Fishing Lake Ontelaunee
AKA: Reading Lake, Reading Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Ontelaunee, PA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Considering the fact that you can only fish from the bank, Lake Ontelaunee offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Some big bass roam Lake Ontelaunee, thanks to the lack of fishing pressure and excellent fisheries management by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Ontelaunee on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Ice fishing gives anglers an opportunity to reach these deeper holding areas.
Channel Catfish Fishing
There is a healthy population of channel catfish awaiting anglers at Lake Ontelaunee. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. The fact that you can go ice fishing on the lake provides access the these deeper holding areas. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. White catfish also reside in the lake.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Lake Ontelaunee continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch and yellow perch at Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania.
Lake Ontelaunee Fishing Video
On the outskirts of Reading, PA, Lake Ontelaunee is a 1,100-acre reservoir with unique fishing opportunities. While the lake has healthy populations of bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish and perch, boats are not allowed on the lake. So this is a great place to test your fishing skills while fishing from shore. When winter arrives and the ice becomes safe, enjoy ice fishing for bass, chain pickerel and northern pike.
Lake Ontelaunee, located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and rewarding angling experience. Spanning over 1,080 acres, this scenic lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Lake Ontelaunee to target popular fish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish. The lake's diverse underwater structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky areas, and submerged timber, provides a thriving habitat for these species, ensuring an exciting and fruitful fishing adventure.
Lake Ontelaunee, with its diverse fish species, great scenery, and nearby camping facilities, offers a serene retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Whether one seeks a rewarding fishing experience or a peaceful camping getaway, Lake Ontelaunee provides an ideal setting to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of this picturesque destination.
Primary fish species residing in Ontelaunee Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Ontelaunee Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: NO
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing License
Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Lake Ontelaunee, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Several nearby campgrounds offer tent and RV camping sites, providing a tranquil and convenient base for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping near Lake Ontelaunee allows visitors to wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy lakeside activities, and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Sacony Family Campground - 610 683-3939
Kutztown Campground New Dutch Campground - 610 683-1131
Lake Ontelaunee PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Ontelaunee
City Of Reading, PA
Reading, Pennsylvania
Fishing lakes in each state.
061724
Lake Ontelaunee in Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA
Bass, perch, crappie and catfish fishing in southeast PA.
