Schuylkill River
Schuylkill River fishing in Pennsylvania mixes smallmouth near Reading and Pottstown with carp and striped bass near Philadelphia.
- 178 miRiver length
- 7Game fish
- 178Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Schuylkill
The Schuylkill River runs about 178 miles through eastern Pennsylvania. It starts in the coal region near Schuylkill Haven, passes Reading and Pottstown and reaches Philadelphia at the Fairmount Dam. Public access is available at many points along the Schuylkill Water Trail.
The river holds brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye and common carp. The stretch from Reading to Pottstown is often cited as the best smallmouth water. The lower river through Philadelphia has serious carp fishing right in the city.
Tulpehocken Creek near Reading and Monocacy Creek and Manatawny Creek are nearby streams. The river has Class A wild trout sections as well. Most fly anglers wade the shallow sections or float with a kayak.
Water quality and fish consumption advisories can apply. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and advisories before you fish.
Schuylkill River at Pottstown, PA
Flow, last 24 hours
USGS readings, provisionalIs the Schuylkill fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Manatawny Creek near Spangsville, PA0.6 mi away 33 cfs Normal 52°F · 2.66 ft USGS 01471875
- Maiden Creek at Berkley, PA11.7 mi away 136 cfs Normal 4.98 ft USGS 01470761
- Tulpehocken Creek near Reading, PA12.1 mi away 103 cfs Below normal 1.19 ft USGS 01471000
- Tulpehocken Cr at Blue Marsh Damsite near Reading14.5 mi away 84 cfs Normal 56°F · 2.74 ft USGS 01470960
- Maiden Creek near Virginville, PA14.6 mi away 34 cfs Below normal 3.10 ft USGS 01470755
- French Creek near Phoenixville, PA15.1 mi away 28 cfs Normal 50°F · 4.43 ft USGS 01472157
- Little Lehigh Creek near Trexlertown, PA15.7 mi away 4 cfs Below normal 50°F · 1.77 ft USGS 01451380
- Spring Creek at Trexlertown, PA15.8 mi away 3 cfs Below normal 54°F · 1.35 ft USGS 01451400
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Tips for fishing the Schuylkill
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Target one species
Smallmouth near Reading and carp near Philadelphia are very different trips.
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Use water trail access
The Schuylkill Water Trail has marked public access points.
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Fish around the Fairmount Dam
The city waterfront has carp and other species and is easy to reach.
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Check advisories
Fish consumption advisories can apply on this river. Read them before you keep anything.
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Use the app for access
The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points along the Schuylkill so you can find a ramp or wade spot.
Every access point on the Schuylkill, in your pocket.
- 178 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Schuylkill
Schuylkill River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Schuylkill River?
Smallmouth and carp are active in warm months, and trout fishing is a cooler season option.
Where can I fish the Schuylkill River near Reading?
The stretch from Reading to Pottstown is often cited for smallmouth. Public access points are listed on the Schuylkill Water Trail.
Can you wade the Schuylkill River?
Yes in many places, but flows and depth change. Use caution.
What flies work on the Schuylkill River?
Streamers and crayfish patterns work for smallmouth, and carp flies work in the city. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working today.
What fish are in the Schuylkill River?
Brown trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye and common carp.
Are there special rules on the Schuylkill River?
Rules vary by section and species. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and advisories.
