What You'll Find at Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir

Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, also called Sayers Lake, sits in Perry County near the town of New Bloomfield in central Pennsylvania. It's a 45-acre impoundment on the Juniata River system that holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The lake is shallow and weedy in places, which makes it good for sight-fishing and for catfish that hunt in low light. Water levels can fluctuate depending on dam operations, so conditions change through the year.

The reservoir is managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and is open to public fishing. It's a working water—the dam generates power and manages flow for the Juniata below—so you'll see water level changes that affect where fish hold and how accessible the shoreline is. Spring and fall are typically the most reliable seasons, though summer catfishing can be excellent if you fish early and late in the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir holds smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish in a 45-acre impoundment near New Bloomfield, Perry County.
  • The lake is shallow and weedy, which favors sight-fishing for bass and night fishing for catfish, especially flatheads.
  • Water levels fluctuate due to dam operations, so check current conditions before you go and plan your access points accordingly.
  • Public access is available, but parking and launch facilities are limited—arrive early and scout the shoreline on foot if you're unfamiliar with the water.

Access Points and Where to Park

Sayers Lake has limited public access compared to larger reservoirs in the region. The main access is from the dam area on the New Bloomfield side, where a small parking area serves anglers. This spot gives you access to the lower end of the lake and the dam face itself, which can hold bass and catfish, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.

There is no formal boat launch at Sayers, so if you want to fish from a boat, you'll need to check with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or local tackle shops about current options. Many anglers fish this lake from shore, working the weedy banks and shallow flats. Arrive early—the parking area is small and fills quickly on weekends, especially in spring.

The shoreline is accessible in most places, but water level changes can expose mud or create steep banks depending on the season. Wear waders or boots with good grip, and scout your footing before you commit to a spot. The weeds can be thick, so bring a net and be ready to work through vegetation.

Smallmouth Bass Patterns Through the Seasons

Smallmouth bass are the most consistent target at Sayers Lake. In spring (April through May), they move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively on crawfish and small baitfish. Fish the weedy banks and any rocky structure you can find—the dam face and any riprap along the shoreline are prime spots. Use small crankbaits, tubes, or crawfish patterns in natural colors.

Summer smallmouth move deeper and relate to weed edges and any drop-offs the lake offers. Because Sayers is shallow overall, depth changes are subtle, but the transition from shallow weeds to slightly deeper open water is where fish stack up. Early morning and evening are best; midday fishing is slow. Topwater lures at dawn can be very effective if you can find active fish.

Fall (September through October) brings smallmouth back to the shallows as water cools. This is one of the best times to fish Sayers—the lake is less crowded, water clarity improves, and bass feed heavily before winter. Work the same shallow banks and weed edges you fished in spring, but fish slower and deeper as the season progresses into November.

Catfish and Night Fishing

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are present at Sayers Lake and offer a different kind of fishing than bass. Channel catfish respond well to cut bait—shad, herring, or chicken liver—fished on the bottom near structure or in deeper holes. Fish the dam area and any deeper pockets you can locate. Spring and fall are good, but summer night fishing can be excellent if you can handle the heat and insects.

Flathead catfish have become more common in central Pennsylvania reservoirs over the past decade. They are nocturnal and aggressive, and they hunt live baitfish. If you want to target flatheads, fish live bluegill or shad at night, using heavier tackle and being ready for a hard strike. The dam face and any deeper water near structure are your best bets. Check Pennsylvania's current regulations on flathead size and season before you fish.

Night fishing at Sayers requires caution—the parking area is small and visibility is limited. Bring a headlamp, tell someone where you're going, and fish with a partner if possible. The lake is quiet at night, which is part of its appeal, but it also means help is farther away if something goes wrong.

Water Levels and Timing Your Visit

Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir is operated for hydroelectric power generation, which means water levels can change significantly depending on power demand and rainfall. High water in spring can push fish shallow and make weed fishing difficult. Low water in late summer or fall can expose mud and make access tricky, but it can also concentrate fish in the remaining deeper water.

Before you go, check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or call ahead to ask about current water levels and any recent changes. Local tackle shops in New Bloomfield or nearby towns like Duncannon can also give you real-time information about conditions and where fish are holding. A 30-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.

Spring and fall are the most predictable seasons because water levels tend to be more stable and fish are more active. Summer can be productive for catfish, but bass fishing is slower and requires early starts. Winter fishing is possible but less common—the lake can be cold and access can be limited by weather.

Tackle and Technique for Sayers Lake

For smallmouth bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Small crankbaits (1.5 to 2.5 inches), tubes, and crawfish imitations work well. Topwater lures at dawn can be deadly. Because the lake is shallow and weedy, you don't need heavy tackle, but you do need something that can handle vegetation and occasional snags.

For catfish, use a heavier setup—a medium-heavy rod with 12- to 20-pound line, depending on whether you're targeting channels or flatheads. Three-way rigs or simple slip-sinker rigs work well for channels. For flatheads, use live bait and heavier tackle; a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook is standard. Bring a net—catfish can be slippery, and a good net makes landing and handling safer for both you and the fish.

Waders or waterproof boots are essential because the shoreline is muddy and weedy. Polarized sunglasses help you see fish in the shallow water, especially smallmouth in spring. Bring bug spray for summer and evening fishing—mosquitoes and other insects can be thick near the water.

Regulations and What to Know Before You Go

Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day or annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most tackle shops. Licenses are inexpensive and support the fishery you're using.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a five-fish daily limit in most of central Pennsylvania. Catfish have no minimum size, but check current regulations because rules can change. Flathead catfish have specific season restrictions in some areas—verify before you fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website has the full current regulations for Perry County.

The lake is open to public fishing during daylight hours. Overnight camping is not permitted at the reservoir itself, but there are campgrounds and motels in nearby towns. Respect private property around the lake—much of the shoreline is privately owned, and access is limited to the public areas near the dam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Sayers Lake?

There is no formal launch facility, but many anglers launch small boats and kayaks from the parking area near the dam. Check water level and ground conditions before you go—muddy banks or low water can make launching difficult. Call the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or a local tackle shop to confirm current conditions.

What's the best time of year to fish Sayers Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most reliable for both bass and catfish. Water levels are more stable, fish are active, and the weather is comfortable. Summer can be good for night catfishing, but bass fishing is slower. Winter is possible but less predictable.

Are there largemouth bass at Sayers Lake?

Yes, largemouth bass are present, though smallmouth are more common. Largemouth prefer the weedy, shallow areas and are often caught by anglers fishing for smallmouth. They respond to the same lures and techniques as smallmouth but tend to hold in thicker vegetation.

Do I need a boat to fish Sayers Lake?

No. Most anglers fish from shore, and the shallow, weedy nature of the lake makes shore fishing effective. A boat or kayak gives you more water to cover, but it's not required. Shore fishing is often better in spring and fall when fish are shallow.

Where can I find current information about water levels and fishing conditions?

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website has general information about the lake. Local tackle shops in New Bloomfield or Duncannon can give you real-time updates on water levels, recent catches, and where fish are holding. A quick phone call before you go can save time and frustration.