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Pennsylvania · Fishing
Ross Township's fishing scene is built around still water. The three lakes in the area — Grassy Pond, North Lake, and Chicola Lake — give anglers a handful of distinct options without requiring a long drive or a boat with a motor.
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Ross Township's fishing scene is built around still water. The three lakes in the area — Grassy Pond, North Lake, and Chicola Lake — give anglers a handful of distinct options without requiring a long drive or a boat with a motor. These are lake fishing spots, which means you're working the shoreline or a small watercraft, reading structure like drop-offs, weed edges, and inlet channels rather than chasing current. That setup suits a wide range of skill levels, from someone who just wants a quiet morning with a bobber to an angler who knows how to work a jig along a submerged ledge. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply across all three waters, so you'll need a valid PA fishing license before you wet a line. The lakes here tend to fish best in the cooler parts of the day during warmer months, and early fall can be particularly productive as fish move shallower ahead of winter. If you're new to the area, starting at one lake and moving to another in the same outing is a reasonable strategy given how close the options are to each other.
Yes. All three are subject to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules, so you need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the PFBC website or at local sporting goods retailers. Make sure to check whether a Lake Erie stamp or any additional permit applies to your specific situation, though for inland lake fishing a standard PA license typically covers you.
All three listings are categorized as lake fishing, meaning shoreline access and small watercraft are the primary ways to fish. Before your trip, confirm whether a boat launch or carry-in access is available at the specific lake you're targeting, as amenities vary. Calling the township or checking the PFBC access site for current conditions is worth the few minutes it takes.
Pole Bridge Swamp
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
The Ice Ponds
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Lake Francis
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Olympus Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Nuangola Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Antler Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Lily Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
The Pits
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Penn State Pond
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Meadow Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Green Pond
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Pikes Creek Reservoir
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Early morning and late afternoon are generally the most productive windows for lake fishing, particularly in spring and summer when midday sun pushes fish deeper or into shaded structure. In fall, fish tend to stay active longer into the morning as water temperatures drop, so you have a wider productive window.
Lake fishing from shore is one of the more accessible formats for beginners. A simple setup — spinning rod, monofilament line, and a hook with live bait like worms or small minnows — will cover most situations at these lakes. You don't need specialized gear or advanced technique to have a productive outing.
The supplied listings identify these as lake fishing waters but don't specify stocked or target species for each individual lake. For current stocking reports and species information, check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's stocking database, which is updated regularly and searchable by water body name.
