Tobyhanna Lake is a 63-acre impoundment in the Pocono Mountains with reliable populations of largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish

Tobyhanna Lake sits in Monroe County near the town of Pocono Pines, about 90 minutes northeast of Allentown. The lake is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as part of Tobyhanna State Park. It holds largemouth bass year-round, chain pickerel that bite aggressively in spring and fall, and bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish throughout the season. The water is relatively clear and moderately productive — not a trophy fishery, but a solid destination for a half-day trip if you live in the region or are passing through the Poconos.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits on the north shore, and a small parking area serves bank anglers. The lake has no horsepower restrictions, though the narrow basin and shallow average depth (around 20 feet) mean most anglers use small to mid-size boats or fish from shore. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required, and the lake is open year-round, though winter access depends on weather and road conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Tobyhanna Lake holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish; spring and fall are most productive for pickerel, while bass bite consistently through summer.
  • A public boat launch and parking area are located on the north shore; bank fishing is also available along the eastern and western shorelines.
  • A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round but winter access depends on weather and road maintenance.
  • The lake averages 20 feet deep with a 63-acre surface, making it suitable for small boats, kayaks, and shore anglers.
  • Tobyhanna State Park offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails, making it a full-day destination beyond fishing alone.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for chain pickerel. Water temperatures in the 50s and 60s trigger aggressive feeding, and pickerel move into shallower areas to spawn. Spinnerbaits, small crankbaits, and live shiners all work; cast near the weed beds and submerged timber on the lake's eastern arm. Largemouth bass also begin feeding heavily in late April as water warms past 55 degrees.

Summer (June through August) favors largemouth bass. Fish the deeper holes and drop-offs during midday heat — the lake's deepest water reaches about 40 feet near the center. Early morning and evening topwater fishing can be excellent along the shoreline. Panfish (bluegill and pumpkinseed) bite consistently throughout the day in shallow water; small jigs and live crickets or waxworms are effective.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite for both bass and pickerel as water cools. Pickerel move back into shallower water, and bass feed heavily before winter. October is often the most productive month overall. Winter fishing is possible but limited by ice formation and road access; check park conditions before making the drive.

Access, Parking, and Launch Details

The public boat launch is located on the north shore of Tobyhanna Lake, within Tobyhanna State Park. A gravel parking area accommodates roughly 20 vehicles and sits directly adjacent to the launch. The ramp itself is a single-lane concrete structure suitable for small to mid-size boats and trailers. There is no launch fee, though a vehicle pass for Tobyhanna State Park is required ($7 per day for out-of-state vehicles as of the most recent update; Pennsylvania residents may use an annual pass).

Bank fishing access is available along the eastern and western shorelines, though some areas are posted private. The park maintains a small picnic area near the launch with restrooms and a parking lot. No overnight parking is permitted in the day-use lot; if you plan to camp, Tobyhanna State Park operates a 118-site campground on the opposite (south) shore with full hookups and tent sites.

To reach the lake, take Interstate 80 to Exit 293 (Pocono Pines), then follow signs to Tobyhanna State Park. The drive from the interstate is about 5 miles on local roads. GPS coordinates for the boat launch are approximately 41.0°N, 75.3°W. Cell service is reliable in the area, and the nearest gas and supplies are in Pocono Pines, about 10 minutes away.

Regulations and Licensing

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older. Licenses are sold online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is useful for visiting anglers.

Tobyhanna Lake follows standard Pennsylvania bass and panfish regulations: largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 6-fish daily limit; chain pickerel have a 15-inch minimum and a 5-fish limit; panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and other sunfish) have no minimum size and a 50-fish daily limit. These regulations are current as of 2024 but may change; check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website before your trip to confirm.

No special permits are required to fish the lake. Boats must display a valid Pennsylvania boat registration or out-of-state equivalent. There are no horsepower restrictions, though the lake's narrow shape and shallow average depth make high-speed boating impractical.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

For largemouth bass, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line is standard. Crankbaits (especially shallow-running models in 2 to 4 feet of water), soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish), and topwater plugs all produce. Bring a variety of colors: natural patterns (green, brown, black) work year-round, but bright colors (chartreuse, orange) can be effective in stained water.

For chain pickerel, use slightly heavier tackle — 12- to 20-pound line — because their teeth are sharp and will fray lighter monofilament. Spinnerbaits (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), small crankbaits, and live shiners are all effective. Pickerel are aggressive and will hit fast-moving lures.

For panfish, a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 8-pound line and small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live crickets, waxworms, or small minnows is ideal. Bluegill and pumpkinseed also respond to small poppers and dry flies if you have a fly rod.

Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water, a net (especially for pickerel), and a tackle box with a variety of lures. The lake's relatively clear water means fish can see your line, so fluorocarbon leader material is worth the investment.

Nearby Amenities and Extended Trip Options

Tobyhanna State Park itself offers more than fishing. The campground has 118 sites with electric hookups, water, and dump stations. Day-use picnic areas with grills and tables are scattered around the park. A 2-mile hiking trail circles the lake and is suitable for families; longer trails connect to the broader Pocono trail system.

The town of Pocono Pines, 10 minutes away, has restaurants, gas stations, and a small grocery store. The larger Pocono resort area (Stroudsburg, about 20 minutes south) offers hotels, shopping, and dining if you want to make a longer trip. Lake Naomi, another public lake in the region, is about 15 minutes away and offers similar fishing for bass and panfish if you want to fish multiple waters in one trip.

Winter activities in the area include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on park trails, though fishing access is weather-dependent. Summer visitors often combine a fishing morning with hiking or swimming at the park's designated beach area.

Common Challenges and How to Fish Around Them

Tobyhanna Lake can become crowded on weekends, especially during spring and fall. If you want solitude, fish on weekday mornings or in summer when many regional anglers target larger lakes. The lake's shallow average depth (20 feet) means fish can be scattered; focus on the deeper holes near the center and the weed beds along the eastern arm where structure concentrates fish.

Weed growth can be heavy in summer, particularly in the northern shallows. This is actually good for fishing — bass and pickerel use weeds for cover — but it can make casting difficult. Use weedless soft plastics or topwater lures that can be worked through vegetation. If weeds are particularly thick, focus on the open-water drop-offs and the channel between the two main basins.

Water clarity varies by season. Spring runoff can stain the water, which actually improves pickerel fishing (they rely more on vibration and movement). In clear summer conditions, fish early and late in the day, and use natural-colored lures that match local forage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Tobyhanna Lake in winter?

Yes, the lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on weather and road maintenance. Ice formation typically begins in December, and the lake may freeze solid by January. Check Tobyhanna State Park's website or call ahead before driving in winter, as the park may close access during heavy snow or ice.

Is there a boat rental at Tobyhanna Lake?

No boat rentals are available at Tobyhanna Lake itself. You must bring your own boat or fish from shore. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at other Pocono lakes nearby, but not at this location.

What is the best time of year to fish Tobyhanna Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive overall, especially for chain pickerel. Summer is good for largemouth bass and panfish, though midday heat can slow the bite. Winter fishing is possible but limited by ice and access.

Do I need a boat to fish Tobyhanna Lake, or can I fish from shore?

Bank fishing is available along the eastern and western shorelines, though some areas are posted private. Shore anglers can reach productive water, especially in the shallows where panfish and pickerel feed. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and more water overall.

What is the closest town with supplies and food?

Pocono Pines, about 10 minutes away, has a small grocery store, gas station, and a few restaurants. Stroudsburg, about 20 minutes south, is a larger town with more dining and shopping options. Bring supplies with you if you plan to spend a full day on the water.