Promised Land State Park sits in Pike County in northeastern Pennsylvania, offering two lakes and stream access in the Pocono Mountains

Promised Land State Park covers 3,000 acres around two glacial lakes — Promised Land Lake and Masonic Lake — plus Wallenpaupack Creek and several smaller streams. The park sits at roughly 1,800 feet elevation in Pike County, about 90 minutes northeast of Allentown and two hours from Philadelphia. Both lakes hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish; the streams hold brook trout and some brown trout. The park is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow and road conditions.

This is a day-trip destination for most anglers, though the park has a 350-site campground if you want to stay overnight. The lakes are relatively shallow and weedy, which makes them productive for bass and panfish but requires different tactics than deeper reservoirs. Stream fishing here is modest compared to other Pocono waters, but it works well for beginners and families.

Key Takeaways

  • Promised Land Lake and Masonic Lake both allow boats with electric motors only, so gas engines are prohibited on both.
  • A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; you can buy one online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at the park office.
  • Bass season runs year-round on both lakes, but trout streams in the park follow statewide trout season dates, which typically open in mid-April.
  • The park charges a day-use fee of $7 per vehicle (as of 2024, though this may change), and boat launch fees are separate if you bring your own boat.
  • Largemouth bass are the most reliable catch on the lakes; smallmouth bass are present but less abundant than in other regional lakes.

Fishing the Two Lakes: Species, Seasons, and Boat Rules

Promised Land Lake, the larger of the two at about 422 acres, is the main draw. It holds largemouth bass in the 1- to 4-pound range, with occasional fish to 6 pounds. Smallmouth bass are present but scattered. Chain pickerel (sometimes called pike locally) run 1 to 3 pounds and are aggressive on small lures. Bluegill, pumpkinseed, and other panfish are abundant and easy to catch, making the lake good for families and beginners.

Masonic Lake is smaller and shallower, about 65 acres, with similar species but fewer largemouth bass. It is better for panfish and chain pickerel than for serious bass fishing. Both lakes are weedy, especially in summer, which concentrates fish but can make casting difficult. Early morning and late evening are most productive, particularly in warm months.

Both lakes allow only electric motors; gas engines are not permitted. You can rent boats at the park or launch your own. The park rents rowboats, canoes, and small motorboats with electric motors. If you bring your own boat, you will need to pay a launch fee in addition to the day-use fee. No swimming is allowed in either lake, which keeps the water quieter for fishing.

Bass season is year-round on both lakes. Panfish and chain pickerel have no closed season. The best time to fish is May through October, when the water is warm and fish are active. Winter fishing is possible but slow; ice fishing is not typically done here because the lakes do not freeze reliably enough.

Stream Fishing for Trout: Access and Regulations

Wallenpaupack Creek flows through the park and holds brook trout and some brown trout. Several smaller streams on park property also hold brook trout. These are small, cold-water streams typical of the Pocono region — narrow, rocky, and shaded by hemlocks and rhododendrons. The trout are wild, not stocked by the park, so populations are modest.

Trout streams in Pennsylvania follow statewide seasons. The general trout season opens in mid-April and runs through Labor Day. Some sections may have different rules, so check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's current regulations before you go. The daily limit is typically five trout per day, with a 7-inch minimum size, but this varies by stream section.

Stream access at Promised Land is limited compared to the lakes. Wallenpaupack Creek is accessible from a few points along the park road, but there is no dedicated trout stream trail. You will be walking along the creek bed or through brush to reach good water. Waders are useful but not essential for short trips. The streams are best in spring (April and May) when water levels are higher and temperatures are cool.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Promised Land State Park is located on Pennsylvania Route 390 in Greenridge Township, Pike County. From Interstate 80, take Exit 46 and follow signs south. The drive from I-80 is about 15 minutes. Parking is available at the day-use area near the lake, and there is a separate parking area for the campground.

The park office is open seasonally; call ahead if you need information about current conditions or boat rentals. Cell service is spotty in parts of the park, so do not rely on it for navigation. Bring a paper map or download offline maps before you arrive.

For lake fishing, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the lakes are exposed and there is little shade on the water. For stream fishing, bring waders, a net, and insect repellent; the streams run through dense brush and mosquitoes can be heavy in summer. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Bring your own tackle; the park does not have a tackle shop.

Licensing, Regulations, and Fees

A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (www.fishandboat.com) or at the park office. One-day licenses cost less than $20; annual licenses cost around $30 for residents and $50 for non-residents, though prices vary.

The park charges a day-use fee of $7 per vehicle as of 2024. This fee covers parking and access to the park roads and facilities. If you launch a boat, there is an additional launch fee (typically $5 to $10, depending on boat size). Camping fees are separate and run $20 to $40 per night depending on the campsite.

Pennsylvania has statewide regulations on catch limits, minimum sizes, and seasons. Bass have no size or season restrictions on these lakes. Trout streams follow the statewide trout season and have a 7-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit (check current rules before you fish). Chain pickerel have no closed season or size limit. Panfish typically have no size limit and a generous daily limit.

When to Fish: Seasons and Weather Patterns

Spring (April through May) is excellent for both lakes and streams. Water temperatures are rising, fish are active, and the park is less crowded than in summer. Trout streams are at their best in spring when water levels are high and temperatures are cool. Rain is common, so bring rain gear.

Summer (June through August) is the busiest season at the park. The lakes warm up and largemouth bass move into deeper water and weedy areas. Panfish remain active all day. Streams warm up and trout become less active; early morning and late evening are best. Mosquitoes are heavy, especially near the streams.

Fall (September through October) is productive for bass and panfish. Water temperatures cool, and fish become active throughout the day. The park is less crowded than in summer. Trout season closes at the end of Labor Day, so stream fishing ends in early September.

Winter (November through March) is quiet and cold. The lakes are fishable but slow. Ice fishing is not reliable because the lakes do not freeze solid most years. Many facilities close or operate on limited hours. This is a good time to visit if you want solitude, but expect slow fishing.

Nearby Fishing Options and Alternatives

If Promised Land does not meet your needs, several other waters are within 30 minutes. Lake Wallenpaupack, a large reservoir just south of the park, holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. It is more developed than Promised Land and has more boat rentals and tackle shops nearby. Masonic Lake at Promised Land is smaller and less crowded, making it a quieter alternative to Promised Land Lake itself.

For trout fishing, the Brodhead Creek system (about 20 minutes south) is more productive than the small streams at Promised Land. It is a popular fly-fishing destination and has more public access. The Delaware River (about 45 minutes east) holds smallmouth bass and shad and is a larger, more challenging fishery.

If you want a quieter lake experience, Greenridge Lake (within the park but less visited) is an option, though it is smaller and less developed than the main lakes. For a more rugged mountain stream experience, the Lehigh River (about 30 minutes south) offers both trout and smallmouth bass in a scenic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night?

Night fishing is allowed on the lakes, though the park gates close at dusk and reopen at dawn. If you are camping, you can fish from your campsite or from the shore near the campground. Boat fishing at night requires launching before dark and returning before the gates close, which limits your window. Check with the park office about current gate hours.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. Both lakes have shoreline access, and you can fish from the bank or wade in shallow areas. The lakes are weedy, so shore fishing works well for panfish and chain pickerel. Bass fishing from shore is possible but limited; a boat gives you access to deeper water and more productive areas. Streams are accessible on foot without a boat.

What is the best lure for largemouth bass here?

Soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish imitations) work well in the weedy areas. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are effective early and late in the day. Topwater lures produce strikes in low-light conditions. Live shiners or crawfish work if you want to use bait. Start with what you have; the lakes are productive enough that technique matters less than persistence.

Is there a tackle shop at the park?

No. The park does not have a tackle shop or bait shop. The nearest tackle shops are in Greenridge and Masonic, about 10 to 15 minutes away. Bring all your tackle with you, or plan to stop on the way in. If you rent a boat at the park, ask the rental staff for recommendations on what works currently.

Can I bring my own boat?

Yes. Both lakes allow private boats with electric motors only. You will need to pay a launch fee in addition to the day-use fee. The launch ramps are at the main parking area. Boats must be inspected for invasive species before launching; the park staff will do this at the ramp. If you do not have a boat, rentals are available at the park office.