Can You Fish at the Conowingo Dam with a PA Fishing License in 2024?

Fishing enthusiasts often wonder about the reciprocal fishing privileges between Pennsylvania and Maryland, particularly when it comes to the Conowingo Dam and Reservoir. In 2024, the rules remain the same: a Pennsylvania or Maryland fishing license is valid for fishing from a boat on the Conowingo Reservoir or Youghiogheny River Lake, excluding coves and tributaries.

The Conowingo Reservoir: A Fishing Hotspot

The Conowingo Reservoir, which extends from the Conowingo Dam in Maryland to the Holtwood Dam in Pennsylvania, is a popular fishing destination. It offers anglers a variety of aquatic habitats, including rocky areas, deep drop-offs, and shallow, weedy bays. The reservoir is well-known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishery, with 16 to 18-inch fish being quite common.

Reciprocal Fishing Privileges

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a resident of Pennsylvania possessing a valid Pennsylvania fishing license may fish in the portions of the Conowingo Reservoir lying within the boundaries of Maryland without a Maryland fishing license. Similarly, a resident of Maryland with a valid Maryland Nontidal Sport Fishing License can fish on the Pennsylvania side of the reservoir without a Pennsylvania license.
However, it’s important to note that these reciprocal privileges only apply to fishing from a boat on the main reservoir and do not include fishing from shore, coves, or tributaries.

Obtaining a Fishing License

In Pennsylvania, fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16. Licenses can be purchased online or from authorized retailers. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) offers various license options, including single-day, multi-day, and annual licenses.
Similarly, in Maryland, anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a valid fishing license. Licenses can be obtained through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at service centers, or from licensed agents.

Fishing Regulations and Restrictions

When fishing on the Conowingo Reservoir or Youghiogheny River Lake, anglers must abide by the regulations of the state in which they launch or retrieve their boat. This includes adhering to size limits, daily limits, and seasonal restrictions for various fish species.
For example, in Pennsylvania, the daily limit for walleye and saugeye (hybrids) is 6 combined, with a minimum size of 15 inches. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a daily limit of 5 and a minimum size of 12 inches.

Accessing the Reservoir

Access to the Conowingo Reservoir is excellent for boaters, with concrete ramps located at Conowingo Creek in Cecil County and Glen Cove in Harford County, Maryland. However, shore fishing access is somewhat limited due to steep banks and thick vegetation.

Fishing Opportunities Beyond the Reservoir

While the Conowingo Reservoir is a prime fishing destination, the Susquehanna River itself also offers excellent fishing opportunities. From the Conowingo Dam to the Chesapeake Bay, the river is tidal water, and a Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport License is required to fish this section.
Anglers can target species such as striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, catfish, and carp, depending on the season. The annual shad and herring runs in early spring are a sight to behold.