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Fishing East Branch Lake

AKA: East Branch Clarion River Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

East Branch Clarion Lake, PA

Popular Fish Species East Branch Lake, PA


East Branch Clarion Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at East Branch Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.


East Branch Clarion Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of East Branch Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.


East Branch Clarion Lake Popular Fish - Lake Torut

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in East Branch Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental help to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, white crappie, walleye, brook trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and tiger muskie at East Branch Clarion River Lake in Pennsylvania.

East Branch Lake Fishing Video

Located in north-central Pennsylvania, East Branch Lake is home to a variety of cold-water fish species. This 640-acre reservoir at Elk State Park offers ice fishing in winter and excellent boating in spring, summer and fall. Smallmouth, walleye, trout and muskie are favorites here, but the lake also contains healthy populations of crappie, sunfish and northern pike.

Nestled in the picturesque Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania, East Branch Lake is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding angling experience. Spanning over 500 acres, this scenic lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to East Branch Lake to target popular fish such as walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish like crappie and bluegill. The lake's diverse structure, including submerged trees, rocky areas, and shallow flats, provides a thriving habitat for these species, ensuring an exciting and fruitful fishing adventure.

Boating enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at East Branch Lake. With its expansive waters and well-maintained boat ramps, the lake provides ample space for sailing, powerboating, kayaking, and canoeing. Boaters can explore the lake's scenic coves, navigate through its channels, or even try their hand at water sports such as water skiing or tubing. The calm waters and serene surroundings make East Branch Lake an ideal destination for both leisurely boating and adventurous water-based activities.

Camping is a popular activity at East Branch Lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers several camping options, including both developed campgrounds and primitive sites. Whether one seeks a waterfront campsite or a secluded spot in the woods, there are accommodations available to suit different preferences. Camping at East Branch Lake provides an opportunity to wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy lakeside picnics, and indulge in the peace and tranquility of the surroundings.

As visitors explore East Branch Lake and its surrounding landscapes, they can appreciate the scenic beauty that encompasses the area. Rolling hills, dense forests, and the sparkling waters of the lake create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. Nature lovers can also explore nearby hiking trails, go wildlife spotting, or simply relax and absorb the serenity of the natural environment.

East Branch Lake, with its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and camping facilities, offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Whether one seeks an exciting fishing expedition, a peaceful boating adventure, or a tranquil camping getaway, East Branch Lake provides an idyllic setting to connect with nature and create cherished memories in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest.

With no limit on horsepower, all types of boats are allowed on the lake for angling, water sports and pleasure boating. Kayaks, canoes, bass boats, pontoons, and most any fishing boat will enhance your fishing trip. There is plenty of area to fish, including areas for bank fishing from shore.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Pennsylvania

Primary fish species residing in East Branch Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smallmouth bass White crappie Walleye Brook trout Lake trout Bluegill Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Yellow Perch Muskie Northern pike Tiger muskie

East Branch Clarion River Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

East Branch Lake Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake near the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with parking for over thirty vehicles with boat trailers.

Instanter Boat Launch
This is a basic, one-lane concrete ramp with limited, primitive parking. This ramp is only functional when water levels are high.

Fishing Guides On East Branch Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

East Branch Lake Park Campground - 814 965- 5851

Bendigo State Park Campground - 814 965-2646

East Branch Lake PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

East Branch Clarion River Lake
US Army Corp Of Engineers
631 East Branch Dam Road
Wilcox, PA 15870
814 965-2065

 

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