Fishing Lake Wilhelm

AKA: Wilhelm Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Wilhelm Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
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Lake Wilhelm, PA

Popular Fish Species Lake Wilhelm, PA

Lake Wilhelm Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

This year, largemouth bass are drawing a lot of attention from local anglers at Lake Wilhelm. Bass are growing to bragging sizes due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. 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 on deeper structure. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Wilhelm Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black crappie reside in decent numbers throughout Lake Wilhelm, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing, especially during spring and early summer, is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.

Lake Wilhelm Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Lurking in the cool waters of Lake Wilhelm, northern pike are feeding on a healthy food supply and growing to size extra large. They are becoming a very popular target for local anglers. April and May tend to be 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. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Lake Wilhelm Fishing Video

Fish species 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. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. 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.

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

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.