LivewellPennsylvania · Tioga County · Reservoir
Cowanesque River and Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Cowanesque River and Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Pennsylvania also has statewide guidance
Pennsylvania publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Cowanesque River and Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — Limit to one meal per week.
What's safe to eat from Cowanesque River and Reservoir
Black Crappie
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Pennsylvania's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | 06-14 – 04-11 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 6 | Year-round | 06-14 – 04-11 |
| Walleye | 15" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 24" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Inland Trout | 7" min | 5 | Year-round | 04-05 – 09-30 |
| Bluegill | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania Fish & Boat