Pennsylvania Kayak Fishing: Lake and River Access Points

April 1, 2025

Pennsylvania offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities across its diverse waterways. From the expansive Susquehanna River to the scenic mountain streams of the Laurel Highlands, the Keystone State provides year-round access to numerous fish species in settings that range from peaceful lakes to challenging rivers. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best kayak fishing spots in Pennsylvania, understand current regulations, and maximize your time on the water throughout 2025.

2025 Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations Update

Before setting out on your kayak fishing adventure, it’s essential to understand the current regulations that govern Pennsylvania’s waterways in 2025.

License Requirements and Fees

All anglers 16 years and older must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license to fish legally in the state. For 2025, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains the following license structure:

Resident Annual License: $27.97
Senior Resident Annual License (65+): $14.47
Non-resident Annual License: $60.97
Non-resident students attending Pennsylvania universities now qualify for the resident rate of $27.97

Licenses can be purchased through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, at County Treasurer’s offices, sporting goods stores, and many bait shops throughout the state.

Key Fishing Dates for 2025

Trout Regular Season: Opens statewide at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, through midnight Labor Day (September 1, 2025)
Trout Extended Season: January 1 to February 16, 2025, and from 12:01 a.m. the day after Labor Day to December 31, 2025
Bass Season: Open year-round, with catch-and-release only from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June
Walleye and Sauger Season: January 1 to March 14, and from 12:01 a.m. of the first Saturday in May to December 31
Fish-for-Free Days: Sunday, May 25, 2025, and Friday, July 4, 2025 (no license required)
Mentored Youth Trout Day: Saturday, March 29, 2025 (statewide)

Top Lake Access Points for Kayak Fishing

Pennsylvania’s lakes offer some of the most accessible kayak fishing opportunities with relatively calm waters and abundant fish populations. Here are the premier lake access points across different regions of the state.

Northwestern Pennsylvania (Lake Erie Region)

Lake Erie represents Pennsylvania’s greatest Great Lakes fishing resource, with numerous access points for kayakers:

Presque Isle Bay: Features multiple kayak launch sites with parking and restroom facilities. The bay provides protected water for safer kayak fishing and excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye. The Presque Isle State Park marina offers dedicated kayak launch areas designed specifically for paddlers.
North East Marina: Located in the eastern basin of Lake Erie, this access point provides protected launching for kayakers seeking steelhead and lake trout. The marina has recently added kayak-specific staging areas making loading and unloading easier.
Elk Creek Access Areas: Several dedicated access points serve this premier Lake Erie tributary, making it ideal for targeting steelhead during seasonal runs. The Elk Creek Access Area off Route 5 specifically includes kayak-friendly launch sites with gradually sloped entries.

Northeastern Pennsylvania (Pocono Region)

The Pocono Mountains contain numerous lakes perfect for kayak anglers:

Lake Wallenpaupack: This 5,700-acre lake features multiple public access points ideal for kayak fishing. The PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center provides a kayak-friendly launch with parking nearby. Target species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and striped bass hybrids.
Promised Land Lake: Located within Promised Land State Park, this lake offers two main boat launches with dedicated areas for non-motorized craft. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and also holds bass, pickerel, and panfish.
Beltzville Lake: Features improved kayak launches on both the east and west sides of the lake. The Beltzville State Park launch areas include gradual entries and limited distance from parking to water, making kayak transport easier.

Central Pennsylvania Lakes

Raystown Lake: As Pennsylvania’s largest lake entirely within state borders, Raystown offers numerous kayak access points. The Seven Points Recreation Area and James Creek launch specifically cater to kayakers with easier shoreline access. The lake is renowned for striped bass, largemouth bass, and lake trout.
Sayers Lake: Located in Bald Eagle State Park, this lake features dedicated kayak launches at the modern marina and Hunters Run access areas. The lake holds excellent populations of crappie, bass, and hybrid striped bass.

River Access Points for Pennsylvania Kayak Fishing

Pennsylvania’s rivers offer some of the most exciting kayak fishing in the state, with diverse species and scenic beauty. Here are key access points for the major river systems.

Susquehanna River Access

The Susquehanna River is renowned for world-class smallmouth bass fishing and offers numerous kayak access points:

Harrisburg Area: Multiple dedicated kayak launches including City Island (40.2523°N, 76.8844°W) and Fort Hunter access points. This section offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing with the added benefit of urban amenities nearby.
Sunbury/Northumberland Area: Where the North and West branches meet, with established kayak access areas at Shikellamy State Park (40.8713°N, 76.7923°W). This confluence creates diverse fishing opportunities as water from different regions mixes.
Columbia/Montour County Areas: Numerous access points along this productive stretch, including the Bloomsburg Town Park access which provides facilities for both kayakers and shore anglers. Anglers here can target smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and northern pike.

Delaware River Launch Sites

The Delaware River forms Pennsylvania’s eastern border and offers excellent fishing for multiple species:

Upper Delaware: Multiple access points managed by the National Park Service with facilities specifically designed for kayakers. The Narrowsburg access (41.6081°N, 75.0603°W) provides an excellent starting point for targeting smallmouth bass and walleye.
New Hope/Lambertville Area: Well-established access points with parking and easy river entry at the New Hope public launch (40.3630°N, 74.9513°W). This section offers excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass, catfish, and carp.
Philadelphia Region: Urban access points including the improved launches at Pennypack on the Delaware provide access to surprisingly good fishing for striped bass and catfish within city limits.

Youghiogheny River Water Trail

The “Yough” offers established water trails with dedicated access points for kayakers:

Middle Yough Section: From Ramcat Access (39.8266°N, 79.3786°W) downriver to Ohiopyle. This nine-mile stretch runs through the Youghiogheny Gorge and Ohiopyle State Park, offering Class I-III rapids with deep pools. The section falls under All Tackle Trophy Trout regulation.
Ohiopyle Access: One of the most popular kayak launches in the state, this well-maintained access point serves as a hub for anglers targeting the river’s diverse fish populations, including trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

Seasonal Kayak Fishing Guide for Pennsylvania

Understanding the seasonal patterns of Pennsylvania’s fisheries will significantly improve your kayak fishing success.

Spring (March-May)

Spring represents prime time for Pennsylvania kayak anglers as fish become more active:

Early Spring (March): Focus on deeper, slower sections of rivers where fish are still somewhat lethargic. The Susquehanna River’s deeper pools hold concentrations of smallmouth bass and walleye. Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only sections on many trout streams offer excellent early season opportunities with special regulations.
Mid-Spring (April): With the statewide trout opener on April 5, 2025, recently stocked waters provide excellent action. Kayak anglers have an advantage in accessing less-pressured sections away from popular shore fishing areas. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock 3.2 million adult rainbow, brook, brown, and golden rainbow trout into 691 streams and 130 lakes throughout PA in 2025.
Late Spring (May): As water temperatures rise, fishing improves across all systems. On the Delaware River, American shad make their annual spawning run, providing excellent opportunities for kayak anglers. Walleye season opens on the first Saturday in May, creating new targeting opportunities in rivers like the Allegheny and Susquehanna.

Summer (June-August)

Summer represents the peak season for most warmwater species:

Early Summer (June): Bass become fully active after the catch-and-release period ends in mid-June. Kayak anglers should target early morning and evening hours when surface activity peaks. The Youghiogheny River offers excellent smallmouth fishing along with the opportunity to catch trout in the cooler sections.
Mid-Summer (July): Focus shifts to deeper structure as fish seek cooler water. Lake fishing becomes more technical, with thermoclines developing in larger waters like Raystown Lake. The July 4 Fish-for-Free Day provides an excellent opportunity for introducing friends to kayak fishing without license requirements.
Late Summer (August): River levels typically decrease, making kayak navigation easier but requiring more stealth when approaching fish. The Susquehanna River’s smallmouth bass concentrate in deeper runs and around structure during this period.

Fall (September-November)

Fall brings some of Pennsylvania’s most productive fishing as species feed heavily before winter:

Early Fall (September): As water temperatures begin to cool, fishing activity increases across most watersheds. The extended trout season begins after Labor Day, offering renewed opportunities on stocked waters.
Mid-Fall (October): This prime fishing period sees increased activity from most gamefish. Lake Erie tributaries like Elk Creek see steelhead runs, while rivers like the Delaware and Lehigh offer excellent smallmouth fishing as bass feed aggressively before winter.
Late Fall (November): Cold-water species like musky become more active. The Allegheny River and tributaries offer excellent late-season opportunities for kayak anglers willing to brave cooler temperatures.

Winter (December-February)

While winter limits some kayak fishing, dedicated anglers can still find success:

Early Winter (December): Tailwater fisheries below dams maintain more consistent temperatures and can provide excellent fishing through early winter. The extended trout season continues through December 31.
Mid-Winter (January): Open water opportunities become limited but still exist on larger rivers and below dams. The Trout Extended Season resumes on January 1, providing opportunities on stocked waters that remain ice-free.
Late Winter (February): As February progresses, pre-spawn movements begin for species like walleye. The lower Susquehanna near Conowingo Dam offers excellent late winter fishing for multiple species.

Target Species and Kayak Fishing Techniques

Pennsylvania waters host numerous gamefish species accessible to kayak anglers throughout the year.

Trout Fishing from a Kayak

Pennsylvania has more miles of trout streams than any other state in the contiguous US, with Somerset County containing more approved trout waters than any other county in the state.

Stocked Trout Waters: For 2025, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock 3.2 million adult rainbow, brook, brown, and golden rainbow trout into 691 streams and 130 lakes. Many of these waters have improved kayak access.
Wild Trout Streams: Pennsylvania contains numerous streams with wild trout populations. Clear Shade Creek, located off State Route 160, features a one-mile Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only section, with the upper stream section in the Clear Shade Wild Area harboring wild brook and brown trout.
Trophy Trout Waters: Through the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program, approximately 10,000 large trout measuring 14-20 inches will be stocked in select streams for 2025. Meadow Run in Ohiopyle State Park represents one such water, with the lower 2.2 miles designated as Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only.

Smallmouth Bass Tactics for Pennsylvania Rivers

Smallmouth bass represent Pennsylvania’s premier river gamefish:

Susquehanna River System: Known nationally for its smallmouth fishery, this system offers excellent kayak fishing opportunities. Concentrate efforts around rock structures, ripples, and deeper holes. The section downstream of the I-80 Bridge in Columbia County is particularly productive, offering opportunities for smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and northern pike.
Delaware River: The Delaware offers excellent smallmouth fishing throughout its Pennsylvania border. Kayaks provide ideal access to mid-river structure often inaccessible to shore anglers.
Youghiogheny River: This scenic river hosts a diverse fish community, including smallmouth bass. The middle section from Ramcat Access downriver to Ohiopyle flows through the Youghiogheny Gorge and Ohiopyle State Park, offering both scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities.

Walleye, Pike, and Musky

These larger predators provide exciting targets for kayak anglers:

Walleye Waters: The Allegheny River system represents one of Pennsylvania’s premier walleye fisheries. Kayaks allow anglers to precisely position over deep holes and along current seams where walleye concentrate.
Pike Locations: Northern pike inhabit numerous Pennsylvania waters, particularly in the northwestern and northeastern regions. Lakes like Wallenpaupack and sections of the Delaware River host healthy pike populations.
Musky Opportunities: The “fish of 10,000 casts” inhabits several Pennsylvania waters. The Allegheny River system, sections of the Susquehanna, and the Youghiogheny River all offer musky potential. Downstream sections of the I-80 Bridge on the Susquehanna River hold muskellunge among other species.

Equipment Considerations for Pennsylvania Kayak Fishing

Choosing appropriate equipment significantly impacts your kayak fishing success on Pennsylvania waters.

Kayak Selection for Pennsylvania Waters

Different Pennsylvania waterways demand different kayak characteristics:

River Running: For navigating flowing waters like the Susquehanna or Delaware, consider a kayak with decent tracking ability while maintaining maneuverability. A moderate length (10-12 feet) offers a good compromise.
Lake Fishing: On larger bodies like Raystown or Lake Wallenpaupack, longer kayaks (12-14 feet) with better tracking are advantageous, especially when covering greater distances.
Small Stream Access: For smaller streams with limited access, lightweight, shorter kayaks of 9-10 feet offer easier portability and maneuverability in confined spaces.

Seasonal Equipment Considerations

Pennsylvania’s variable climate requires adapting your equipment throughout the year:

Spring/Fall: Prepare for potentially cold water with appropriate clothing layers. Dry storage for extra clothing becomes essential as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Summer: Hot conditions require hydration systems, sun protection, and proper ventilation. Consider kayaks with elevated seating for better ventilation during summer heat.
Winter: Limited opportunities exist, but specialized cold-weather gear becomes essential for safety during winter fishing.

Safety Considerations for Pennsylvania Kayak Anglers

Safety should always be a primary concern for kayak anglers on Pennsylvania waters.

River Safety

Pennsylvania’s rivers present unique safety challenges:

Understanding River Classifications: The Youghiogheny offers sections ranging from beginner-friendly Class I to challenging Class III rapids. Always research the classification of river sections before launching.
Water Level Awareness: The Susquehanna and Delaware can change dramatically with rainfall. The USGS Water Data website provides real-time water level information for most Pennsylvania rivers.
Strainer Avoidance: Downed trees and debris create dangerous “strainers” that allow water through but trap boats and paddlers. These are particularly common on smaller Pennsylvania streams after storms.

Weather Preparedness

Pennsylvania weather can change rapidly, requiring kayak anglers to be prepared:

Thunderstorm Response: Summer thunderstorms develop quickly over Pennsylvania waters. At the first sign of approaching storms, head immediately to shore and seek appropriate shelter.
Wind Considerations: Open waters like Lake Erie, Lake Wallenpaupack, and Raystown Lake can develop dangerous wind-driven waves. Check wind forecasts before launching and understand your kayak’s limitations.
Cold Water Immersion: Even during warm air temperatures, many Pennsylvania waters remain dangerously cold. The “120-degree rule” (if air and water temperatures combined equal less than 120°F, wear thermal protection) offers a good guideline.

Conservation and Regulations

Understanding and respecting Pennsylvania’s fishing regulations helps preserve these resources for future generations.

Special Regulation Areas

Pennsylvania features numerous special regulation areas that kayak anglers should understand:

Catch and Release Artificial Lures Only: These areas, like sections of Clear Shade Creek, require artificial lures constructed of metal, plastic, rubber or wood, or flies and streamers made of natural or synthetic materials. No trout may be killed or possessed, and the waters remain open to fishing year-round.
All-Tackle Trout Slot Limit: These waters, including sections of the Youghiogheny River, allow all tackle types but impose specific size and creel limits. From the regular trout season through Labor Day, anglers may keep two trout between 7 and 12 inches.
Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only: These productive waters, like sections of Meadow Run and Loyalhanna Creek, have seasonal harvest restrictions and tackle limitations, making them excellent destinations for catch-and-release oriented kayak anglers.

Resource Conservation

Kayak anglers have unique opportunities to practice and promote conservation:

Selective Harvest: Consider practicing selective harvest, keeping only what you’ll consume and releasing larger, often more productive spawning fish.
Proper Catch and Release: When practicing catch and release, minimize fish handling, keep fish in the water when possible, and use appropriate tackle to reduce injury.
Habitat Awareness: Kayaks allow access to sensitive habitats. Avoid disturbing spawning areas, aquatic vegetation, and stream beds, particularly during low water conditions.

Planning Your Pennsylvania Kayak Fishing Trip

Whether for a day trip or extended adventure, careful planning enhances your Pennsylvania kayak fishing experience.

Day Trip Recommendations

For single-day kayak fishing excursions:

Susquehanna River: Launch from City Island in Harrisburg for excellent smallmouth bass fishing within an urban setting. This central location provides easy access to productive waters without extensive travel.
Fishing Creek: This legendary trout destination offers numerous access points from I-80 northward and represents one of Pennsylvania’s premier fly fishing waters.
Oil Creek: Located near Titusville and Oil City, Oil Creek State Park provides excellent access to this prime trout fishing location. Several small paths and trails lead from park roads to the water, making kayak transport manageable.

Multi-Day Expeditions

For extended kayak fishing adventures:

Delaware River Water Trail: Plan multi-day floats with camping at designated sites along this scenic river corridor. The Delaware River Basin Commission provides detailed water trail maps showing access points and camping areas.
Pennsylvania Wilds Region: This north-central region offers numerous connected waterways for multi-day trips. The PA Wilds website provides information on water trails throughout the region.
Laurel Highlands Circuit: Create a circuit of premier fishing destinations in the Laurel Highlands, including the Youghiogheny River, Loyalhanna Creek, and Yellow Creek, all offering excellent fishing and scenic beauty.

Access Point Considerations for Kayak Anglers

When selecting access points for your Pennsylvania kayak fishing trips, consider these key factors:

Facility Assessment

Evaluate potential launch sites based on:

Parking Proximity: Ideal access points have parking close to the water to minimize carrying distance for your kayak and gear. Many Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access areas feature improved parking specifically designed for ease of access.
Launch Surface: The best kayak launches have barrier-free surfaces and adequate width (8-10 feet is recommended for comfortable launching). Many improved access points throughout Pennsylvania have installed kayak-specific launch facilities with gentler grades and stabilization features.
Seasonal Availability: Some access points close seasonally or become unusable during high or low water conditions. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website provides updated information on access point closures.

Alternative Access Strategies

Beyond designated access points, consider:

Permission-Based Access: Many Pennsylvania landowners grant access when asked respectfully. Always obtain permission before crossing private property to reach water.
Public Rights-of-Way: Road crossings and bridges often provide legal access to flowing waters. Pennsylvania law generally permits fishing from public rights-of-way where they intersect waterways.
Conservation Organizations: Groups like Trout Unlimited have secured fishing easements on numerous Pennsylvania streams. These often include provisions for access, though specific regulations may apply.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities across its diverse waterways. By understanding the regulations, seasons, access points, and techniques specific to Pennsylvania waters, anglers can enjoy productive and memorable fishing adventures throughout the year. Whether targeting trophy smallmouth on the Susquehanna, stalking trout in the pristine streams of the Laurel Highlands, or pursuing walleye on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania’s diverse fisheries provide something for every kayak angler.

For more information on fishing in other states, check out these related articles on TeenFish:

Remember to always check current regulations before heading out, as specific rules can change. Purchase your 2025 Pennsylvania fishing license early, respect the resource by following catch limits and seasons, and practice safe kayaking techniques for the most enjoyable experience on Pennsylvania’s waters.

Categories: PA Fishing License