Fishing is one of the many activities you can enjoy in Poconos. It is a great activity for spending some quality time with family or friends! Poconos is a great place for an impromptu fishing trip! Poconos has 150 lakes, offering a wide variety of scenic backdrops and also amazing spots for fishing! If you are a fishing enthusiast, you will enjoy fishing in the thousands of miles of lakes in Poconos.
Fishing in Poconos will open you up to a new friendly fishing community, Poconos is also known for trout fishing, the waters are stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout!
Looking for the perfect spot in Poconos to catch your dream haul? Here is a list of the best fishing spots in Poconos!
Overview of Poconos
Poconos is located within driving distance of major East Coast cities like Philadelphia and New York. The Poconos is also a region deeply rooted in its history and a lively fest of beautiful outdoors at the same time. Poconos offers various cultural tour, exhibitions all year long, making it the ideal vacation spot with a multitude of things to do and explore.
Plan Your Fishing Expedition in Poconos
Before fishing in the Pocono Mountains, here are few essentials that you need to keep in mind:
1. Safety measures:
- Always wear a lifejacket
- Prevent and treat fishing hook related injuries
- Only cast where fishing is allowed
- Assess swift water before entering or crossing the water
2. Licensing requirements:
- A valid Pennsylvania Fishing license is required for fishing in Poconos if you are 16 and older.
- Your fishing license must have permission for trout/salmon if fishing for trout.
- There are 1-day, 2-day, 7-day, residential and non residential licenses which are available.
- Licenses and permits are available for purchase online or can even be bought from license issuing agents.
3. Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure you have everything you need before setting out to fish
- It is always best to carry extra hooks, sinkers, and fishing line
- Dress for the weather, if you’re fishing in winters, dress warm and in layers. If you are fishing in summer, do not forget your sunscreen, hats and sunglasses!
- If you are planning on fly fishing in the Poconos you will have to carry waders, boots, a fly rod and reel and flies.
Conservation and Responsible Fishing in Poconos:
It is important that while fishing you also think of the environment. It might sound conflicting but it is important to fish ethically and responsibly. Here are a few small changes you can make to your fishing habits to make the world a better place.
- Follow Carbon Conscious Fishing: Climate change is a major threat to aquatic life, by reducing the amount of carbon that your fishing boat releases into the environment you can do your part as a responsible citizen to fight off these threats. Some ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to replace your propeller with a stainless steel one, install an electric fuel meter so your fuel consumption is well monitored. Surfboard fishing is another great option to go fully green.
- Use Lead Free Tackle: Lead is toxic for most living things, lead can be found in most fishing jigs and sinkers. Fish exposed to a certain amount of lead can exhibit a wide range of problems. Lead-free fishing gear is available and you should make the switch.
- Catch and Release: if you are a seasoned fisher you are familiar with the policy of throwing back fish, especially the big, prize catches. If you let the fish back, you are giving them a chance to live, mate and produce.
- Do not litter: people tend to leave a lot of junk behind on coastlines and in water, debris in water can get stuck around propellers. Other trash like food wrappers or cigarette butts can look like food to animals, which is why you must be very careful of what trash you are leaving around and take all the trash you have accumulated back with you.
Best Fishing Lakes in Poconos
Any fishing enthusiast will find heaven on earth in Poconos, with bright options of lakes to choose from! There are fishing locations at the national, state and local parks of Poconos! Here are the best fishing lakes in Poconos:
1. Lake Wallenpaupack
Explore the beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack, it is the third largest man-made lake located entirely in Pennsylvania. Lake Wallenpaupack has become one of the most popular recreational areas in Poconos. The Lake Wallenpaupack visitors center also offers a fishing tackle loaner program to make your fishing experience easy! Lake Wallenpaupack is beautiful and is a great place to relax and enjoy. It is also home to several species of fish and makes for a good spot to reel in a good haul.
Best time for fishing in Lake Wallenpaupack: Early Spring or late Fall is ideal for fishing in Lake Wallenpaupack.
2. Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony is a very popular attraction of the Poconos, known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities, fishing is also a great way to explore the lake. Fishing is allowed near the Chestnut Hill area of Lake Harmony. Lake Harmony is also a private lake, so you don’t need to go through the hassle of getting a fishing license. Captain Joe’s offers a guided fishing experience and they operate out of Lake Harmony! So if you are new to fishing and would like to experience it, make sure you pay them a visit!
Check out this blog to find the best fishing spots near Lake Harmony
Best time for fishing in Lake Harmony: Late summer and early fall is the best time for fishing in Lake Harmony
3. Lake Naomi
Lake Naomi offers a very unique and probably the best fishing in Poconos. Lake Naomi is one of the largest private lakes and is also known for being the cleanest lakes in the Poconos. Fishing is permitted in all three lakes of Lake Naomi as well as in Fishing Pond. The lakes are stocked with various local species of the region. Lake Naomi is also known for its renowned fishing club, which offers many programs and contents throughout the year. If you are a seasoned angler and are looking for the best experience in Poconos, Lake Naomi is the spot for you!
Ice Fishing Adventure in Poconos
Ice fishing in the Poconos is a very popular activity during winter, the winter months not only open the gates for skiing and snow activities in Poconos but ice-fishing as well! Ice fishing can be very exciting and thrilling, as long as it is done correctly, with the right precautions.
Where in Poconos can you ice-fish?
Lake Wallenpaupack is consistently named one of the top places for ice fishing in the Poconos. The lake freezes over every winter, and you will find a variety of bass, trout, and panfish living below the icy surface. There are plenty of other areas to ice fish in the Poconos.
What do you need to know before ice fishing in Poconos?
- Always wear a life jacket, ice fishing can be very dangerous if the ice breaks.
- Test the thickness of the ice before deciding on a spot to fish from.
- Dress warm, and be sure to bring gloves and a hat and wear thick socks and boots.
Regulations for ice fishing in Poconos:
- More than five fishing devices like rods, hand lines, tip ups are not allowed and each of these devices must contain a single line.
- It is unlawful to cut or use holes more than 10 inches wide.
- You require a Pennsylvania fishing license if you are over 16 years of age.
- While ice-fishing in state parks and state forests all state rules apply, so it is important that you are well educated and aware of these rules before fishing at a location.
Family-Friendly Fishing in the Poconos
Fishing is a great activity for some family bonding, enjoy the company of your loved ones out on the serene waters of Poconos and celebrate with a good haul! Here are some of the best spots in town for you and your family!
1. Promised Land Lake
The Promised Land Lake is located within the Promised Land State Park, the lake is 422 acres huge. It is ideal for fishing and other recreational activities. The park offers five different boat launches across the region. There are also boat rentals offered for fishing located quite close to the main lake. Fishing however is not allowed on smaller vessels and dogs are allowed on boats but large dogs are allowed only on rowboats or electric motorboats. The Promised Land Lake is probably one of the best fishing spots for families, as there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy in the state park as well.
2. Tobyhanna Lake
Tobyhanna lake is located within the Tobyhanna state park and is a great spot for fishing in general. Tobyhanna lake is a great option for fishing, you will also find it very easy to borrow fishing equipment at tobyhanna lake. There are piers where you and your family can enjoy fishing peacefully, or even launch boats at the many launch points available.
Fishing Events in Poconos
Most of the fishing events in Poconos are organized by the Lake Naomi Club. Some of the interesting events include,
- Kids Fishing Clinic
- Annual Lake Naomi Bass Tournament
- Youth Fishing Derby
Where to Stay in the Poconos?
Not sure where to stay during your trip to the Poconos? HolidayKeepers has got you covered!
Check out our Lake Harmony properties, so you are as close to the lake as possible to enjoy your time in Poconos fishing!
HolidayKeepers offers a wide range of properties ranging from villas, mansions, cabins and more!
Find more properties in Poconos.
Wrap Up:
Fishing in Poconos opens you up to a rich and diverse experience of the region. Poconos is a perfect vacation destination with a lot to offer, from marvelous scenic attractions to the various outdoor activities, it is a great place filled with fun!
So, what are you waiting for? Come on down to the Poconos!
Contact HolidayKeepers to help booking your stay hassle-free!
FAQs
Q: How long is Lake Wallenpaupack?
A: Lake Wallenpaupack is 13 miles long.
Q: What fishing programs are offered in Lake Naomi?
A: Annual Bass Tournament, Kids Fishing Clinic, Youth Fishing Clinic
Q: Which fish species are found in Lake Harmony?
A: Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
