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Pennsylvania · Fishing
Bear Creek Township sits in the wooded hills of Luzerne County, and its fishing is built around still water rather than moving streams.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Bear Creek Township sits in the wooded hills of Luzerne County, and its fishing is built around still water rather than moving streams. The three lakes in the township — Bear Swamp, Meadow Lake, and Antler Lake — are all lake fisheries, which means you're looking at shoreline or small-boat angling rather than wading a current. That shapes everything from your gear choices to how you plan your day. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly: these are solid community lakes suited to anglers who want a quiet morning on the water without a long drive into more remote territory. Access points and amenities vary by lake, so it's worth checking each one individually before you load up the truck. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply throughout, and a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. The area is wooded and relatively uncrowded compared to larger regional destinations, which is part of the draw for locals who fish here regularly.
All three listed fisheries — Bear Swamp, Meadow Lake, and Antler Lake — are lake fishing spots. You won't find designated trout streams or river fishing in this listing set, so plan your tackle and techniques around still-water angling.
Yes. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. You can purchase one through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at licensed retail agents. Make sure you're also aware of any current statewide size and creel limits before you go.
Meadow Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Bear Swamp
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Antler Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Hines Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Harlow Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Bradys Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Maple Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Bradys Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
East Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Bradys Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
City of Rome Dark Swamp
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Union Mill Swamp
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are generally the most productive windows for lake fishing, when fish are more actively feeding in shallower water. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper, so adjust your presentation accordingly if you're fishing later in the day.
The listings don't specify boat ramp availability at each lake, so it's worth contacting the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or checking each location individually before hauling a trailer out. A kayak or small car-top boat is often the most practical option for smaller township lakes like these.
Lake fishing in a quiet, wooded setting like Bear Creek Township is generally well-suited to beginners. Still water is more forgiving than stream fishing when it comes to casting and reading the water. Bring basic gear — a medium-light spinning setup, a selection of bobbers, hooks, and soft plastics or live bait — and you'll be set for most conditions you'll encounter here.
