Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and Fishing the Wilds Way

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a game hunter’s paradise and an angler's perfect retreat. The region has nearly 2,100 designated trout streams, 16,000 miles of sparkling waterways, and 2 million acres of public land open for hunting at various times of the year. With dense forestland and a multitude of waterways, the ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife.

Learn more

Game Time

PA Wilds Hunting

The region boasts more than 2 million acres of public land: state game lands, parks and forests, and portions of the Allegheny National Forest that are open for hunting at different times throughout the year. Hunting plays a key role in helping manage our sustainable forests. The largest elk herd in the northeastern US and white-tailed deer roam the forest in the Pennsylvania Wilds, as well as black bear, turkey, waterfowl, grouse, pheasant and other small game.

Cast a line

PA Wilds Fishing

For anglers, the PA Wilds has more than 16,000 waterways, including two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers - the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers. We're also home to two additional distinct water trails - the West Branch Susquehanna River Trail and Pine Creek - where you can cast your fly or sink your lure. In addition to a large supply of native and stocked trout, our lakes, rivers, waterways and streams are also filled with small and largemouth bass, pike, walleye, and some of the most popular panfish species among others. Some of the best anglers in the world travel to the PA Wilds to fish! In fact, the Allegheny Reservoir has hosted many national walleye fishing tournaments. The region is home to dozens of outfitters who can assist with fishing licenses and supplies.

PA Wilds Fish Species

Bullhead
Bluegill
Carp
Channel Catfish
Crappie
Eel
Fallfish
Largemouth Bass
Muskellunge

Northern Pike
Pickerel
Rock Bass
Sucker
Sunfish
Smallmouth Bass
Trout
Walleye
Yellow Perch
Hybrid Bass

Plan Your Fishing Trip

Imagine dropping your line into a mountain stream surrounded by wilderness, yet close enough to convenient town services.

Visit Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website for more information on licenses, stocking schedules, rules and regulations, and more, and explore the interactive Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters map.

Download the PA Wilds Fishing Guide.

Find some of the finest warm water fishing in the Allegheny National Forest. Several reservoirs and over 500 miles of pristine streams offer outstanding fishing opportunities. The Allegheny reservoir (a 12,000 acre impoundment on the Allegheny River) is the largest reservoir on the Forest.

Plan Your Hunting Trip

Explore an interactive map of hunting locations in Pennsylvania’s State Forests in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Research hunting in the Allegheny National Forest – including big and small game hunting, and game bird / waterfowl.

Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds

Covering more than 500,000 acres, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only national forest. It dominates the western end of the Pennsylvania Wilds and contains within it and around it some of the region’s most treasured places and experiences.

VISIT

Cook Forest and the Ancients

Known as a land of giants because of the “forest cathedral” of ancient pines and hemlocks, this landscape is an ode to the majesty of the Pennsylvania Wilds and home to many of the tallest hemlock and pine trees in the Northeast. If an adventure among Cook Forest & The Ancients sounds mystifyingly exciting to you, rest assured that you’ll rest well during your exploration. So what are you waiting for? The Ancients are calling. Come see some of the tallest pine trees in the Northeast.

VISIT

Dark Skies

Inspiring awe and delight, Dark Skies is home to the world’s second certified International Dark-Sky Park. Cherry Springs State Park is world-famous for being one the best places in the USA for stargazing and the study of astronomy. But these mesmerizing, star-filled skies are JUST the beginning.

VISIT

Elk Country

Elk Country is a place that lives up to its name. Home to the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeastern United States, Elk Country features two large visitor centers to welcome you. If you come to Elk Country for the elk, you won’t be disappointed. But if you stick around to see what’s all around you, you’ll be delighted you did.

VISIT

I-80 Frontier

Whether you’re coming from the east, south or west, the I-80 Frontier is the quintessential welcome mat to the Pennsylvania Wilds. With its proximity to Pennsylvania’s southern population centers of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, not to mention close by New York City, and Cleveland on the western side, it’s easy to plan a trip for each season. Home to forested state parks and storied towns and places, any given exit off the interstate is a surefire way to find and explore the natural and hidden wonders of the region.

VISIT

Pine Creek Valley and The PA Grand Canyon

The Eastern Gateway to the PA Wilds...If it’s your first visit to the region, the PA Grand Canyon is a must see and one of the perfect ways to orient your mind and senses to the wonders of the Wilds. But once you’ve delighted in the Pine Creek Gorge views, you’ll soon discover that this scenic and unique landscape is best discovered from multiple vantage points.

Landscapes

Journeys

Hunting and Fishing