Bowfin in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rules and water for bowfin.
- 50 (combined specieslimit
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bowfin in the Keystone State, in short
The Fish and Boat Commission treats Bowfin (Amia calva) as game fish; the 2026 Summary gives it rules across 2 water classes. Anglers on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing may keep 50 (combined species), season open year-round.
Neither the record list nor the 2026 stocking lists include it.
bowfin 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 | 50 (combined species) | Open year-round |
| Lake Erie | Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters and tributaries | 50 (combined species) | 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.
Related species to bowfin
- Rock Bassgame fish
- White Bassgame fish
- Bluegillgame fish
- Pumpkinseedgame fish
- Redbreast Sunfishgame fish
- Crappiegame fish
- Yellow Perchgame fish
- White Perchgame fish
- Channel Catfishgame fish
- Flathead Catfishgame fish
- Bullhead Catfishgame fish
- Common Carpgame fish
Keystone water near Bowfin, photographed
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael A. Orlando, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: George Neat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Before chasing bowfin here: common questions
May I keep bowfin in Pennsylvania?
50 (combined species) 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 bowfin?
It does not appear on the record list.
Where do bowfin live in Pennsylvania?
It is not on any water page yet.
How many bowfin will the PFBC stock?
None are scheduled for 2026.
Is bowfin a game fish in Pennsylvania?
Amia calva; listed as game fish.
Does Pennsylvania close the bowfin season?
Open year-round on commonwealth inland waters (all waters not under lake erie, pymatuning, conowing.
Is the trout permit needed for bowfin?
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 bowfin?
The guides page groups permit holders by county instead.
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The pages above carry access areas and rules.