What You'll Find at Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park sits in the southwestern corner of New York, near the Pennsylvania border, and holds two separate lake fisheries worth your time: Red House Lake and Quaker Lake. Red House is the larger and more developed of the two—about 75 acres, with a boat launch, rental boats, and a campground right on the shore. Quaker Lake is smaller, quieter, and sits about three miles north; it has no motorboats allowed, making it a different kind of experience. Both lakes hold largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish. The park itself covers over 65,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest, so the setting is genuine Appalachian country, not a manicured recreation area.

Access is straightforward. The park entrance is on Route 417 near Salamanca, about 90 minutes south of Buffalo and two hours north of Pittsburgh. Day-use parking costs a small fee; overnight camping is available if you want to make a longer trip. The lakes are open year-round, though winter access depends on snow and ice conditions—call ahead if you're planning a cold-weather trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Red House Lake has a public boat launch and rental boats, making it accessible even if you don't own a boat; Quaker Lake is no-motor only and requires a shorter walk from the parking area.
  • Both lakes hold largemouth bass and chain pickerel, with the best bass fishing typically in spring and early fall when water temperatures are moderate.
  • Red House has a developed shoreline with a campground and facilities; Quaker Lake offers a quieter, more remote experience with fewer anglers.
  • The park is open year-round, but winter access can be limited by snow and ice; contact the park office before a winter trip.

Red House Lake: The Developed Option

Red House Lake is the main fishery here, and it's built for access. There's a public boat launch on the south shore, a concession stand that rents rowboats and small motorboats, and a large campground if you want to stay overnight. The lake is roughly 75 acres and fairly shallow—average depth around 15 feet—which means it warms up quickly in spring and holds weeds and structure that bass and pickerel use year-round.

The shoreline is mixed: rocky points on the north and west sides, marshy coves on the east end, and a sandy beach area near the day-use parking. If you're fishing from shore, the marshy coves are your best bet for largemouth bass, especially in spring when they're moving shallow to spawn. The rocky points hold pickerel and some bass in deeper water during summer. If you have a boat, work the deeper holes in the center of the lake during midday heat; bass will drop to 20 to 30 feet when the sun is high.

Panfish—bluegill and pumpkinseed—are abundant and easy to catch from shore or a boat. They're not the target for most anglers here, but they're reliable if you want to put something in the cooler or if you're bringing kids. Fish the weed edges in 4 to 8 feet of water, and you'll catch them steadily through the summer.

Quaker Lake: The Quiet Alternative

Quaker Lake is three miles north of Red House, accessible by a short hiking trail or a gravel road depending on the season. It's about 10 acres, no motors allowed, and rarely crowded. The water is clear and cold, fed by springs, which means it holds bass and pickerel but also tends to be less productive than Red House—the fish are there, but they're more scattered and less aggressive.

The lake has a small parking area and a boat launch for canoes and kayaks. If you don't have a boat, you can fish from shore around the perimeter, though the banks are steep and wooded in most places. The best shore access is on the south end near the launch. The lake is deeper than Red House—30 to 40 feet in the center—so bass and pickerel spend more time in deeper water. Early morning and late evening are critical here; midday fishing is slow.

Quaker Lake is worth the trip if you want solitude and don't mind a smaller catch. It's also a good option if you have a kayak and want to explore a remote water without the noise and traffic of Red House. The scenery is excellent, and you're likely to see deer and other wildlife along the shore.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for both lakes. Water temperatures rise from the 40s into the 50s and 60s, and largemouth bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the marshy coves and weed edges at Red House, and work the shallow bays at Quaker Lake. Pickerel are also active and aggressive in spring. Use crankbaits, soft plastics, and live shiners if the park allows it—check current regulations before you go.

Summer (June through August) is slower for bass but good for panfish. The lakes warm into the 70s, and bass move deeper and become less active during midday. Fish early and late, or focus on deeper structure if you have a boat. Pickerel remain active throughout the day. Panfish bite steadily in shallow water, especially around weed beds.

Fall (September through October) is the second-best season. Water cools back into the 50s and 60s, bass become aggressive again, and the crowds thin out. Fish the same shallow areas you worked in spring. Pickerel are excellent in fall, and they'll hit larger baits and lures than they do in summer.

Winter (November through March) is possible but limited. Both lakes can freeze solid, and access depends on snow and ice conditions. If the lakes are open water, fishing can be slow—bass and pickerel are lethargic in cold water. Call the park office before planning a winter trip.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

For largemouth bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range work well in spring and fall. Soft plastics—4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits—are reliable year-round. If you want to use live bait, check the park's current regulations; some waters restrict live shiners or other baitfish.

For chain pickerel, use slightly heavier tackle—10- to 12-pound line—because they have sharp teeth and will fray lighter line. Pickerel hit larger lures than bass do; try 3- to 5-inch crankbaits and soft plastics. They're less picky than bass and will strike aggressively, so you don't need to match the hatch as carefully.

For panfish, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line is plenty. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live worms or small soft plastics work well. Panfish will also take small crankbaits and spinners if you want to cover water quickly.

Bring polarized sunglasses—they help you spot bass and pickerel in shallow water, especially in spring. A net is useful if you're fishing from shore or a small boat. If you're renting a boat, ask the concession stand what tackle they recommend; they know the lakes well and can point you toward productive water.

Park Rules and Regulations

New York State fishing regulations apply at Allegany State Park. You need a valid New York State fishing license, which you can purchase online or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. The license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Specific rules for the lakes change year to year, so check the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or call the park office before you go. Bass seasons, creel limits, and minimum sizes vary. As of recent years, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily limit of five fish, but confirm this before you fish.

Red House Lake allows motorboats up to a certain horsepower—check the park office for the current limit. Quaker Lake is no-motor only; canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are allowed. Both lakes prohibit swimming during fishing season in some areas, so ask at the entrance.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Allegany State Park is on Route 417 near Salamanca, New York, about 90 minutes south of Buffalo. If you're coming from the Mid-Atlantic, it's roughly two hours north of Pittsburgh. The park entrance has clear signage, and GPS coordinates for the Red House Lake parking area are 42.0667° N, 78.4833° W if you want to plug them in.

Day-use parking is available at both Red House Lake and Quaker Lake. The Red House area has a large parking lot, picnic facilities, and a campground with over 400 sites. Camping is first-come, first-served in the off-season and by reservation during peak times. If you don't want to camp, Salamanca has motels and restaurants within 15 minutes of the park.

The park has no tackle shop on-site, so bring everything you need or stop in Salamanca before you arrive. The nearest full-service tackle shop is in Olean, about 30 minutes away, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish both lakes in one day?

Yes, but it's tight. Red House Lake is developed and easy to fish; you can spend two to three hours there and catch fish. Quaker Lake requires a three-mile drive or hike, so if you want to fish both, plan on a full day and bring lunch. Most anglers pick one lake and focus on it.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. Red House Lake has good shore access, especially around the marshy coves and the day-use area. Quaker Lake is harder to fish from shore because the banks are steep, but it's possible. If you don't own a boat, Red House has rentals available through the concession stand.

What's the difference between the two lakes?

Red House is larger, warmer, more developed, and more productive. Quaker Lake is smaller, colder, quieter, and holds fewer fish but offers solitude. Red House is better for beginners and families; Quaker Lake is better if you want a remote experience and don't mind slower fishing.

Is there a best time of year to visit?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the strongest seasons for bass and pickerel. Summer is slower for bass but good for panfish. Winter is possible but depends on ice and snow conditions; call ahead if you're planning a cold-weather trip.

What if I catch a fish I want to keep?

Check the current New York State regulations for size and creel limits before you fish. As of recent years, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit, but these rules change. The park office can tell you what's current. If you keep fish, bring a cooler with ice to keep them fresh on the drive home.