Pennsylvania's Top Bass Lakes

Kevin

Senior Fisheman
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Location
Craig, Colorado
Best Catch
12lbs
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Charger
#1
If big bass and lots of them are on your list of wants this spring, these proven Keystone State lakes are the places to be.
By Mike Bleech



<!--begin paragraph-->The best largemouth bass fishing of the year in Pennsylvania will occur during the next few weeks as we get into the annual spawning ritual.
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<!--begin paragraph-->This is the best opportunity for anglers to catch their biggest bass of the year. Bass are aggressive in the spring and spend a lot of time in shallow water. Bass may not be kept from April 13 to June 14, but catch-and-release fishing is specifically allowed in the regulations. Just bring your camera to record your success. Here's a look at some of the better places for spring bass fishing in the Keystone State in 2002.


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BLUE MARSH LAKE
Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County west of Reading is one of the largest lakes in the southeast corner of the state. This manmade lake has a surface area of 1,150 acres and is in gently undulating farmland. Its maximum depth is 53 feet. It is quite fertile, and it provides quality bass fishing even though it is heavily fished.

While there is considerable pleasure boat traffic here, extensive no-wake zones are in force in most places where the bass fishing is best before the spawn. This includes all of the bays and the lake's entire upper main arm. The Sheidy boat launch off Route 193 near Bernville provides access to the upper lake area, which can be expected to warm soonest. This is a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access. Two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat launches have been built closer to the dam.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Anglers should understand that the bass in these areas have seen plenty of standard bass lures. Try the newest lures, the latest colors and techniques that are not commonly used. Try smaller lures when fishing is slow, or switch to lighter line.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Blue Marsh Lake is under Big Bass Program special regulations. Fishing is strictly catch-and-release from April 13 to June 14, as it is in most of the state.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Most day-use facilities at Blue Marsh Lake close at 9 p.m., but fishing and boating are allowed 24 hours per day. For more information about rules and facilities, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Blue Marsh Lake, 1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533; or call (610) 376-6337.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For information on local services, contact the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau, 352 Penn St., Reading, PA 19602; or call (800) 443-6610.




HOPEWELL LAKE​
At just 63 acres, Hopewell Lake is a dot on state highway maps and will not attract the bass boat crowd. If you like your bass fishing on the quiet side, it's worth a look. This is one of Pennsylvania's better bets for bank-fishing. The lake has responded well to Big Bass Program special regulations, which do not affect fishing during the catch-and-release portion of the season. In comparative electroshocking surveys, the catch rate of Hopewell Lake bass over 15 inches in length improved from none in 1989 to six per hour in 2001, which is nearly double the average in other Southeast Region bass lakes.

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<!--begin paragraph-->Hopewell Lake is in French Creek State Park in southern Berks County, close to the Chester County border. A boat launch is at the western end of the lake. Only non-powered and electric-powered boats may be used. There is also a handicapped-access fishing pier. A nearby campground offers 201 campsites and 10 rental cabins.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For more information on the park, contact French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520-9523; or call (610) 582-9680.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For information on local services, including motels, contact the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau, 352 Penn St., Reading, PA 19602; or call (800) 443-6610.


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LAKE MARBURG
Lake Marburg, another of our larger 'small' lakes, covers 1,295 acres in the southwest corner of York County near Hanover. The lake lies within Codorus State Park. There are campsites in the park, as well as seven boat launches. Boats are limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower.

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<!--begin paragraph-->Less fertile than most lakes southeast of the mountains but with clearer water, this is one of the best multi-species fisheries in the state. Though largemouth bass may not be the featured game fish, there are fine opportunities for spring fishing. The lake is moderately deep, and its rolling bottom includes numerous shallow flats and coves where you can expect to find bass during the spring. Look for wood and softer bottom structure.
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<!--begin paragraph-->A good population of spotfin shiners, transplants from the Susquehanna River, help Marburg bass grow big, but they also complicate the fishing. Hungry bass will be where the food is, and while some bass may be in the warmest shallows, some may relate to the shiners. Smaller, slender crankbaits that resemble these shiners can be productive. Vary the retrieve from a moderately slow, steady retrieve to a series of twitches resembling an injured shiner. Light line is definitely an asset for this kind of presentation.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Lake Marburg is covered by Big Bass Program special regulations, but fishing is strictly catch-and-release from April 13 to June 14, as in most of the state.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For information about the park, contact the Codorus State Park office, R.D. 3, Box I IS, Hanover, PA 17331; or call (717) 637-2816.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For information on local services, contact the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Markey Way East, York, PA 17401; or call (888) 858-9675.


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PINCHOT LAKE
Just a short drive from Harrisburg in northern York County, Pinchot Lake covers 340 acres in Gifford Pinchot State Park and will be one of the first lakes in the state to offer good spring bass action. The water temperature should get well into the 60s by the end of this month.

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<!--begin paragraph-->Look for spring largemouths in the shallower flats, particularly toward the upper end of the lake. Gently rolling countryside surrounding the lake is a good indication of the kind of structure you'll encounter beneath the surface. On a good day, you should see plenty of bass in the 1 1/2- to 3 1/2-pound class, and some a couple pounds larger.
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<!--begin paragraph-->The lake's extensive weedbeds will not yet be matted at the surface, so spinnerbaits fished slowly over the weeds should produce good numbers of fish. When a cold front moves in, bass move out of the shallow flats, so try crankbaits with tight wiggles just outside the weedbeds close to depth breaks.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Pinchot Lake is under Big Bass Program special regulations, but fishing is strictly catch-and-release from April 13 to June 14, so you do not need to worry about size and creel limits.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Boats may be powered only by electric motors, as is the case in most Pennsylvania state park lakes. This keeps the fishing quiet and relaxed. Unlike bass in larger lakes with heavy pleasure boat traffic, Pinchot's largemouths tend to be more active on the surface and in shallow water throughout the day.
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<!--begin paragraph-->Camping is available in the park. For information, contact the Gifford Pinchot State Park office, 2200 Rosstown Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339; or call (717) 432-5011.
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<!--begin paragraph-->For information on local services, contact the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 Market Way East, York, PA 17401; or call (888) 858-9675.


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To Read More Please Visit The Following Link:

http://www.pagameandfish.com/fishing/bass-fishing/pa_aa054402a/