Fishing Shenango River Lake
AKA: Shenango River Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Shenango River Lake, PA
Crappie Fishing
Shenango River Lake is home to both black and white crappie. Black crappie significantly outnumber white crappie, even though they school together. Crappie fishing remains on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Shenango River Lake maintains a healthy population of channel catfish this year, and can be caught throughout the lake. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Shenango River Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, hybrid striped bass, muskie and northern pike at Shenango River Lake in Pennsylvania.
Shenango River Lake Fishing Video
Located 10 miles north of I-80 near the PA border with OH, Shenango River Lake is an ideal destination for fishing and pleasure boating. This 11,000-acre reservoir has plenty of areas to fish, including many areas accessible for shoreline fishing. A fishing pier and fish-cleaning station are available at the Clark Recreation Area.
Shenango River Lake, located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable angling experience. Spanning over 3,500 acres, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Shenango River Lake to target popular fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, crappie, catfish, and panfish like bluegill and perch. The lake's diverse underwater structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky areas, and drop-offs, provides a thriving habitat for these species, ensuring an exciting and fruitful fishing adventure.
In addition to traditional fishing, Shenango River Lake offers the unique opportunity for ice fishing during the winter months. As the lake freezes over, ice anglers can venture out onto the ice and try their luck at catching a variety of fish species. Ice fishing is a cherished winter activity at Shenango River Lake, providing a thrilling and memorable experience for those willing to brave the cold.
Shenango River Lake, with its diverse fish species, opportunities for ice fishing, boating facilities, and camping amenities, offers a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Whether one seeks a rewarding fishing experience, an exhilarating boating adventure, or a peaceful camping getaway, Shenango River Lake provides an ideal setting to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of this picturesque destination.
A marina and numerous boat ramps provide easy access for canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, fishing boats and pleasure boats of all kinds. Anglers have a full menu of fish species to pursue here. The lake has populations of bass, crappie, perch, walleye, hybrid striped bass, muskie, northern pike, catfish and sunfish. An abundance of brush and vegetation provides cover for baitfish and predators alike. If the fish are shallow, vegetation is the key. When the fish move deeper in summer and winter, the river channel and off-shore structure is a major key. In winter, ice fishing is popular for crappie, walleye and bluegill.
Primary fish species residing in Shenango River Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Shenango River Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is another popular activity on Shenango River Lake, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its vast waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake allows for motorized boats, making it suitable for powerboating, water skiing, and sailing. Boaters can launch their own vessels at the lake's multiple boat ramps or rent boats from marinas conveniently located around the lake. Whether cruising along the scenic shoreline, fishing in secluded coves, or engaging in thrilling water sports, boaters can fully immerse themselves in the beauty and recreational opportunities of Shenango River Lake.
Fishing Boat Rentals
NorthStar Marina
Rentals: Pontoon Boats
724 962-5785
Marinas
NorthStar Marina
2802 Lake Rd
Clark, PA 16113
724 962-5785
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Clark Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located just east of the Hermatige Road bridge, on the south side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.
Hartford Landing
This is a primitive launch area with limited parking, It is located on the west side of the lake, off Hartford Road. just north of the Saranac Drive bridge.
Mahaney Access Boat Ramp
This is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.It is located in the southern most section of the lake, near the dam.
Shenango Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located just west of the Hermatige Road bridge, on the north side of the lake, this is a four-lane, concrete boat ramp with paved parking for about a hundred vehicles with boat trailers.
Fishing Guides On Shenango River Lake
DVW Fishing Guides - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.
Camping options are available within Shenango River Lake's recreation area, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the outdoor experience. The lake boasts several campgrounds with tent and RV sites, as well as cabins for those seeking a more comfortable stay. Camping at Shenango River Lake provides the opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views, enjoy lakeside activities, and connect with nature in a serene environment.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Shenango Recreation Area Campground - 724 962-7746
Adventure Bound Camping Resort - 724 962-9800
Shenango River Lake PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Shenango River Lake
Corps - Shenango River Lake
2442 Kelly Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
724 962-7746
Fishing lakes in each state.
061224
Shenango River Lake in Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA
Catfish, crappie and striper fishing in northwest PA.
