Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern United States known for its diverse landscapes and rich history. Several states border it, including New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Maryland. Pennsylvania is home to several fantastic lakes and large rivers that offer excellent walleye fishing opportunities. These major lakes have many fish, and the rivers are peaceful and beautiful for Pennsylvania walleye fishing.

Pennsylvania Walleye Fishing Lakes

Pennsylvania is home to several exceptional walleye lakes for fishing. Fishing anglers can catch impressive walleye in these major lakes in PA, like Lake Erie, Raystown Lake, and Lake Arthur.

1. Lake Erie

Pennsylvania’s shoreline, stretching 76.6 miles, consistently produces impressive walleye. Anglers from the US and Canada flock to this world-class fishery, where walleye are one of the most targeted species. 

Lake Erie is one of the best Pennsylvania walleye fishing lakes. The average weight of these fish is between 3 and 7 pounds, but there’s always a chance of landing a massive 10—to 12-pound trophy. 

First-timers may find fishing in Lake Erie intimidating, so going out with a guide is wise. Alternatively, walleye can be found in shallow waters starting in May, making solo fishing easier. 

The mouths of tributaries like Walnut Creek offer excellent spots for casting lures from beaches and piers.

Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits, with speeds of around 1.5 mph, is effective in deeper waters. Late summer and early fall fishing in spots like the First Trench and the Mountain structure is popular for walleye.

The drop-off, the First Trench, and the Mountain structure are popular spots in PA for late summer and early fall walleye fishing.

2. Allegheny Reservoir

The Allegheny Reservoir is a large lake on the border of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. It covers 12,085 acres and is known for its excellent PA walleye fishing.

The underwater landscape varies between Pennsylvania and New York’s portions. Pennsylvania’s side has steep banks that drop quickly into deeper water, which benefits walleye anglers. 

Spring and summer offer excellent fishing, especially on overcast days with a light chop on the water. Anglers often catch state-record walleye near the banks by pitching jigs or trolling with nightcrawlers on worm harness rigs.

Walleye in the reservoir usually range from 14 to 20 inches, with plentiful numbers. Ice fishing is popular in winter, and the biggest walleye are often caught. Emerald shiners are the preferred bait, and tip-ups are set over 20 to 30 feet depths.

Webb’s Ferry and Willow Bay provide excellent access for ice fishing and have boat launch facilities for warmer months.

3. Pymatuning Reservoir

Pymatuning Reservoir is a big and beautiful lake in Western Pennsylvania near the border with Ohio. It covers an impressive 17,088 acres and is well-known for its best walleye fishing in Pennsylvania.

Many people visit Pymatuning Reservoir because it has many walleye, which are very popular to catch. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission conducted a special survey using trap nets and found many walleye, especially in the 15-to 24-inch range.

There are so many walleye in the reservoir because there is plenty of food for them, like alewives. This makes for the best fishing experience.

Whether you like to fish from the shore, stand in shallow water, or go out on a boat, Pymatuning Reservoir has something for everyone. There are many different ways to fish for walleye and enjoy the lake.

4. Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack is a large reservoir in Northeastern Pennsylvania, covering 5,700 acres. It’s the second-largest lake in the state and offers fantastic fishing for various other species, including walleye, striped bass, and brown trout.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has been stocking Lake Wallenpaupack with young walleye for many years, ensuring a decent population.

May and June are the best months for walleye fishing at Lake Wallenpaupack. During these months, you can often find large walleye in shallow waters, especially when the sun sets. 

Good spots to look for walleye include Boulder Point, Calico Point, Tafton Dike, and the area between Kipp Island and the shore. Live baitfish work well for catching walleye, but using stick baits can also attract them.

In the summer, walleye tend to move deeper, so using deep-diving crankbaits can be a good choice.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission regularly checks the solid walleye population in Lake Wallenpaupack and consistently finds a healthy number of fish. Most of the walleye in the lake are usually around 20 to 24 inches long.

If you are a fan of crappie fishing, you can read our guide on How To Crappie Fishing.

5. French Creek

Are you looking to go walleye fishing near me? Pennsylvania offers some of the best opportunities to catch this popular fish species.

French Creek is a long river that starts in New York and flows to Franklin, PA, where it joins the Allegheny River. It’s a great place for fishing, especially if you want to catch walleyes, channel catfish, or smallmouth bass.

The best time for walleye fishing in Pennsylvania French Creek is spring, early summer, and fall. 

The water level is lower in the fall, making it easier to wade in the creek. When the temperatures cool down in late fall, the big walleyes become really hungry before winter.

To catch walleye, look for deep holes, especially in the lower part of French Creek. You can explore the creek with a canoe or kayak, and there are many places to launch your boat along the Lower French Creek Water Trail. 

Shaw’s Landing in Cochranton is a good spot with a boat launch and bank fishing access.

You can also find unofficial spots to access the creek near bridge crossings. Stickbaits like Original Floating Rapalas and Husky Jerks are popular lure choices for walleye fishing. You should discover the spot for the best walleye fishing in PA.

6. Lake Wilhelm

Lake Wilhelm is a 1,724-acre lake near Pymatuning Reservoir in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, muskellunge, and walleye. Despite being overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Lake Wilhelm should be noticed.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has released many young walleye into Lake Wilhelm to help increase their population. These fish can live long and grow up to 30 inches long.

Catching walleyes in Lake Wilhelm can be tricky because there are many other fish for them to eat, like the gizzard shad. Trolling, which means slowly driving a boat and dragging fishing lines behind it, is often the best way to catch walleye in this lake.

On the lake’s northeast side, gravel spots on the bottom are good for trolling. During winter, when the lake freezes, people enjoy ice fishing and catching walleyes.

Lake Wilhelm is part of Maurice K. Goddard State Park, which has many places to launch your boat and many spots for fishing from the shore. 

Many people like to fish from the rip-rap along the dam, especially at night, when they have caught some big walleye.

7. Beltzville Lake

Beltzville Lake, a 946-acre lake in Eastern Pennsylvania, is known for its excellent walleye fishing. The lake has consistently been stocked with walleye, resulting in some of the highest catch rates in the region.

Surprisingly, Beltzville Lake is quite deep, reaching depths of over 100 feet in certain areas. It features a distinct river channel that meanders between opposite banks. 

The best spots for walleye fishing in Beltzville Lake are often near steep drops where the channel bends close to the bank.

Alewives are the primary food source for walleye in Beltzville Lake and make excellent bait. Some local anglers catch alewives around sunset and then use them as bait, fishing them near the bottom for walleye after dark.

When fishing for walleye after dark, it’s recommended to use live bait close to the bottom. Depths between 15 and 25 feet are typically ideal, with walleye often positioning themselves just beyond the deep edge of a weed bed.

Pennsylvania Walleye Fishing Rivers

Let’s see some of the Pennsylvania rivers where anglers can try their luck for walleye fishing.

1. Allegheny River

The Allegheny River in Pennsylvania is famous for its impressive catches and abundant population. This river often outperforms Lake Erie regarding the size and quantity of walleye caught by anglers. 

The Middle Allegheny section stretches 125 miles from Kinzua Dam to Brady’s Bend and is the best place to catch walleyes. The river has deep holes and pools where walleye like to hang out, especially near areas where the current slows down. 

Anglers can catch walleye using live bait like creek chubs or lures like jigs, grubs, and jerk baits. The Lower Allegheny River, which has locks and dams, is also an excellent spot for walleye fishing in Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, fishing guides can navigate the waters near the Maryland state line, and the Army Corps regulates certain areas. Find walleye lakes near me and enjoy the excitement of landing these impressive fish.

2. Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania is famous for its fishing, including walleye opportunities. While smallmouth bass are the primary focus, the river has a thriving population of stocked walleyes.

The Susquehanna River holds good numbers of 3 to 5-pound walleye, with occasional larger ones. 

The Upper Susquehanna River, known as the North Branch, offers great fishing with its broad sections and deep pools. Tunkhannock, West Falls, and Bloomsburg access sites provide convenient entry points.

Further downstream, the river widens and is controlled by dams. Tailwaters like the York Haven Dam below the dams are productive for state-record walleye fishing.

Drifting live shiners and hellgrammites near shallow river bars and deep pools works well, as does using curly tail grubs rigged on floating jigheads. May to June and October to November are productive months.

During winter, the deepest pools attract the largest walleye. Catch-and-release is recommended during this vulnerable period. As the water warms, walleye become more active, especially in the lower portion of rivers. With a short distance, you can catch several walleye.

3. Youghiogheny River

The Youghiogheny River, also known as the Yough, is a long river that flows through West Virginia, Maryland, and Southwest Pennsylvania. 

It stretches for 134 miles and offers great chances for catching walleyes. In the Connellsville section, Yough River Park is a good place to go fishing from the riverbank.

To catch walleye in the Youghiogheny River, you can use different types of bait, such as stickbaits, curlytail grubs, and live minnows. These baits can attract walleye and other fish like smallmouth bass and channel cats. It’s exciting to see what you might catch!

The best time for walleye fishing in the Youghiogheny River is during the cooler water, from late October to early March. 

Look for spots below dams, shallow bars, and deep pools where walleye like to hang out. They are ready to bite your fishing line. Look for a walleye lake near me and enjoy the thrill of hooking into these delicious fish.

How can I obtain a walleye fishing license in Pennsylvania?

To get a license for walleye fishing in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website or a license-selling location in your area.

Then, provide your name, address, and age. Choose the type of license you need, such as a regular fishing license or a special one for walleye fishing.

Decide how long you want the license to last, such as for daylight hours, a year, or more. Pay the fee, which can vary based on your age and how long you want the license. 

Once you’re done, you’ll receive a document or a printed license that shows you can fish for walleye in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania offers excellent walleye fishing opportunities in lakes and rivers. You should explore the best walleye lakes in PA. With its rocky or gravel bottom, Lake Arthur is a prime spot where walleye spawn and thrive. Using live creek chub as bait can attract these game fish. 

Like those in the North Branch, feeder streams contribute to natural reproduction, ensuring a healthy walleye population. While there may be closed seasons to protect the fish, walleye provides delicious table fare.