LivewellPennsylvania · Mercer County · River
Shenango River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Shenango River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: PCBs
Pennsylvania also has statewide guidance
Pennsylvania publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Shenango River below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — Limit to one meal per week.
What's safe to eat from Shenango River
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated PCB. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
How to prepare fish from Shenango River
Some contaminants build up in fat and skin, so cleaning and cooking can lower your exposure. Others — mercury and PFAS — are in the muscle itself and trimming does nothing.
PCBs
- Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
- Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
- Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
- Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
- Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.
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