What You'll Find at Big Bass Lake
Big Bass Lake sits in Pike County near Masthope Mountain, about 90 minutes north of Philadelphia and an hour west of the New Jersey border. The lake runs roughly 45 acres and holds a solid population of largemouth bass, along with bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The water is clear enough most of the year to sight-fish the shallows, and the shoreline mixes wooded banks with a few cleared areas—typical Pocono terrain that gives you both cover and casting room.
This is not a trophy lake, but it is a reliable one. Bass here run mostly in the 1- to 3-pound range, with occasional fish pushing 4 or 5 pounds. The panfish bite is consistent year-round, which makes it a solid choice if you want to put fish in the boat without spending the day hunting for one perfect spot. The lake also draws fewer boats than some of the better-known Pocono waters, so you can fish without constant traffic.
Key Takeaways
- Big Bass Lake is a 45-acre lake in Pike County that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish within an hour's drive of the New Jersey border.
- A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; you can purchase a one-day or annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at local tackle shops.
- The lake has a public boat launch on the south end near the dam, with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles and a small fee per launch.
- Spring and fall produce the most consistent bass bite; summer panfish action stays strong throughout the day in deeper water and around structure.
- Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures in the early morning and late afternoon, especially near fallen timber and weed edges.
Access and Boat Launch Details
The public launch is located on the south side of the lake near the dam, accessible from Big Bass Lake Road. The ramp is a single-lane concrete pad in decent condition, though it can get soft after heavy rain. Parking is limited—roughly a dozen spaces—so arrive early on weekends, especially in spring and fall when the lake draws more traffic.
There is a small launch fee, typically a few dollars per boat. The launch area has no facilities beyond the ramp itself, so plan accordingly. If the lot is full, you may need to return later or try a different time of day. The road to the launch is narrow and winding, so trailers over 20 feet can be tight in places.
Shore fishing is also possible along Big Bass Lake Road on the east side, though access is limited and you will be casting into deeper water from the bank. Most anglers who fish this lake use a boat.
Seasonal Patterns and What to Target
Spring (April through May) brings the most aggressive bass bite. Fish move shallow to spawn, and you can find them in 2 to 6 feet of water near the dam and along the eastern shoreline where there is woody cover. Soft plastics like 4-inch worms and creature baits work well; throw them tight to fallen trees and brush piles. Early morning and late afternoon are prime, but the bite can last all day during an overcast spring.
Summer (June through August) shifts the bass deeper, typically to 12 to 20 feet, but the panfish bite heats up. Bluegill and crappie move to the same deeper structure—drop-offs, submerged timber, and the deeper end of the lake near the dam. Small jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics catch both species consistently. The bass bite slows during midday heat but returns in early morning and after sunset.
Fall (September through October) brings another strong bass bite as fish move back to shallower water to feed before winter. The same spring patterns apply—shallow structure, soft plastics, and early-morning timing. Water clarity is usually excellent in fall, so sight-fishing is possible if you move slowly and keep your shadow off the water.
Winter (November through March) is slower but not dead. Bass move to deeper water and feed less often, but a slow presentation with a jig or small crankbait can produce. Panfish remain active in deep water. Many anglers skip winter here and focus on other Pocono lakes, but if you want to fish, patience and a vertical presentation work best.
Lures and Tackle That Work
Soft plastics dominate at Big Bass Lake. A 4- to 5-inch worm rigged Texas-style on a 3/16-ounce weight covers most situations—shallow structure in spring, deeper water in summer. Creature baits and crawfish imitations also draw strikes, especially around timber. Throw them close to cover and work them slowly; this lake rewards patience over speed.
Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range work well in spring and fall when bass are shallow and aggressive. Chartreuse and natural colors produce consistently. Topwater lures like poppers and walk-the-dog baits can trigger strikes in low-light conditions, particularly early morning or just before dark.
For panfish, small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live minnows or soft plastics catch bluegill and crappie. A simple bobber rig with a live minnow also works if you want to cover water without casting. Catfish respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or stink baits fished on the bottom at night.
What to Bring and What to Know
A Pennsylvania fishing license is required. You can purchase a one-day license or an annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (www.fishandboat.com) or at local tackle shops in Masthope or nearby towns. The license is inexpensive and can be printed at home or shown on your phone.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—the lake has little shade on the water itself. A depth finder is helpful but not essential; the lake is small enough to explore by sight. If you are launching a boat, check the weather before you go; afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Poconos, especially in summer.
The lake has a 10 horsepower motor limit, so jet skis and large outboards are not allowed. This keeps the water relatively calm and makes for a more pleasant fishing experience. Respect posted no-wake zones near residential areas.
Nearby Water and Lodging Options
If Big Bass Lake is crowded or slow, several other Pocono lakes are within 20 minutes. Masthope Lake, just south, is larger and holds similar species. Lake Naomi and Promised Land Lake are both within 30 minutes and offer different structure and seasonal patterns worth exploring.
Lodging ranges from vacation rentals and small motels in Masthope to larger resorts in the surrounding area. Many places cater to anglers and can point you toward local tackle shops and recent fishing reports. The Pocono region is also popular for hiking and other outdoor activities, so you can combine a fishing trip with other recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Big Bass Lake?
A boat makes the most of the lake, but shore fishing is possible along Big Bass Lake Road on the east side. You will be casting into deeper water, so expect a slower panfish bite and fewer bass. Most anglers who fish here regularly use a small boat or kayak.
What is the best time of year to fish Big Bass Lake?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) produce the most consistent bass bite. Summer panfish action is strong, especially in deeper water. Winter is slower but still fishable if you are patient and fish deep structure.
Are there size or catch limits at Big Bass Lake?
Pennsylvania has statewide regulations for largemouth bass, bluegill, and other species. Check the current regulations on the Fish and Boat Commission website before you fish; limits and minimum sizes can change year to year.
Can I fish at night?
Night fishing is allowed on Big Bass Lake. Catfish fishing after dark is popular, and some anglers fish for bass at night during summer when daytime heat slows the bite. Bring a headlamp and be aware of the 10 horsepower motor limit, which applies around the clock.
What tackle shops are nearby?
Several shops in Masthope and the surrounding Pocono area stock bass and panfish tackle. Ask at your lodging or call ahead to confirm they have what you need. Local shops can also provide recent fishing reports and tips specific to current conditions.