Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Porter Township, Pennsylvania
Porter Township in Pike County sits in a corner of Pennsylvania that is genuinely dense with still water.
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View on mapFishing · 13 spots
Porter Township in Pike County sits in a corner of Pennsylvania that is genuinely dense with still water. The fishing here is almost entirely lake and pond fishing — Pecks Pond, Twelve Mile Pond, Little Mud Pond, Blue Heron Lake, Lake Minisink, Porters Lake, Pickerel Lake, and Camp William Penn Lake all fall within reach, and most are quiet enough that you can find an open bank or launch a canoe without much competition outside of summer weekends. The water bodies here are typical of the Pocono plateau: cool, moderately clear, and productive for warmwater species like largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish. Pecks Pond in particular is a well-known Pike County destination managed by the state. Because this is overwhelmingly lake fishing rather than stream fishing, the approach is straightforward — a basic spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations, and shore access exists at several of these ponds without needing a boat. Pennsylvania fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and some waters here fall within Delaware State Forest or state game lands boundaries, so it is worth checking access rules for the specific pond before you drive out.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of fish can I expect to catch in Porter Township's lakes and ponds?
The lakes and ponds in this area — including Lake Minisink, Blue Heron Lake, and Pickerel Lake — are typical Pocono warmwater fisheries. You can reasonably expect largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bluegill. Pecks Pond is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and has historically received trout stocking as well, so it is worth checking the PFBC stocking reports before your trip.
Do I need a boat to fish these waters, or is shore fishing practical?
Shore fishing is practical at most of these ponds, including Pecks Pond and Twelve Mile Pond, where there are accessible banks and informal paths around the water. A canoe, kayak, or small electric-motor boat will open up more water at larger bodies like Lake Minisink, but it is not a requirement. Check whether a launch fee or permit is needed at specific sites, as some are managed by private camps or state agencies.
What is the best time of year to fish Porter Township's ponds and lakes?
Late April through June is productive across most of these waters as bass and pickerel move shallow and panfish are active near structure. Fall — September through early November — is a second strong window before water temperatures drop. Summer midday fishing tends to slow down; early morning and evening hours on calm days will consistently outperform afternoon sessions.
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license, and are there any local regulations I should know about?
Yes, a Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. Some of the ponds in Porter Township sit within Delaware State Forest or state game lands, which can affect parking, access hours, and whether motorized boats are permitted. Before visiting a specific pond, check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's regulations and the managing agency's rules for that water body.
What gear setup makes sense for a first trip to these lakes?
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range with 8-10 lb monofilament or light braid covers bass, pickerel, and panfish across all of these waters. For pickerel-heavy ponds like Pickerel Lake, a short wire leader will save you lures. Soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and live or artificial worms are reliable choices that work across most of the species you will encounter here.
