What Lake Perez offers and where to find it
Lake Perez is a modest impoundment in Centre County that holds smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish in a setting that draws far fewer anglers than the bigger lakes nearby. The lake sits in a rural pocket between State College and Bellefonte, accessible by car but quiet enough that you can fish without the weekend crowds that pack Raystown Lake or Bald Eagle Lake. The water runs clear to slightly stained depending on recent rain, and the shoreline mixes wooded banks with a few open stretches—good structure for smallmouth that hunt the shallows in spring and fall.
Access is straightforward: there is a public boat launch on the south end near the dam, with a small parking area and a single-lane ramp. Bank fishing is possible along the dam itself and at a few pull-offs, though most productive water requires a boat. The lake covers roughly 50 acres, so it is small enough to fish thoroughly in a half day but large enough that you can find quiet water away from the launch.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Perez holds smallmouth bass year-round, with the best action in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when fish move to shallow structure.
- Channel catfish bite reliably in summer and early fall on cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom near the dam.
- The public boat launch is on the south end; bank fishing is limited but possible along the dam and at roadside pull-offs.
- Water clarity is usually good, so use natural-colored soft plastics and crankbaits for smallmouth rather than bright lures.
Smallmouth patterns by season
Spring is the prime window for Lake Perez smallmouth. From mid-April through May, fish move out of deeper winter holes into the shallows to feed and spawn. Focus on the rocky banks on the north and east sides of the lake, where the bottom transitions from sand to small boulders. A 3- to 4-inch green pumpkin or brown crawdad-pattern soft plastic on a 1/8-ounce jig will draw strikes in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning and late afternoon are best, but overcast days can produce all day.
Summer is slower. By June, most smallmouth retreat to deeper structure—the channel that runs through the middle of the lake and the deeper holes near the dam. If you want to fish summer, switch to early morning before the sun climbs, or fish at night with topwater lures. A small popper or pencil bait worked slowly along the dam can produce explosive strikes in low light.
Fall mirrors spring. September and October bring another strong bite as water cools and fish move back to the shallows. The same rocky banks and shallow structure that worked in spring will produce again. This is also when catfish bite hardest, so you can target both species in the same outing—smallmouth in the morning on jigs and plastics, then switch to catfish rigs in the afternoon.
Winter fishing is possible but requires patience. Smallmouth are deep and sluggish, but a slow-jigged 2-inch soft plastic fished vertically near the dam can produce. Most anglers skip winter here and fish other Centre County lakes with better winter structure.
Catfish and sunfish opportunities
Channel catfish are the secondary draw at Lake Perez, and they are often overlooked because most anglers focus on smallmouth. From June through October, catfish bite steadily on the bottom near the dam and along the deeper banks. Use a simple three-way rig or a basic slip sinker setup with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook. Cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits all work. Fish at dusk or after dark for the best action, and be patient—catfish bites can be slow to develop but are usually solid once they start.
Sunfish—bluegill, pumpkinseed, and redear—are abundant and provide good action for kids or anyone wanting fast bites. They school in the shallows near weed beds and fallen timber, especially in spring and early summer. A small jig tipped with a cricket or a tiny soft plastic will produce steady action. This is also a good way to spend an hour while waiting for the evening catfish bite to turn on.
Best access and launch details
The public boat launch is located on the south end of Lake Perez, accessed via a small road off PA-144 near the dam. The ramp is single-lane, concrete, and well-maintained. There is a small gravel parking area with room for roughly 8 to 10 vehicles. No launch fee is charged, and the area is open during daylight hours year-round.
If you do not have a boat, bank fishing is limited but workable. The dam itself allows foot traffic, and you can fish the spillway area and the pool below it. A few pull-offs along the road on the north side of the lake offer informal access, though parking is tight. Early morning or weekday visits will give you more elbow room than weekends.
What to bring and what to expect
Lake Perez is small and relatively shallow, so a 14- to 17-foot boat is plenty. A trolling motor is not necessary but helpful for covering water quietly. If you are fishing from shore, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod, 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line, and a selection of 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs in brown, green, and natural colors. For catfish, a medium-heavy rod and 12- to 15-pound line will handle the bottom rigs and occasional snags.
Water temperature varies with the season but rarely exceeds 75 degrees in summer or drops below 35 degrees in winter. The lake is spring-fed in places, so clarity is usually good—bring polarized sunglasses and you can often sight-fish the shallows. Insect pressure is moderate; bring bug spray for dusk and evening sessions, especially in June and July.
When other Centre County lakes are crowded
Lake Perez works best as a backup or alternative when Raystown Lake or Bald Eagle Lake are packed with weekend traffic. It is close enough to State College that you can fish it on a weekday morning before work, and small enough that you do not need a full day to fish it well. The lack of development and the quiet shoreline also make it a good choice if you want to avoid the marina atmosphere of the bigger lakes.
The trade-off is that Lake Perez does not have the size or depth of Raystown, so the fish population is smaller and the bite can be more inconsistent. On a good day in spring or fall, you can catch 15 to 20 smallmouth and a few catfish. On a slow day, you might catch half that. This is not a destination lake for a weekend trip, but it is a solid local option if you live in or near Centre County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish Lake Perez?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day or annual license online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than $10.
What is the best time of year to fish Lake Perez?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most consistent. Water is cool, fish are active, and you can catch both smallmouth and catfish. Summer is slower for smallmouth but catfish bite well. Winter is possible but requires more patience.
Can I fish Lake Perez at night?
Yes, night fishing is allowed. It is especially productive for catfish and can be good for smallmouth on topwater. Bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going. The dam area is the safest place to fish after dark because it is open and well-defined.
Is there a size or catch limit at Lake Perez?
Pennsylvania sets statewide limits: smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum with a 6-fish daily limit, and channel catfish have no minimum size with a 15-fish daily limit. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations before you fish, as limits can change.
What if the boat launch is too crowded?
Bank fishing along the dam is your best option. If that is also crowded, try a weekday morning instead of the weekend. Lake Perez rarely gets so busy that the launch is completely blocked, but weekday visits are almost always quieter.