What You'll Find at Greenlick Run Lake

Greenlick Run Lake is a small impoundment in Pike County, Pennsylvania, covering roughly 40 acres and sitting in the northeastern part of the state. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish — primarily bluegill and crappie — making it a straightforward destination for anglers targeting warm-water species without the crowds of larger regional lakes.

The lake is state-owned and open to the public, though access is limited to a single boat launch and a few shoreline spots. Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall; spring and early summer typically offer the best visibility. The surrounding landscape is wooded and relatively undeveloped, which keeps the lake quiet but also means services and facilities are minimal.

Greenlick Run Lake works best as a half-day outing or a secondary stop if you're already in Pike County. It's not a destination lake that justifies a long drive on its own, but for locals or anglers passing through, it offers decent fishing without the pressure you'll encounter at more famous Pennsylvania impoundments.

Key Takeaways

  • Greenlick Run Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass plus panfish, with a single public boat launch providing the main access point.
  • The lake is roughly 40 acres, small enough that you can cover productive water in a few hours but large enough to hold decent populations of fish.
  • Spring and early summer offer the clearest water and most active feeding; fall can be productive but requires more precise lure placement.
  • No on-site facilities exist, so bring your own fuel, food, and water — the nearest services are in Matamoras or Dingmans Ferry.
  • Pennsylvania fishing license and trout stamp (if applicable) are required; check current regulations for bass and panfish size and creel limits before you fish.

Access and Boat Launch Details

The public boat launch at Greenlick Run Lake is located off Route 209 near Dingmans Ferry. The launch itself is a single-lane concrete ramp in fair condition; it can accommodate small to mid-sized boats and is typically passable year-round, though spring runoff and heavy rain can make the approach road muddy. Parking is limited to a small gravel lot that holds roughly 10 to 15 vehicles.

There is no launch fee. The lake is open sunrise to sunset, and overnight camping is not permitted. If the lot is full, you'll need to come back later or find alternative water — there's no overflow parking and no nearby secondary access points. Arrive early on weekends, particularly in May and June when local anglers are most active.

Shoreline access exists at a few spots along the perimeter, though much of the lake is bordered by private property or dense brush. Walking the shoreline is possible in places, but it's slow going and often unproductive. Most successful anglers use boats.

Best Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable time to fish Greenlick Run Lake. Bass move shallow to spawn, and panfish are aggressive. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, triggering feeding activity. Expect to catch fish consistently on small crankbaits, soft plastics, and live shiners. Mornings and evenings are most productive, but midday can yield results too.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite as water warms into the 70s and 80s. Bass move to deeper structure and shade; early morning and late evening fishing near the dam or deeper drop-offs works better than midday. Panfish remain active in shallower areas, especially around any submerged wood or vegetation. Heat and algae blooms can reduce water clarity by mid-July.

Fall (September through October) brings cooler water and renewed bass activity, but the bite is more selective. Fish respond to topwater lures and soft plastics worked slowly near structure. Panfish fishing remains steady. By November, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing slows considerably.

Winter (December through March) is slow. Ice can form, closing boat access. Panfish fishing through the ice is possible on the shallowest areas, but most anglers skip this lake during winter months.

Bass Fishing Tactics

Largemouth bass at Greenlick Run Lake respond well to soft plastic worms and creature baits worked slowly along the bottom, particularly in spring and fall. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range work during active feeding periods. Topwater lures at dawn and dusk can produce explosive strikes, especially in summer when bass are feeding in shallow water before retreating to deeper zones.

Smallmouth bass are present but less abundant than largemouths. They prefer rocky areas and deeper structure; drop-shot rigs and small jigs are effective. Focus on any visible rocks, submerged logs, or the dam face if you can access it safely.

The lake has no major weed beds or extensive structure, so success depends on reading the water and understanding seasonal movement. In spring, fish the shallow flats and any visible cover. In summer, focus on the deepest water you can find — typically near the dam — and fish early or late. Fall fishing rewards anglers who work structure deliberately and slowly.

Panfish and What to Bring

Bluegill and crappie are abundant at Greenlick Run Lake and provide consistent action, especially for anglers targeting panfish specifically. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live crickets or small minnows work year-round. Panfish also respond to tiny crankbaits and soft plastics. Spring and early summer produce the largest fish and fastest action.

Bring a small tackle box with an assortment of jigs, small soft plastics, and live bait if you plan to fish for panfish. A light spinning rod is ideal. Panfish don't require heavy equipment, and the lake's small size means you won't need a large boat or extensive gear.

No food, fuel, or bait shops operate at the lake. The nearest bait and tackle shops are in Matamoras (roughly 10 miles south) or Dingmans Ferry (roughly 5 miles south). Plan ahead and bring everything you need, including water and snacks. A cooler is essential if you plan to keep fish.

Regulations and Licensing

Pennsylvania requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at authorized retailers. A three-day tourist license is available if you don't want to purchase an annual permit.

Bass regulations in Pike County require a minimum size of 12 inches for both largemouth and smallmouth; the creel limit is five fish per day. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) have no minimum size and a creel limit of 50 fish per day combined. Regulations can change, so check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission summary before you fish.

No trout stocking occurs at Greenlick Run Lake, so a trout stamp is not required. The lake is open year-round, though ice closure is possible in winter.

Nearby Alternatives if Greenlick Run Is Crowded

If the parking lot is full or you want to explore other water, several lakes and streams sit within 20 miles. Masthope Lake (also in Pike County) is slightly larger and holds similar species. The Delaware River, which forms the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offers smallmouth bass and shad fishing and has multiple public access points.

Wallenpaupack Lake, roughly 30 miles north, is much larger and more developed, with better facilities and more consistent fishing for bass and pike. It requires a longer drive but offers more options if Greenlick Run doesn't produce or if you want to spend a full day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Greenlick Run Lake?

Limited shoreline access exists, but most of the perimeter is private property or overgrown. A boat is strongly recommended. If you fish from shore, stick to the area near the boat launch and respect posted property boundaries.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. Spring and fall allow more consistent all-day fishing than summer.

Do I need a big boat to fish Greenlick Run Lake?

No. A small jon boat, kayak, or canoe works fine. The lake is only 40 acres, so you don't need a large or powerful boat. A kayak or canoe can actually reach shallow areas that larger boats cannot.

Is there a fish cleaning station at the lake?

No facilities exist at Greenlick Run Lake. Bring a cooler and plan to clean fish at home or at your accommodation.

What should I do if I catch nothing?

Greenlick Run Lake is small and can be slow on certain days. If you're not getting bites after a couple of hours, try a different area of the lake or switch lure types. If the lake is unproductive, the Delaware River and nearby Wallenpaupack Lake are reasonable backup options within 30 miles.