Amid the Pocono Mountains’ rolling hills that transform to shining white ski slopes in the winter lie abundant waters with amazing opportunities for fishing. In Northeast PA, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained you can enjoy year round.
Fish to Catch
The tranquil lakes and pristine waterways provide an idyllic retreat for fishing enthusiasts. Fishing in the region is plentiful and fun.
Lake Wallenpaupack, Pike and Wayne Counties
Cast for Bluegills, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleyes on Northeast PA’s Lake Wallenpaupack. With 5,700 acres of water, you will have no trouble finding a place to fish. Handicap accessible fishing piers are located at the Mangan Cove and Brookfield’s Ironwood Point Boat Launch areas.
North Branch Susquehanna River
The North Branch Susquehanna River flows from New York into Bradford County and on to Sunbury in Northumberland County. There, it meets the West Branch to form the main stem of the Susquehanna River. This section offers shallow, riffle-pool habitat that is perfect for fishing for Smallmouth Bass. Walleye, Channel Catfish, and Muskellunge can also be found in the North Branch, but they are tougher to find.
Fishing Creek, Columbia County
One of the best freestone trout streams in PA. The creek is stocked with trout and this 30-mile stretch of fun fishing is easily accessed from Route 487 paralleling much of the stream. Fish here all year long, but spring is best for fly fishing.
Your Ticket to the Water
Don’t forget, a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over. And if you plan to fish for trout in Northeast PA waters, you will need a Trout Permit.
Conveniently buy a fishing license and trout permit online at HuntFish.PA.gov. Also, make sure you brush up on the fishing regulations for Northeast PA.
Explore More in Northeast PA
Done fishing? Add on to your water adventure in Northeast PA by with a unique side trip.
This region includes the neighboring cities of Scranton (the setting for the television sitcom “The Office”) and Wilkes-Barre. Historically, this area was known for its significant coal mining. Now, it boasts cultural attractions and historic sites.
- Scranton, Lackawanna County: Visit Steamtown National Historic Site and discover how steam railroading helped shape our nation’s history and culture. Also, check out Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art.
- Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County: Take in a show at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza and enjoy the natural beauty of nearby Seven Tubs Recreation Area.
- Bushkill Falls, LittleBush Kill and Pond Run Creek, Lehman Township (Pocono Mountains), Pike County
- Columbia County PA Covered Bridges (23 covered bridges)
- Forksville Covered Bridge, Loyalsock Creek, Sullivan County (National Register of Historic Places)
- Harveys Lake, Luzerne County (Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake by volume)
- Marie Antoinette Lookout and French Azilum Historic Site, Wyalusing, Bradford County
- Yuengling Brewery, America’s oldest brewery, Pottsville, Schuylkill County
Double up your fun while fishing in Northeast PA and pair it with a paddling adventure.
Adapted from Discover Northeast PA! by Linda Stager from the Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine
