Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Pennsylvania

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in PA.

Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, Lake Nockamixon, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Rose Valley Lake, Shenango River Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Pennsylvania, offering anglers the chance to pursue a multiple fish species. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes. Many of these lakes offer excellent ice fishing in winter.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Trout Lakes
Striped Bass Lakes
Salmon Lakes

Pennsylvania is blessed with a diverse range of fishing lakes that cater to both warm water and cold water fishing enthusiasts. Warm water lakes are known for their abundance of species such as bass, catfish, panfish, and other warm-water fish. Popular warm water lakes in Pennsylvania include Lake Arthur, Beltzville Lake, Blue Marsh Lake, and Marsh Creek Lake. These lakes offer excellent opportunities for anglers to target species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing techniques, including casting lures, using live bait, or even fly fishing.

On the other hand, Pennsylvania boasts numerous cold water lakes that provide exceptional fishing experiences for species like trout, salmon, and walleye. Prominent cold water lakes include Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, and Lake Nockamixon. These lakes are well-known for their populations of lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon. Anglers can test their skills with various methods such as trolling with downriggers, casting spoons or spinners, or fly fishing with nymphs and streamers.

During the winter months, ice fishing enthusiasts flock to Pennsylvania's frozen lakes to enjoy the thrill of ice fishing. Popular lakes for ice fishing include Lake Erie, Pymatuning Lake, Presque Isle Bay, and numerous smaller lakes across the state. Ice anglers can target species like yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, and even walleye. With the right equipment and safety precautions, ice fishing in Pennsylvania offers a unique and exciting angling experience.

Pennsylvania's fishing lakes provide a rich variety of species that cater to the preferences of all anglers. Whether seeking the thrill of battling bass in a warm water lake, testing skills for trout in a cold water lake, or braving the cold for ice fishing adventures, Pennsylvania's lakes offer something for everyone. With its diverse fish populations and beautiful natural surroundings, the state provides countless opportunities for anglers to enjoy the sport and create lasting memories.

Bass Lakes

Blue Marsh Lake, Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, Lake Arthur, Lake Nockamixon, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake and Shenango River Lake are considered the best options for largemouth and smallmouth bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Shenango River Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake are favorite options for channel and flathead catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Blue Marsh Lake, Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, High Point Reservoir, Lake Arthur, Lake Ontelaunee, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake and Tamarack Lake are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Allegheny Reservoir, Blue Marsh Lake, Glendale Lake, Lake Wallenpaupack, Pymatuning Lake, Raystown Lake, Tamarack Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake are popular spots to fish for bluegill, perch and other sunfish. More...

Salmon Lakes

In addition to Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack and Raystown Lake are the most popular for chinook or coho sockeye salmon fishing. More...

Popular Marinas On PA Fishing Lakes

Visit the Pennsylvania fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Pennsylvania map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in PA at many of the most popular destinations in the state.