Fishing Shawnee Lake

AKA: Shawnee State Park Lake

Most Popular Fish
Shawnee Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Shawnee Lake, PA

Popular Fish Species Shawnee Lake, PA

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Shawnee 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, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Shawnee Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Shawnee Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Shawnee Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Shawnee Lake. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and tiger muskie at Shawnee Lake in Pennsylvania.

Shawnee Lake Fishing Video

The feature element of Shawnee State Park is Shawnee Lake. It is a 450-acre lake in the southern part of the Keystone State. Boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only, and can be launched from three boat ramps around the lake. Camping, lodging and picnicking areas are available to the public.

Shawnee Lake, nestled in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, is a charming destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene angling experience. Covering approximately 250 acres, this scenic lake offers ample fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Shawnee Lake to target popular fish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish (bluegill, crappie, and sunfish), catfish, and northern pike. The lake's diverse underwater structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky areas, and drop-offs, provides a thriving habitat for these species, ensuring an exciting and rewarding fishing adventure.

This is an ideal lake for canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and rowboats, all available for rent at the lake. There is an ADA-accessible fishing pier, and over 6 miles of shoreline to explore. Bass, crappie, walleye, pike and musky are popular fish species here. During winter, perch, pike and walleye are the primary targets.

Primary fish species residing in Shawnee Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Shawnee Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

While Shawnee Lake does not permit motorized boats, it offers an idyllic setting for non-motorized watercraft. Anglers can bring their canoes, kayaks, or rowboats to quietly explore the lake's calm waters and access hidden fishing spots. The absence of motorized boats enhances the tranquility of the lake, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance and natural beauty of Shawnee Lake.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Colvin Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete boat ramp with gravel parking for up to twenty vehicles with boat trailers.

Kegg Run Launch Area
Located on the southern end of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete boat ramp with gravel parking for up to a dozen vehicles with boat trailers.

#2 Picnic Area Boat Access
Located just east of the State Park Road bridge, on the north side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete boat ramp with plenty of parking.

Fishing Guides On Shawnee 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.

Camping options are available in the surrounding area, providing visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and enjoy the outdoor experience. Nearby campgrounds offer tent and RV camping sites, allowing visitors to relax and unwind amidst the beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Camping near Shawnee Lake provides the perfect opportunity to wake up to the sounds of nature, indulge in lakeside activities, and enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding forest.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Shawnee State Park Campground - 814 733-4218

Shawnee Sleepy Hollow Campground - 814 733-4380

Choice Camping Court - 814 623-5586