Fishing Fun: 7 Pennsylvania State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Pennsylvania offers an abundance of rivers, lakes and streams nestled within scenic state parks. Whether you prefer casting from the shore, wading in a stream or fishing by boat, these state parks offer prime spots for anglers of all skill levels. Here’s a look at some of the Keystone State’s best state parks for fishing, whether you’re trailering a boat, launching from a ramp or heading out from a marina or private boat lift rental.

1. Pymatuning State Park

Pymatuning State Park, in Crawford County, is home to Pymatuning Reservoir, one of Pennsylvania’s largest lakes. With more than 17,000 acres of water, it’s known for its exceptional walleye and crappie fishing. The reservoir also supports muskellunge, perch, bluegill and largemouth bass. Anglers can fish from the shore, use the boat launches or drop a line from one of several fishing piers, including the popular Espyville Marina pier.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Perch, bluegill, muskellunge, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier, shore 

2. Presque Isle State Park

Situated on Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park offers excellent fishing for a variety of species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, perch and steelhead trout. Its numerous lagoons, bays and piers make finding a quiet spot to cast a line easy. The park also features fishing access for people with disabilities at the East and West piers.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Smallmouth bass, perch, walleye, steelhead trout
• Fishing Type: Pier, shore, boat

3. Ricketts Glen State Park

Located across three counties - Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia - Ricketts Glen State Park is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. It’s also a fishing destination, thanks to Lake Jean. This 245-acre lake is stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and crappie. Anglers can enjoy both shoreline fishing and boat access.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Trout, bass, bluegill, crappie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

4. Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park, located in Carbon County in the Pocono Mountains, offers a classic trout fishing experience in pristine streams like Hickory Run and Mud Run. These cold-water streams are regularly stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, making the park a favorite among fly fishermen.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Brook, brown and rainbow trout
• Fishing Type: Fly, shore

5. French Creek State Park

Home to Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake, French Creek State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities. Hopewell Lake is well-known for largemouth bass, northern pike and catfish, while Scotts Run Lake is stocked with trout. Boat rentals are available for anglers who want to explore deeper waters from private boat slips for rent.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, catfish, trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

6. Little Pine State Park

Little Pine Lake and Little Pine Creek make Little Pine State Park a great lake and stream fishing destination. Located in Lycoming County, the lake is filled with trout, bass, catfish and panfish. The creek is particularly popular during trout season. Fly anglers will appreciate the stream’s easy wadeability and plentiful trout in early spring.

• Fishing Tip: Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Bass, catfish, panfish, trout
• Fishing Type: Fly, shore

7. Bald Eagle State Park

Bald Eagle State Park, in Centre County, features the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. It’s a popular destination for anglers targeting bass, crappie, catfish and walleye from a private boat dock rental. The park provides ample shoreline access, fishing piers and boat launches. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter months.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Walleye, bass, crappie, catfish
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, pier