Lake Habitat
Pennsylvania is blessed with 76 natural lakes and 2,300 manmade lakes, and many of them are great for fishing.
Fish need the right amounts of water (obviously), food and shelter. Without the right balance of all three, some fish species will leave in search of better habitat.
Fish seek different habits depending on their needs and life cycle.
Know what to look on the lake.
Spotting Good Lake Habitat for Fishing
Edges of Lakes
The edges of lakes near shore where plants grow provide habitat, cover and areas for fish to spawn. Look for rooted and floating plants.
Open Water
The open water area of a lake is home to small plants and animals, the food source for fish. Look for the water beyond the rooted and floating plants.
Some of the best habitats are hidden beneath the water. Vegetation and wood debris like fallen trees give fish the cover they need in open water.
When nature doesn’t provide, people step in to help fish thrive and create great spots for fishing.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and partners place hundreds of manmade habitat structures in waterways throughout the state. Placing porcupine cribs, post cluster structures, rock rubble humps, and concrete reef balls make home and habitat for fish and the animals they feed on.
Concrete Reef Balls
Concrete reef balls were placed on the bottom of Woodcock Creek Lake to provide cover and habitat for larger game fish species - giving you better fishing opportunities.
Vertical Plank Structure
Vertical plank structures are built with wood planks and cement blocks to create small crevices for fish to live. Algae also grows on the wood over time and provides food for smaller critters like crayfish and mussels.
Follow habitat structure maps for the lake you want to fish to find spots where fish congregate.
Benefits and Threats
Learn more about the benefits of our Pennsylvania lakes, the threats impacting them and how you can help conserve our waterways.