Home / Pennsylvania lakes / Cowanesque Lake
Army Corps reservoir

Cowanesque Lake

Tioga County, Pennsylvania

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.

1N1 mi
Air temp in Nelson, PA Loading current temperature…
Red pins match the numbered boat launches below. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Surface area1,085 acres
Max depth—
Shoreline—
Boat motorsNo engine restriction

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 LaunchPublic
    Public launch on the south shoreDirections ↗
  • Second South Shore LaunchPublic
    Public launch on the south shoreDirections ↗
  • Tompkins Campground LaunchPublic
    North 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 ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.

Search more bait shops near Cowanesque Lake ↗

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.

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.