Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has more than 370 fishing spots catalogued on Roamze, and the variety is real: quiet Pocono-area lakes like Fairview Lake near Mount Pocono and Indian Mountain Lake sit alongside central-PA waters like Lake Altoona near Logan Township and Keystone Lake near Derry.
415 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 200 spots
Featured spots
creekWild TroutFly fishing
Brodhead Creek - Analomink Section
Penn Estates, Pennsylvania
brown trout, rainbow trout
creekWild TroutFly fishing
Kettle Creek - Westport Access
Leidy Township, Pennsylvania
brown trout, brook trout
Surf fishing
Alosa Campsites
Middle Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania
River fishing
Buckaloons
Brokenstraw Township, Pennsylvania
River fishing
Conemaugh Lake Pavilions
Pennsylvania
All spots · 200 of 415 spots
Lake fishing
Ackleys Pond
Asylum Township, Pennsylvania
Pier fishing
Aitch Picnic Shelter
Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Ajax Pond
Saltlick Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Algerine Swamp Bog
Brown Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Allegheny National Fish Hatchery
Warren, Pennsylvania
Surf fishing
Allegheny Reservoir
Mead Township, Pennsylvania
riverRiver fishing
Allegheny River - Tionesta Access
Tionesta, Pennsylvania
smallmouth bass, muskellunge
Lake fishing
Analomink Lake
Stroud Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Anglewood Lake
Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Anglewood Lake
Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Antler Lake
Bear Creek Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Bald Knob
Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Balsam Pond
Milan, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Balsam Swamp
Blooming Grove Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Bear Swamp
Colley Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Bear Swamp
Bear Creek Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Bear Swamp
Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Lake
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Lake
Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Meadow Pond
Tuscarora Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Pond
Red Rock, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Pond (Hoy's Pond)
Folcroft, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Pond (Hoy's Pond)
Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania
Lake fishing
Beaver Pond (Hoy's Pond)
Folcroft, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has more than 370 fishing spots catalogued on Roamze, and the variety is real: quiet Pocono-area lakes like Fairview Lake near Mount Pocono and Indian Mountain Lake sit alongside central-PA waters like Lake Altoona near Logan Township and Keystone Lake near Derry. The state's lake fishing leans heavily toward warmwater species — bass, panfish, pickerel, and catfish show up across waters from Nuangola Lake in Luzerne County to Lake Luxembourg in Bucks County. Pike County alone holds several productive spots including Sawkill Pond and Case Ponds near Dingman Township. The Pocono region is particularly well-represented, with waters like Lake Kahagon, Upper Twin Lake near Penn Estates, and PWLPOA Van Auken Lake near Pocono Woodland Lakes offering accessible shoreline fishing without a lot of boat traffic. Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) manages stocking schedules that vary by water body and season — checking the PFBC site before you go is worth the five minutes. Most of these lakes are fishable from spring ice-out through late fall, with early morning and evening hours consistently producing the most action during summer when surface temperatures climb.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish Pennsylvania's lakes?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, available through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods retailers. Some waters may also require a trout/salmon permit on top of the base license, so check the PFBC regulations for the specific lake you're targeting.
What fish species can I expect to catch at Pennsylvania lakes like those in the Pocono region?
Warmwater species dominate most of the lakes in this list — largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, and catfish are common across waters like Lake Kahagon, Fairview Lake, and Indian Mountain Lake. Stocked trout are present in some waters during spring and fall, but stocking schedules vary by location and year, so confirm with the PFBC stocking report before planning a trout-specific trip.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing in Pennsylvania?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations well across these lakes. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work reliably; for panfish, a light rod with small jigs or live bait is hard to beat. If you're fishing from shore at smaller ponds like Sawkill Pond or Case Ponds near Dingman Township, a simple ultralight setup covers most of what you'll encounter.
What time of day is best for fishing Pennsylvania lakes in summer?
Early morning from first light until about 9 a.m. and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows during summer. Midday fishing slows significantly as water temperatures rise and fish push deeper or into shaded structure. On overcast days, fish tend to stay active longer through the middle of the day.
Are these lakes accessible for shore fishing, or do I need a boat?
Most of the lakes in this list have at least some shore access, and several — including waters near residential communities like Penn Estates and Pocono Woodland Lakes — are set up with shoreline fishing in mind. That said, access rules vary: some lakes are within private communities and may require proof of residency or a guest pass. Check access requirements for your specific destination before making the drive.
Keep exploring — more waters worth the drive
Grisco Swamp
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Loyalsock Creek - World's End State Park
~52 min drive
Moderate
Penns Creek - Coburn Access
~1h 14m drive
Hard
Crystal Lake
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Mosquito Valley Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Beaver Pond
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Reservoir Number Three
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Lake Rose
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Dutchman Swamp
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Glass Creek Pond
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Painter Den Pond
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
Mud Run Reservoir
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Pennsylvania.
