What to Expect at Glade Run Lake
Glade Run Lake is a 42-acre impoundment in Mercer County, about 20 miles north of Grove City. It holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and panfish — bluegill, crappie, and catfish — in shallow, weedy water that rewards both boat and shore anglers. The lake sits on state game lands, which means access is free and open year-round during daylight hours, but the water itself is narrow and winding, more like a creek dammed than a traditional lake. That shape makes it excellent for casting to structure but limits where you can safely run a boat.
The lake's appeal lies in its lack of crowds and its consistency for smallmouth. The water stays cool and well-oxygenated because of the creek flow, and the bottom is rocky in places — smallmouth habitat. Spring and fall are peak seasons, when water temperatures sit in the 60s and bass move shallow. Summer fishing is possible but slower; winter access depends on ice thickness and state game lands policy, which can close areas without notice.
Key Takeaways
- Glade Run Lake holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish in 42 acres of shallow, weed-lined water.
- The lake sits on state game lands in Mercer County and is open free to the public during daylight hours year-round.
- Spring and fall offer the most reliable fishing, with water temperatures in the 60s and bass feeding actively in shallow water.
- A small boat or canoe is useful but not required; shore anglers can reach productive water from the dam and along the eastern bank.
- Pennsylvania fishing license and trout stamp (if applicable) are required; check current regulations for bass and panfish limits before you fish.
Access and Launch Points
Glade Run Lake has no formal boat launch, which keeps traffic light but requires planning. The most reliable access is from the parking area near the dam on the south end, off State Game Lands Road. From there, you can walk a short distance to the water's edge and launch a canoe, kayak, or small jon boat by hand. The ground is often muddy, so wear boots and bring a towel.
Shore fishing is practical along the eastern bank and near the dam itself. The western bank is steeper and more overgrown. If you have a small trailer boat, ask at the Mercer County office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission whether informal launch spots are currently passable — road conditions and water levels change seasonally, and the game lands may close access without advance notice.
The nearest town with services is Sandy Lake, about 8 miles south. There is no bait shop on the lake itself, so bring your own tackle and bait or plan to stop in Sandy Lake before you arrive.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the primary draw at Glade Run Lake, and they respond well to both live bait and artificial lures. In spring (April through May), fish the rocky areas and deeper holes with crawfish, small shiners, or soft plastics in brown and green. Jigs tipped with crawfish are especially effective in April and early May when water temperatures are rising. Cast tight to the bank and work slowly — smallmouth here are not aggressive but they are present.
Summer fishing slows considerably as water temperatures climb into the 70s. Fish early morning and late evening, focusing on deeper holes and shaded areas under overhanging trees. By mid-July, many anglers shift to panfish or move to other lakes. Fall (September through October) brings a second peak as water cools again; repeat the spring pattern with crawfish and jigs.
Largemouth bass are also present but less abundant. They prefer the weedier, shallower sections on the north end of the lake. Topwater lures and soft plastics work in early morning, especially in May and September.
Panfish and Catfish
Bluegill and crappie are reliable throughout the year and offer a good option when bass fishing is slow. Fish the weedy shallows with small jigs, live crickets, or waxworms. Crappie bite best in spring and fall; bluegill are more consistent in summer. A simple bobber rig with a small hook and live bait will catch both species consistently from shore or boat.
Channel catfish inhabit the deeper holes and are most active at dusk and after dark. Fish cut bait — chicken liver, shad, or mackerel — on the bottom near the dam or in the deepest sections. Catfish fishing is best from June through September. Bring a headlamp and plan to stay into the evening if you want to target them seriously.
Seasons and Water Conditions
Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures climb from the 40s to the 60s, bass move shallow, and panfish spawn in the shallows. Expect muddy water in April from snowmelt and rain; by May, clarity improves. Bring rain gear — spring weather in northwestern Pennsylvania is unpredictable.
Summer (June through August) sees water temperatures in the 70s and occasional algae blooms in the shallower sections. Fishing is slower but not impossible. Early morning and evening are essential. Water levels can drop in late summer if there is little rain.
Fall (September through October) mirrors spring in terms of fishing quality. Water cools, bass feed actively, and the lake is less crowded than in spring. October is often the best month for consistent action. Weather is more stable than spring, though rain can still muddy the water.
Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The lake rarely freezes solid enough for safe ice fishing, and state game lands may close access due to snow or ice. Call the Mercer County Game Commission office before planning a winter trip.
Regulations and Licensing
Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. A trout stamp is not required at Glade Run Lake because it is not a trout water. Bass regulations in Pennsylvania allow a daily limit of five fish per species (smallmouth and largemouth combined count as one limit), with a 12-inch minimum length. Panfish have no size limit and a generous daily limit — check the current Pennsylvania fishing guide for exact numbers, as they can change year to year.
Catfish have no size limit and no daily limit in Pennsylvania. The lake is open to fishing during daylight hours year-round, but state game lands may close specific areas for wildlife management. Respect posted signs and do not fish after dark unless you have explicit permission.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a copy of the current fishing guide. Pack a small tackle box with jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), soft plastics in brown and green, and a few topwater lures. If you plan to fish live bait, bring crawfish, shiners, or crickets in a bait bucket with an aerator. A landing net is useful for smallmouth and catfish.
Wear waterproof boots — the parking area and bank are often muddy. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish into the evening for catfish. A canoe or kayak is not required but makes fishing the deeper sections easier; if you bring one, secure it well because the parking area is unattended.
Cell service is spotty near the lake. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. The nearest hospital is in Grove City, about 20 miles south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Glade Run Lake year-round?
The lake is open to fishing during daylight hours year-round, but state game lands may close access in winter due to snow or ice. Call the Mercer County Game Commission office before planning a winter trip to confirm access is open.
Do I need a boat to fish Glade Run Lake?
No. Shore fishing is productive along the dam and eastern bank. A small boat or canoe is useful for reaching deeper sections and the north end, but not required for consistent catches.
What is the best time to fish for smallmouth bass?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Water temperatures in the 60s trigger active feeding. Summer is slower but possible early and late in the day.
Where can I buy bait near Glade Run Lake?
There is no bait shop on the lake. Sandy Lake, about 8 miles south, has tackle shops and bait suppliers. Plan to stop there before you arrive, or bring your own bait and tackle.
What is the daily limit for bass at Glade Run Lake?
Pennsylvania allows five bass per day (smallmouth and largemouth combined), with a 12-inch minimum length. Check the current Pennsylvania fishing guide for any updates, as regulations can change year to year.