As a young Conservation Officer stationed in Centre County, I spent a great deal of my winter on the ice. With lakes at Bald Eagle State and Poe Valley State Parks, as well as numerous smaller waters that froze to a foot or more with the drop in temperature, ice fishing was a popular way to spend a weekend. Upon moving to Southcentral Pennsylvania, I did not expect to see much ice fishing. Being further south, there was significantly less snowfall, and I expected a lower chance of ice. I could not have been more wrong. Now, almost 25 years later, I can assure you Southcentral PA has some excellent ice fishing opportunities and plenty of fish to be had.
Pine Grove State Park
Situated on the Cumberland/Adams County line, this park offers a wide range of recreational options. Hunting, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and hiking are popular pastimes that sometimes draw crowds exceeding capacity. As temperatures drop, the focus shifts to fishing on the 1.7-acre Fuller Lake.
Although Fuller Lake is not the area’s largest fishing destination, do not let the size fool you. There are plenty of panfish, a sizeable bass population, an ever-growing number of pickerel (rare for this area), and plenty of trout. It even receives winter stocking by the Pa Fish & Boat Commission.
Due to its higher elevation and smaller size, Fuller Lake is prone to freezing early and often maintains fishable ice when other area waters are still questionable.
Colonel Denning State Park
Located north of Newville in Cumberland County, Colonel Denning is another small but not-to-be-overlooked gem. If you are already at Pine Grove State Park, driving north on Rt. 234 makes for easy access to Colonel Denning.
The 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake is the main attraction at Colonel Denning and offers easy access for ice anglers. Although the lake does hold a sizeable population of bass and panfish, the main species targeted through the ice will be trout.
Be advised that ice thicknesses are not monitored, and it is the angler’s responsibility to ensure conditions are safe enough for use. As Fuller Lake and Doubling Gap Lake sit at one of the county’s highest elevations, ice forms earlier and lasts longer than in some of the larger, more popular locations.
Codorus State Park
When it comes to almost any aquatic activity in Adams or York counties, Codorus State Park’s Lake Marburg is often the go-to destination; ice fishing is no different. At over 1275 acres and 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Marburg offers anglers deep water, shallow coves, and well-established channels – each of which provides the opportunity to catch something different.
All the most popular species, such as bass, panfish, and perch, are readily available throughout the lake. But the big draw is the wide range of species available, not commonly found in other local waters. Hybrid striped bass, northern pike, musky & tiger musky, as well as walleye, all call Lake Marburg home, making the little extra drive worth the effort.
Lake William and Redman
Finally, we come to the twin lakes of Lake William and Lake Redman in York, Pa. With over 500 combined acres, these two lakes offer ample opportunity to satisfy your winter fishing desires. Both are the centerpiece of the larger William H. Kain Park, part of the York County Park system, which offers additional winter activities.
Like the other lakes highlighted here, Lake William and Redman are home to numerous species, including panfish, perch, crappies, pike, and musky. However, the stars of the show are bass. As part of the Big Bass Program, both lakes are home to an abundance of both large and small-mouth bass and offer the possibility of anglers landing larger-than-normal specimens of each.
While county rangers may not monitor the ice daily, they will shut down access if they are aware of unfavorable conditions. Be sure to read all local signs and only venture onto the lake if conditions are right and there are no signs advising otherwise.
Ice Safety
No matter where you decide to wet a winter line, it is important to keep safety as your top priority.
* Never travel on ice with a thickness of less than 4 inches. Even at 4 inches, ice can still be dangerous when groups of anglers are traveling together.
* Dress appropriately. This means not only dressing for the cold, but also with the possibility of falling through the ice in mind. Multiple layers, a windproof layer, and a personal floatation device are necessary to stay warm and safe.
* Let someone know of your plans. Ice fishing is always better and safer if done with a buddy. But if you are going to be alone, make sure someone knows where you will be and when you plan on returning.
* If you do fall through the ice, do not panic. Keep your head above water, move towards shore until you encounter solid ice, and try to swim your way onto the unbroken area of ice. Once on solid ice, stay low and roll or slide your way to shore to avoid falling in again.
* Keep dry clothes and blankets in your vehicle. This will allow you to change and warm yourself if you do get wet.
Good luck, good fishing
