Lake Habitat
Pennsylvania is blessed with 76 natural lakes and 2,300 manmade lakes, and many of them are great for fishing.
Natural lakes are formed from glaciers or low areas that collect flowing water. Natural lakes rely on precipitation, springs, or flowing water to remain full.
Manmade lakes are built by humans. They can be used for flood control or to provide drinking water. Dams are constructed to change the flow or create hydroelectric power.
With only a few natural lakes in Pennsylvania, lake habitat structures are needed to create diverse fish habitat in our manmade lakes.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists and other technical staff sample streams and review data to develop habitat improvement plans.



Spotting Good Habitat for Fishing
Fish seek different habits depending on their needs and life cycle. Know what to look on the lake.
Benefits and Threats
Learn more about the benefits of our Pennsylvania lakes, the threats impacting them and how you can help conserve our waterways.