What to expect at Lake Naomi

Lake Naomi is a 245-acre impoundment in Luzerne County, nestled in the Pocono Mountains near the town of Hazleton. The lake holds a solid population of smallmouth bass and chain pickerel, with occasional largemouth bass and panfish. The water is relatively clear and moderately deep, with rocky structure and wooded shoreline that creates good habitat for bass. Most of the lake is accessible by boat, and there is a public launch with parking on the south end.

The lake sits at roughly 1,600 feet elevation and draws anglers looking for a smaller, less crowded alternative to the major Pocono lakes. It is not a trophy destination — most smallmouth run 12 to 16 inches — but it is consistent and holds enough fish to make a half-day worthwhile. The lake is open year-round, though spring and fall are the most productive seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Naomi holds smallmouth bass and chain pickerel in a 245-acre lake with public boat access on the south end.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable times to fish, with summer and winter both slower.
  • A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; you can purchase a three-day or annual license online or at tackle shops near the lake.
  • Smallmouth typically run 12 to 16 inches; the lake does not produce many fish over 18 inches, but the catch rate is steady.
  • The lake has a single public launch with limited parking, so arrive early on weekends or fish on weekdays to avoid crowding.

Seasons and water conditions

Spring (April and May) is the best time to fish Lake Naomi. Smallmouth move shallow to spawn in 4 to 10 feet of water, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics all produce. Water temperature climbs from the low 50s to the high 60s, and clarity is usually good after spring runoff settles.

Summer (June through August) is slower. Bass move deeper and hold tighter to structure, and the lake can get warm — water temperatures reach the low 80s by July. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Pickerel remain active in the shallows and weed edges throughout summer, so they are a good alternative target.

Fall (September and October) brings a second strong bite. Water cools from the 70s back into the 50s, and bass return to the shallows to feed before winter. This period often produces the largest fish of the year. By November, the bite slows considerably, and winter fishing (December through March) is unpredictable — some days are productive, others are blank.

Access and boat launch

Lake Naomi has one public boat launch located on the south shore, accessible from Naomi Road near Hazleton. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area — typically 8 to 10 spaces. There is no fee to launch. Arrive early on weekends; the lot fills by mid-morning on nice weather days, and there is no overflow parking nearby.

The launch is maintained by the lake's management company and is open dawn to dusk year-round. Trailers up to 20 feet are manageable, though the ramp can be slippery in wet conditions. There are no fuel docks, restrooms, or other amenities at the launch, so plan accordingly. The nearest tackle shop and gas are in Hazleton, about 5 miles away.

Shore fishing is limited. Most of the shoreline is private residential property, and public access is restricted to the launch area and a small picnic area nearby. Kayak and canoe anglers can launch from the ramp as well, though the lake is large enough that wind can build quickly in the afternoon.

Species, regulations, and licensing

Lake Naomi is managed under Pennsylvania's statewide fishing regulations. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum length and a 10-fish daily limit, making them a good option when bass are slow. Largemouth bass, if caught, follow the same rules as smallmouth. Panfish (bluegill, crappie, sunfish) have no minimum and no daily limit.

A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day tourist license, a seven-day license, or an annual license online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, or at tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Hazleton and surrounding towns. Prices vary; check the state website for current rates. A license is not required if you fish from shore on your own property, but the public launch requires one.

The lake is catch-and-release friendly, and many anglers practice it voluntarily. There are no special restrictions on tackle or methods — conventional spinning and baitcasting gear, live bait, and artificial lures are all permitted.

What to bring and how to fish

For smallmouth, bring a 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braided or monofilament line. Jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with soft plastics or live crawfish work year-round. Crankbaits in shad and crawfish patterns are effective in spring and fall. Topwater lures produce in early morning and late evening, especially in summer.

Fish rocky points, drop-offs, and the deeper edges of weed beds. In spring, focus on shallow flats and spawning areas in 4 to 10 feet. In summer, move to deeper structure — the lake has a main channel and several deeper holes that hold bass in the 20 to 30-foot range. Fall fishing mirrors spring; shallow structure and transition zones are productive.

For pickerel, use slightly heavier tackle (8 to 10-pound line) because their teeth are sharp. Small spoons, spinners, and soft plastics work well. Pickerel are aggressive and less structure-dependent than bass; they hunt in open water and along weed edges. They bite throughout the day, making them a reliable backup target.

Nearby services and lodging

Hazleton is the closest town, about 5 miles south of the lake. It has gas stations, restaurants, and a few motels, but it is not a tourist destination. For tackle and supplies, check with local shops in Hazleton or the sporting goods section at big-box retailers. The nearest dedicated fly shop is in Stroudsburg, about 30 miles away.

If you want to stay overnight, the Pocono Mountains region has cabin rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, and small hotels scattered throughout. Lake Wallenpaupack and Tobyhanna State Park are within 30 minutes and offer additional fishing and camping options if you want to combine a multi-day trip. Stroudsburg, about 40 minutes south, has more lodging and dining variety.

When to avoid Lake Naomi

Avoid the lake during heavy rain or immediately after, when runoff clouds the water and makes fishing difficult. Winter (December through March) is unpredictable; unless you have local knowledge or are willing to experiment, spring and fall are more reliable uses of your time.

Weekends in spring and fall can be crowded, especially if the weather is good. If you prefer solitude or want the best chance at a quiet launch, fish on weekdays or during summer (even though the bite is slower). The lake does not have a lot of boat traffic compared to larger Pocono lakes, but the small parking area means you may not get a spot if you arrive late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Naomi?

A boat is the best way to cover the lake and reach productive structure, but shore fishing is possible from the launch area and picnic grounds. Most anglers use boats because the lake is large and private property lines restrict access.

What is the water like in winter?

Winter water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s. The lake does not freeze solid most years, but ice can form along the shoreline. Some anglers fish through winter, but the bite is inconsistent. Spring and fall are more reliable if you have the choice.

Can I fish with live bait?

Yes. Live crawfish, shiners, and minnows are all permitted. Many anglers use live crawfish for smallmouth and live shiners for pickerel. Check current regulations on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website before you go.

Is there a size limit on boats?

The launch can handle boats up to about 20 feet, though larger trailers may be tight. There is no posted horsepower limit, but the lake is small enough that high-speed boating is not practical. Most anglers use 16 to 18-foot boats or smaller.

What should I do if the launch is full?

There is no overflow area. If the lot is full, you will need to return later or try a different day. Weekday mornings are your best bet for may provide access, especially in spring and fall.