Fishing Raystown Lake
AKA: Raystown Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Raystown Lake, PA
Striped Bass
Striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Raystown Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. Fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers is likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.
Lake Trout
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Raystown Lake is often quite good, and the fish are plentiful. Trolling with spoons or live bait has been working well this year. Use a fish finder to locate schools of bait and lake trout to find the area and depth on which to focus.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Raystown Lake, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. 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 big worms, jigs and spoons.
Raystown Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch, atlantic salmon, chinook salmon, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie and sauger at Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania.
Spanning 28 miles in southern PA, Raystown Lake is fishing, camping and outdoor recreation paradise. With over 100 miles of shoreline and over 8,000 surface acres, there is plenty of water to fish. And the lake is host to a wide variety of fish species including trout, bass, crappie, perch, stripers, walleye, sunfish, catfish and salmon.
Raystown Lake, nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable angling experience. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this expansive lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Raystown Lake to target popular fish such as striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and perch. The lake's diverse underwater structure, including rocky areas, submerged timber, and drop-offs, provides a thriving habitat for these species, ensuring an exciting and fruitful fishing adventure.
Big stripers, muskie and lake trout are all favorites here. Local fishing guides offer a host of trips for most any species you wish to pursue. There are boat rentals on the lake and plenty of boat-launch opportunities around the lake as well. There are multiple areas with access for shoreline fishing. Canoes, kayaks, pontoons and fishing boats give access to the schools of fish that roam the lake feeding on baitfish.
Primary fish species residing in Raystown Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Raystown Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a highlight of Raystown Lake, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its vast waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake allows for motorized boats, making it suitable for powerboating, sailing, and water skiing. Boaters can launch their own vessels at the lake's multiple boat ramps or rent boats from marinas conveniently located around the lake. Whether cruising along the scenic shoreline, fishing in secluded coves, or engaging in thrilling water sports, boaters can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Raystown Lake.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Seven Points Marina
Rentals: Pontoon Boats
814 658-3074
Marinas
Raystown Resort Boat Launch Marina
Boat Launch Rd
James Creek, PA 16657
814 658-3500
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Aitch Boat Launch and Fishing Dock
Located on the west side of the lake, in James Creek, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of gravel parking.
James Creek Boat Launch
Located on the west side of the lake, off James Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and ample gravel parking.
Raystown Resort Boat Launch
Located in the southeast sector of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.
Seven Points Public Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.
Shy Beaver Boat Launch
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.
Snyders Run Boat Launch
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.
Tatman Run Boat Launch
Located just north of the Old Plank Road bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.
Weaver Falls Boat Launch
Located at the southern tip of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Raystown Lake
Striper Lore Guide Service - stripers - bass - lake trout
Lunker Guide Service - stripers - bass
Fishing License
Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.
Camping options are available within Raystown Lake's expansive recreation area, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural surroundings. The lake boasts numerous campgrounds with tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and cottages for those seeking a more comfortable stay. Camping at Raystown Lake provides the opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views, enjoy lakeside activities, and connect with nature in a tranquil environment.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Four Seasons At Raystown Lake Camping Resort - 814 477-1005
Nancy's Camp Boat to Shore Campground - 814 658-3405
Seven Points Campground - 814 658-3405
Woodland Camping Resort - 814 658-3017
Pleasant Hills Campground - 814 658-3986
Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort - 814 643-3377
Happy Trails Campground - 814 658-3901
Pioneer Family Campground - 814 658-2267
Raystown Lake PA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Raystown Lake
Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort
11601 Piney Ridge Rd
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814 643-3377
Fishing lakes in each state.
022624
Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA
Trout, catfish and salmon fishing in south-central PA.
