Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Hemlock Farms, Pennsylvania
Hemlock Farms sits in Pike County in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the fishing here is built around four private community ponds: Little Bell Pond, Hemlock Lake, Bluestone Pond, and McConnell Pond.
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Hemlock Farms sits in Pike County in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the fishing here is built around four private community ponds: Little Bell Pond, Hemlock Lake, Bluestone Pond, and McConnell Pond. All four are lake and pond fisheries, which means you're casting for warmwater and coldwater species in relatively calm, accessible water rather than wading technical streams. The ponds are within the Hemlock Farms private residential community, so access is tied to residency or a guest pass from a resident — this is the single most important thing to sort out before you pack your gear. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply regardless of the private setting, so a valid PA fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. The fishing is well-suited to anglers of most skill levels: still water, shoreline access, and manageable size make these ponds approachable for kids and beginners, while anyone targeting larger bass or working subsurface structure will find enough to stay interested. Spring and early summer are typically the most productive windows across all four ponds, with fish moving shallow and actively feeding.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish the ponds at Hemlock Farms?
Yes. Even though Little Bell Pond, Hemlock Lake, Bluestone Pond, and McConnell Pond are within a private community, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations still apply. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid PA fishing license, available online through the PFBC or at local license vendors.
Can I fish here if I'm not a Hemlock Farms resident?
Access to the Hemlock Farms community is restricted to residents and their guests. If you're not a resident, you'll need to be sponsored by one and obtain a guest pass before entering the community. Contact the Hemlock Farms POA directly to confirm current guest access policies before your trip.
What species can I expect to catch in these ponds?
The four ponds are classified as lake fisheries, which in Pike County typically holds largemouth bass, panfish like bluegill and crappie, and chain pickerel. Some community ponds in the Poconos also receive stocked trout, but check with the Hemlock Farms community or the PFBC stocking reports to confirm whether any of these specific ponds are on the stocking schedule.
What time of day is best for fishing these ponds?
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on still-water fisheries like these, especially for bass and panfish moving into shallower areas to feed. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and into shade, so if you're fishing then, slow down your presentation and work structure.
What gear is practical for fishing Little Bell Pond, Hemlock Lake, Bluestone Pond, and McConnell Pond?
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations across all four ponds. Soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and live bait like worms work well for bass and panfish. If you want to bring a kayak or small watercraft, confirm with the Hemlock Farms POA whether watercraft are permitted on each specific pond, as rules can vary by water body within the community.
