What Lower Burrell Lake Offers

Lower Burrell Lake is a small impoundment in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, roughly 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh near the town of Lower Burrell. It sits on Allegheny River backwater and holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish — primarily bluegill and crappie. The lake covers about 40 acres and draws local anglers year-round, though spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing.

The water is relatively shallow and weedy in many sections, which favors bass and panfish over trout. Access is straightforward: a public boat launch operates at the main parking area, and bank fishing is possible along designated shoreline. The lake is not a destination fishery — you will not find the crowds or the trophy fish of larger reservoirs — but it is reliable for a half-day outing if you live nearby or are passing through the region.

Key Takeaways

  • Lower Burrell Lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie in a 40-acre impoundment near Pittsburgh.
  • A public boat launch and bank fishing access are available at the main parking area on the north shore.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for all species.
  • Pennsylvania fishing license and any required stamps are mandatory; check current regulations for size and creel limits before you fish.
  • The lake is shallow and weedy, so soft plastics, spinners, and live bait work better than deep-diving lures.

Seasons and What Fish When

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Largemouth bass move into shallow water to spawn, and they are aggressive on topwater lures, soft plastics, and jigs near the weeds. Bluegill and crappie also spawn in spring and bite readily on small jigs and live minnows. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the upper 60s, and fish are active throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite. Bass retreat to deeper, cooler water and weed edges, and midday fishing is slow. Early morning and evening produce better results. Catfish remain active at night and respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits fished on the bottom.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong period. Bass feed heavily before winter, and cooler water temperatures make them active all day. Panfish bite well in the morning and late afternoon. Winter (November through March) is slow but not impossible — catfish and a few bass remain catchable, though you will spend more time waiting than fishing.

Species and Tackle

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They average 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. Fish shallow weed edges with 5- to 7-inch soft plastics rigged on 1/4-ounce jig heads, or throw topwater lures early and late in the day. A medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braid or monofilament is standard.

Channel catfish run 2 to 5 pounds and are most active at dusk and after dark. Fish the bottom with a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker setup, using chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink bait. A medium-heavy rod and 12- to 15-pound line handle catfish reliably.

Bluegill and crappie are abundant and bite on small jigs (1/32- to 1/16-ounce), live minnows under a bobber, or tiny spinners. A light spinning rod and 4- to 6-pound line are sufficient. Crappie tend to suspend near structure; bluegill stay shallower and around weeds.

Access and Facilities

The main public access point is at the north shore parking area, which has a concrete boat launch, parking for roughly 15 vehicles, and a small picnic area. The launch is maintained by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and is open year-round during daylight hours. There is no fee to launch.

Bank fishing is permitted along the north and east shores where public land borders the water. The south and west sides are private property, so stay off those banks. No overnight camping is allowed at the lake itself. The nearest lodging and services are in Lower Burrell and nearby Tarentum, both about 5 to 10 minutes away by car.

Regulations and Licensing

Pennsylvania requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods stores. No special stamp is required for Lower Burrell Lake.

Current regulations set a 12-inch minimum for largemouth bass with a five-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size minimum and a 25-fish daily limit. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) have no size minimum and a 50-fish daily limit. Regulations can change, so check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or the current fishing digest before you go.

What Makes Lower Burrell Lake Different

Lower Burrell Lake is not a trophy fishery, and that is its strength for local anglers. It is close to Pittsburgh, requires no long drive, and holds enough fish to make a short outing worthwhile. The shallow, weedy structure suits panfish and small to medium bass rather than the deep-water species you would find on larger reservoirs.

The lake is also quieter than nearby Crooked Creek Lake or the larger impoundments in the region. If you want a quick evening or morning session without crowds, Lower Burrell delivers. The trade-off is that you will not catch large numbers of trophy fish — expect solid panfish action and occasional bass in the 14- to 16-inch range.

Nearby Alternatives

If Lower Burrell does not suit your plans, Crooked Creek Lake is about 15 miles south and offers similar species with slightly larger average bass. Glenshaw Lake, also in Armstrong County, is smaller but holds good panfish populations. For a larger reservoir experience, Pymatuning Lake (on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, about 90 minutes north) holds pike, walleye, and larger bass.

The Allegheny River itself runs within a few miles and holds smallmouth bass, catfish, and occasional walleye, though it requires more skill and different tackle than a lake fishery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lower Burrell Lake year-round?

Yes. The lake does not freeze solid enough to close, and catfish and a few bass remain active through winter. Spring and fall are more productive, but winter fishing is possible if you are willing to spend more time waiting.

Do I need a boat to fish Lower Burrell Lake?

No. Bank fishing along the north and east shores is productive, especially for panfish and catfish. A boat lets you reach deeper water and weed edges more easily, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon through dusk are most productive for bass and panfish. Catfish bite best at night. Midday in summer is slow for all species.

Are there any hazards I should know about?

The lake is shallow and weedy, so watch for submerged stumps and vegetation if you are running a boat. The launch can be muddy after heavy rain. No swimming is permitted. Stay off private property on the south and west shores.

What should I bring?

Bring your Pennsylvania fishing license, a valid form of ID, sunscreen, and water. If you are fishing from shore, bring a small tackle box and a net. If you are launching a boat, check that your registration is current and your safety equipment is aboard.