Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Middle Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania
Middle Smithfield Township sits in Monroe County in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the fishing here is built around still water.
8 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 8 spots
Middle Smithfield Township sits in Monroe County in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania, and the fishing here is built around still water. The lakes on the list — Lake Monroe, Echo Lake, Coolbaugh Lake, Werry Lake, Meadow Lake, and the East Stroudsburg Reservoir — are all lake fisheries, meaning you're casting from shore or a small boat rather than wading a freestone stream. Most of these are warmwater or mixed fisheries holding largemouth bass, panfish, and pickerel, with some stocked trout in season depending on the water. Alosa Campsites adds a surf fishing option, which in this inland Pocono context typically means shore fishing from a campground-access lake rather than saltwater. The area draws a lot of weekend visitors from the New York and New Jersey metro areas, so popular spots like Lake Monroe can get crowded on summer Saturdays. If you're planning a trip, mid-week mornings in late spring or early fall will give you the best combination of fish activity and elbow room. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and some waters here may require a separate trout stamp during stocking season.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these lakes?
The lakes in Middle Smithfield Township are primarily warmwater fisheries. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and various panfish like bluegill and crappie are common across waters like Lake Monroe, Echo Lake, and Coolbaugh Lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks some Pocono-area lakes with trout in spring, so check the PFBC stocking reports before your trip to see which specific waters are scheduled.
Do I need a special permit or license to fish here?
A standard Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. If you're targeting trout during the stocked season, you'll also need a trout/salmon permit. Licenses are available online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or at local sporting goods retailers. Some waters may have additional access rules tied to private campgrounds or residential communities, so confirm access before you show up at a lesser-known lake like Werry Lake or Meadow Lake.
What's the best time of day and season to fish these lakes?
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and pickerel, when surface temperatures are cooler and fish move into shallower areas. Spring and fall are the strongest overall seasons — late April through June for post-spawn bass and stocked trout, and September through October when bass feed aggressively before winter. Midsummer midday fishing on these lakes tends to be slow unless you're fishing deeper structure.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing in this area?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations across these lakes. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work well along weed edges and docks. If you're after panfish or stocked trout, a lighter ultralight setup with small jigs or live bait is more practical. Bring polarized sunglasses — spotting structure and weed lines makes a real difference on clear Pocono lakes.
Is shore fishing accessible at these locations, or do I need a boat?
Shore fishing is viable at most of these waters, and several like Coolbaugh Lake and Echo Lake have accessible bank areas. Alosa Campsites specifically offers a shore-based fishing setup. That said, a kayak or canoe opens up significantly more water on larger lakes like Lake Monroe, where the best structure is often away from the public shoreline. Check individual lake access points ahead of time, as some have limited parking or are tied to campground or HOA access.
