Whether its fishing or paddling, you can’t go wrong by planning your water adventures in Northcentral PA state parks. The region is home to 36 Pennsylvania State Parks. And, most of the parks offer either stream or lake fishing that also often serve as great paddling trips.
Fishing and Boating in State Parks
Ten of the state parks will loan you tackle to fish.
Plus, 15 of the parks have waterfront access for paddlers of varying skill levels.
And, four of the parks will rent you a boat to paddle. (Note: Loaner and rental programs are subject to change, check with individual parks.)
List of State Parks in Northcentral PA
- Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
- Fish for Bluegill, crappie, catfish and more on 23 miles of shoreline and, if you don’t have fishing equipment, the park will loan you a rod and tackle. You can paddle, sail or motor your boat across the lake from six different launch sites. In season, rent a boat at the marina.
- Bendigo State Park, Elk County
- With the Clarion River flowing through Bendigo, enjoy fishing for trout. Or, experience the scenic river through the park in your kayak or canoe.
- Black Moshannon State Park, Centre County
- Enjoy fishing the lake or below the lake in Black Moshannon Creek. (Be sure to check regulations.) If you want to get on the water, electric motor boats are allowed as well as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Also, in the summer, you can rent boats here.
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area, Cameron and Clinton counties
- With the West Branch of the Susquehanna River flowing through this natural area, fishing opportunities are abundant here, and you can easily borrow rods and tackle. The river and Sinnemahoning Creek are popular among kayakers and canoers. Get information on the West Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail to plan your trip.
- Cherry Springs State Park, Potter County
- While you can’t catch fish here, you can catch some breathtaking night skies. Here you’ll find some of the best stargazing in PA.
- Clear Creek State Park, Jefferson County
- Enjoy fishing for trout, warmwater and panfish along the Clarion River. And, the park will loan rods and tackle as well. Enjoy the river on a float trip by paddling from the park downstream or floating from upstream to the park. While there are no boat rentals at Clear Creek, there are at other points on the river.
- Colton Point State Park, Tioga County
- Cook Forest State Park, Clarion, Forest and Jefferson counties
- Not only does this park offer access to fishing along the Clarion River, but it also has a dedicated fishing pond for children 15 and younger and for people with disabilities next to the park office. You can borrow rods and tackle there, too. Rent a canoe or kayak or bring your own and enjoy a float on the Clarion River.
- Denton Hill State Park, Potter County
- Fish for wild trout in Nine Mile Run.
- Elk State Park, Elk and McKean counties
- Find abundant fishing and boating activity on East Branch Lake and catch Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, trout and Walleye. In addition, creeks and small streams make for great wild trout fishing.
- Hills Creek State Park, Tioga County
- Hills Creek Lake is excellent for catching all sorts of warmwater species. Also, paddlers can enjoy the lake while sharing the water with electric motor boats.
- Hyner Run State Park, Clinton County
- Fish for trout on Hyner Run.
- Hyner View State Park, Clinton County
- Kettle Creek State Park, Clinton County
- Kettle Creek Reservoir and Kettle Creek Lake offer options for adventurers looking for fishing fun. Paddlers share the reservoir with electric motorboats.
- Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County
- Finish up a nearby fishing or paddling adventure with a walk on the Kinzua Sky Walk.
- Leonard Harrison State Park, Tioga County
- Little Pine State Park, Lycoming County
- Little Pine Lake and Little Pine Creek give the angler options for fishing. Paddlers can also enjoy the lake. And, paddleboats, canoes and rowboats are available for rental during the season.
- Lyman Run State Park, Potter County
- Lyman Run Lake allows electric motors and kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Toss a line in the lake for a chance at catching a trout.
- McCalls Dam State Park, Centre County
- Milton State Park, Northumberland County
- As this park is an island on the West Branch Susquehanna River, you’ll find abundant opportunities for fishing and boating. Catch bass, catfish and panfish.
- Ole Bull State Park, Potter County
- Fish Kettle Creek and Ole Bull Run provide good trout fishing.
- Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County
- Bring your boat or rent one and enjoy time on Parker Lake (electric motors or non-powered boats only). Fish from your boat or from shore to catch trout, bass, bluegill and catfish.
- Patterson State Park, Potter County
- Penn-Roosevelt State Park, Centre County
- Poe Paddy State Park, Centre County
- Try trout fishing on Poe Creek.
- Poe Valley State Park, Centre County
- In season, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboat to tour around Poe Lake or bring your own boat. Electric motors are allowed. Fish for trout, catfish, pickerel, sunfish and perch.
- Prouty Place State Park, Potter County
- Ravensburg State Park, Clinton County
- R. B. Winter State Park, Union County
- Sand Bridge State Park, Union County
- Shikellamy State Park, Northumberland County
- With the park located along the Susquehanna River you’ll find many opportunities for fishing and boating. Catch a bass or other warmwater species.
- S. B. Elliott State Park, Clearfield County
- Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron and Potter counties
- Find paddling and electric motor boating on George B. Stevenson Reservoir. And, fish for coldwater and warmwater species. If you are lucky, you may also get to see elk that live in the area.
- Sizerville State Park, Cameron and Potter counties
- Catch trout in Cowley Run and Smallmouth Bass and trout in branches of the Sinnemahoning Creek.
- Susquehanna State Park, Lycoming County
- Along the Susquehanna River enjoy boating and fishing for Smallmouth Bass, catfish and panfish.
- Upper Pine Bottom State Park, Lycoming County
Your fishing license dollars at work.
Funds from fishing license sales help the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission protect and improve water quality and protect and manage reptiles, amphibians and other aquatic life. The agency works to ensure aquatic resources remain protected and water quality supports aquatic life; tracks endangered, threatened and rare animals under the PFBC’s jurisdiction; and manages species restoration efforts and habitat protections and improvement.
Adapted from: Welcome to Northcentral PA! by Linda Stager, Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine
