What You'll Find at Pecks Pond

Pecks Pond is a small, shallow impoundment in Pike County that holds largemouth bass and panfish — bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie. The pond sits in a residential area near Greenridge, so it's not remote, but it's also not crowded on weekday mornings. Water clarity varies with season; spring runoff muddies it, but by mid-summer it clears enough to sight-fish the shallows. The bottom is mostly soft mud and silt, with some weedy cover along the eastern shoreline.

This is a pond for anglers who want a quick outing without the drive time of bigger Pocono lakes. You can fish it in two hours and catch something. The largemouths here run 12 to 16 inches mostly, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. Panfish are plentiful and eager, which makes it a good choice if you're bringing someone new to fishing or if you want fast action over trophy hunting.

Key Takeaways

  • Pecks Pond holds largemouth bass and panfish in a small, shallow setting that fishes well in two to three hours.
  • Spring and early summer produce the most consistent action, especially for panfish along the weedy eastern shore.
  • Access is from a small parking area on Greenridge Road; arrive early on weekends because the lot fills quickly.
  • Soft plastics and small topwater lures work best for bass; panfish respond to live crickets, waxworms, or small spinners.
  • The pond is open year-round, but winter fishing is slow and the shoreline can be icy; fall and spring are the most reliable seasons.

Access and Parking

Pecks Pond is managed by the Pike County Parks and Recreation Department. The public access point is a small gravel lot on Greenridge Road, just north of the pond. There is no boat launch — this is a shore-fishing-only water. The lot holds about eight to ten vehicles, and it fills by mid-morning on Saturdays and Sundays.

Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends if you want a parking spot. Weekday mornings are rarely crowded. The walk from the lot to the water is less than 50 yards. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; you can purchase one online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at any authorized vendor.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Largemouths move into the shallows to spawn, and panfish are aggressive. Fish the weedy areas along the eastern shore with small soft plastics or topwater lures early in the morning. Water temperatures are in the 55 to 65 degree range, and fish are feeding hard before the heat of summer.

Summer (June through August) slows down by mid-July. Early summer — June and early July — still produces, but by late July the pond can become sluggish. Fish the deeper water near the dam in the afternoon, or focus on early morning and evening sessions. Panfish remain active all summer in the shallows.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong bite. Water cools, bass move back to the shallows, and panfish school up. October is often as good as spring. Winter fishing is slow and the shoreline ices over; most anglers skip December through February.

What Lures and Tackle Work Best

For largemouths, bring soft plastics in 3 to 4 inches — black, green pumpkin, and watermelon colors work consistently. Rig them on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig heads and work them slowly along the weed line. Small topwater lures (2 to 3 inches) produce strikes in early morning and late evening, especially in spring and fall. A 6 to 7 foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10 pound braided line is standard.

Panfish are less picky. Live crickets or waxworms under a bobber catch bluegill and pumpkinseed all day. Small spinners (size 0 or 1) in silver or gold work for crappie. A light spinning setup — 5 to 6 feet, 4 to 6 pound line — is ideal. You don't need expensive gear; Pecks Pond rewards simple, patient fishing.

Shoreline Structure and Where Fish Hold

The eastern shore has the most weed growth and is the most productive area. Largemouths use this cover to hunt, and panfish school in the weeds. Fish this side in spring and early summer. The western shore is more open and sandy; it's less productive but less crowded if you want solitude.

The dam is at the southern end. There's a small drop-off near the dam that holds bass in summer and fall when the shallows warm up. The northern end is shallow and weedy — good for panfish but less reliable for bass. Work the transitions between shallow and deeper water, especially where weed cover meets open water.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Pennsylvania bass regulations apply: largemouths must be 12 inches to keep, and the daily limit is five fish. Panfish have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit, though most anglers practice catch-and-release for bluegill and pumpkinseed anyway. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The pond is open sunrise to sunset. No motorized boats are allowed, and no swimming. The area is day-use only — no overnight camping. Respect the residential surroundings; keep noise down and pack out all trash. The parking area has no facilities, so bring water and use the restroom before you arrive.

When to Skip Pecks Pond and Try Alternatives

If you're looking for trophy bass or a longer outing, Pecks Pond isn't the answer. Lake Wallenpaupack, Masonic Lake, and Greenridge Lake are all within 20 minutes and hold bigger fish and more depth. If you want solitude, Pecks Pond will disappoint on weekends — the lot fills and the shoreline gets crowded.

Winter fishing here is slow enough that you're better off at an indoor range or waiting for spring. If you're targeting only crappie, Masonic Lake and Greenridge Lake have better populations. Pecks Pond is best for a quick weekday morning, a beginner's first outing, or a spring panfish session when the action is fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Pecks Pond in winter?

Technically yes, but the action is slow and the shoreline ices over. Most anglers skip December through February. If you do go, fish the deeper water near the dam and bring extra layers — the wind off the water is cold.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No. Pecks Pond is shore-fishing only; no motorized boats are allowed. A canoe or kayak is permitted, but most anglers fish from the bank. The shoreline is accessible enough that you can cover the productive water on foot.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is most consistent, especially in spring and fall. Summer evenings (6 p.m. to dark) can be good when the midday heat shuts down the bite. Midday is slowest, but panfish stay active all day.

How deep does Pecks Pond get?

Maximum depth is around 15 to 18 feet near the dam. Most of the pond is 4 to 8 feet deep. It's a shallow impoundment, so fish don't have far to go to find deeper water when the shallows warm up in summer.

Is there a fee to fish here?

No entrance fee. You only need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. Licenses are available online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or at sporting goods stores and bait shops in the area.