What Lake Shohola offers pike anglers

Lake Shohola is a shallow, weedy pike lake in Pike County, Pennsylvania, about 90 minutes north of New York City and an hour east of the Pocono region. The lake runs roughly 250 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with extensive vegetation and a mucky bottom that holds pike year-round. Summer is the most productive season here—pike move shallow to hunt in the weed beds, and you can sight-cast to cruising fish or work the edges where vegetation meets open water.

The lake sits in a residential area, so it draws local anglers and weekend visitors who know the patterns. Pike here run 18 to 28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing into the low 30s. The shallowness and weeds mean you'll spend more time casting than trolling, and you'll lose lures to vegetation—bring extras and accept it as part of fishing this water.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Shohola's shallow, weedy structure makes summer the prime season for pike, when fish hunt in vegetation and respond to topwater and shallow-running lures.
  • Public access is available at the Lake Shohola Marina on the north shore, which offers a boat launch, parking, and rental equipment if you don't have your own.
  • Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent action, especially in June through August when pike are actively feeding in shallow water.
  • Weed-edge fishing and sight-casting to visible cruisers work better here than open-water techniques, so bring polarized sunglasses and plan to cast repeatedly rather than cover distance.

Access and boat launch details

Lake Shohola Marina operates the public launch on the north shore and is the main entry point for anglers. The facility includes a single-lane concrete ramp, parking for roughly 30 vehicles, and a small bait-and-tackle shop. There is a launch fee—typically $10 to $15 per day, though rates can vary seasonally. The marina also rents small motorboats and kayaks if you don't have your own vessel.

The ramp is in decent condition but can get crowded on summer weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. Arrive early if you want to avoid a wait. The parking area is paved and well-maintained, and there are portable restrooms on-site. No overnight parking is permitted.

If you fish from shore, a small public area exists near the marina, but it is limited. Most productive fishing requires a boat to reach the deeper weed beds and the lake's central basin. Kayaks work well here and give you access to shallow edges that larger boats cannot reach safely.

Summer pike patterns and what works

Pike in Lake Shohola move into shallow vegetation as water temperatures rise in June. They hunt along weed lines, in pockets within dense vegetation, and along the transition zones where weeds thin out. Early morning—from sunrise through 9 a.m.—produces the most consistent strikes. Evening fishing from 6 p.m. until dark is also productive, though midday can be slow unless you fish the deepest weed beds.

Topwater lures and shallow-running crankbaits work well because pike are aggressive in the shallows. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits draw strikes from fish in open pockets. If you prefer soft plastics, 6- to 8-inch swimbaits and paddle-tail shads rigged on 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigheads let you work vegetation slowly and feel for fish. Bring polarized sunglasses—you will spot cruising pike in the clear, shallow water, and sight-casting to visible fish is one of the most reliable methods here.

Weed growth can be thick by mid-summer, so use lures that shed vegetation or work through it. Weedless spoons and topwater frogs are good choices when the vegetation is densest. Expect to lose lures; it is part of fishing this lake. Bring a spare box of your most productive patterns.

Spring and fall fishing

Spring pike fishing on Lake Shohola begins in late April and runs through May as water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Pike move from deeper winter holes into shallower feeding areas, and you can find them along the weed edges and in the first few feet of vegetation. Larger lures and slower presentations work better in cooler water than they do in summer.

Fall fishing picks up again in September and October as water cools and pike become more active. The weed beds begin to thin in late September, which actually makes fishing easier—you have fewer snags and can cover more water. Pike feed heavily in fall to prepare for winter, so action can be excellent through mid-October.

Winter fishing is possible but less popular. Pike are present but scattered in deeper water, and the lake can freeze over by December. If you fish winter, focus on the deepest basin and use live bait or large swimbaits fished slowly near the bottom.

Tackle and gear recommendations

A medium-heavy spinning rod or baitcasting setup works well for Lake Shohola. If you use spinning gear, a 6.5- to 7-foot rod rated for 10- to 20-pound line gives you enough power to set the hook in a pike's hard mouth and enough sensitivity to feel strikes in vegetation. Baitcasters offer better accuracy for sight-casting and better control when working dense weeds.

Use 15- to 20-pound braided main line—it cuts through vegetation better than monofilament and gives you better feel. Add a 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 30 pounds) to reduce visibility and protect against pike teeth. Pike have sharp teeth, and they will fray monofilament; fluorocarbon holds up better.

Polarized sunglasses are essential here. The water is clear enough to spot cruising pike, and sight-casting is one of your most effective techniques. A good pair will pay for itself in fish you would otherwise miss. Bring a net with a handle long enough to reach fish from a boat, and consider a quick-release tool for removing hooks safely.

Seasonal timing and water conditions

Lake Shohola's shallow depth means water temperature changes quickly with air temperature. In early June, water is typically in the high 60s to low 70s, and pike are actively hunting. By mid-July, surface water can reach 75 to 80 degrees, which pushes some pike deeper during midday but keeps them active in early morning and evening. August is usually the warmest month, and fishing can slow during the heat of the day.

Weed growth peaks in July and August. This is when the lake is most challenging to fish but also when pike are most aggressive in shallow water. If you prefer less vegetation, fish in June or September when weed beds are thinner and easier to navigate.

Water clarity is generally good, especially in spring and early summer. By mid-summer, algae blooms can reduce visibility slightly, but pike are still catchable. After heavy rain, the lake can become slightly stained, which can actually improve fishing because pike become less cautious.

Regulations and what to know before you go

Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most tackle shops. Pike have a minimum size limit of 24 inches and a daily creel limit of three fish in Pennsylvania. Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

The lake is open year-round, but access may be limited during winter if the marina closes. Call ahead if you plan to fish between December and March. No gas-powered motors are permitted on Lake Shohola—only electric motors or paddle-powered vessels. This keeps the lake quiet and makes it a good choice if you prefer a less crowded, more peaceful fishing experience.

The lake is surrounded by private residential property, so stay on the water and respect posted signs. Do not trespass on shore areas marked private.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Lake Shohola for pike?

Early morning from sunrise through 9 a.m. is most productive, followed by evening from 6 p.m. until dark. Midday can be slow, especially in summer, unless you fish the deepest weed beds or work the thickest vegetation where pike hide from bright light.

Can I fish Lake Shohola from shore?

There is limited shore access near the marina, but most productive fishing requires a boat to reach the weed beds and deeper water. Kayaks work well and give you access to shallow areas that larger boats cannot reach safely.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I rent one?

Lake Shohola Marina rents small motorboats and kayaks if you do not own a boat. Rentals are available daily during the season. Call the marina ahead of time to confirm availability, especially on weekends.

What size pike can I expect to catch?

Pike average 18 to 28 inches, with occasional fish in the low 30s. The minimum size limit is 24 inches, so smaller fish must be released. The lake is not known for trophy pike, but it offers consistent action and a good chance at solid 24- to 26-inch fish.

Is Lake Shohola good for beginners?

Yes, the shallow water and visible pike make it a good choice for anglers learning to sight-cast. The weed growth can be challenging, but the clear water and aggressive summer pike make it forgiving for newer anglers willing to practice casting and work the edges.