What You'll Find at Tobyhanna Lake

Tobyhanna Lake is a 63-acre reservoir in Pike County that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish in reliable numbers. The lake sits at roughly 1,900 feet elevation in the heart of the Pocono plateau, which means the water stays cool enough through summer to keep bass active during midday hours—a real advantage over lower-elevation lakes that turn sluggish in July and August. The shoreline is a mix of wooded banks, shallow coves, and a few marshy inlets where pickerel hunt in the weeds.

Access is straightforward. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains a public launch ramp on the north shore, and there is a small parking area that fills up on weekends but rarely turns people away on weekdays. The lake is shallow overall—average depth around 15 feet—which means you can work the entire water column without running deep structure, and wind can make the water choppy fast, so plan your trip for calmer mornings if you're in a small boat or fishing from shore. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round but ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April.

Key Takeaways

  • Tobyhanna Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The public launch ramp on the north shore is the main access point; arrive early on weekends to secure parking.
  • Shallow coves and marshy inlets along the eastern shore hold chain pickerel and panfish, especially in summer.
  • Water temperature stays cooler than lower Pocono lakes, so bass remain active through the heat of summer.
  • A Pennsylvania fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round but ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April.

Spring Fishing: Bass Moving to Shallow Water

Spring is the most productive season at Tobyhanna. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s in March into the 50s and 60s by May, and bass move from deep winter holes into the shallows to spawn. Focus on the coves on the eastern and southern shores, where you'll find 3 to 8 feet of water backed by trees and brush. Largemouths will be there first—usually by mid-April—followed by smallmouths a week or two later.

Throw crankbaits that dive to 6 feet, soft plastics rigged on jig heads, and spinnerbaits along the edges where shallow water meets deeper channels. Early morning and late afternoon are prime, but on overcast days the bite can hold all day. If you're fishing from shore, the north shore near the launch ramp has a small beach area and a few spots where you can cast into deeper water without wading far. The key is to work the transition zones where the bottom drops from 3 feet to 8 feet—that's where spawning bass stage before moving into the shallowest water.

Summer: Panfish and Pickerel in the Weeds

By June, the lake warms into the 70s and largemouths move to deeper structure or suspend in the thermocline. Smallmouths hold better than largemouths through summer heat, but your best bet is to shift focus to panfish and chain pickerel. The marshy inlets on the eastern shore—particularly around the inlet creek—hold bluegill, pumpkinseed, and pickerel in dense weed beds. A small ultralight rod with a 1/32-ounce jig tipped with a live cricket or small minnow will produce steady action.

Pickerel are aggressive hunters and will strike topwater lures and small spinners early and late. Fish the weed edges at dawn and dusk, and don't be surprised if a 3-pound pickerel hits a panfish lure meant for bluegill. The shallow, weedy character of Tobyhanna makes it one of the better Pocono lakes for pickerel, and they're often overlooked by anglers chasing bass. Summer is also when you can sight-fish for panfish in the clearer water—polarized sunglasses make a real difference here.

Fall: Bass Return to Shallow Water

September and October bring the second-best bite of the year. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 50s, and bass move shallow again to feed heavily before winter. The same coves that produced in spring will hold fish again, and you can use the same lures—crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits—with confidence. The difference is that fall fish are often larger and less spooky than spring spawners, and they'll chase baits more aggressively.

Topwater lures work well in September when the water is still warm enough for surface feeding. By October, switch back to subsurface presentations. The bite typically peaks in the hour after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark, but unlike spring, you can often find active fish throughout the day if you're willing to cover water. Fall is also when you might encounter larger smallmouths moving into the shallows, so don't overlook the rocky points and deeper edges of the coves.

Winter and Ice-Out Timing

Tobyhanna freezes solid most winters, usually by late December, and ice-out occurs in late March or early April depending on the year. Winter fishing is possible through the ice for panfish and smallmouth bass, but access is limited and conditions can be hazardous; check with the Fish and Boat Commission for current ice thickness before venturing out. The weeks immediately after ice-out—late April through early May—can be excellent for largemouths moving into the shallows to spawn, so if you can time a trip for that window, do it.

The transition from winter to spring is when Tobyhanna really comes alive. As soon as the ice clears and water temperatures reach the upper 40s, largemouths begin their pre-spawn migration. This window is brief—sometimes only two to three weeks—so if you're planning a spring trip, aim for the first week of May to catch the peak of this movement.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Largemouths at Tobyhanna respond to crankbaits in the 4- to 6-foot diving range, soft plastics (4-inch worms and creature baits), and jigs in 1/4- to 3/8-ounce weights. Smallmouths prefer smaller presentations: 2- to 3-inch soft plastics, drop-shot rigs, and tubes. For panfish, an ultralight spinning rod with 4-pound test and small jigs or live bait is all you need. Chain pickerel will hit small spinnerbaits, topwater plugs, and live shiners.

The lake's shallow depth means you don't need heavy tackle or deep-diving lures. A medium-power spinning rod rated for 6- to 12-pound test covers most situations. Bring polarized sunglasses—the clear water and shallow bottom make sight-fishing possible on calm, sunny days, especially for panfish and pickerel in the weedy areas. A depth finder is helpful but not essential; you can map the lake's structure by casting and feeling the bottom with a jig.

Getting There and What to Bring

Tobyhanna Lake is located in Pike County, roughly 15 minutes northeast of Pocono Pines. The public launch ramp is accessed via Tobyhanna Park Road off Pennsylvania Route 423. There is no fee to launch, and the parking area holds about 20 vehicles. Arrive by 8 a.m. on weekends if you want a may provide spot. The lake has no rental concessions, so bring your own boat or plan to fish from shore.

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required. You can purchase one online through the Fish and Boat Commission website or at most tackle shops in the Pocono region. The lake is open year-round, but spring through fall is when most anglers fish. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—the elevation and open water mean sun exposure is real, even on cool days. If you're planning to fish the marshy inlets on foot, wear waders or waterproof boots; the ground is soft and wet year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Tobyhanna Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Water temperatures are ideal for bass activity, and fish move into shallow, accessible areas. Summer can be good for panfish and pickerel, but largemouth bass become harder to find in the heat.

Do I need a boat to fish Tobyhanna Lake?

No. The north shore near the launch ramp has a small beach and shoreline access where you can cast into deeper water. The eastern shore also has limited shore access near the marshy inlets, though you may have to walk through private property to reach some spots—always ask permission first.

Are there size or catch limits at Tobyhanna Lake?

Pennsylvania's statewide regulations apply: largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum, smallmouth bass 10-inch minimum, and panfish have no size limit. Check the current Fish and Boat Commission regulations before you go, as rules can change year to year.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, night fishing is permitted. Many anglers fish for catfish and panfish after dark, though the lake is not known as a night-fishing destination. Bring a headlamp and be aware that the parking area is not lit.

What should I do if I hook a large pike or musky?

Tobyhanna is not stocked with pike or musky, so encounters are rare. If you do hook something large and toothy, it is almost certainly a chain pickerel. Handle it carefully—their teeth are sharp—and consider keeping it if it's over 15 inches, as they can compete with bass for forage.