The Diversity of Fish Species in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a remarkable diversity of fish species. From small minnows to massive catfish, the Keystone State has something to offer every angler. In total, there are over 160 different species of fish found in Pennsylvania, making it one of the most diverse states for fishing in the eastern United States.

Native Fish Species

Many of the fish naturally found in Pennsylvania are iconic American game fish Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish are just some examples of popular native species targeted by anglers in the state

Trout are also native to Pennsylvania and immensely popular for fly fishing Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout can all be found thriving in the clean, cold waters of mountain streams across the state. Other native trout-like species include fallfish, white sucker, and cutlips minnow

Catfish are another important group of native Pennsylvania fish. Channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullheads, and stonecat madtoms are found statewide. Flathead catfish are native only to some drainages in western Pennsylvania.

Some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful native fish include the colorful tessellated darter, greenside darter, rainbow darter, and fantail darter. Though small in size, these tiny fish exhibit stunning patterns and coloration. Other small native fish like central stonerollers, common shiners, and bluntnose minnows play important roles as forage fish for larger predators.

Invasive and Introduced Fish

While most fish in Pennsylvania are native species, there are also a number of non-native fish that have been introduced intentionally and accidentally. Some fish, like brown trout and rainbow trout, have been stocked for over a century to create new recreational angling opportunities.

Other introductions, however, have caused serious harm to native ecosystems. European carp, goldfish, and grass carp are examples of problem species that compete with native fish. Northern snakehead and blue catfish are two more recent invasives that pose threats as aggressive predators.

To prevent further spread of invasive fish, anglers should never transfer live fish between bodies of water or use live fish as bait from a different drainage. Following fishing regulations and properly disposing of unused bait also helps stop the introduction of new invasive species.

Great Lakes Fish

One unique aspect of Pennsylvania’s fish diversity is the presence of many Great Lakes fish species. Because some of Pennsylvania’s major rivers like the Allegheny, Genessee, and Erie drain into the Great Lakes, many fish native to the lakes also penetrate into Pennsylvania’s northwestern region.

Lake trout, lake whitefish, round whitefish, rainbow smelt, and sea lamprey are examples of fish that inhabit both the Great Lakes and parts of Pennsylvania. Other fish like lake sturgeon, muskellunge, and walleye also occur in limited areas of the state near the Great Lakes.

For anglers, the influence of the Great Lakes brings excellent fishing opportunities for species not found elsewhere in Pennsylvania. The world-class walleye fishery of Lake Erie and its tributaries offers particularly incredible fishing that would not be possible without the presence of the Great Lakes.

With over 160 species ranging from tiny darters to massive muskellunge, Pennsylvania has an incredibly diverse assemblage of fish. This diversity includes many popular sportfish as well as lesser-known species that play key roles in freshwater ecosystems. Though some non-native and invasive fish pose threats, most additions have created excellent new fisheries to enjoy. Overall, the diversity of fish in Pennsylvania provides endless opportunities for anglers to catch different species across the state.