Fishing at Poe Valley State Park
The 25-acre Poe Lake is popular for warmwater and coldwater fishing, especially during the beginning of trout season in mid-April.
Common game species include:
Brown and rainbow trout
Catfish
Pickerel
Sunfish
Perch
The lake is stocked with trout several times per season.
For stream fishing, the famous Penns Creek and Big Poe Creek are within a short distance of the park.
Ice Fishing
Many enjoy the winter ice fishing season.
Ice thickness is not monitored.
Be Safe on the Ice
- Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group.
- Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
- Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
- Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
- Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
- Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
- Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
- Wear a PFD (life jacket).
- Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.
Fishing Resources
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.