Fishing

Ice fishing has an allure all its own. Some say it's peaceful. Some say it's relaxing. Some say it's invigorating. Most say it's crazy. But there is nothing like walking on a frozen lake, carving a hole and pulling up elusive fish from the mysterious depths below. Pennsylvania state parks have many lakes for you to find the ice fishing hole for you.

Find out where to go with our weekly winter activities report, online from mid-December until spring thaw.

Remember these important rules:

• Know and obey the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks.
• All anglers 16 years and older must have a current Pennsylvania fishing license.
• Please properly dispose of tangled fishing line to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped and injured. Please do not litter.

For complete ice fishing information visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

The parks listed here have lakes that typically freeze thick enough for ice fishing. For a listing of all fishing locations in PA state parks, explore the Fishing page.

Ice Fishing Safety

Please follow these general guidelines for a safe ice fishing adventure.

• Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a small group of several anglers. Use an auger to test the thickness of the ice before you go out on it.
• Blue/black ice is stronger than milky white ice.
• Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom. Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants and docks. These structures can absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
• Changing air temperatures and standing water on ice can weaken and crack the ice. Single, unbroken pressure cracks in ice are probably safe to cross, but stay away from areas where cracks meet or intersect.
• Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
• Wear a PFD (life jacket).

Nighttime fishing, whether from a boat on from the shoreline, is a popular pastime.  Pennsylvania State Parks provides great opportunities for this recreational activity.  Night fishing is generally permitted in areas designated for fishing and non-whitewater boating.  However, persons who plan on fishing at night from the shoreline can first contact the park office to determine which locations are open to this activity.

Float tubes continue to rise in popularity.  Quality float tubes are permitted in State Park waters in lakes and still water away from designated swimming or boat launching areas. A quality float tube has two air bladders made of heavy gauge rubber or PVC material covered by a durable fabric shell of denier nylon, Codora or similar material. Float tubes may only be propelled by non-mechanical, non-motorized devices like oars.  A U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devise (PFD) must be worn at all times.  A state park officer can terminate float tube use if the devise is being used in an unsafe manner or during unsafe conditions.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.