Pennsylvania Fishing Lakes
Lake-by-lake species, seasonal bite, boat access, and regulations for the biggest fishing lakes in Pennsylvania.
Allegheny Reservoir
Ambridge Reservoir
Lake Arthur
Blue Marsh Lake
Cherry Valley Reservoir
Cowanesque Lake
Cross Creek Lake
East Branch Clarion River Lake
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
Glendale Lake
Little Blue Run Lake
Lake Marburg
Lake Nockamixon
Pymatuning Reservoir
Raccoon Lake (Beaver County)
Raystown Lake
Shenango River Lake
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wilhelm
Youghiogheny River Lake
More Pennsylvania lakes
Tap a lake to open its guide: species, boat launches, bait shops, and size and creel limits.
Ambridge ReservoirBeaver County · 405 acres
Ambridge Reservoir
Ambridge Reservoir is a 405-acre reservoir in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, near Ambridge. Details for this page are still being added.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Boat launches
0 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Ambridge Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Ambridge Reservoir ↗Local tips
- Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for current rules and public access before you fish. Water supply reservoirs can limit boats and shore access.
Blue Marsh LakeBerks County · 1,150 acres
Blue Marsh Lake
A day-use Army Corps lake 7 miles northwest of Reading. It's a Big Bass lake with no horsepower limit and one of the most varied fisheries in the region, including striped and hybrid striped bass, walleye, and three kinds of catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Hybrid Striped Bass
Open water. Follow bait schools and birds.
Largemouth Bass
Big Bass rules. Wood and weed edges in the arms.
Walleye
Points and humps at night.
Crappie
Black and white crappie in brush and timber.
Channel Catfish
Flathead and white catfish too. Evenings on flats.
Tiger Muskellunge
Weed edges in fall.
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Dry Brooks Boat LaunchPublic2-lane concrete ramp with docks, off Palisades DrDirections ↗
- 2State Hill Boat LaunchPublic2-lane concrete ramp with docks, southwest cornerDirections ↗
- Blue Marsh North Boat LaunchPublic2-lane concrete ramp, parking for 60+Directions ↗
- 4Sheidy Boat LaunchPublicUpper lake (listed in OpenStreetMap)Directions ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted) - Big Bass Program Jan 1-Apr 11 and Jun 14-Dec 31; Apr 12-Jun 13 no harvest, catch and release | 15 in | 4 / day combined |
| Crappie Panfish Enhancement; panfish not to exceed 50 combined | 9 in | 20 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Blue Marsh OutdoorsNearby5097 Bernville Road, Bernville(610) 488-5540Directions ↗
- Cabela's11.1 mi100 Cabela Drive, Hamburg · closest to Sheidy Boat Launch(610) 929-7000Directions ↗
- Dunham's Sports17.1 mi829 East Walnut Street, Lebanon · closest to Sheidy Boat Launch(717) 228-1683Directions ↗
Local tips
- It's a day-use lake. Check the gate hours before an early or late trip.
- The Visitor Center is at 1268 Palisades Dr, Leesport. (610) 376-6337.
- The Tulpehocken Creek below the dam is a popular trout stream.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
Cherry Valley ReservoirWashington County · 51 acres
Cherry Valley Reservoir
Cherry Valley Reservoir is a 51-acre reservoir in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Details for this page are still being added.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Boat launches
0 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Cherry Valley Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Cherry Valley Reservoir ↗Local tips
- Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for current rules and public access before you fish.
Cowanesque LakeTioga County · 1,085 acres
Cowanesque Lake
The largest lake in Tioga County, near Lawrenceville on the New York line. It has no engine restrictions. Alewives are the main forage, which supports muskie, tiger muskie, bass, walleye, and striped bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Tiger Muskellunge
Muskie and tiger muskie. Follow the alewife schools.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky points and riprap.
Largemouth Bass
Coves and wood.
Walleye
Low-light bite on points.
Crappie
Brush in spring.
Striped Bass
Chase alewives in open water.
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1South Shore LaunchPublicPublic launch on the south shoreDirections ↗
- Second South Shore LaunchPublicPublic launch on the south shoreDirections ↗
- Tompkins Campground LaunchPublicNorth shore. For campersDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Cowanesque Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Sportsman's Warehouse20.5 mi830 County Route 64, Elmira · closest to South Shore Launch(607) 739-8190Directions ↗
Local tips
- Match your lures to alewives: silver and white, 3–5 inches.
- Check the PFBC biologist report and habitat map before you go.
- It's close to the NY line. Remember you need a PA license on PA water.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Cross Creek LakeWashington County · 285 acres
Cross Creek Lake
Cross Creek Lake is a 285-acre lake in Cross Creek County Park in Washington County, Pennsylvania, just east of Avella. It is known for bass and panfish, and boating is a main draw. Details for this page are still being added.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Boat launches
0 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Cross Creek Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Cross Creek Lake ↗Local tips
- A Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission license is required to fish or boat. Check the commission and Washington County Parks for current rules.
East Branch Clarion River LakeElk County · 1,160 acres
East Branch Clarion River Lake
A cold, clear lake in Elk State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds. It's one of the few lakes in the state stocked with lake trout, and it also holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskie.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky shorelines and points in the clear water.
Lake Trout
Stocked as yearlings. Deep, cold water in summer.
Walleye
Stocked as fry. Points and channel edges at low light.
Muskellunge
Stocked as fingerlings. Big baits in fall.
Brown & Rainbow Trout
Cold-water fishing in the lake and the streams that feed it.
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Instanter Drive LaunchPublicOperated by Elk State Park, upper lakeDirections ↗
- 2Dam Area LaunchPublicOperated by the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in East Branch Clarion River Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near East Branch Clarion River Lake ↗Local tips
- The very clear water calls for light line and natural colors.
- Lake trout go deep in summer. Use downriggers or vertical jigging.
- Native brook trout live in the smaller park streams.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Foster Joseph Sayers LakeCentre County · 1,730 acres
Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
The centerpiece of Bald Eagle State Park near Howard. It's a Panfish Enhancement lake, and it holds good crappie and yellow perch along with bass and tiger muskie.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
Panfish Enhancement rules keep sizes up. Brush and timber in spring.
Largemouth Bass
Coves, wood, and weed edges.
Yellow Perch
Good through the ice on the 630 acres open in winter.
Tiger Muskellunge
Cruises weed edges. Bucktails and jerkbaits.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky points on the main lake.
Channel Catfish
Evenings on flats near the inflows.
Boat launches
7 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Hunter Run West LaunchPublicBy Russell P. Letterman Campground. Open 24 hoursDirections ↗
- 2Hunter Run East LaunchPublicOff East Launch Rd. Open 24 hoursDirections ↗
- 3Bald Eagle Boat Launch (Howard)PublicLighted. Open 24 hoursDirections ↗
- Winter LaunchPublicNorth of the beach. Open year-round, ADA fishing pierDirections ↗
- Lower Greens Run LaunchPublicOff PA 150. Fishing pierDirections ↗
- Upper Greens Run LaunchPublicOff PA 150Directions ↗
- Bald Eagle MarinaMarina369 slips, boat rentals and gas in seasonDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Crappie (black and white) No more than 5 fish 9 in or longer; total panfish not to exceed 50 | See Pennsylvania rules book ↗ | 10 / day combined |
| Sunfish Panfish Enhancement | 7 in | 20 / day (50 panfish combined) |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Dunham's Sports15.1 mi2901 East College Avenue, State College · closest to Bald Eagle Boat Launch (Howard)(814) 237-0764Directions ↗
- TCO Fly Shop16.4 mi2030 East College Avenue, State College · closest to Bald Eagle Boat Launch (Howard)(814) 689-3654Directions ↗
- McConnell's Country Store and Fly Shop23.2 mi10853 North PA 44, Waterville · closest to Hunter Run East Launch(570) 753-8241Directions ↗
Local tips
- The lake drops 5 ft in November and another 15 ft by early March, then refills to summer level by mid-May.
- About 630 acres are open for ice fishing. Test the ice yourself, since the park doesn't monitor it.
- Download the park's depth map before your trip to find channel edges.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
Glendale LakeCambria County · 1,635 acres
Glendale Lake
A long, branching lake in Prince Gallitzin State Park with nine launches and two full-service marinas. It has a good warmwater fishery and one of the region's best ice-fishing seasons.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Weed beds and wood in the many fingers and coves.
Walleye
Popular through the ice. Points and channel edges.
Muskellunge
Weed lines and points in fall.
Northern Pike
Weedy coves. Tip-ups in winter.
Crappie
Brush and docks in spring.
Yellow Perch
Ice fishing favorite.
Boat launches
9 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Prince Gallitzin MarinaMarinaSouth side. Trailer parking, slips May–OctDirections ↗
- 2Beaver Valley MarinaMarinaNorth side. Slips May–OctDirections ↗
- 3Killbuck Boat LaunchPublicEnd of Long RdDirections ↗
- 4Range Road Boat LaunchPublicSouth sideDirections ↗
- 5Turtle Cove Boat LaunchPublicBetween Beaver Valley Marina and Pickerel PondDirections ↗
- 6McKees Run Boat LaunchPublicBetween the dam and Beaver Valley MarinaDirections ↗
- 7Beaverdam Boat LaunchPublicNear the damDirections ↗
- Wyerough Pontoon Mooring AreaPublicWyerough FingerDirections ↗
- Crooked Run Campground LaunchPublicOff Hemlock loop. Campground season onlyDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Glendale Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Performance FliesNearby6439 William Penn Hwy, Alexandria216-849-6900Directions ↗
- Dunham's Sports28.3 mi594 Galleria Drive, Johnstown · closest to Range Road Boat LaunchDirections ↗
Local tips
- The many fingers give you shelter from wind on almost any day.
- An accessible fishing pier is at Pickerel Pond.
- Killbuck Run, which feeds the lake, is stocked with trout.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Lake ArthurButler County · 3,225 acres
Lake Arthur
The centerpiece of Moraine State Park, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. Lake Arthur has a well-known hybrid striper and muskie fishery, with good largemouth and crappie in the coves.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Weed beds and docks. Soft plastics and frogs in summer.
Muskellunge
Trolling along weed lines and channel edges.
Black Crappie
Brush piles and bridge pilings in spring.
Channel Catfish
Evening bite on cut bait near creek mouths.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 528 Boat RampPublicRoute 528 on the south side of the lakeDirections ↗
- Upper 528 Boat LaunchPublicRoute 528 areaDirections ↗
- Bear Run Boat RampPublicMoraine State Park launchDirections ↗
- Burton Road Boat LaunchPublicMoraine State Park launchDirections ↗
- Pleasant Valley Boat RampPublicMoraine State Park launchDirections ↗
- Davis Hollow MarinaMarinaFuel, pump-out, transient slipsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted) - Big Bass Program Jan 1-Apr 11 and Jun 14-Dec 31; Apr 12-Jun 13 no harvest, catch and release | 15 in | 4 / day combined |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- O'Donnell's Sports SuppliesNearby1765 Perry Highway, Portersville(724) 368-3418Directions ↗
- Dunham's Sports5.6 mi101 Clearview Circle, Butler(724) 287-7899Directions ↗
- Dunham's Sports14 mi370 Dworman Lane, New Castle(724) 657-8833Directions ↗
Local tips
- Horsepower is limited, so the lake stays quiet and kayak-friendly.
- Check the Route 528 bridge area for crappie in April and May.
- Weed growth is heavy by midsummer. Fish the outside edges.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
Lake MarburgYork County · 1,275 acres
Lake Marburg
The heart of Codorus State Park near Hanover. It's a Big Bass lake with muskie, northern pike, and good panfish, plus seven public ramps and a full marina.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Big Bass rules. Coves, weed beds, and wood.
Muskellunge
Also tiger muskie. Weed edges and points in fall.
Northern Pike
Weedy coves. Tip-ups through the ice.
Crappie
Brush and bridge areas in spring.
Yellow Perch
Schools on flats. Good ice fishing.
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Main Boat LaunchPublicNear the marinaDirections ↗
- Codorus MarinaMarinaSlips up to 26 ft, rentals (canoes, kayaks, motorboats, pontoons)Directions ↗
- 7 public ramps in totalPublicOne more ramp is for registered campers onlyDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted) - Big Bass Program Jan 1-Apr 11 and Jun 14-Dec 31; Apr 12-Jun 13 no harvest, catch and release | 15 in | 4 / day combined |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- AOS MarinaNearbyMarina Drive, Hanover(717) 632-0473Directions ↗
- W.E. Sell Sporting GoodsNearby401 York Street, Hanover(717) 632-1293Directions ↗
- Susquehanna Fishing Tackle27.9 mi3992 Locust Grove Road, Columbia · closest to Main Boat Launch(717) 397-1399Directions ↗
Local tips
- Bowfishing is allowed in the shallow coves.
- An accessible fishing pier is near 1st Bridge.
- East Branch Codorus Creek outside the park is stocked with trout.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Lake NockamixonBucks County · 1,450 acres
Lake Nockamixon
The largest lake in southeastern Pennsylvania, in Nockamixon State Park about an hour north of Philadelphia. It's a Big Bass lake with walleye, muskie, and hybrid striped bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Hybrid Striped Bass
Open-water schools. Watch for surface feeding at dawn.
Largemouth Bass
Big Bass rules. Coves, docks, and wood.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky points on the main lake.
Walleye
Low-light bite on points and humps.
Muskellunge
Weed edges and points in fall.
Channel Catfish
Evenings on flats.
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Nockamixon MarinaMarinaUp to 648 boats (24 ft max), short-term slipsDirections ↗
- 2Tohickon LaunchPublicPopular with sailboatsDirections ↗
- 3Haycock LaunchPublicGood for motorboats and kayaksDirections ↗
- Three Mile Run LaunchPublicGood for motorboats and kayaksDirections ↗
- 5 public launching areas in totalPublicAll open 24 hoursDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted) - Big Bass Program Jan 1-Apr 11 and Jun 14-Dec 31; Apr 12-Jun 13 no harvest, catch and release | 15 in | 4 / day combined |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- The Shad Den Bait & Tackle14.5 mi142 Bushkill Drive, Easton · closest to Haycock LaunchDirections ↗
- Little Lehigh Fly Shop16.8 miclosest to Tohickon LaunchDirections ↗
- Sportsman's Warehouse19.1 mi970 West Street Road, Warminster · closest to Tohickon Launch(215) 867-7200Directions ↗
Local tips
- No fishing within 100 ft of docks, launches, and mooring areas, or from bridges.
- Loaner rods are available at the park office with a photo ID.
- Habitat structure and depth maps are available at the park and marina offices.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
Lake WilhelmMercer County · 1,680 acres
Lake Wilhelm
A long, narrow warmwater lake along I-79 in Maurice K. Goddard State Park. The park manages 1,440 acres, and the upper 240 acres lie in State Game Lands and are limited to electric motors.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Shoreline wood and weed edges in the many coves.
Crappie
Brush and timber in spring. Good through the ice.
Walleye
Channel edges at dawn and dusk.
Muskellunge
Weed lines and points in fall.
Bluegill
Weed pockets in summer.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Goddard MarinaMarina4-lane ramp, fuel, bait & tackle, 241 slips (May–Oct)Directions ↗
- 2Launch #1PublicState park launchDirections ↗
- 3Launch #2PublicState park launchDirections ↗
- 4Launch #3PublicState park launchDirections ↗
- 5Launch #4PublicState park launch with ADA fishing pierDirections ↗
- State Game Lands launches (3)PublicUpper lake northwest of I-79. Electric motors onlyDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Wilhelm are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Dunham's Sports13.7 mi18977 Park Avenue Plaza, Meadville · closest to Launch #3Directions ↗
- Dunham's Sports19.6 mi6945 US Route 322, Cranberry · closest to Launch #1(814) 676-3253Directions ↗
- The Fly Stop20 mi1087 Innis Street, Oil City · closest to Launch #1(582) 558-4016Directions ↗
Local tips
- The upper lake above I-79 is electric-only and quiet. It's great for kayaks.
- Ice fishing is productive for larger crappie and walleye.
- ADA-accessible fishing piers are at Rounded Point near the marina and at Launch #4.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
Little Blue Run LakeBeaver County · 1,900 acres
Little Blue Run Lake
Little Blue Run Lake is a coal ash waste impoundment, about 1,900 acres, on the Beaver County, Pennsylvania and Hancock County, West Virginia line. It is the largest in the United States. It is not a normal fishing lake, and public fishing access has not been verified. Details for this page are still being added.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Boat launches
0 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Little Blue Run Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Little Blue Run Lake ↗Local tips
- Little Blue Run is an industrial coal ash impoundment. Do not assume it is open to the public: check with the owner and the state agencies before going.
- Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or the West Virginia DNR for current rules.
Raccoon Lake (Beaver County)Beaver County · 101 acres
Raccoon Lake (Beaver County)
Raccoon Lake is a 101-acre lake in Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Fishing is open year-round. Game fish named for the lake include bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, plus bullhead catfish. Details for this page are still being added.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Boat launches
0 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Raccoon Lake (Beaver County) are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Raccoon Lake (Beaver County) ↗Local tips
- Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for current rules and for boating rules at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Youghiogheny River LakeFayette & Somerset Counties · 2,800 acres
Youghiogheny River Lake
A 16-mile Army Corps lake in the Laurel Highlands, stretching from Confluence, PA, across the Mason-Dixon Line into Maryland. The lake has a mixed warmwater fishery, and the tailwater below the dam is stocked with trout.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points and the old river channel. Night fishing works well in summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky banks along the main lake.
Yellow Perch
Schools on flats in cooler months.
Crappie
Brush and timber in the coves in spring.
Muskellunge
Present. Big baits in the upper lake in fall.
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Jockey Hollow Boat RampPublicWest side, off Dark Hollow RdDirections ↗
- Somerfield North Boat RampPublicEast side, north of the US 40 bridgeDirections ↗
- Somerfield South Boat RampPublicEast side, south of the US 40 bridgeDirections ↗
- Mill Run Recreation AreaPublicUSACE rampsDirections ↗
- Yough Lake MarinaMarinaRamps and fuelDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Youghiogheny River Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Dunlap Creek Lake Outdoor Center, LLC22.2 mi296 Krulock Road, Uniontown(724) 245-6259Directions ↗
- J and J's22.6 mi75 South Grant Street, FrostburgDirections ↗
- Dunham's Sports26.6 mi1313 National Hwy, LaVale, MD(301) 729-4343Directions ↗
Local tips
- It's a flood-control lake, and levels can drop a lot. Check the ramp status before you go.
- The tailwater below the dam is open for trout fishing year-round.
- The Maryland part of the lake follows Maryland rules and licensing.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.