Ice fishing can be a fun way for anglers to enjoy their favorite sport during winter. The PA Great Outdoors region has a variety of lakes and ponds that offer excellent ice fishing opportunities.
Cloe Lake is 27-acre lake in Jefferson County located just 4 miles northeast of Punxsutawney near the town of Bells Mills is a good place to start an ice fishing adventure. Lots of parking and a fishing pier provide anglers easy access to the ice. Trout, bass, and panfish are the most common species caught during the winter months.
Kyle Lake is 165-acre reservoir in Jefferson County near the town of Falls Creek. The lake is under Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s Big Bass Program regulations. Ample parking and a fishing pier provide easy access to the lake.
Pickerel, pike, bass, channel catfish, walleye, and panfish can be caught through the ice.
Buzzard Swamp, in the Allegheny National Forest in Forest County near Marienville, is a little off the beaten path but can provide exciting fishing. The nearest pond is about a mile from the trailhead and parking area. All ponds have bass, perch, catfish, and bluegill.
East Branch Lake & Dam is a 1,160-acre lake in Elk County that is surrounded by Elk State Park. Popular species for winter angling are musky, walleye, bass, trout, and panfish.
At Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County is the 145-acre reservoir created by the George B. Stevenson Dam. The dam holds good populations of trout and bass. While you are there, make sure to visit the beautiful Wildlife Center at the park.
Kahle Lake a 251-acre reservoir located near Knox in Clarion County. The lake is managed under the Big Bass Program regulations. It also holds strong populations of musky, walleye, crappie, and other panfish.
Tionesta Lake offers fisherman over 3,000-acre of water teaming with bass, walleye, trout, channel catfish, and panfish. The lake is well known for large musky too.
These are just some of the many places to go fishing in the PA Great Outdoors region. For more information go online at VisitPAGO.com/outdoor-recreation or call (814) 849-5197.
