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Pennsylvania · Fishing
Jackson Township sits in a quiet corner of Pennsylvania with three stillwater fisheries worth putting on your list: Deep Lake, Whipple Lake, and Hunter Lake. All three are lake fisheries, which means you're working structure, drop-offs, and shoreline cover rather than reading current.
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Jackson Township sits in a quiet corner of Pennsylvania with three stillwater fisheries worth putting on your list: Deep Lake, Whipple Lake, and Hunter Lake. All three are lake fisheries, which means you're working structure, drop-offs, and shoreline cover rather than reading current. Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission licenses apply across all of them, so make sure your license is current before you wet a line. The lakes here tend to draw less pressure than the better-known waters in the region, which is a genuine advantage if you're willing to do a little homework on access points and seasonal timing. Spring and fall are typically the most productive windows for lake fishing in this part of the state, when water temperatures push fish into shallower zones and feeding activity picks up. Summer can still produce, especially early morning and late evening when surface temperatures cool off. If you're new to lake fishing in Pennsylvania, these three waters offer a manageable, low-pressure environment to learn the rhythms of stillwater fishing without fighting crowds.
Yes. A valid Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the PFBC website or at local license vendors before your trip.
The activity listings identify all three as lake fisheries but don't specify stocked or target species for individual waters. Your best move is to check the PFBC's current stocking reports and lake surveys for Jackson Township to get accurate species information before you go.
Reservoir Number Three
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
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~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Mud Run Reservoir
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Silver Creek Reservoir
~20 min drive
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Lily Lake
~29 min drive
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Nuangola Lake
~34 min drive
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The Ice Ponds
~35 min drive
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Lake Francis
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Stairway Lake
~36 min drive
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Olympus Pond
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Pole Bridge Swamp
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Grisco Swamp
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Early morning and late evening are generally the most productive windows for Pennsylvania lake fishing, particularly in summer when midday water temperatures push fish deeper. In spring and fall, fish tend to stay active longer through the day as temperatures moderate.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range covers most situations on smaller Pennsylvania lakes. Bring a mix of soft plastics, small jigs, and live bait rigs to adjust based on what the fish are responding to. A small kayak or canoe will open up water that's hard to reach from shore, though check individual lake access rules before launching.
Lake fishing on smaller, lower-pressure waters like these is a reasonable starting point for beginners. You're not managing current or complex wading, and the slower pace gives you time to work different techniques. Bring patience and plan to move around the shoreline until you find where fish are holding.
