Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Guide by Species

Lake Wallenpaupack supports several regulated game fish species. Each fish has unique habits, habitats, and Pennsylvania regulations. Use this guide to learn where they live, how they feed, and what gear works best — and always check current regulations before fishing. - More to be added soon!

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I only recommend gear that makes sense for fishing Lake Wallenpaupack.

Walleye

Walleye are more challenging but highly rewarding to catch.
They stay deep and are most active in low-light conditions. Fish deeper, slower, and smarter to land one of the lake’s most sought-after catches.

Artficial Bait Suggestions:

• Berkley Flicker Shad Crankbait
  👉 Top trolling bait

• Jig Heads + Paddle Tail Grubs
  👉 Simple and effective

• Rapala Deep Diving Crankbaits

Where to Fish:
River channel, drop-offs, deep water

Best Time:
Evening, night, low light

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Why these work:

Walleye love slow-moving, natural presentations. These are perfect for trolling or bouncing along the bottom.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass hit hard and fight aggressively.
They prefer rocky areas and deeper, clearer water. Chase aggressive smallmouth around rocks, depth changes, and clear water structure.

Artificial Bait Suggestions:

• Keitech Easy Shiner (3.5”–4.5”)
  👉 Paddle tail swimbait (must-have)

• Gary Yamamoto Senko (5”)
  👉 One of the most reliable bass baits ever

• Strike King Spinnerbait
  👉 Great for covering water

• 6” Magdraft Swimbait
  👉 Bigger profile for aggressive fish

Where to Fish:
North end, boulders, drop-offs

Best Time:
Morning & late afternoon

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are common and easy to target across the lake.
They stay shallow around weeds, docks, and fallen trees. Target shallow cover and weed lines where largemouth thrive in warmer water.

Artificial Bait Suggestions:

• Keitech Easy Shiner (3.5”–4.5”)
  👉 Paddle tail swimbait (must-have)

• Yamamoto Senko (5”)
  👉 One of the most reliable bass baits ever

• Strike King Spinnerbait
  👉 Great for covering water

• 6” Magdraft Swimbait
  👉 Bigger profile for aggressive fish

Where to Fish:
South end, weed beds, docks

Best Time:
Morning & evening

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Pickerel

Pickerel are aggressive predators found in shallow vegetation.
They strike quickly and are fun to target from shore or boat. Work the weeds and be ready—pickerel strike fast and hit hard.

Artificial Bait Suggestions:

• Inline Spinners (Mepps / Rooster Tail)

• Soft Plastic Minnows

• Steel Leaders (important for teeth)

Where to Fish:
Weeds, shallow coves

Best Time:
Morning & evening

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Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are easy to catch and great for all skill levels.
They travel in schools and stay close to the bottom.
Find the school, fish the bottom, and enjoy fast, consistent action.

Best Bait:

• Live Bait Hooks + Split Shot Kit

• Small Jig Kit (multi-pack)

Where to Fish:
Weed edges, drop-offs, mid-depth

Best Time:
Morning & daytime

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Trout (Brown & Rainbow)

Trout fishing is best in early spring after stocking.
They stay shallow early before moving deeper as water warms. Capitalize on stocking season and cool water for one of the easiest bites on the lake.

Artificial Bait Suggestions:

• Rooster Tail Spinners (multi-pack)

• Rapala Original Floating Minnow

• PowerBait Dough
  

Where to Fish:
Near inflows, open water, cooler areas

Best Time:
Morning

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Striped Bass

Striped bass are powerful fish that roam open water. They follow bait schools and are often found deep. Follow the bait into open water and target depth for trophy-sized stripers.

Artificial Bait Suggestions:

• Umbrella Rig (5-arm / Mini Blades style)
  👉 Huge for Wallenpaupack stripers

• Storm WildEye Swim Shad
  👉 Easy alternative to live bait

• Heavy Duty Swimbait Hooks / Jig Heads

Where to Fish:
Main channel, deep flats

Best Time:
Early morning & evening

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