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American Eel

American Eel

The American Eel is a unique catadromous species that historically was one of the most common fish in Pennsylvania's waters, particularly the Susquehanna River Basin.

In Pennsylvania, eels were nearly eliminated from most watersheds due to dam construction in the early 20th century, but restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2005, with over 2. 1 million juvenile eels stocked in the Susquehanna watershed.

Scientific Name: Anguilla rostrata

Physical Characteristics:
  • These snake-like fish can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 17 pounds, with females typically larger than males.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer habitats with sand-gravel substrate near rocks, roots, and muddy areas where they can burrow during daylight hours.

Key Locations

  • In Pennsylvania, they're found in the Susquehanna River system, Delaware River, Schuylkill River, Allegheny River, and tributaries like Pickering Creek where recent restoration projects have occurred.
  • Target areas around dams where migrating eels concentrate, particularly locations like Conowingo Dam and along the mainstem Susquehanna River where restoration stocking occurs.
  • In the Susquehanna system, try areas near Bloomsburg, Harrisburg, and other stocking locations.
  • The Delaware River around Philadelphia and the Schuylkill River also hold eels.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on areas with sand-gravel substrate, undercut banks, and structures like dams, rocks, and fallen trees.
  • Focus on deep pools, river bends, creek mouths, and calm eddies especially during winter when eels are easier to locate.

American Eel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for American Eel in Pennsylvania?

Effective baits include nightcrawlers (the top choice), cut bait, dead minnows, chicken livers, and small minnows fished on or near the bottom.

When is the best time to fish for American Eel in Pennsylvania?

Best targeted during late spring through early fall, with summer months offering the most consistent action. Spawning occurs far offshore in the Sargasso Sea during winter and early spring (February-April), when mature adults migrate downstream and die after reproduction - making these periods unsuitable for fishing.

How do you catch American Eel in Pennsylvania?

Use still fishing techniques with bait rigs cast into shallow flats adjacent to deep water pockets. They hit hard and can swallow bait quickly if you don't set the hook promptly.

What do American Eel eat?

American eels are opportunistic predators that feed primarily at night on crustaceans, aquatic insects, small fish, worms, clams, frogs, and fish e.g.gs - essentially any aquatic organisms they can find and consume.

Where do American Eel live in Pennsylvania?

They prefer habitats with sand-gravel substrate near rocks, roots, and muddy areas where they can burrow during daylight hours.

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