The Best Fishing In Pennsylvania: 5 Places To Catch Bass In The Keystone State

The state of Pennsylvania serves as the bridge between the Midwest and northeast and has plenty of history for Americans. It's a large state with great variety from large metropolitan cities to remote, rural wooded areas that are perfect for hunting and fishing. There are also some fabulous bass fishing destinations, from well-known Great Lakes to hidden gems.

1) Lake Erie

Standing tall as the best fishery in the state is Lake Erie, a lake that also makes the list for Michigan, Ohio, and New York. It's big enough for all of the states to share and kicks out monster smallmouth bass throughout.

The Pennsylvania section of the lake is mainly devoid of islands and much of the fishing is done just outside of the shoreline, targeting extensions of the shore. Finesse tactics like tubes, drop-shot rigs, and Ned Rigs dominate here and the big smallies love them.

2) Presque Isle Bay

While technically part of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay is a unique fishery compared to the big lake. It covers nearly six square miles and fishes like a natural lake with plenty of grass and a great mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass.

The smallmouth come in from the main lake to spawn and feed up before winter and they are a common occurrence in the spring and fall months. Largemouth stay put and can be caught any time during the fishing season.

3) Susquehanna River

This big river is well-known for producing smallmouth bass and tons of them. It's a place where fifty or a hundred fish days are possible if you hit it right. Some of the pools are accessible by standard boats, but others are shallow and rocky and require specialized jet boats to fish safely and effectively or simply to navigate to some areas.

Current is the key here and moving baits like jerkbaits and spinnerbaits are top producers, as are finesse baits like Ned Rigs and tubes.

4) Raystown Lake

Roughly in the state's center, Raystown is a unique fishery for the state and sets up like a highland reservoir. It's full of big largemouth and smallmouth bass and each species can win tournaments with five-fish limits of 20-pounds or more.

It's a deep and clear lake and full of baitfish. Because of this, techniques like jerkbaits, Alabama rigs, and topwaters can be the best way to catch them. But, it's full of bass and you can catch them however you want some days.

5) Pymatuning Reservoir and Conneaut Lake

Neighboring Ohio shares this large fishery and it's a unique one. There is a horsepower restriction on the lake, for starters, and nothing larger than 20hp is allowed. Even with the power limits, bass tournaments still take place and require big bags to win.

The lake has largemouth and smallmouth bass and is full of shallow bushes, timber, and lily pads. It's undeveloped and the fishing is excellent here and there are countless ways to catch them, including with jigs, spinnerbaits, and other power fishing techniques.

Conneaut Lake is just a short ride away and is much different than Pymatuning. It's the largest natural lake in the state and loaded with big largemouth and smallmouth bass. It's more developed and there are no restrictions for horsepower on your boat.