What You'll Find at Glendale Lake

Glendale Lake is a 62-acre impoundment in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, built as a cooling pond for a now-closed power plant. The lake sits in a wooded valley near the small town of Glendale, about 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh. It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish—mostly bluegill and crappie—making it a solid option if you're already fishing the region or live within an hour's drive.

The water is relatively clear and stays cool through summer because of its depth and shaded shoreline. The lake's narrow shape means you're never far from structure: fallen timber, rocky points, and weed beds line both banks. It's not a destination lake—you won't drive three hours to fish it alone—but it's a reliable local spot with good access and light to moderate pressure.

Key Takeaways

  • Glendale Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish in a 62-acre setting with good structure and clear water.
  • The public boat launch is at the north end near the dam; parking is free and the ramp is maintained year-round.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent bass action; summer panfish and catfish bite well in early morning and evening.
  • Bank fishing is possible along the eastern shore where a maintenance road provides foot access, though a boat gives you far more water to cover.

Access and Boat Launch Details

The public launch is located at the north end of the lake, near the dam, off Glendale Road. There is a single-lane concrete ramp, a small gravel parking area, and a portable restroom. The launch is maintained by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and is open year-round. There is no launch fee.

If you don't have a boat, bank access exists along the eastern shore where a maintenance road runs parallel to the water. You can walk this road and fish from the bank, though the best structure—deep channels, timber, and the main lake basin—sits in deeper water that requires a boat to reach effectively. The road is not marked as a public access point, but it is not gated or posted against foot traffic.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Patterns

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable time for largemouth bass. Fish move shallow to spawn, and you'll find them in the creek arms at the south end of the lake and along the eastern bank in 3 to 8 feet of water. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures all work. Early morning and late evening are best, but the bite can be steady throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) slows the largemouth bite but improves smallmouth action. Smallmouth prefer cooler, deeper water and rocky structure. Fish the main lake basin in 15 to 25 feet of water, and work rocky points and drop-offs. Jigs and live crayfish are effective. The lake's depth and shade help keep water cool enough for consistent smallmouth fishing even in July and August.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong largemouth bite as fish move back to shallower water to feed before winter. The same spring patterns apply—creek arms, shallow banks, and structure in 4 to 10 feet of water. Water temperature drops steadily, and fish feed aggressively.

Panfish and Catfish Opportunities

Bluegill and crappie are abundant and often overlooked by bass anglers. They school in shallow water near structure—fallen trees, brush piles, and weed beds—and bite consistently from May through September. Early morning and evening are best, but you can catch panfish all day. Small jigs, live crickets, and wax worms all work. A light spinning rod makes panfish fishing enjoyable and productive.

Channel catfish are present and grow to good size. Fish for them at night or in early morning using chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial catfish bait. The deeper holes and channels in the main lake basin hold the most catfish. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader works well. Catfish bite year-round, though summer and early fall are most productive.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Glendale Lake is a small, sheltered body of water, so you don't need heavy-duty gear. A 14 to 16-foot aluminum boat or small center console is ideal. If you're bank fishing, wear waders or waterproof boots—the shoreline is muddy in places. Bring polarized sunglasses to spot structure and shallow fish.

A depth finder is useful for locating the main channel and deeper holes where smallmouth and catfish hold. Bring a variety of lures: soft plastics in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon), crankbaits, jigs, and topwater plugs for bass. For panfish, small jigs and live bait are most effective. A net makes landing and releasing fish easier, especially if you're practicing catch-and-release.

Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for current regulations on bass size and creel limits before you go. Regulations can change, and Glendale Lake may have specific rules that differ from statewide guidelines.

Nearby Water and Alternative Options

If Glendale Lake is crowded or you want to explore nearby, Moshannon Creek flows within 15 minutes and holds smallmouth bass and panfish in a moving-water setting. The creek is shallower and faster than the lake, so techniques differ, but it's a solid alternative if you want variety.

Penns Creek, about 30 minutes south, is a larger and more popular smallmouth stream with better access and more consistent hatches. If you're interested in fly fishing or want a different environment, Penns Creek is worth the short drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Glendale Lake year-round?

Yes. The lake does not freeze solid in most winters, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains the launch year-round. Winter fishing is slower, but catfish and some panfish bite. Check weather and ice conditions before launching in December through February.

Is there a size or creel limit for bass at Glendale Lake?

Pennsylvania's statewide bass regulations apply unless the lake has a specific rule posted by the Fish and Boat Commission. Check the current regulations on the PFBC website or call the regional office before you fish. Limits and size minimums can change annually.

What's the best time of day to fish Glendale Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive for bass and panfish. Midday can be slow in summer, but smallmouth and catfish bite throughout the day if you fish deeper structure. Overcast days often produce better results than bright, clear days.

Do I need a boat to fish Glendale Lake?

A boat gives you access to most of the lake's structure and deeper water. Bank fishing is possible along the eastern shore, but you'll be limited to shallow water and the immediate shoreline. If you don't have a boat, focus on panfish and catfish near the bank or consider renting a small boat from a nearby marina if one is available.

What's the water quality like at Glendale Lake?

The water is generally clear and well-maintained. Visibility is usually 4 to 8 feet, which is good for sight-fishing and lure selection. The lake's depth and shade keep it cool, which supports healthy smallmouth and catfish populations. Avoid fishing immediately after heavy rain, when runoff can cloud the water temporarily.