Fishing At Lake Wilhelm

AKA: Wilhelm Reservoir

What to fish for...

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

Conveniently located off I-79, Lake Wilhelm is a 1,740 acre reservoir in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania. Fish here for bass, walleye, crappie, muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, northern pike, perch and sunfish. The lake is open to all boats with plenty of boat ramps, parking and marina slips. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats give anglers access to quality fishing waters.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Wilhelm, located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding angling experience. Covering over 1,700 acres, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. Anglers are drawn to Lake Wilhelm to target popular fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, crappie, catfish, and panfish like bluegill and perch. 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 fruitful fishing adventure.

Lake Video

During the winter months, Lake Wilhelm becomes a haven for ice fishing enthusiasts. As the lake freezes over, anglers can set up their ice fishing shelters and drill holes to try their luck at catching a variety of fish species. Ice fishing on Lake Wilhelm is a beloved winter activity, providing a unique and thrilling experience for those who enjoy the sport.

Lake Wilhelm, with its excellent fishing opportunities, ice fishing options, boating amenities, and camping facilities, offers a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Whether one seeks a rewarding fishing experience, an exhilarating ice fishing adventure, a relaxing boating excursion, or a peaceful camping getaway, Lake Wilhelm provides an ideal setting to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of this scenic destination.

Some excellent bank fishing is also available with access at multiple locations around the lake. When ice conditions in winter are safe, the ice fishing can be quite active with some of the biggest fish of the year being taken. Ice fishing for bass, walleye, bluegill and perch are quite popular.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Wilhelm

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Wilhelm Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is another popular activity on Lake Wilhelm, allowing visitors to explore its expansive waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits motorized boats, making it suitable for powerboating, sailing, water skiing, and tubing. Boaters can launch their own vessels at the lake's multiple boat ramps or rent boats from nearby marinas. Navigating the scenic waters of Lake Wilhelm, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, is a delight for boating enthusiasts.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Wilhelm Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
724 549-9531

Marinas

Lake Wilhelm Marina
540 Lake Wilhelm Rd
Sandy Lake, PA 16145
724 549-9531

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #1
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of gravel parking.

Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #2
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.

Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #3
Located mid lake, just north of the Lake Wilhelm Road bridge, on the northeast side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of parking.

Lake Wilhelm Boat Launch #4
Located mid lake, on the northeast side of the lake, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.

Long Boom Boat Launch
Located just north of the I-79 bridge, on the west side of the lake, this is a primitive launch area and parking

Maurice K. Goddard State Park Marina Boat Ramp
Located on the west side of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Sheakleyville Road Boat Launch
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a primitive launch area and parking.

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 fully embrace the outdoor experience. The lake features a campground with various sites for tents and RVs, equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. Camping at Lake Wilhelm allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, wake up to stunning views, and enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.