Plunge into Pennsylvania's walleye wonderlands where stunning lakes and rivers promise exciting fishing adventures. Start with Allegheny Reservoir, where spring and summer guarantee great catches, or cast your line at the expansive Lake Wallenpaupack during crisp autumn months. Pymatuning Lake is a spring and fall favorite, while Lake Arthur delivers walleye year-round, thanks to its abundant stocking. Rivers like the Allegheny and Susquehanna, with their dramatic landscapes and deep pools, shelter magnificent walleyes. Don't miss the Youghiogheny River, famed for record-breaking sizes. Each location offers unique challenges and thrills, waiting for your exploration of more fishing hotspots.
Key Takeaways
- Allegheny Reservoir offers prime walleye fishing in spring and summer across its 12,085-acre expanse.
- Lake Wallenpaupack's 5,700-acre reservoir provides excellent walleye fishing in May, June, October, and November.
- Pymatuning Lake, spanning 17,088 acres, is optimal for walleye fishing during spring and fall.
- Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre fishery, is regularly stocked with walleye by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
- The Allegheny River is renowned for large walleyes, especially in spring and nighttime fishing.
Allegheny Reservoir
Why not start your walleye fishing adventure at the stunning Allegheny Reservoir? Straddling the Pennsylvania and New York border, this 12,085-acre gem offers a thrilling mix of landscapes and fish. Created in 1965 by the impressive Kinzua Dam, it boasts dramatic, cliff-like banks in Pennsylvania, plunging into deep, fish-rich waters, while New York's side gently slopes with inviting shallow flats.
The reservoir is famed for its walleye population, with many reaching the 14 to 20-inch range. Though they grow slowly here, the reservoir's bounty is undeniable. Other anglers will delight in the variety of species, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, and the occasional muskellunge. Winter transforms the reservoir into an ice fishing haven, with January and February offering safe conditions. For optimal results in harsh conditions, consider using a Penn Spinfisher reel for its sealing and durability. A smooth and powerful reel drag system is essential when targeting fish in these waters, as it ensures that you can manage larger catches effectively.
Maximize your catch by fishing in spring and summer, especially on overcast days with a light breeze. Try pitching jigs or trolling nightcrawlers near the bank. Focus on the seams where strong currents meet slack water, as changes in water levels can concentrate walleye. Monitoring current patterns is crucial, as they concentrate walleyes and their forage at specific locations. Remember, you'll need a Pennsylvania fishing license, and with multiple access points and amenities, you're all set for a perfect fishing getaway!
Lake Wallenpaupack
After enjoying the abundant fishing at Allegheny Reservoir, set your sights on the equally alluring Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne counties, Pennsylvania. This 5,700-acre reservoir boasts 52 miles of scenic shoreline and can reach depths of up to 60 feet, making it a haven for walleye and other fish species. With its 13-mile stretch, Lake Wallenpaupack offers numerous prime fishing spots like Boulder Point, Calico Point, and Tafton Dike where you're likely to reel in a good catch. The lake is owned and operated by Brookfield Renewable, ensuring well-maintained facilities and access for anglers and visitors. Lake Wallenpaupack, like Timothy Lake, provides ample opportunities for exciting fishing adventures, making it a favorite among local anglers and tourists alike. An ice fishing sled can be a valuable asset during the winter months when transporting gear across the frozen lake.
The best seasons for walleye fishing are May, June, October, and November. Try your luck with live baitfish or stickbaits, and during the summer, deep-diving crankbaits work wonders as walleye head to cooler depths. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission guarantees the lake is well-stocked with walleye fingerlings, and surveys show a healthy population of fish in the 20- to 24-inch range. It's important to note that spearing fish is not permitted in any stocked trout waters, ensuring sustainable fishing practices are maintained.
Access the lake via the Mangan Cove state boat launch, and don't forget to check fishing regulations and secure a fishing license if you're over 16. Local guides and Wallenpaupack Sports Shop are ready to equip you for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Pymatuning Lake
Pymatuning Lake, a sprawling 17,088-acre paradise straddling the Ohio and Pennsylvania border, beckons walleye enthusiasts with its rich, warmwater fishery. You'll find that walleye share these waters with perch and crappie, making it a vibrant destination for anglers. The lake offers a unique fishing experience due to the reciprocal fishing privileges between Ohio and Pennsylvania. While on a boat, either state's fishing license suffices, but shore fishing demands a license from the respective side. Houghton Lake in Michigan, the largest inland lake in the state, is known for its shallow depth and abundant aquatic vegetation, creating a favorable environment for a variety of gamefish. You can fish year-round for walleye and saugeye over 15 inches, with a limit of six per day. Using up to three fishing lines, you'll have plenty of opportunity to catch your limit. Spring and fall are prime seasons for walleye, when the fish are most active. For a successful catch, drift live shiners and hellgrammites, or try curlytail grubs on floating jigheads. Ice fishing here is especially enjoyable, as the use of short ice fishing rods offers enhanced sensitivity and control. Anglers often use monofilament line for its excellent water resistance and ease of handling during these cold-weather fishing sessions.
The lake's accessibility is commendable, with ADA fishing areas at the Jamestown Day Use Area and the Espyville and Linesville marinas. Ice fishing is popular here, though ice thickness isn't monitored. With numerous boat launches and fishing piers, Pymatuning Lake promises an unforgettable angling adventure.
Lake Arthur
As you leave behind the vast expanses of Pymatuning Lake, another gem awaits at Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, nestled in Butler County, Pennsylvania. This 3,225-acre warm-water fishery is a paradise for anglers. Stocked with walleye by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Lake Arthur also teems with northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill. You're sure to find your next fishing adventure here. A variety of fish species including bass, trout, and catfish thrive in the lake, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts. Fish habitat installed throughout the lake enhances the fishing experience by offering ideal environments for various species.
Regulations keep the lake thriving. While some areas like boat docks and marina coves are off-limits to fishing, there are plenty of accessible spots, including ADA-accessible fishing piers at Bear Run, Old Route 422, and McDanel's Boat Launches. Make sure you've got your fishing license, and if you're using cast or throw nets, specific permits are needed. The daily creel limit allows for generous catches, especially with a 100-fish limit for gizzard shad and alewife. Primitive camping sites and scenic trails similar to those at Vernonia Lake offer visitors a chance to connect with nature. The serene fishing destination of Olalla Lake near Toledo, Oregon, is another spot for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience.
Beyond fishing, Lake Arthur offers a variety of recreational activities. Whether sailing, hiking, or enjoying the annual Regatta, there's never a dull moment. Keep an eye out for osprey and bald eagles soaring above, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your visit.
Youghiogheny River Lake
Imagine a place where the thrill of fishing meets the beauty of nature—welcome to Youghiogheny River Lake. Nestled in southwestern Pennsylvania and stretching into Maryland, this 2,800-acre reservoir is a paradise for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Formed by the damming of the Youghiogheny River, it boasts 38 miles of shoreline and depths reaching up to 121 feet, creating an ideal habitat for a diverse fish population. The reservoir was formed in 1944, enhancing flood control and providing hydroelectric power to the region. You'll find walleye thriving here, especially during the colder months when they're most active in deep pools and below dams. This lake is similar in appeal to Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California, which is known for its abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can also enjoy panfish techniques similar to those used at Bethany Lake to catch crappie and other species. What's more, this lake is teeming with smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, and a host of other species, offering a rich fishing experience. Thanks to a cooperative agreement between Pennsylvania and Maryland, you can fish the entire lake with a fishing license from either state.
Beyond fishing, Youghiogheny River Lake is a hub for recreational activities. Over a million visitors are drawn each year to its waters, enjoying everything from boating and jet skiing to camping. Don't miss the white-water rafting opportunities below the reservoir—they're among the best in the East!
Allegheny River
If you're seeking an exhilarating fishing experience against a backdrop of rugged beauty, the Allegheny River is your destination. Spanning Western Pennsylvania, this river features a dramatic underwater landscape with steep, cliff-like banks and deep, inviting pools. During the spring season, the river becomes a walleye haven, particularly in the Middle Allegheny, where muddy and turbulent waters provide these fish the perfect opportunity to feed actively during daylight. As night approaches, fish tend to "turn on" and move in, making the Allegheny River a prime location for fishing into the darker hours. Night fishing here can be highly rewarding, especially for those who strategically position themselves around illuminated structures like bridges and docks.
To maximize your catch, focus on seams and deep holes, especially in the first mile below Kinzua Dam. Pitching jigs or trolling nightcrawlers on worm harness rigs close to the bank will yield impressive results. Consider using curlytail grubs rigged on floating jigheads, with split-shot placed 16 to 20 inches up the line, to entice those elusive walleyes. The Kennerdell area, known for its riffles and runs, provides an excellent opportunity to fish for walleye in the Allegheny River. For those interested in eliminating unproductive zones, consider utilizing side imaging to quickly scout the underwater landscape.
The Allegheny River is open to fishing year-round, and while there are no specific walleye creel limits, general regulations and a fishing license are required. The river is home to some of the largest officially recognized walleyes in Pennsylvania, making it a prime spot for anglers. Safeguarding these fish through catch-and-release practices secures sustainable walleye populations for future generations.
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River, a sprawling waterway stretching 444 miles with 354 of those miles coursing through Pennsylvania, offers a dynamic fishing experience teeming with opportunity. It's a haven for anglers seeking walleye, alongside smallmouth bass, catfish, and muskellunge. The river's varied habitats, featuring deep waters and slack areas, provide perfect conditions for walleye, especially during winter. Although not as popular for winter walleye fishing, this river presents excellent opportunities as walleyes school in slack waters and actively feed, ensuring impressive growth rates. The cleaner water in the river has benefited all fish species, contributing to the thriving walleye population. Using fluorocarbon lines can improve your fishing experience here due to their invisibility and abrasion resistance. The middle section of the river is renowned for its large Catfish, including a record-breaking 50-pound catch. Target the productive fishing spots near Duncannon and Harrisburg. Using fluorocarbon leaders can help mitigate visibility issues in the river's clear waters, enhancing your chances of a successful catch. Focus on deep water fishing close to currents, where walleyes are known to congregate. The river's seasonal changes require you to adapt your strategies, making each trip a new adventure. Consider hiring a guide for summer fishing to maximize your catch.
Youghiogheny River
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Youghiogheny River beckons anglers with its rich waters and diverse fishery. Stretching 134 miles from West Virginia through Maryland into Pennsylvania, this river offers a unique fishing experience. The Youghiogheny River Lake, a 2800-acre reservoir straddling the Pennsylvania-Maryland border, is particularly inviting. This area boasts a strong, naturally reproducing walleye population, making it a prime spot for your fishing adventure. Notably, the lake is known for producing notably large walleye, even bigger than those found in Lake Erie and Pymatuning Lake. Expect to catch walleye frequently measuring between 14 and 20 inches, with the exciting possibility of landing even larger ones. A state record was set here in October 2021, with an impressive 18 lb. 1 oz. walleye. The best times for fishing are from spring through summer, especially on overcast days with a light chop on the water. Cloudy and rainy conditions generally enhance fishing success in this area, as they diminish light exposure and stimulate feeding. Try pitching jigs or trolling nightcrawlers on worm harness rigs for prime results. The diverse fish species in this river offer unique challenges and rewarding catches for anglers.
To fish here, you'll need a valid Pennsylvania or Maryland fishing license. Remember, the river offers excellent ice fishing opportunities in winter, with larger walleye congregating in deep pools. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Youghiogheny River promises an unforgettable fishing experience.
