Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania sits in the middle of Monroe County's lake country, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the landscape.
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Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania sits in the middle of Monroe County's lake country, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the landscape. The seven fishable waters in and around the community are all classified as lake fishing, including Pocono Lake itself, Pilgrim Lake, Anglewood Lake, Lake Guenevere, East Lake, and Bradys Lake. Most of these are mid-sized private or semi-private lakes typical of the Pocono region, which means access varies considerably from one body of water to the next. Expect warmwater species common to Pennsylvania's northeastern plateau lakes — largemouth bass, pickerel, perch, and panfish are the usual targets, though specific stocking and species composition depend on the individual lake. None of the waters in this listing set are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so if trophy trout fishing is your primary goal, you'll want to look at nearby streams and rivers outside this immediate area. For everyone else — families, casual anglers, and people renting a lake house for the week — the concentration of fishable lakes within a short drive of each other makes Pocono Lake a practical and low-pressure base for a fishing trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish these lakes?
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Pennsylvania fishing license regardless of which lake they're fishing. Licenses are available through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at local sporting goods retailers. If you're staying at a private community with lake access, check whether the community has any additional permit requirements on top of the state license.
Are these lakes open to the public, or do I need to be a resident or guest?
Access varies by lake. Several lakes in the Pocono Lake area, including Pocono Lake itself, are tied to private residential communities and are restricted to residents and their guests. Anglewood Lake, Pilgrim Lake, and the others on this list may have similar restrictions. Before you make the drive, confirm access directly with the lake association or your rental host.
What species can I expect to catch?
These are warmwater lakes typical of the Pocono Plateau, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and various panfish are the most common targets. None of the lakes in this listing are designated trout waters, so don't plan your trip around trout unless you have specific local knowledge that a particular lake receives stocking.
What time of day is best for fishing these lakes?
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and pickerel in lake environments like these, particularly in warmer months when fish move shallow to feed. Midday fishing in summer tends to slow down as fish push deeper to find cooler water. Spring and fall are generally more forgiving of timing.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing in this area?
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across these lakes. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work well depending on the season. If you're targeting perch or panfish, a lighter rod with small jigs or live bait is more practical. A kayak or small canoe is useful since boat ramp access and motorized boat rules differ by lake.
