The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Pennsylvania

Discover the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania! This comprehensive guide covers the top fishing lakes in PA, with information on the best times to go and what species to expect. Perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Presque Isle Bay

Presque Isle Bay is a large bay on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The bay is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania near the city of Erie and spans an area of about 3,200 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, yellow perch, steelhead, brown trout
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Bridges Bay Resort, Beaches Bed & Breakfast
Nearest Fishing Store: Presque Isle Fishing and Tackle Supply, located 1.7 miles from the bay
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and there are special regulations for trout and muskie
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails surrounding the bay. There is also a concession stand and a bait shop located nearby
Nearest Gas Station: A Sunoco gas station is located 1.2 miles from the bay

Schenley Park Lake

Schenley Park Lake is a small lake located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is about 2 acres in size and is surrounded by trees and foliage.

Types of Fish: Catfish, sunfish, bass, carp, suckers
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: No
Fishing Guide Service: No
Closest Hotels: The Inn on Negley, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Shadyside
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 11.2 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for bass and trout
Amenities of the Lake: There is a boat launch, picnic area, and walking trail around the lake
Nearest Gas Station: A Shell gas station is located 1.8 miles from the lake

Lake Arthur

Lake Arthur is a large man-made lake located in Butler County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest lake in Pennsylvania with a surface area of about 3,200 acres.

Types of Fish: Muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, yellow perch
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Hampton Inn Butler, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Butler (PA)
Nearest Fishing Store: Fisherman’s Warehouse, located 7 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for walleye, muskellunge and bass
Amenities of the Lake: There is an extensive network of trails around the lake, and several boat launch ramps, piers and docks
Nearest Gas Station: A BP gas station is located 8.6 miles from the lake

Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is a large man-made lake located in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest lake in the state with a surface area of 28,750 acres.

Types of Fish: Trout, walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, panfish, carp, catfish, suckers
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Huntingdon, Sayre Mansion Inn
Nearest Fishing Store: Ridenour’s Fishing Center, located 0.3 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for trout and muskie
Amenities of the Lake: There are numerous boat launch ramps, piers, and docks around the lake, as well as trails, campgrounds, and a variety of other recreational activities.
Nearest Gas Station: An Exxon gas station is located 0.6 miles from the lake

Pymatuning Lake

Pymatuning Lake is a large natural lake located in Crawford and Mercer counties, Pennsylvania. It covers an area of 17,088 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, sunfish, bullhead
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Clarion Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Franklin
Nearest Fishing Store: Pymatuning Sports Shop, located 9.7 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails around the lake. There is also a concession stand and a bait shop nearby
Nearest Gas Station: A Sunoco gas station is located 5.2 miles from the lake

Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack is a large man-made lake located in Pike County, Pennsylvania. It is the second largest lake in the state and covers an area of 5,700 acres.

Types of Fish: Trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, catfish, yellow perch
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Hawley, Ledges Hotel
Nearest Fishing Store: Arnold’s Bait & Tackle, located 5.2 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for trout and walleye
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails around the lake. There are also a variety of other recreational activities available
Nearest Gas Station: A Sunoco gas station is located 4.4 miles from the lake

Lake Nockamixon

Lake Nockamixon is a large man-made lake located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It is the third largest lake in the state and covers an area of 1,450 acres.

Types of Fish: Trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Quakertown, Hampton Inn Quakertown
Nearest Fishing Store: H&H Sports, located 5.6 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for trout and bass
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails around the lake. There is also a concession stand and a bait shop nearby
Nearest Gas Station: An Exxon gas station is located 4.7 miles from the lake

Lake Marburg

Lake Marburg is a large man-made lake located in York County, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth largest lake in the state and covers an area of 1,275 acres.

Types of Fish: Trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Best Western Premier Central Hotel & Conference Center, Wyndham Garden York
Nearest Fishing Store: Gander Mountain, located 6.4 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for trout and bass
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails around the lake. There is also a concession stand and a bait shop nearby
Nearest Gas Station: A Sunoco gas station is located 4.6 miles from the lake

Conneaut Lake

Conneaut Lake is a large natural lake located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth largest lake in the state and covers an area of 1,080 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, catfish, sunfish
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and pier fishing
Fishing Equipment Rentals: Yes, at many local outfitters
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, at many local outfitters
Closest Hotels: Headwaters, Best Western Plus Conneaut, Arlington Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Nearest Fishing Store: Johnson’s Bait & Tackle, located 6.7 miles from the lake
Basic Fishing Regulations: All anglers need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, and the lake has special regulations for walleye
Amenities of the Lake: There are several boat launch ramps, docks, and trails around the lake. There is also a concession stand and a bait shop nearby
Nearest Gas Station: An Exxon gas station is located 4.5 miles from the lake

Find Good Fishing Spots in Pennsylvania and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Come explore all the lakes and good fishing locations that Pennsylvania has to offer! Use the Google map below to get started on your journey. From Lake Erie to Presque Isle Bay, Pennsylvania has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you are looking to catch your next trophy fish, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake, you will find something to enjoy in Pennsylvania. So grab your gear and start exploring!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an excellent place for sport fishing throughout the year, with a variety of different weather conditions. In the summer months, the temperatures can get quite warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the low 90s. Spring and fall bring milder weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. In the winter, it can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, the ice fishing opportunities can be quite rewarding. No matter what time of year it is, Pennsylvania offers some of the best fishing in the country.