Trout & Timber: Fishing the Lakes of Northern PA

The Angler's Paradise

Long acclaimed by fly-fishermen and casual casters alike, the waters of Potter County produce some of the finest native Brook Trout in the state.

Beyond the rapid freestone runs of Pine Creek and the Oswayo, the region boasts sprawling, highly active lakes specifically managed for recreational boating and fishing.

The Greatest Lakes

With eight primary lakes across the Potter-Tioga nexus—including Lyman Run, Tioga, Hammond, Cowanesque, and Hills Creek—boaters have virtually unlimited staging grounds.

• Lyman Run Lake: A 45-acre lake nestled deeply in the woods, prized for excellent trout stocking and its quiet, electric-motor-only serene setting.
• Hamilton Lake: Located close to Wellsboro, an easily accessible hot-spot for warm-water species like panfish and bass.

If you prefer stream fishing, the delayed-harvest and catch-and-release sections of the local creeks offer tactical angling against incredibly smart, wild fish. Make sure to procure your PA fishing license before wetting a line!