeals from actions of staff).
(4) Permit conditions. The Bureau of Law Enforcement may impose conditions in connection with the issuance of a permit under this section. The conditions may include:
(i) Limitations on the numbers of boats or participants in the derby when the number of boats or participants involved in the proposed derby exceeds the capacity of the waters to be fished taking into account other permitted uses of the facility at the same time.
(ii) Limitations on the time or duration of the derby, when reasonably necessary and appropriate to provide for the protection of fish.
(iii) Limitations on taking, catching, possessing and killing fish.
(iv) Requirements for the proper disposal of fish taken in the derby. Derby sponsors engaged in returning live fish to the waters of this Commonwealth after completion of a derby may possess fish in excess of the daily possession limit if they carry the derby permit and can document the catch of the individual derby participants. The permit condition may provide that live fish will be distributed to the waters from which taken away from the ramp or access area where the weigh-in occurs.
(d) Prohibited acts. It is unlawful to conduct a fishing tournament or fishing derby on Commonwealth waters except in compliance with permit conditions. It is unlawful to conduct a tournament or fishing derby on Commonwealth waters on the opening day for any species of game fish unless the applicant has made an extraordinary showing that the proposed tournament will not interfere with other fishing and boating activities and the Commission issues a special activity permit containing a specific finding, based upon the applicant’s showing, that the permitted activity will not constitute interference. It is unlawful to conduct or participate in a fishing tournament or fishing derby involving the catch or attempted catch of a particular species of fish during the closed season for that species. It is unlawful to conduct a fishing tournament on the North Branch, West Branch or main stem of the Susquehanna River that allows tournament anglers to kill black bass.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.40 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 322, 2102 and 2307.
Source The provisions of this § 63.40 adopted March 13, 1987, effective March 14, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 1088; amended November 22, 1996, effective January 1, 1997, 26 Pa.B. 5701; amended November 5, 1999, effective November 6, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 5719; amended September 9, 2005, effective September 10, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 5006; amended April 4, 2008, effective April 5, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 1584. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (261328) to (261330), (313227) to (313228) and (322893).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 53.24 (relating to tournament and fishing derby permits); 58 Pa. Code § 61.1 (relating to Commonwealth inland waters); 58 Pa. Code § 61.2 (relating to Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River and River Estuary); 58 Pa. Code § 61.3 (relating to Pymatuning Reservoir); 58 Pa. Code § 61.4 (relating to Conowingo Reservoir); 58 Pa. Code § 65.21 (relating to waters limited to specific purposes—exclusive use fishing areas); and 58 Pa. Code § 69.12 (relating to seasons, sizes and creel limits—Lake Erie, Lake Erie tributaries and Presque Isle Bay including peninsula waters).
§ 63.41. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 63.41 adopted December 14, 1990, effective December 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 6182; amended March 21, 2003, effective March 22, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 1468; reserved December 2, 2005, effective January 1, 2006, 35 Pa.B. 6533. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (313229) to (313230) and (296657).
§ 63.42. Sale, purchase or barter of fish parts and fish eggs.
It is unlawful for a person to sell, purchase, offer for sale or barter any fish parts or fish eggs obtained from fish taken from the waters of this Commonwealth, including boundary waters. This prohibition does not apply to fish parts and fish eggs lawfully taken and sold or offered for sale by holders of commercial fishing licenses under Chapter 29 of the code (relating to special licenses and permits), if the particular species of fish is authorized for taking by commercial licensees. This prohibition does not apply to the sale, purchase, offer for sale or barter of fish parts and fish eggs legally obtained from fish taken lawfully from waters outside this Commonwealth, if the seller or purchaser is able to document the source of the fish parts or fish eggs from lawful sources outside this Commonwealth.
Source The provisions of this § 63.42 adopted June 25, 1999, effective June 26, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3212.
§ 63.43. Fishing for bass during spring season.
(a) During the period from 12:01 a.m. on the second Saturday in April until 12:01 a.m. on the second Saturday in June:
(1) It is unlawful to kill or possess, while in the act of fishing, any largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass.
(2) Tournaments are not permitted.
(3) Catch and release fishing for bass is limited as follows: It is unlawful for an angler to repeatedly cast into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass. Otherwise, a bass caught and immediately returned unharmed to the waters from which taken during this period will not be considered a violation of this section.
(b) This section does not apply to portions of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and their tributaries that are regulated under § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations).
Authority The provisions of this § 63.43 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102; and section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 63.43 adopted July 9, 1999, effective July 10, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3629; amended December 30, 2011, effective December 31, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 6970; amended December 10, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 7697. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (378398).
§ 63.44. Illegal baitfish.
It is unlawful for a person to use or possess Goldfish (Carassius auratus), Comets (Carassius auratus), Koi (Cyprinus carpio) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as baitfish while fishing.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.44 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.44 adopted September 15, 2000, effective September 16, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 4814.
§ 63.45. Tagging, branding, marking and finclipping of fish.
(a) It is unlawful for a person to implant tracking devices in or to tag, brand, mark or fin clip any fish taken from the waters of this Commonwealth, unless the fish are purchased from an authorized commercial aquaculture facility, are part of a Commission-recognized and sanctioned stocking by a cooperative nursery, are authorized by a scientific collector’s permit issued by the Commission or are part of a tagged fish contest in a boundary lake for which the Commission has issued a permit.
(b) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a person implanting a tracking device in or tagging, branding, marking or fin clipping a fish is in violation of this section if the person does not have in his possession proof that the fish was purchased from an authorized commercial aquaculture facility, is part of a Commission-recognized and sanctioned stocking by a cooperative nursery, is authorized by a scientific collector’s permit or is part of a tagged fish contest in a boundary lake for which the Commission has issued a permit.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.45 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.45 adopted November 23, 2001, effective November 24, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 6451.
§ 63.46. Sale, purchase or barter of injurious species.
It is unlawful for a person to sell, purchase, offer for sale or barter the following live species in this Commonwealth:
(1) Snakehead (all species).
(2) Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).
(3) Bighead carp (Hypophtalmichtys nobilis).
(4) Silver carp (Hypophtalmichtys molitrix).
(5) Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).
(6) Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis).
(7) Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).
(8) Tubenose goby (Proterorhinus marmoratus).
(9) European rudd (Scardinius erythropthalmus).
(10) Crayfish (all species) except when:
(i) They are sold, purchased, offered for sale or bartered for testing and scientific purposes or restaurant consumption.
(ii) Adequate measures have been taken to prevent their escape.
(iii) They are accompanied by documentation stating the point of origin and the destination to which they are to be delivered.
(11) Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus).
Authority The provisions of this § 63.46 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102; amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102; and section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 63.46 adopted September 13, 2002, effective September 14, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 4485; amended September 5, 2003, effective September 6, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 4447; amended August 25, 2006, effective August 26, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 4724; amemded July 3, 2014, effective January 1, 2015, 44 Pa.B. 4177; amended April 3, 2015, effective April 4, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1616. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (372605).
§ 63.47. Landing of finfish shellfish, crustaceans and other marine seafood.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to land finfish, shellfish, crustaceans or other marine seafood in this Commonwealth when harvest quota allocations to this Commonwealth have been met or otherwise capped by action of the Executive Director pursuant to the fishery management plans and harvest allocations of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. If quotas have been met or otherwise capped in this Commonwealth, the landing of finfish, shellfish, crustaceans and other marine seafood in this Commonwealth is permitted only if the species have been properly reported as part of an unmet quota of another jurisdiction.
(b) For purposes of this section, ‘‘land’’ or ‘‘landing’’ means to enter port with finfish, shellfish, crustaceans or other marine seafood on board any vessel to begin offloading or to offload finfish, shellfish, crustaceans or other marine seafood.
(c) This section does not apply to the landing of fish at Lake Erie that is governed by Chapter 69 (relating to fishing in Lake Erie and boundary lakes).
Authority The provisions of this § 63.47 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.47 adopted July 9, 2004, effective July 10, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 3598.
§ 63.48. Permit for the use of cast nets or throw nets.
(a) The Executive Director or a designee may issue permits for the use of cast nets or throw nets for the taking of gizzard shad and alewife only in waters to be determined by the Executive Director. A separate permit will be required for each body of water.
(b) In addition to other permit conditions that the Executive Director may require, the cast nets or throw nets may be no greater than 10 feet in radius (20 feet in diameter) with a mesh size of at least 3/8 inch.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 61.1 (relating to Commonwealth inland waters), holders of permits for the use of cast nets or throw nets may take, catch, kill or possess a daily creel limit of 100 gizzard shad and alewife (combined species).
(d) A person may apply for a permit for the use of cast nets or throw nets by completing the form prescribed by the Commission. The applicant shall submit the completed form to the Commission along with the fee specified in section 2902 of the code (relating to net permits).
(e) It is unlawful to use cast nets or throw nets for the taking of gizzard shad and alewife or to take, catch, kill or possess more than the daily creel limit of gizzard shad and alewife as set forth in § 61.1 without the required permit. A permit for the use of cast nets or throw nets shall be carried so that it can be presented to an officer authorized to enforce the code.
(f) It is unlawful to use gizzard shad or alewife taken under a permit for the use of cast nets or throw nets as live bait in any water other than the water from which it was taken.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.48 issued and amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.48 adopted March 10, 2006, effective March 11, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 1126; amended September 25, 2015, effective January 1, 2016, 45 Pa.B. 5788. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (376448) and (372607).
§ 63.49. Reporting by dealers of American eels.
Dealers of American eels shall report to the Commission the amount of American eels that they buy and sell.
(1) Reports shall be provided on forms prescribed by the Commission on a quarterly basis or as otherwise established by the Commission. Data to be reported includes the following:
(i) The date of purchase or sale.
(ii) The origin or destination of eels, pounds or number purchased or sold by life stage (glass eel, elvers, yellow eel, silver eel).
(iii) The purpose of purchase or sale (bait, food, and the like).
(iv) The amount exported.
(v) Other information the Commission requires.
(2) Dealers shall present these reports upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code. Dealers shall allow officers authorized to enforce the code unrestricted access to the dealer’s place of business during normal business hours to inspect the reports.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.49 issued under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.49 adopted September 7, 2007, effective September 8, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4869.
§ 63.50. Importation of tautog—2102(c).
It is unlawful for a person to import into this Commonwealth, sell, offer for sale or purchase tautog (Tautoga onitis) measuring less than 15 inches in length. It is unlawful for a person to sell, offer for sale or purchase tautog (Tautoga onitis) that do not bear an official tag issued or approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.50 issued and amended under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(c).
Source The provisions of this § 63.50 adopted August 24, 2007, effective August 25, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 4621; amended January 10, 2014, effective January 11, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 250; amended July 31, 2020, effective August 1, 2020, 50 Pa.B. 3892. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (369873).
§ 63.51. Sale of VHS-susceptible species of fish.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) Species of fish that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) are those species that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (APHIS) designates by order or the Commission defines by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(i) The term ‘‘VHS-susceptible species’’ includes fish that are dead or alive, preserved or unpreserved, and the parts thereof.
(ii) The term ‘‘VHS-susceptible species’’ does not include the eggs of these species.
(2) A VHS-affected or VHS-at risk state includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin or other state that APHIS later designates by order or the Commission later defines by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as being VHS-affected or VHS-at risk.
(3) A VHS-affected or VHS-at risk region includes the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec or other region that APHIS later designates by order or the Commission later defines by notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as being VHS-affected or VHS-at risk.
(b) It is unlawful to sell VHS-susceptible species of fish from the portion of the Lake Erie watershed in this Commonwealth in other watersheds of this Commonwealth except in accordance with § 69.3(e) (relating to transportation, introduction and sale of VHS-susceptible species of fish out of the Lake Erie watershed).
(c) It unlawful to sell in this Commonwealth VHS-susceptible species of fish from a VHS-affected or VHS-at risk state, unless the following conditions are met:
(1) The sale meets the requirements of 30 Pa.C.S. § 2507 (relating to sale of certain fish, reptiles and amphibians prohibited).
(2) The fish are from a group of fish certified as having tested negative for VHS or are from an artificial propagation facility certified as having tested negative for VHS in accordance with the testing protocols adopted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and approved by the Commission. Persons selling these fish shall have in their possession, and present upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code, either a copy of the fish health certification reports for all VHS-susceptible fish kept at the place of sale or a copy of the fish health certification report for the artificial propagation facility if the fish are from a facility certified as having tested negative for VHS.
(d) It is unlawful to sell in this Commonwealth VHS-susceptible species of fish from a VHS-affected or VHS-at risk region, unless the fish meet the requirements of § 71a.7 (relating to introduction or transportation of VHS-susceptible species of fish).
Authority The provisions of this § 63.51 issued under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a); and amended under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a) and (c).
Source The provisions of this § 63.51 adopted December 12, 2008, effective January 1, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 6742; amended September 22, 2023, effective January 1, 2024, 53 Pa.B. 5914. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (402175) to (402176).
§ 63.53. Egg collection.
It is unlawful to remove or strip eggs from fish taken from waters of this Commonwealth except for trout and salmon taken from waters in the Lake Erie watershed.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.53 issued under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a).
Source The provisions of this § 63.53 adopted December 12, 2008, effective January 1, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 6741.
§ 63.54. Possession or use of eggs as bait.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to possess or use as bait unpreserved, refrigerated or frozen fish eggs regardless of their origin while in the act of fishing in or along waters of this Commonwealth. Unpreserved, refrigerated or frozen eggs from trout or salmon may be used and possessed as bait while fishing in or along the waters of the Lake Erie watershed.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.54 issued under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a).
Source The provisions of this § 63.54 adopted December 12, 2008, effective January 1, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 6741.
§ 63.55. Saltwater angler registration.
It is unlawful for a person required under 30 Pa.C.S. Chapter 27 (relating to fishing licenses) to procure a resident fishing license, a nonresident fishing license, a senior resident lifetime fishing license or an annual senior resident fishing license to fish for shad, striped bass or river herring in the Delaware River below Trenton Falls or in the Delaware Estuary unless that person has obtained a saltwater angler registration from the Commission, has registered with the National Saltwater Angler Resistry Program administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or has met the saltwater angler registration requirements of another state.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.55 issued under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2102.
Source The provisions of this § 63.55 adopted October 7, 2011, effective October 8, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 5365.
§ 63.56. Replacement costs for fish killed.
(a) Under section 923(c.1) of the code (relating to classification of offenses and penalties), the Commission established the following replacement costs in 2012 dollars for fish killed in violation of sections 2109 and 2110 of the code (relating to serious unlawful take; and taking or possessing by illegal methods):
(1) Game fish.
(i) Trout, 14 to 20 inches, $14.
(ii) Trout, 21 to 30 inches, $53.
(iii) Trout, greater than 30 inches, $106.
(iv) Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted), 15 to 21 inches, $19.
(v) Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted), greater than 21 inches, $36.
(vi) Striped bass and hybrids, 15 to 27 inches, $78.
(vii) Striped bass and hybrids, 28 to 39 inches, $360.
(viii) Striped bass and hybrids, greater than 39 inches, $693.
(ix) Walleye/Sauger, 15 to 18 inches, $17.
(x) Walleye/Sauger, 19 to 23 inches, $48.
(xi) Walleye/Sauger, 24 to 28 inches, $74.
(xii) Walleye/Sauger, greater than 28 inches, $149.
(xiii) Northern pike, 24 to 28 inches, $71.
(xiv) Northern pike, greater than 28 inches, $143.
(xv) Muskellunge and hybrids, 30 to 40 inches, $188.
(xvi) Muskellunge and hybrids, 41 to 50 inches, $442.
(xvii) Muskellunge and hybrids, greater than 50 inches, $693.
(2) Reptiles and amphibians.
(i) Wood turtle, $300.
(ii) Spotted turtle, $225.
(iii) Eastern box turtle, $80.
(iv) Snapping turtle, $160.
(v) Timber rattlesnake, $188.
(vi) Copperhead, $40.
(vii) Spotted salamander, $30.
(viii) Marble salamander, $30.
(ix) Northern spring salamander, $51.
(x) Blanding’s turtle, $275.
(xi) Eastern spiny softshell, $40.
(xii) Eastern hognose snake, $88.
(3) Federally listed threatened and endangered species.
Bog turtle, $1,200.
(b) The replacement costs in subsection (a) will be adjusted annually for inflation in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.56 issued under 30 Pa.C.S. § 923(c.1).
Source The provisions of this § 63.56 adopted January 10, 2014, effective January 11, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 250.
§ 63.57. License, permit and issuing agent fees.
(a) License fees. The following fees apply to fishing licenses issued under this chapter and shall be paid into the Fish Fund:
(1) Resident Annual Fishing License, $26.
(2) Senior Resident Annual Fishing License, $12.50.
(3) Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing License, $85.
(4) Nonresident Annual Fishing License, $59.
(5) Seven-Day Tourist Fishing License, $37.50.
(6) Three-Day Tourist Fishing License, $30.
(7) One-Day Resident Fishing License, $12.50.
(8) One-Day Tourist Fishing License, $30.
(b) Permit fees. The following fees apply to permits issued under this chapter and shall be paid into the Fish Fund:
(1) Trout permits, $13.
(2) Combination trout permit and Lake Erie permit, $19.
(c) Effective date. The fees imposed under subsections (a) and (b) are effective beginning December 1, 2023.
Authority The provisions of this § 63.57 amended under 30 Pa.C.S.
Source The provisions of this § 63.57 added December 30, 2022, effective December 31, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 8234; amended August 4, 2023, effective December 1, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 4408. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (412240).
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
