What You'll Find at Little Pine State Park

Little Pine Lake is a 94-acre impoundment in Perry County, about 20 miles north of Harrisburg, built on the Little Pine Creek drainage. The lake holds walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish — mainly bluegill and crappie. The state stocks walleye regularly, which is the draw for most serious anglers here. Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall; spring and fall tend to be clearer. The lake sits at roughly 500 feet elevation in rolling terrain, so wind can pick up quickly in afternoon, especially on the open water.

The park itself covers 2,083 acres and includes a boat launch, picnic areas, and a small beach. There is no overnight camping at Little Pine — the nearest state park campground is at Tuscarora State Park, about 30 minutes away. Day-use parking is available year-round, though the lot fills on warm weekends. The lake is open to fishing dawn to dusk, and Pennsylvania fishing regulations apply throughout.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing is best from April through June and again in September and October, using live shiners or crankbaits along the dam and deeper structure.
  • The boat launch is the only public water access; no shore fishing is permitted except from the designated beach area, which is not productive for fishing.
  • You need a Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout stamp if you plan to fish any of the tributary streams that feed the lake.
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass are present but not the primary fishery; panfish are reliable year-round in shallow bays and along weed edges.
  • The lake can be windy and rough in afternoon, especially in spring and fall, so launch early and watch the weather.

Walleye Fishing: The Main Event

Walleye are stocked into Little Pine Lake by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and they are the reason most anglers make the drive. The best window is April through June, when walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. Early morning and dusk are most productive; midday fishing is slow. Work the dam face and the deeper holes along the main creek channel using live shiners (4 to 6 inches) on a simple slip-sinker rig, or cast crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet deep.

Fall fishing, September through October, produces again as water cools and walleye move back to deeper structure. The same techniques work, though you may need to fish slightly deeper. Winter fishing is possible but slow; the lake does not freeze solid most years, but few anglers pursue walleye in the cold months. Summer (July and August) is the dead zone — walleye retreat to the deepest holes and are difficult to locate consistently.

Jigging is effective year-round if you can find the fish. Use 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jigs tipped with a minnow or soft plastic, and work the bottom along the dam and the old creek channel. Trolling crankbaits along the deeper edges also works, though the lake is small enough that casting is usually more efficient.

Bass and Panfish Throughout the Year

Largemouth bass are present in the shallow bays and around any remaining wood or vegetation, but they are not abundant and not the focus of management here. Spring and fall offer the best chance; summer heat pushes them deep and inactive. Smallmouth bass are scattered along rocky banks and the dam face, but again, numbers are modest. If you want to target bass, focus on early morning in May and June, or switch to topwater lures at dusk in September.

Bluegill and crappie are reliable and often overlooked. Both species are present in shallow bays, especially where any aquatic vegetation exists, and they bite consistently from May through September. A simple ultralight rod with a small jig or live cricket will produce steady action. Crappie fishing can be excellent in spring (April and May) around any submerged brush or fallen trees. Panfish are also a good option if walleye are not cooperating — they are easier to find and require less specialized tackle.

Channel catfish are stocked and present but rarely targeted. They are most active at night and respond to cut bait or stink bait fished on the bottom. If you want to try catfish, fish the deeper holes after dark, though facilities at the park close at dusk.

Access, Facilities, and Regulations

The boat launch is located on the south side of the lake, off Route 44. There is a single concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats; launching fees are minimal (check current rates with the park office). The parking lot holds roughly 30 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends. There is no overnight parking, and the park closes at dusk, so plan to launch and return within daylight hours.

Shore fishing is not permitted except from the designated beach area on the north side, which is shallow and not productive for the species present. If you do not have a boat, Little Pine is not a practical destination. The nearest alternative shore-fishing option is the Little Pine Creek itself, which flows through the park and holds some trout and panfish, though it is small and requires a trout stamp.

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. If you plan to fish the tributary streams, you also need a trout stamp. Licenses are sold online through the Fish and Boat Commission website, at the park office, and at most sporting goods stores. Regulations on species, size limits, and bag limits change annually; check the current Pennsylvania fishing guide before you go.

When to Fish: Seasonal Patterns

Spring (April to May) is the peak season. Walleye are shallow and feeding hard, crappie are spawning and aggressive, and the weather is mild. Water temperature ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect the most crowded conditions on weekends.

Summer (June to August) is slow for walleye but decent for panfish and bass early and late in the day. Water temperature climbs into the 70s and 80s. Midday fishing is nearly pointless. The lake can be very windy in afternoon.

Fall (September to October) is the second-best window. Walleye return to shallower water as temperatures drop, and crappie bite again. Water temperature ranges from 65 down to 50 degrees. Mornings are often calm and clear.

Winter (November to March) is slow and cold. The lake rarely freezes solid, but few anglers fish it. If you do, focus on the deepest holes and expect low catch rates.

Nearby Fishing Options

If Little Pine does not produce or you want variety, several options are within 30 minutes. Tuscarora State Park, about 30 miles south, has a larger lake with similar species and better camping. Shikellamy State Park, near Sunbury, offers access to the Susquehanna River, which holds walleye, catfish, and bass on a much larger scale. The Little Pine Creek itself, which feeds the lake, holds native brook trout and some brown trout in its upper reaches and is open to public fishing with a trout stamp.

The West Branch Susquehanna River is about 45 minutes away and offers excellent walleye and catfish fishing, though it requires more experience with larger water. For panfish, many small ponds and lakes in the region hold bluegill and crappie; check with the Fish and Boat Commission for public access sites.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a valid fishing license and check the current regulations. If you have a boat, fuel it before arriving — there is no fuel available at the park. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen; there is a small concession area but it is not always staffed. Weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall, so bring a light rain jacket and wind-resistant clothing.

If you are targeting walleye, bring live shiners (available at local bait shops in Bloomsburg or Harrisburg) or stock crankbaits in natural colors — perch, shad, and crawdad patterns work best. For panfish, ultralight spinning gear and small jigs or live bait are all you need. A depth finder is helpful for locating walleye structure, but not essential for panfish or bass.

Arrive early, especially on weekends. The parking lot fills by mid-morning on warm days, and once it is full, the park does not allow additional vehicles. If you are targeting walleye, plan to fish early morning (first two hours after launch) and again at dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Little Pine Lake?

Yes, effectively. Shore fishing is not permitted except from the beach area, which is shallow and unproductive. You need a boat to reach the deeper structure where walleye and catfish hold. If you do not own one, consider renting from a nearby marina or fishing a different location.

What is the best time of year to catch walleye?

April through June and September through October are the most reliable windows. Spring offers the highest catch rates as walleye move shallow to feed. Early morning and dusk are most productive; avoid midday fishing.

Can I fish at night?

The park closes at dusk, so night fishing is not permitted. All fishing must occur between dawn and dusk. If you want to fish for catfish at night, you will need to find a different location.

Is there camping at Little Pine State Park?

No. The park is day-use only. Tuscarora State Park, about 30 minutes away, has a full campground and a similar lake fishery. Several private campgrounds are also nearby in Perry County.

What size walleye are typically caught here?

Walleye at Little Pine range from 12 to 20 inches, with occasional fish in the 22- to 24-inch range. The lake is not known for trophy walleye, but it is consistent for keeper-size fish during the spring and fall seasons.