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Big Pond

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Pennsylvania, United States

4.6·383 catches

Top fish species at Big Pond

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Northern pike

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Warmouth

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Largemouth bass

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Largemouth bass

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Largemouth bass

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General info

Big Pond is a lake located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is most popular for fishing Largemouth bass, Northern pike, and Rock bass.

Location

42°09′30.5″N 80°06′2.2″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Big Pond?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Big Pond. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Big Pond, PA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Pennsylvania can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: June 8 - April 12
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryPennsylvania State Waters
Bag limit4

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size15" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit4

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

PA Gear (freshwater)

RODS, LINES AND HOOKS. An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. An exception to this rule exists for those fishing through ice in winter (see Ice Fishing Equipment below). On open water (not covered by ice), it is unlawful for a person to fish with more than three fishing rods at a time. There is no restriction on the number of hooks used on each fishing line. All rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. ICE FISHING EQUIPMENT. It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir, where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line. Self-hooking devices such as jaw jackers and automated fisherman are allowed. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On PFBC lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day. SNAGGING HOOKS may not be used or possessed while in the act of fishing. A snagging hook is a device designed or modified to facilitate the snagging of fish and may be a hook with a single barb, weighted on a shank below the eye and above the barbs, or a hook otherwise designed or modified to make the snagging of fish more likely than it would be with a normal hook.SPEARS OR GIGS. Spears or gigs may be used to take ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points and may not be used in stocked trout waters.BOW AND ARROW (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, with the following exceptions: (1) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in stocked trout waters during the closed season, (2) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in special regulations trout waters, (3) it is unlawful to cast direct rays of a spotlight, mounted headlight or any other kind of artificial light from any watercraft upon any occupied building or another watercraft and (4) it is unlawful to use generators on board a watercraft while bowfishing with a noise level that exceeds 90 db. Handfishing is not permitted. 

Restrictions & requirements

PA Spawning Bass

It is unlawful to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take a bass. 

PA Snagged Fish

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish or keep fish accidentally caught by snatch-fishing, foul hooking, or snag fishing. Handfishing is not permitted. 

PA Nets

It is unlawful to use or have in possession while on or along Commonwealth waters nets larger than 4 feet square or in diameter except with a special permit issued by the PFBC. 

PA Keep Whole

It is unlawful to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of the Commonwealth, onboard a boat or on a dock, pier, launch area, or parking lot adjacent thereto. Fish may be processed fully if they are being prepared for immediate consumption on site. This does not apply to fish processed at a fish cleaning station officially recognized by the Commission or by a permitted charter boat/fishing guide operation.

Additional information
Statewide regulations are shown. During the closed season, no harvest of bass; you must immediately release any bass you catch.Jan 1 - Apr 12: minimum size = 15-inches; daily limit = 4 bassApr 13 - Jun 7: no harvest of bass; catch and immediate release onlyJun 8 - Sept 30: minimum size = 12-inches; daily limit = 6 bassOct 1 - Dec 31: minimum size = 15-inches; daily limit = 4 bassTo see additional site-specific trout regulations, you must see Pennsylvania Bass Fishing Regulations.
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Northern pike

Northern pike

Regulation boundaryPennsylvania State Waters
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size24" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Special gear

PA Gear (freshwater)

RODS, LINES AND HOOKS. An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. An exception to this rule exists for those fishing through ice in winter (see Ice Fishing Equipment below). On open water (not covered by ice), it is unlawful for a person to fish with more than three fishing rods at a time. There is no restriction on the number of hooks used on each fishing line. All rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. ICE FISHING EQUIPMENT. It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir, where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line. Self-hooking devices such as jaw jackers and automated fisherman are allowed. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On PFBC lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day. SNAGGING HOOKS may not be used or possessed while in the act of fishing. A snagging hook is a device designed or modified to facilitate the snagging of fish and may be a hook with a single barb, weighted on a shank below the eye and above the barbs, or a hook otherwise designed or modified to make the snagging of fish more likely than it would be with a normal hook.SPEARS OR GIGS. Spears or gigs may be used to take ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points and may not be used in stocked trout waters.BOW AND ARROW (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, with the following exceptions: (1) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in stocked trout waters during the closed season, (2) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in special regulations trout waters, (3) it is unlawful to cast direct rays of a spotlight, mounted headlight or any other kind of artificial light from any watercraft upon any occupied building or another watercraft and (4) it is unlawful to use generators on board a watercraft while bowfishing with a noise level that exceeds 90 db. Handfishing is not permitted. 

Restrictions & requirements

PA Snagged Fish

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish or keep fish accidentally caught by snatch-fishing, foul hooking, or snag fishing. Handfishing is not permitted. 

PA Nets

It is unlawful to use or have in possession while on or along Commonwealth waters nets larger than 4 feet square or in diameter except with a special permit issued by the PFBC. 

PA Keep Whole

It is unlawful to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of the Commonwealth, onboard a boat or on a dock, pier, launch area, or parking lot adjacent thereto. Fish may be processed fully if they are being prepared for immediate consumption on site. This does not apply to fish processed at a fish cleaning station officially recognized by the Commission or by a permitted charter boat/fishing guide operation.

Additional information
No closed season.
Synonyms
Esox lucius
Season open: year-round
Rock bass

Rock bass

Regulation boundaryPennsylvania State Waters
Bag limit50

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit50

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

PA Gear (freshwater)

RODS, LINES AND HOOKS. An angler may use a maximum of three lines fished either by rod or hand when fishing for gamefish, baitfish or both. An exception to this rule exists for those fishing through ice in winter (see Ice Fishing Equipment below). On open water (not covered by ice), it is unlawful for a person to fish with more than three fishing rods at a time. There is no restriction on the number of hooks used on each fishing line. All rods, lines and hooks shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. ICE FISHING EQUIPMENT. It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no restriction on the number of hooks used for fishing, except when fishing in the Pymatuning Reservoir, where no more than three hooks shall be attached to each line. Self-hooking devices such as jaw jackers and automated fisherman are allowed. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On PFBC lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day. SNAGGING HOOKS may not be used or possessed while in the act of fishing. A snagging hook is a device designed or modified to facilitate the snagging of fish and may be a hook with a single barb, weighted on a shank below the eye and above the barbs, or a hook otherwise designed or modified to make the snagging of fish more likely than it would be with a normal hook.SPEARS OR GIGS. Spears or gigs may be used to take ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points and may not be used in stocked trout waters.BOW AND ARROW (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking ONLY snakeheads, carp, suckers and catfish on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, with the following exceptions: (1) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in stocked trout waters during the closed season, (2) bowfishing is strictly prohibited in special regulations trout waters, (3) it is unlawful to cast direct rays of a spotlight, mounted headlight or any other kind of artificial light from any watercraft upon any occupied building or another watercraft and (4) it is unlawful to use generators on board a watercraft while bowfishing with a noise level that exceeds 90 db. Handfishing is not permitted. 

Restrictions & requirements

PA Snagged Fish

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish or keep fish accidentally caught by snatch-fishing, foul hooking, or snag fishing. Handfishing is not permitted. 

PA Nets

It is unlawful to use or have in possession while on or along Commonwealth waters nets larger than 4 feet square or in diameter except with a special permit issued by the PFBC. 

PA Keep Whole

It is unlawful to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the whole or having the entrails removed while on shore, along the waters of the Commonwealth, onboard a boat or on a dock, pier, launch area, or parking lot adjacent thereto. Fish may be processed fully if they are being prepared for immediate consumption on site. This does not apply to fish processed at a fish cleaning station officially recognized by the Commission or by a permitted charter boat/fishing guide operation.

Additional information
No closed season. No size limit.
Edibility
Good
Synonyms
Ambloplites rupestris
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Local laws and licenses

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Reviews of Big Pond

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Cities nearby

Erie

3.2 miles away

Wesleyville

4.8 miles away

Millcreek

5.1 miles away

Harborcreek

7.7 miles away

Avonia

11.9 miles away

Girard

15.5 miles away

Lake City

15.9 miles away

Wattsburg

18.5 miles away

Platea

18.6 miles away

Edinboro

19.5 miles away

Mill Village

20.5 miles away

Cranesville

21.5 miles away

Union City

22.4 miles away

Albion

22.9 miles away

Cambridge Springs

24.7 miles away

Elgin

25.1 miles away

Venango

26.7 miles away

Springboro

28.4 miles away

Rockdale Acres

28.5 miles away

Corry

28.8 miles away

Lincolnville

28.8 miles away

Conneaut

28.8 miles away

Saegertown

30.6 miles away

Spartansburg

31.5 miles away

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FAQ about Big Pond fishing

📍 Where is Big Pond located?
Big Pond is a lake located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its coordinates are:
42°09′30.5″N 80°06′2.2″W
.
🎣 Where on Big Pond is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Big Pond by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Big Pond?
The most common species in Big Pond are:
📢 What are the latest Big Pond fishing reports?
The latest Big Pond fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Big Pond right now?
According to fishing regulations at Big Pond, some of the species in season this November include: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Spotted bass, Walleye, and Lake char. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Big Pond?

Fishing in Pennsylvania requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination permits, available online or from authorized vendors.

In Pennsylvania, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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