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Pennsylvania · Fishing
Benton Township sits in Columbia County in north-central Pennsylvania, and its fishing options center on still water rather than moving streams.
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Benton Township sits in Columbia County in north-central Pennsylvania, and its fishing options center on still water rather than moving streams. The three lakes in the area — Sheridan Lake, Handsome Pond, and Lake Kewanee — are all lake fishing destinations, which means you're looking at shoreline or small-boat angling rather than wading a current. This part of Pennsylvania is rural and unhurried, and that carries over to the fishing experience: expect quiet banks, limited crowds outside of summer weekends, and the kind of pace that suits a half-day trip or a full day with a cooler. None of the waters here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid warmwater and put-and-take fishing territory, good for panfish, bass, and whatever the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has stocked recently. If you're introducing someone to fishing or just want a low-pressure outing without a long drive into the mountains, Benton Township's lakes are a practical choice. Bring a general freshwater setup, check current PFBC stocking reports before you go, and confirm access points ahead of time since parking and bank access can vary by site.
These are warmwater lake fisheries, so you're most likely to encounter largemouth bass, bluegill, and other common panfish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks many smaller lakes in the region, so trout may be present seasonally — check the PFBC's online stocking reports for current activity on each specific water body before your trip.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. If you're targeting trout during stocked seasons, you'll also need a trout/salmon permit. Purchase both through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at a licensed issuing agent before you arrive.
Lake Kewanee
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Lackawanna Lake - Lackawanna State Park
~6 min drive
Easy
Sheridan Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Handsome Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Sweeny Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Jeffers Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Stantontown Swamp
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Heart Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Round Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Mud Pond
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
PA-468 Reservoir
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Mud Pond
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on smaller lakes like these. Bring a mix of live bait rigs for panfish and a few bass lures — soft plastics and small crankbaits cover most scenarios. A small tackle box, a net, and a bucket or cooler rounds out a practical kit for a day trip.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and panfish in still water. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and slow surface activity, so plan to be on the water by sunrise if you can.
Access details vary by location and can change seasonally, so confirm directly with the property manager or the PFBC before your visit. Handsome Pond and smaller waters like these often allow non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks or canoes, but don't assume a boat launch is available without checking ahead.
