What You'll Find at Hickory Run

Hickory Run State Park sits in Carbon County in the heart of the Poconos, and it's built around two things: a lake and a creek, both worth your time if you know what to target. Lake Hickory Run is a 60-acre impoundment that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish — mostly bluegill and pumpkinseed. The creek that feeds it, Hickory Run Creek, runs cold and rocky and holds native brook trout and some brown trout stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The park itself covers 15,600 acres, so you're not crowded in here. The lake has a boat launch and a small beach area, and the creek runs through a gorge with hiking trails that double as access points. Most anglers who fish here are after bass on the lake or trout on the creek, and both are realistic targets if you time it right and know the seasonal patterns.

Key Takeaways

  • Hickory Run Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring and fall the most productive seasons for both species.
  • Hickory Run Creek is a cold-water trout stream stocked with browns and holds native brookies, best fished from April through October.
  • The lake has a public boat launch and parking area; creek access is free and available from multiple trailheads throughout the park.
  • Pennsylvania fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and trout stamps are required if you fish the creek.
  • The park charges a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual pass for $65 that covers all Pennsylvania state parks.

Bass Fishing on Hickory Run Lake

The lake is shallow in most places — average depth around 15 feet — which means the bass move predictably with the seasons. In spring (April through May), they're moving into the shallows to spawn, and that's when you'll have your best shot at numbers. Fish the coves on the north and east sides of the lake where the water warms first. A 5-inch plastic worm or a small crankbait in chartreuse or white will work; cast toward the shoreline and work it slowly.

Summer is tougher because the bass push deeper and toward the dam, where the water stays cooler. If you're fishing from shore, focus on early morning and late evening. If you have a boat, the deeper water near the dam and the channel that feeds the lake are your best bets. Topwater lures at dawn can be productive.

Fall (September through October) is nearly as good as spring. The water cools, the bass move back to the shallows, and they feed aggressively before winter. The same coves that worked in spring will work again. Winter is slow but not impossible — fish the deepest water you can find, move slowly, and be patient.

Trout on Hickory Run Creek

The creek is the real gem here if you're a trout angler. It's a Class A wild trout stream, which means it has native brook trout, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks it with brown trout in spring and fall. The water is cold and clear, which means the trout can see you — wade carefully and keep your shadow off the water.

The creek runs through a steep gorge, so access is limited to specific points. The main parking area for creek access is near the park office; from there, hiking trails follow the creek for several miles. The water is rocky and fast in most places, with pools and runs that hold fish. In spring (April and May), fish the deeper pools with small nymphs — a size 14 or 16 Hare's Ear or Pheasant Tail will work. In summer, the creek gets low and warm, and the fishing slows; focus on the deepest, shadiest pools early and late in the day.

Fall (September through October) is prime time. The water cools, the stocked browns are aggressive, and the native brookies are feeding hard. Use small streamers or spinners if you want to cover water quickly, or nymphs if you want to be more deliberate. The creek is small enough that you don't need to cast far — accuracy matters more than distance.

Access and Parking

Hickory Run State Park is located on Route 534 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The main entrance is well-marked, and there's a park office where you can pay the day-use fee ($5 per vehicle) and ask about current conditions. Parking for the lake is near the boat launch and beach area; parking for creek access is near the park office and at several trailheads along the gorge.

The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small boats and kayaks. There's no rental facility in the park, so you'll need to bring your own. If you're fishing from shore, the lake has a small beach area and some open bank space, though it can get crowded on weekends in summer.

Creek access is free and open to the public. The hiking trails that follow the creek are maintained and well-marked. Wading is allowed, but the rocks are slippery and the current can be strong in places — wear wading boots with good grip, and be careful in high water after rain.

Licenses and Regulations

You'll need a Pennsylvania fishing license if you're 16 or older. You can buy a one-day license for $11.97 or a seven-day license for $26.97 from the park office or online at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website. If you're fishing the creek for trout, you'll also need a trout stamp, which costs $11.97 for seven days or $26.97 for a year.

The lake has a 5-fish daily limit for bass with no size restriction, though the park recommends catch-and-release to maintain the fishery. The creek is catch-and-release only for brook trout (all sizes), and you can keep up to five brown trout per day with a 9-inch minimum. Check the current regulations on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website before you go, as rules can change.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the best overall time. The lake bass are spawning and aggressive, the creek is stocked with fresh browns, and the water temperature is ideal for both species. Expect moderate crowds on weekends, especially around the lake.

Summer is slower for trout but decent for bass if you fish early and late. The lake gets crowded with swimmers and boaters, so weekday mornings are your best bet for peace and quiet. Fall (September through October) is excellent for both lake and creek — water temperatures are perfect, the fish are feeding hard, and the park is less crowded than summer.

Winter is quiet and the fishing is slow, but if you're willing to work for it, you can still catch bass and some trout. The park stays open year-round, though some facilities close in winter.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If you want to fish other water in the area, the Lehigh River is about 15 minutes south and holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and some catfish. Tobyhanna Lake, another state park lake, is about 20 minutes north and has similar bass and panfish fishing to Hickory Run. Both are worth a day trip if you want to explore beyond the park.

The Aquashicola Creek and Pohopoco Creek are smaller trout streams in the same region and offer a quieter alternative to Hickory Run Creek if you want to avoid crowds. All three creeks are stocked and hold native trout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Hickory Run Lake without a boat?

Yes. The lake has a small beach area and some open bank space where you can fish from shore. The best shore fishing is from the coves on the north and east sides, where you can reach deeper water with a longer cast. Early morning and late evening are best if you're fishing from shore.

Is Hickory Run Creek good for beginners?

It can be, but the creek is small and the trout are wary, so it rewards patience and careful wading. If you're new to trout fishing, start with nymphs and focus on the deeper pools. The hiking trails make access easy, and the scenery is worth the trip even if the fishing is slow.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring and fall are both excellent. Spring (April and May) offers aggressive bass and freshly stocked trout. Fall (September and October) has cooler water, hungry fish, and fewer crowds than summer. Winter is slow but possible; summer is crowded and the trout fishing slows.

Do I need a boat to fish the lake?

No, but a boat gives you access to deeper water and more shoreline. If you don't have one, shore fishing is productive in spring and fall, especially early and late in the day. A kayak is a good middle ground if you want to explore without a full-size boat.

Are there camping facilities in the park?

Hickory Run State Park does not have campgrounds, but there are several private campgrounds and state parks with camping nearby. Tobyhanna State Park, about 20 minutes north, has a campground and also has good fishing.