American Eel in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rules and water for American eel.
- 25; minimum 9 incheslimit
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American eel in the Keystone State, in short
The Fish and Boat Commission treats American eel (Anguilla rostrata) as game fish; the 2026 Summary gives it rules across 4 water classes. Anglers on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing may keep 25; minimum 9 inches, season open year-round.
Neither the record list nor the 2026 stocking lists include it.
American eel in the 2026 Summary tables
| Water class | Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth inland waters | Commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under Lake Erie, Pymatuning, Conowingo or Delaware River and Estuary rules or | 25; minimum 9 inches | Open year-round |
| Conowingo Reservoir (Susquehanna River boundary) | Conowingo Reservoir up to Holtwood Dam | 25; minimum 9 inches | Open year-round |
| Delaware River and estuary | Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River, Delaware River tributaries to the limit of tidal influence, and the Lehigh R | 25; minimum 9 inches | Open year-round |
| Lake Erie | Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters and tributaries | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
| Lake Erie | Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters and tributaries | 25; minimum 9 inches | Open year-round |
2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (PA Fish and Boat Commission; in effect or proposed as of October 1, 2025, PDF revised February 27, 2026), page 10 to 14. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
Permitted guides for American eel
- Reel Hawg Fishing Charterscharter, Meadville, (814) 439-5064
- Steelhead Jones Guide Servicefishing guide, Titusville, (814) 460-4840
- Reel River Adventuresfishing guide, Mechanicsburg, (540) 247-4152
- Reel River Adventuresfishing guide, Elizabethville, (610) 360-5433
- Reel Time Guidesfishing guide, Levittown, (215) 350-6203
- Reel Time Fishing Charterscharter, Springfield, (610) 247-9765
- Reel Overtime Charterscharter, Saint Marys, (814) 594-0998
- Goose’S Steelhead Fishing Guide Servicefishing guide, Erie, (724) 977-1755
For the steelhead herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 Related species to American eel
- Largemouth Bassgame fish
- Smallmouth Bassgame fish
- Spotted Bassgame fish
- Rock Bassgame fish
- Striped Bassgame fish
- White Bassgame fish
- Bluegillgame fish
- Pumpkinseedgame fish
- Redbreast Sunfishgame fish
- Crappiegame fish
- Yellow Perchgame fish
- White Perchgame fish
Keystone water near American Eel, photographed
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Cbaile19, CC0 1.0
Before chasing American eel here: common questions
May I keep American eel in Pennsylvania?
25; minimum 9 inches on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing, season open year-round; other water classes have their own rows.
How big is the Pennsylvania record American eel?
It does not appear on the record list.
Where do American eel live in Pennsylvania?
It is not on any water page yet.
How many American eel will the PFBC stock?
None are scheduled for 2026.
Is American eel a game fish in Pennsylvania?
Anguilla rostrata; listed as game fish.
Does Pennsylvania close the American eel season?
Open year-round on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing.
Is the trout permit needed for American eel?
Anyone 16 or older needs a Pennsylvania fishing license: $27.97 for residents, $60.97 for nonresidents and $14.47 for resident seniors, fees included.
Do Pennsylvania guides fish for American eel?
8 listings mention it, among them Reel Hawg Fishing Charters.
Pick water for American eel
The pages above carry access areas and rules.