Pennsylvania · Fishing
Fishing in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
Tobyhanna sits in the middle of the Pocono Plateau, and the fishing here is almost entirely still-water fishing — lakes, ponds, and swamps rather than moving streams.
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Tobyhanna sits in the middle of the Pocono Plateau, and the fishing here is almost entirely still-water fishing — lakes, ponds, and swamps rather than moving streams. The eight fishable waters in and around town include Tobyhanna Lake, Gouldsboro Lake, Dresser Lake, Ice Pond, Millpond Number One, Wagner Swamp, and Black Bear Swamp, which gives you a reasonable range of sizes and characters to work with. Tobyhanna Lake is the most accessible and the most fished, with a public boat launch and shoreline spots that don't require a long walk. Gouldsboro Lake sits inside Gouldsboro State Park and draws anglers looking for a little more elbow room. The swamp fisheries — Wagner and Black Bear — are shallower, weedy, and better suited to anglers targeting bass and pickerel than those chasing trout. Most of these waters are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in spring, so April and early May tend to see the heaviest pressure. If you're coming later in the season, focus on early mornings and evenings when surface temperatures drop and fish move into shallower water. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and some waters within state park boundaries may have additional rules worth checking before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Which waters near Tobyhanna are best for beginners or families with kids?
Tobyhanna Lake and Ice Pond are the most approachable options. Both have accessible shoreline, and Ice Pond in particular is small enough that you can cover it easily without a boat. Stocked trout in spring make these spots productive even for anglers who are still learning to read the water.
Do I need a boat to fish these lakes, or is shore fishing realistic?
Shore fishing is realistic at most of these waters. Tobyhanna Lake, Gouldsboro Lake, and Ice Pond all have fishable banks you can reach on foot. Wagner Swamp and Black Bear Swamp are harder to work from shore because of dense vegetation, so a kayak or canoe opens them up considerably.
What species can I expect to catch around Tobyhanna?
The stocked lakes hold rainbow and brown trout in spring. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch are present in most of these waters through the warmer months. The swamp fisheries — Wagner and Black Bear — tend to hold good numbers of pickerel given the weedy, shallow structure.
When is the best time of year to fish in Tobyhanna?
April through early June is the most productive window, coinciding with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's stocking schedule and cooler water temperatures. Bass fishing picks up from late May through summer, with early morning and evening sessions outperforming midday by a wide margin once the heat sets in.
Are there any regulations I should know about before fishing here?
A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Waters inside Gouldsboro State Park may have specific rules around boat motors or access hours, so it's worth checking the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's current regulations or contacting the park directly before your trip. Catch-and-release rules and size limits vary by species and water body.
