Fishing Lake Wilhelm
AKA: Wilhelm Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Wilhelm, PA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
This year, largemouth bass are drawing a lot of attention from local anglers at Lake Wilhelm. Bass are growing to bragging sizes due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in decent numbers throughout Lake Wilhelm, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing, especially during spring and early summer, is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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. 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. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.
Northern Pike Fishing
Lurking in the cool waters of Lake Wilhelm, northern pike are feeding on a healthy food supply and growing to size extra large. They are becoming a very popular target for local anglers. April and May tend to be the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Portable fish finders can be a big help.
Lake Wilhelm Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Wilhelm in Pennsylvania.
Conveniently located off I-79, Lake Wilhelm is a 1,740 acre reservoir in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania. Fish here for bass, walleye, crappie, muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, northern pike, perch and sunfish. The lake is open to all boats with plenty of boat ramps, parking and marina slips. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats give anglers access to quality fishing waters.
Lake Wilhelm, located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding angling experience. Covering over 1,700 acres, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Lake Wilhelm to target popular fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, 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.
During the winter months, Lake Wilhelm becomes a haven for ice fishing enthusiasts. As the lake freezes over, anglers can set up their ice fishing shelters and drill holes to try their luck at catching a variety of fish species. Ice fishing on Lake Wilhelm is a beloved winter activity, providing a unique and thrilling experience for those who enjoy the sport.
Lake Wilhelm, with its excellent fishing opportunities, ice fishing options, boating amenities, and camping facilities, offers a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Whether one seeks a rewarding fishing experience, an exhilarating ice fishing adventure, a relaxing boating excursion, or a peaceful camping getaway, Lake Wilhelm provides an ideal setting to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of this scenic destination.
Some excellent bank fishing is also available with access at multiple locations around the lake. When ice conditions in winter are safe, the ice fishing can be quite active with some of the biggest fish of the year being taken. Ice fishing for bass, walleye, bluegill and perch are quite popular.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wilhelm
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Wilhelm Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is another popular activity on Lake Wilhelm, allowing visitors to explore its expansive waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits motorized boats, making it suitable for powerboating, sailing, water skiing, and tubing. Boaters can launch their own vessels at the lake's multiple boat ramps or rent boats from nearby marinas. Navigating the scenic waters of Lake Wilhelm, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, is a delight for boating enthusiasts.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lake Wilhelm Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
724 549-9531
Marinas
Lake Wilhelm Marina
540 Lake Wilhelm Rd
Sandy Lake, PA 16145
724 549-9531
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #1
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of gravel parking.
Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #2
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.
Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #3
Located mid lake, just north of the Lake Wilhelm Road bridge, on the northeast side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of parking.
Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #4
Located mid lake, on the northeast side of the lake, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.
Long Boom Boat Launch
Located just north of the I-79 bridge, on the west side of the lake, this is a primitive launch area and parking
Maurice K. Goddard State Park Marina Boat Ramp
Located on the west side of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.
Sheakleyville Road Boat Launch
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a primitive launch area and parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Wilhelm
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 in the surrounding area, providing visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully embrace the outdoor experience. The lake features a campground with various sites for tents and RVs, equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. Camping at Lake Wilhelm allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, wake up to stunning views, and enjoy a day of fishing.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Camp Wilhelm Campground - 724 253-2886
Goddard Park VacationLand Campground - 724 253-4645
Lake Wilhelm PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Wilhelm
Maurice K. Goddard State Park
684 Lake Wilhelm Rd
Sandy Lake, PA 16145
724 253-4833
Fishing lakes in each state.
031824
Lake Wilhelm in Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA
Bass, muskie and catfish fishing in northwest PA.