What Lake Naomi offers and who fishes it
Lake Naomi is a 245-acre impoundment in Pike County, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Pocono region. It holds a solid population of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and panfish—bluegill, crappie, and sunfish—making it a reliable choice when you want a day on the water without the crowds that hit the bigger regional lakes. The lake sits at roughly 1,400 feet elevation and stays reasonably clear through most of the year, which helps both sight-fishing and structure-hunting work well here.
The lake is managed by the Pocono Lake Preserve, a private community, but public access exists at a dedicated boat launch on the north shore. Day-use parking is available, and the launch fee is modest—typically under $10 for a single vehicle. The water is open year-round, though winter conditions can be harsh; spring and fall tend to draw the steadiest crowds of local anglers.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Naomi's public boat launch is on the north shore, operated by the Pocono Lake Preserve, with day-use parking and a small launch fee.
- Smallmouth bass dominate the structure—rocky points, drop-offs, and the dam area hold fish consistently from April through October.
- Panfish bite year-round in shallow bays and around downed timber, making Lake Naomi a good option when bass are slow.
- Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) produce the most active fishing and the most comfortable weather for a full day on the water.
- The lake sits at elevation and can freeze solid in winter; confirm access and conditions before making the drive in cold months.
Smallmouth bass structure and seasonal patterns
Smallmouth bass are the primary draw here, and they follow predictable seasonal routes tied to depth and temperature. In spring (April through May), fish move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively in 4 to 10 feet of water along rocky shorelines and near the dam. The dam's face and the rocky points on the north and east shores are your best bets early in the season. Throw tubes, small crankbaits, and soft plastics in crawfish patterns.
By mid-summer (June through August), smallmouth retreat to deeper structure—the main channel drop-offs and rocky ledges in 15 to 25 feet of water. Early morning and late evening topwater can work, but your most consistent success comes from vertical jigging or dragging soft plastics along the bottom. The water can get warm, so focus on the deepest holes and shaded structure.
Fall (September through October) reverses the pattern. Smallmouth move back shallow as water cools, and the bite becomes aggressive again. This is often the best time to fish Lake Naomi—stable weather, active fish, and fewer boats. Target the same shallow rocky areas you fished in spring, but expect fish to be feeding harder and ranging wider.
Panfish and largemouth bass in bays and timber
If smallmouth are slow or you want a change of pace, panfish—bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed—are abundant and willing. The shallow bays on the west and south shores hold concentrations of panfish year-round, especially around downed timber and aquatic vegetation. In spring and early summer, fish the edges of weed beds in 3 to 8 feet of water. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), live minnows, and crickets all work.
Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than smallmouth. They prefer the weedy bays and timber-choked areas where panfish congregate. If you're targeting largemouths, work the same shallow cover with larger soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Early morning and dusk are your best windows.
Access, launch details, and what to bring
The public boat launch is located on the north shore of Lake Naomi, accessed via Pocono Lake Road. There is a small parking area and a single-lane concrete ramp. The launch fee is typically $5 to $10 for day-use; confirm the current fee when you arrive, as it can change seasonally. The ramp is well-maintained and suitable for small to mid-size boats and kayaks.
There is no fuel dock, bait shop, or food service at the lake itself. Bring everything you need—gas, tackle, snacks, and water. The nearest services are in the town of Pocono Lake, about 5 miles away. Cell service can be spotty on the water, so plan your day before you launch and let someone know where you're going.
Parking is limited to the day-use area; overnight parking is not permitted. The lake is open dawn to dusk for day-use fishing. In winter, confirm that the launch is open before driving out; ice and weather can close access without notice.
Tackle and techniques that work here
For smallmouth, bring a mix of presentations. Tubes (2 to 3 inches) in watermelon, green pumpkin, and crawfish patterns work year-round. Small crankbaits (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) in shad and crawfish colors are effective in spring and fall. Soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches) rigged on drop-shot or Texas rigs handle deeper structure in summer. A 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braid or monofilament is ideal.
For panfish, a light spinning outfit (5 to 6 feet, 4 to 6-pound line) and small jigs or live bait work best. Bluegill and crappie will take 1/32-ounce jigs tipped with a small piece of minnow or a cricket. In spring, when crappie spawn, they bite aggressively on small minnows fished under a bobber in 3 to 6 feet of water.
Topwater lures can be effective early and late in the day, especially in spring and fall. Small poppers and walking baits in shad patterns draw strikes from both smallmouth and largemouth in shallow water.
When to fish Lake Naomi and what to expect
Spring (April through May) is prime time. Water temperatures rise from the 50s to the 60s, smallmouth move shallow to spawn, and the bite is aggressive. Expect moderate crowds on weekends, especially closer to May. Mornings are cool; bring a light jacket.
Summer (June through August) is slower for smallmouth but steady for panfish. The lake can get crowded on weekends, and afternoon heat can be intense. Fish early and late, or focus on panfish in the bays. Water temperature reaches the low 70s.
Fall (September through October) rivals spring for quality fishing. Water cools, smallmouth feed aggressively, and the weather is comfortable. Crowds thin out after Labor Day. This is the best time to visit if you want active fish and fewer boats.
Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The lake can freeze solid, and access may be limited. If you do fish in winter, focus on panfish in deeper bays and be prepared for cold weather and short daylight hours.
Regulations and what you need to know
Lake Naomi follows Pennsylvania's statewide fishing regulations. You need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than $20; a year license is around $30 for residents.
Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a 5-fish daily limit. Panfish have no minimum size and generous daily limits. Check the current regulations before you fish, as rules can change. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website has the most up-to-date information.
No gas motors are permitted on Lake Naomi—only electric trolling motors and paddle power. This keeps the lake quiet and the water clean, and it means you'll be fishing alongside kayakers and canoeists as well as small motorboats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Lake Naomi in winter?
Yes, but access is not may provide. The lake can freeze solid, and the Pocono Lake Preserve may close the launch during severe weather. Call ahead or check the Pocono Lake Preserve website before making the drive. If the lake is open, panfish in deeper bays are your best bet, and you'll need to dress for cold weather and short daylight.
What's the difference between Lake Naomi and the other Pocono lakes?
Lake Naomi is smaller and quieter than lakes like Wallenpaupack or Pocono Lake itself. It has a no-gas-motor rule, which keeps it peaceful but also means fewer anglers and less competition for fish. Smallmouth are the primary species here, whereas the bigger lakes have more largemouth and pike. If you want a less crowded day, Lake Naomi is worth the trip.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
A boat or kayak is strongly recommended. The shoreline is mostly private property, and public shore access is limited. A kayak is a low-cost option and works well for panfish in the bays. If you don't have your own, some nearby outfitters rent kayaks and small boats.
What's the water clarity like?
Lake Naomi is generally clear to moderately clear, with visibility typically 4 to 8 feet depending on season and recent weather. Spring runoff can cloud the water temporarily. Clear water means sight-fishing and structure-hunting both work well, but it also means fish can see your line—use lighter tippet and more natural colors.
Are there any fish species I shouldn't target here?
Pike and musky are not present in Lake Naomi. The lake is managed primarily for smallmouth and panfish. Catfish are occasionally caught but are not a primary target. Stick to bass and panfish, and you'll have plenty of options.