Pennsylvania, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, is a paradise for anglers seeking incredible fishing opportunities. From the tranquil lakes and streams of the Pocono Mountains to the mighty rivers of the Allegheny Plateau, the Keystone State offers a wide array of fishing spots that cater to every skill level and preference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular fishing destinations in Pennsylvania, highlighting the unique features, target species, and essential information you need to plan your next angling adventure.
Presque Isle Bay – Erie, PA
Presque Isle Bay is a 3,200-acre bay located on the shores of Lake Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a premier fishing destination known for its diverse array of fish species and ample access points for both shore and boat anglers.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
- Presque Isle State Park (301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505): This state park offers numerous access points for shore fishing along the bay, including the North and South Piers, Misery Bay, and the lagoons. There are also several boat launches within the park.
- Public Docks: The Chestnut Street launch ramp and the Liberty Park boat ramp offer additional access for boat anglers.
- Marinas: Several private marinas along the bay’s southern shore, such as the Bay Harbor Marina and the Commodore Perry Yacht Club, provide access for boat anglers.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
- Walleye: Troll or drift with crawler harnesses or crankbaits in 15-30 feet of water. Night fishing with stick baits can also be effective.
- Yellow Perch: Use live minnows or small jigs tipped with minnows or worms in 10-20 feet of water. Look for schools of perch near bottom structure.
- Smallmouth Bass: Cast tube jigs, crankbaits, or live crayfish along rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges.
- Steelhead: In season (fall through spring), target steelhead with spawn sacs, minnows, or flies in tributary streams and along the bay’s shorelines.
- Muskellunge and Northern Pike: Cast or troll large spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or live bait in weed beds and along drop-offs.
For more information and current fishing reports, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Presque Isle Bay page: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/PennsylvaniaFishes/GreatLakesSpecies/Pages/PresqueIsleBay.aspx
Susquehanna River – Harrisburg, PA
The Susquehanna River is a world-class fishery known for its exceptional Smallmouth Bass fishing. The river section near Harrisburg, the state capital, is particularly popular among anglers.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
- Fort Hunter Boat Access (1100 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17102): This boat launch provides access to the river just north of Harrisburg.
- City Island Boat Launch (1 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101): Located on City Island in the middle of the river, this launch offers convenient access for boat anglers.
- Riverfront Park: This park along the river’s eastern shore in Harrisburg offers shore fishing opportunities and a fishing pier.
- Wildwood Park: Located just north of Harrisburg, this park features a lake connected to the river and shore fishing access.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
- Smallmouth Bass: Use jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastic lures around rocky structure, islands, and current breaks. Topwater lures can be effective in low light conditions.
- Walleye: Troll or drift with crawler harnesses or crankbaits in deeper pools and runs. Jigging with minnows or plastics can also be productive.
- Channel Catfish: Bottom fish with cut bait, chicken livers, or prepared dough baits in deep holes and around structure.
- Flathead Catfish: Use live bait such as sunfish or suckers in deep pools and near logjams or other cover.
- Muskellunge: Cast large spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or live bait in deeper pools, eddies, and around structure.
For more information and current fishing reports, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Susquehanna River page: https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/PennsylvaniaFishes/WarmwaterSpecies/Pages/Susquehanna.aspx
Lake Wallenpaupack – Hawley, PA
Lake Wallenpaupack, nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains, is a 5,700-acre reservoir that offers diverse fishing opportunities for both warm and cold-water species. The lake’s depth and structure provide ideal habitats for various game fish.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
- Mangan Cove Boat Launch (1 Mangan Cove Rd, Hawley, PA 18428): This Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access area offers a free boat launch and ample parking. It’s a popular starting point for anglers targeting bass, walleye, and striped bass.
- Wilsonville Boat Launch (2512 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428): Located on the eastern shore of the lake, this launch provides access to prime fishing areas for bass, panfish, and trout. A fee is required to use this launch, but it is waived for campers at the adjacent campground.
- Palmyra Township Public Beach (Boat House Rd, Hawley, PA 18428): This beach area offers shore fishing access and is a good spot to target panfish, bass, and trout. It’s also a popular area for families and swimmers, so be mindful of other users.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Fish around structure such as weed beds, drop-offs, and points using jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Topwater lures can be effective in the early morning and evening.
- Striped Bass: Troll or cast large swimbaits, crankbaits, or live bait such as alewives or shad. Look for schools of baitfish on your fish finder and work those areas.
- Walleye: Troll or drift with live bait rigs or crankbaits along deep weed edges, drop-offs, and points. Low-light periods and night fishing can be particularly productive.
- Trout: Fish near the mouths of tributaries and along the shoreline with live bait, spinners, or flies. The lake is stocked with trout annually, with peak fishing in the spring and fall.
For more information and fishing reports, visit the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center website: https://www.lakewallenpaupakvisitorscenter.com/fishing/
Raystown Lake – Huntingdon, PA
Raystown Lake, an 8,300-acre reservoir in central Pennsylvania, is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing. The lake’s diverse structure and deep, clear water support a variety of game fish.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
- Seven Points Marina (6993 Seven Points Rd, Hesston, PA 16647): This full-service marina offers boat rentals, a launch ramp, and a fishing pier. It’s a great starting point for exploring the lake’s many coves and points.
- James Creek Boat Launch (1665 Raystown Dam Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652): Located near the dam, this launch provides access to some of the lake’s deepest waters and is a popular spot for targeting striped bass and walleye.
- Tatman Run Recreation Area (6537 Raystown Rd, Saxton, PA 16678): This area offers shore fishing access and a boat launch. It’s a good spot to target bass, crappie, and catfish.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
- Striped Bass: Troll or cast large crankbaits, swimbaits, or live bait in open water areas. Look for schools of baitfish and work those areas thoroughly. Night fishing can be particularly effective.
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Fish around structure such as submerged trees, rock piles, and points using jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Topwater lures can be productive in the early morning and late evening.
- Crappie: Look for brush piles and submerged trees in coves and creek arms. Use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber.
- Walleye: Troll or drift with live bait rigs or deep-diving crankbaits along points, humps, and drop-offs. Night fishing with lighted bobbers can be effective.
For more information and fishing reports, visit the Raystown Lake website: https://www.raystown.org/things-to-do/fishing/
Allegheny River – Pittsburgh, PA
The Allegheny River, flowing through Pittsburgh, offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. The river’s diverse habitat, including deep pools, swift runs, and rocky structure, supports a healthy population of game fish.
Fishing Spots and Access Points
- Sharpsburg Boat Launch (13th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215): This launch provides access to the productive waters near the Highland Park Dam. It’s a good spot to target smallmouth bass, walleye, and sauger.
- Harmar Boat Launch (1321 Freeport Rd, Cheswick, PA 15024): Located upstream of Pittsburgh, this launch offers access to a scenic stretch of the river known for its smallmouth bass and musky fishing.
- Point State Park (601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222): This park, located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, offers shore fishing access and is a popular spot for catfish and sauger.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
- Smallmouth Bass: Fish around rocky structure, creek mouths, and current breaks using jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Topwater lures can be effective in low-light conditions.
- Walleye and Sauger: Drift or troll with live bait rigs or crankbaits in deep pools and along current edges. Vertical jigging with minnows or plastics can also be productive.
- Muskellunge: Cast large spinners, crankbaits, or live bait in deep pools, eddies, and around structure. Patience and persistence are key when targeting these elusive predators.
- Catfish: Bottom fish with cut bait, chicken livers, or prepared dough baits in deep holes and around structure. Night fishing can be particularly productive for channel and flathead catfish.
For more information and fishing reports, visit the Three Rivers Fishing website: https://fishthreerivers.com/allegheny-river/
Fishing Regulations and Licenses
Before embarking on your Pennsylvania fishing adventure, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the state’s fishing regulations and license requirements. All anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. Additional permits may be required for specific species or water bodies, such as the Lake Erie Permit or the Trout/Salmon Permit.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (https://www.fishandboat.com/), at various license issuing agents across the state, or by phone at 1-877-707-4085. It’s also crucial to review the state’s fishing regulations, which outline season dates, size and creel limits, and any water-specific restrictions.
The Pennsylvania Fishing Summary, available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s fishing regulations.
Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip
To make the most of your Pennsylvania fishing experience, consider the following tips:
- Research the water body you plan to fish, including the target species, best fishing times, and recommended techniques.
- Check the weather forecast and water conditions before your trip, and plan accordingly.
- Use appropriate gear and tackle for the species you’re targeting and the water body you’re fishing.
- Practice catch and release when possible to help maintain healthy fish populations.
- Follow all fishing regulations and guidelines, and respect private property and other anglers.
- Consider hiring a local fishing guide or charter to enhance your experience and increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s diverse and abundant fishing opportunities make it a true angler’s paradise. From the tranquil lakes of the Pocono Mountains to the mighty rivers of the Allegheny Plateau, the Keystone State offers a wealth of incredible fishing spots that cater to every skill level and preference. By exploring the popular destinations highlighted in this guide, familiarizing yourself with the state’s fishing regulations, and following essential tips for success, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying unforgettable angling adventures in Pennsylvania.
So grab your gear, secure your fishing license, and set out to discover the best fishing spots Pennsylvania has to offer. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse fisheries, and welcoming angling community, the Keystone State is sure to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. Happy fishing!
