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Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Tours

It all started in 1962 with a single pontoon boat. Four generations later, the tour boat is still a favorite among travelers to the area and Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Tours has expanded. We now include boat rentals, charters, lodging, a gift shop and more! Come and explore beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack with Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Tours.

Rent a pontoon boat, kayak, stand up paddle board and get out on beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack! Looking for someone else to do the work? Charter a pontoon boat and leave the driving to us. If you want to sit back and relax without a big time commitment, take a boat tour – we have something for everyone, located right by the Observation Dike and next to Gresham’s Ice Cream Shoppe!

Taking a Scenic Cruise with Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Tours

Taking boat tours is one of my favorite ways to explore the large waterways in PA, so when I learned that you could take boat tours of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos , I was excited to check it out.

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours and Rentals is the only tour boat operator on the second-largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania and offers tours daily during the summer months (and on weekends in the spring and fall). Sadly, fans of The Office TV show will be disappointed to hear that this isn’t a booze cruise, but it’s still a ton of fun. ( The Office’s season 2 episode “Booze Cruise” was set on Lake Wallenpaupack, though not filmed there.)

Lake Wallenpaupack was created for hydroelectric purposes and was completed in 1926. The lake dams the Wallenpaupack Creek and is 13 miles long and features 52 miles of shoreline.

This Lake Wallenpaupack boat tour leaves from Hawley on the northeastern end of the lake and explores several miles of shoreline along this portion of the lake.

When I showed up for my cruise, I checked in at the East Shore Lodging building in The Shops at Grisham’s Landing directly along Route 6 . Once I checked in, I was told to walk across the street towards the lake, and take the path down to the shoreline.

This path isn’t difficult, but those that have trouble with hills or slightly uneven terrain might struggle to get down to the boat (especially when water levels are low in the late summer). This also means that this boat tour is not handicapped accessible.

The boat itself is docked on a floating and movable dock along the shoreline, along with a handful of other watercraft.

Unlike most of the other boat tours I’ve done in PA, the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours aren’t done on a large boat. Instead, these are done on a specially designed pontoon boat that has seating for roughly 20 people.

These seats are moveable resin chairs that are lined to make a ring around the boat. On the plus side, this means that there is ample leg room. However, since you are setting with your back to the side of the boat, it does make seeing the scenery a bit more difficult.

Because of this, I would recommend, if possible, sitting either at the very front or back of the boat. Sitting on the side opposite the pilot will also make hearing the narration a bit easier.

Once the boat is full, it embarks on its approximately 50-minute cruise around Lake Wallenpaupack. The boat heads towards the lake’s dam, past Shuman Point Natural Area , and then down to just north of Epply Island, before crossing to the other side of the lake and returning to the dock.

Along the way, the boat makes approximately seven to eight stops at various points of interest.

When the boat is stopped, the boat’s pilot also becomes the narrator offering interesting tidbits about the lake’s history, what you can see along its shoreline, and the ecology of the area. I found these talks to be interesting and given the small size of the boat and the lack of a second crew member, the decision to not provide constant narration made sense.

As we cruised, I was impressed with the overall beauty of the lake and really enjoyed learning more about this area. The lack of constant narration allowed me to sit back and simply enjoy being out on the lake without having to pay attention to what was being said.

Overall, while the experience here isn’t quite as polished as some of the larger boat tours I’ve done in PA, cruising on a smaller boat made the experience feel more intimate and like I was out on the lake with friends.

Because of this, I definitely recommend taking this boat tour of Lake Wallenpaupack the next time you find yourself exploring the northeastern corner of PA.

Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the Dorflinger Factory Museum ,  Shohola Falls , the Zane Grey House , and the best things to do in Scranton .

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours

See map below for other area attractions.

Great places to stay nearby

• Myer Country Motel - Rated one of the best values in Milford on Trip Advisor.
• Scottish Inn - Affordable accommodations located close to the Pocono Mountains
• Hampton Inn - A perfect option near the New York border
• Silver Birches - A fantastic place to stay right on Lake Wallenpaupack
• Find more great places to stay on Airbnb!

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More nearby places worth exploring

Visiting the Lincoln Flag at the Columns Museum in Milford, PA

The 21 Best Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA

Visiting the Covered Bridges in Carbon County, PA

Hiking the Scenic Lakeside Trails of the Shuman Point Natural Area

Find more things to do in the poconos.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

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"Waterfalls of Pennsylvania" by Jim Cheney

If you love PA waterfalls, you won't want to miss this waterfall book from Jim Cheney, author of Uncovering PA, featuring more than 180 great waterfalls. Order it now on Bookshop.org or Amazon .

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Lake Wallenpaupack Dinner Cruises

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the calm waters of Lake Wallenpaupack have been a favorite getaway for years. Lake Wallenpaupack offers scenic tours from mid-morning to late-night excursions. Dinner cruises can often bring a certain air of romance for some, and for others, just a great time for the entire family.

Spirit of Paupack

The Spirit of Paupack is a cruise company that features a 48-foot cruise boat that seats 60 passengers. Offering quaint 30-minute tours, the Spirit of Paupack can provide private tours and dinner cruises for you and your guests. The boat is a rare wooden cruise ship and the company has been in operation since 1982. Reservations are encouraged.

Spirit of Paupack 570-226-6266 pocono.org

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour

Opened in 1962, Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour was a family-owned-and-operated cruise charter. Under new management since 2006, the company continues to operate its famed charter patio-deck boat cruises around the lake. One-hour cruises are their most popular tour. Adults are $14, Seniors $13 and Children 12 and under are $10. Reservations are urged.

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour 2487 Route 6 PO Box 324 Hawley, PA 18428 570-226-3293 wallenpaupackboattour.com

Peck’s Pond Backwater Adventures

Operating since 1980, Peck’s Pond Backwater Adventures offers party boats for a cruise. Made famous for their Pontoon Boat scene in the hit television series “The Office,” Peck's offers a wide variety of crafts for your enjoyment. The boats are roughly 28 feet long and hold about 20 guests comfortably. Reservations are suggested.

Pecks Pond Backwater Adventures HC-12 Box 485 Pecks Pond, PA 18328 570-775-7237 https://www.peckspond.com/index.htm

• Website: Spirit of Paupack
• Website: Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour
• Website: Pecks Pond Backwater Adventures

About the Author

Ray Damon has been writing for newspapers and sportscasting since 1990. He has covered the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA and NCAA. His recent work can be found in "The Sun Herald" and he also writes for the Regional Indoor Football League and the Sarasota Scorpions. Ray is the owner of the Regional Indoor Football League. He holds two degrees in the broadcast field.

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• cruise image by Einar Bog from Fotolia.com

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Downtown Hawley and the Wallenpaupack Lake Region has lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy from wine tastings, art classes, skiing, theatre, historic train rides and lots more. You will never be at a loss for things to do.

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Wallenpaupack Boat Tours and Rentals

• Hawley 18428
• (570) 226-3293
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Wallenpaupack Boat Tours and Rentals offers a beautiful scenic tour of Lake Wallenpaupack, as well as boat rentals, including stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and pontoons. Take a 50-minute scenic boat tour, charter your own boat, or book a private tour on Lake Wallenpaupack. Great for a fun, relaxing time tubing, fishing, swimming – or just relaxing and cruising. Kayaks, both tandem and single are available for rental, along with paddleboards.

Rent a pontoon for 2 hours, a half-day, or a full day. The person driving the boat (O Captain!), if born after Jan 1, 1982, is required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. Pennsylvania residents can pay $45 and pass the online course, available here . Out of state boaters must have a certificate issued for a course approved by NASBLA , the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

The main tour is a 50-minute boat patio boat cruise. Your tour guide will describe the area and the history behind this part of the charming Lake Region. Tours depart hourly, on the hour. Boat tours take place from Mother’s Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.

Charter the Harris Sunliner Pontoon Boat for two or three hours. This excursion comes with a captain, so you can swim, tour, have a picnic, and just enjoy. Private tours are also available for groups of 18 – 53 people.

Parking and ticket purchases can be made across the street from the Observation Dike at Gresham’s Landing at the office at East Shore Lodging .

You can also book tickets online for Wallenpaupack Boat Tours here .

what's nearby

Sunset View House

Cottage with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths at Lake Wallenpaupack. Tons of amenities and Silver Birches Resort privileges.

Wallenpaupack Brewing Company

On-site brewpub. 48 beers in rotation, burgers, wings, soft pretzels, and sandwiches. Live music, kids menu.

Lake Side Deli & Grill

Deli with burgers, subs, hot sandwiches, deli sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches. Open year round. People love it.

Lake Life Pursuit

Large selection of home décor, jewelry, apparel, and gifts that are all inspired by the lake and surrounding mountains. Tasteful home décor to suit any home, vacation home, or cabin.

Rubber Duckie Boat Rental

Boat and water sports equipment rentals on Lake Wallenpaupack. Water skiing, pontoon, ski, and pleasure boats.

Gresham’s Ice Cream

Hard and soft ice cream, hot dogs, pretzels, across the road from Lake Wallenpaupack

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Lake Wallenpaupack

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Lake Wallenpaupack - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (1.46 mi) Overboard's
• (1.15 mi) On the Green Bar & Grill
• (6.55 mi) The Boathouse Restaurant
• (4.08 mi) Der Jaeger
• (8.78 mi) The Settlers Inn
• (0.31 mi) Pocono Action Sports
• (5.33 mi) Masters Of The Skies
• (6.87 mi) Wallenpaupack Boat Tours & Rentals
• (1.07 mi) PineCrest Marina
• (8.56 mi) Soarin Eagle Rail Tours

Sit Back and Relax Aboard Lake Wallenpaupack Boat Tours

Sit back and relax aboard either a 28-foot or 32-foot patio boat for a 50-minute tour of the lake.  A knowledgeable guide will accompany each tour and give information on the history of the area as you cruise.  Adult tickets are $15.00, senior tickets are $14.00 and youth tickets are $11.00.  Tickets can be purchased at East Shore Lodging across the street.  Hours vary each month so be sure to click here for their 2015 schedule.

If you feel like chartering your own boat, pontoon boats can be rented for a minimum of 2 hours for up to 12 people.  The price for this outing is $195.00 for 2 hours and includes a captain, tax, and gas.  Additional hours can be added if needed.  For a half day rental, the price is $345.00.

Each year, Lake Wallenpaupack puts on a spectacular fireworks show on the 4 th of July.  Imagine having a front row seat for the fireworks.  Wallenpaupack Boat Tours offer a special July 4 th ride that departs at 8:00pm.  Participants will take a quick ride around the lake and then dock to watch the fireworks show.  The fireworks are set off at Wallenpaupack High School.  Tickets for this event will go on sale on June 1 st .

Wallenpaupack Boat Tours has even been known to help brides and grooms arrive at their wedding location in style.  Arrange to have one of their boats come and pick you up to arrive at the ceremony or drop you off at your reception, either way your guests will love it.  Other features of Wallenpaupack Boat Tours are they offer stand up paddleboard classes and kayak classes.  They are also home to 40 boat slips that are available on a seasonal basis.

Need a place to stay when visiting Hawley?  We would love to have you stay with us right here at The Settlers Inn .  Our beautiful 1920’s Arts and Crafts lodge is home to 23 spacious guest rooms each unique in their offerings with most rooms featuring a fireplace and Jacuzzi.  There are 6 acres of land around the property so there’s plenty of nature to explore during your stay.  The Settlers Inn also has an award-winning restaurant with a seasonal menu, impressive wine list, and extensive beer menu.  From now until June 21 st , guests can enjoy the Spring Foodie’s Getaway special.  This special includes a night’s stay with welcome wine, three-course dinner for 2 and breakfast in the morning.  Book this incredible deal online or by calling 570-226-2993.  We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to Hawley.

Photo courtesy of Chris Williamson

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8 Activities to Do around Lake Wallenpaupack

A shimmering blue jewel set in the midst of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack has enticed vacationers for nearly a century.

A shimmering blue jewel set in the midst of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack has enticed vacationers for nearly a century. Created in the 1920s, this 5,700-acre reservoir is the second largest body of water contained entirely within the Commonwealth, offering plenty of space for paddlers and anglers to spread out and enjoy the water. With 52 miles of shoreline, there's lots to discover on land as well!

Lake Wallenpaupack

One of Pennsylvania's largest reservoirs, stunning Lake Wallenpaupack is 13 miles long with 52 miles of uninterrupted…

Flanked by Wayne County to the north and Pike County to the south, Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding Lake Region are more than just a water playground. You'll find charming small towns like Hawley and Honesdale , filled with shops, dining and history, located a short distance from the shores. Keep reading to check out eight of the best things to do at the "Big Lake."

Spend a Day on the Water

Hit the trail, drop a line, explore the region's rich history, grab a bite to eat, go treasure hunting, find fun indoor things to do, wally lake fest, 1. spend a day on the water.

Whatever summer splash activities are on your dream lake day list, you're sure to find them at Lake Wallenpaupack. Pack a picnic and head for the family-friendly Palmyra Township Public Beach to spend a day swimming and soaking up the sun along the sandy shoreline.

Rather get out in a boat? Paddle the lake in a canoe or kayak or give stand-up paddleboarding a try. The serene coves of Lake Wallenpaupack are ideal for first-time paddleboarders and kid-friendly kayaking trips. With so much acreage to explore, Lake Wallenpaupack has plenty to offer seasoned paddlers as well. Find public launch points at Mangan Cove or pay a small fee at the access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville.

Palmyra Township Public Beach on Lake Wallenpaupack

• (570) 226-9290

Beautiful, lake beach open to the public during the summer. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather…

Local outfitters providing boat rentals , sales and scenic tours are conveniently dotted all along Lake Wallenpaupack's shores. Choose your vessel and take a trip with The Boat Shop in Tafton, Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals in Hawley, or Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina in Greentown, which now offers sports car jet boats and BYOB, fully-captained tiki boat charters. From family-friendly patio and pontoon boats to fishing boats to jet skis and high-speed boats perfect for water skiing, you'll find a wide variety of watercraft to captain for the day. Rather let someone else take the wheel? Step aboard a leisurely tour with Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours .

The Boat Shop

Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals

Pocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina

Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours

2. hit the trail.

Don't feel like getting wet? Explore one of the area’s scenic hiking trails! Stay in sight of the water on the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail , accessible from the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center . The trail traces the lakeshore for about three miles before merging with the half-mile Wallenpaupack Creek Trail. For a longer trek, head to Promised Land State Park about eight miles from the Big Lake. Perched on the Pocono Plateau, the park features nearly 50 miles of paths to wander and two lakes of its own. Hikers can also branch into the extensive trail system in adjacent Delaware State Forest .

Wallenpaupack Lake Trail - Hiking

Promised Land State Park - Hiking

Delaware State Forest

3. drop a line.

Lake Wallenpaupack is known to harbor exceptionally hefty smallmouth bass, but there are plenty of other types of fish lurking beneath the surface including largemouth bass, yellow perch and channel catfish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lake with walleye, striped bass, and brown trout. If you're introducing your youngsters to fishing for the first time, Lake Wallenpaupack is the perfect place to go. Don't forget that a valid fishing license is required for anglers 16 years old and up. Short-term tourist permits are available for visitors and can be purchased online . Stop by the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center to take advantage of the free Fishing Tackle Loaner Program .

An angler can visit the Pocono Mountains region for an entire month and never fish the same water twice.

4. Explore the Region's Rich History

From the first Native American inhabitants to the early Dutch and English settlers of the 17th century, from the industrialists of the 1850s to the honeymooners of the 1950s, the area surrounding Lake Wallenpaupack has a rich past, and there are many local museums that bring the Poconos past alive for present-day visitors.

With displays in three different locations, the Wallenpaupack Historical Society preserves the history and heritage of the lake and the region. The Wayne County Historical Society has its home base in Honesdale , where the showpiece of the main museum is a reproduction of the Stourbridge Lion which once ran on nearby tracks, the first commercial locomotive operated in the United States. Just north of Hawley , the 16-acre Delaware and Hudson Canal Park showcases the 108-mile engineering marvel that was used in the nineteenth century to transport coal from Pennsylvania to New York, with historical structures to explore like Daniels Farmhouse and Canal Lock 31.

Wallenpaupack Historical Society, Inc.

Wayne County Historical Society & Museum

Delaware & Hudson Canal

The historic Hawley Silk Mill was built in 1880 and has been re-imagined several times over the years. Today, you can trace the building's past as you browse boutiques and art galleries as well as the cozy Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery , located in the building that used to house the cocoons which produced the silk fibers. In White Mills, the Dorflinger Glass Museum highlights another area industry and exhibits the beautiful cut crystal fashioned by the Dorflinger Factory from 1852 until 1921.

Hawley Silk Mill

Dorflinger Glass Museum

Dorflinger Factory Museum

5. grab a bite to eat.

When you're starting to feel hungry, there's no need to worry. You'll find different eateries close to the Big Lake all over the map , many offering panoramic views along with delicious dishes.

The Dock on Wallenpaupack was a bustling roadhouse in the 1940s; more than a half-century later, the space is a full-service waterfront restaurant with both indoor seating and deck dining. Part of Silver Birches Resort , a historic property which has graced the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack for nearly a century, the Dock offers everything from surf and turf to brick oven pizza. Just down the road, Gresham’s Chop House features both indoor and outdoor dining, and a menu loaded with steaks, seafood and traditional Italian fare. Stop by Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe for a sweet treat after your meal. Eager to sample regional craft beer? Head to the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company . This trendy brewery pours everything from stouts to specialty sours and serves tasty bites to munch like burgers and cheesesteaks.

The Dock on Wallenpaupack

Gresham's Chop House

Gresham's Ice Cream Shoppe

Wallenpaupack Brewing Company

6. go treasure hunting.

Take a break from the heat and duck out of the sun and into local shops ! You'll find hidden gems in abundance in nearby boutiques and antique stores . Start at the nonprofit Wayne Pike Sullivan Antique Dealers Association , which has been fostering an appreciation of antiquities and art for over 50 years, regularly hosting antique shows and sales. Pieces of the Past features seasonal decor, vintage toys and tons of hand-picked antiques. Wander through the many different dealer booths filled with unique items at the Hawley Antique Exchange . Located in Lake Ariel, Der Jaeger Unique Arts offers not only antiques and WWII memorabilia but also fine art and porcelain.

Wayne Pike Sullivan Antique Dealers Association

Pieces of the Past

Hawley Antique Exchange

Der Jaeger Unique Arts

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Lake Art offers unique home decor, apparel and gifts perfect for finding souvenirs to take that lake vibe home with you. Got a sweet tooth? Penny Lane Candies & Candles in Hawley is teeming with delectable goodies. The boutique also stocks a wide array of candles and other gifts, including toys, cards and award-winning hot sauces.

Penny Lane Candies & Candles

7. find fun indoor things to do.

While classic outdoor activities are a must, there are also lots of fun, out-of-the-box indoor activities near Lake Wallenpaupack to enjoy on a rainy day. Never tried axe throwing? Now's your chance! Pocono Axe Works is a great place for some friendly competition for guests 14 and older. Another great spot for indoor activities near Lake Wallenpaupack, The Wake Zone Indoor Golf and Tap Room offers simulators for practicing your golf swing as well as playing other fun virtual sports. Visitors at Costa's Family Fun Park can enjoy laser tag as well as virtual reality mini games in addition to many outdoor activities like bumper boats and mini golf .

Pocono Axe Works

The Wake Zone Indoor Golf & Taproom

Costa's Family Fun Park

8. wally lake fest.

Scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 23-25, 2024, this annual event epitomizes summer on Lake Wallenpaupack. Wally Lake Fest is a celebration highlighting everything that is great about the season. Enjoy lake-based activities, boating demos, and watersports, as well as land-based fun including live music performances and open-air markets. There are also plenty of tasty eats at Wally Fest, from BBQ to farm-to-table cuisine.

• Recurring daily

Lake Wallenpaupack is celebrated during this action-packed weekend event. Wally Lake Fest is a community-wide festival designed to…

Is it time to head to the lake yet? These activities are just the beginning. Venture to the surrounding area and nearby towns like Honesdale and Hawley . Find places to visit and things to do near Lake Ariel, just to the northwest of Lake Wallenpaupack, like Claws 'N' Paws Animal Park and Lacawac Sanctuary . Find great accommodations and dining near Lake Wallenpaupack and even more ideas for summer fun in our area as you start planning your getaway!

Places to Stay near Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack Restaurants

Summer in the Pocono Mountains

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Emily Whalen

Emily Whalen is the Communications Manager for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. A small town coffee shop connoisseur and lifelong lover of the mountains, she is excited to share tips to help visitors make the most of their stay in the Poconos. Sign up to receive the monthly Pocono Mountains Newsletter .

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Welcome to Lake Wallenpaupack Yacht Club!

The lake wallenpaupack yacht club was founded in 1956 as a family-oriented club that is dedicated to the betterment of all forms of activities on lake wallenpaupack..

The club’s mission is to foster and encourage the love of boating, sailing, aquatic and other sports, and to promote the health and pleasure of our members through social interaction at various club events. Our beautiful facility includes a clubhouse with dining room, dance floor, industrial kitchen, lounge with fireplace, rest rooms with showers, recreational facilities include ping-pong, pool table, card table, tv’s and picnic & beach area. The club is run by its members for its members.

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Hello Members,  We are bringing the heat to the LWYC.  The Bonfire this Saturday is a go!!!!  Please remember to RSVP on or before Wednesday.  Turn-out is looking good, but … Continue reading Light Up The Night! – Bonfire Confirmed For January 27th!

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A look at where walleyes are stocked in Pa. and how to catch them

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has been fine tuning its walleye stocking program to make sure its efforts are placed in waterways with sustainable fish populations.

“We stock walleye fry and walleye fingerlings across the state every year,” said Tim Wilson, area fisheries manager in northwestern Pennsylvania for the PFBC.

The process has advanced to help get the best return on the investment of raising walleye.

“In the old days we just stocked fish everywhere. We just put numbers out the door and eventually we said, 'Well we need to figure out if we are getting return on the dollars spent,'” Wilson said. 

Over the past dozen years, the agency has evaluated all the waters in the program.

“Any water that didn’t meet specific catch criteria were removed from the program,” he said about having sustainable walleye fisheries. “We now only stock waters where we know stocking works."

The lakes where walleyes are stocked in Pennsylvania include:

East Branch Clarion River Lake, Allegheny Reservoir, Pymatuning Reservoir, Tamarack Lake, Hammond Lake, Cowanesque Lake, Glendale Lake,Blue Marsh Lake, Lake Wilhelm, Duck Harbor Pond, Meadow Grounds Lake, Raccoon Lake- Main Lake, Lake Wallenpaupack, Sylvan Lake, Shawnee Lake, Somerset Lake, Woodcock Creek Lake, Lake Arthur, Beltzville Lake, Lake Marburg, Raystown Lake, Lake Canadohta, Frances Slocum Lake, Shenango River Lake, Falls Township Park Lake, Youghiogheny River Lake, Long Arm Dam, Tuscarora Lake, Quemahoning Reservoir, Keystone Lake, Gordon Lake, Harveys Lake, Yellow Creek Lake, Piney Reservoir, Struble Lake, The Giving Pond, Green Lick Reservoir, Howard Eaton Reservoir, Leaser Lake, and Edinboro Lake.

Anglers “can be reasonably assured that if there is a water on the stocking list, it’s going to have walleyes in there to be caught. It’s up to them to figure out how, when and where to catch them,” Wilson said. “Our surveys show the fish are there and available to anglers.”

Let's go fishing: Rough weather leads to decrease in Pa. fishing license sales; better fishing weather ahead

Some of the reasons other waterways couldn’t sustain walleye populations included habitat, water level fluctuations, and predator and prey interactions.

“Largemouth bass are considered the big predators of our stocked fingerlings,” he said.

Walleye fry are about three days old when they are put into lakes and reservoirs.

“They are cheaper to produce, but they also don’t survive as well. Most of our lakes now receive walleye fingerlings which are about 35 days old in the one to two inch size range,” he said.

Those fish need about three to four years before they reach 15 inches long which is the minimum size for anglers to keep.

The agency anticipates stocking 1,848,000 fingerlings and 12,875,000 fry this year from the Linesville State Fish Hatchery next to the Pymatuning Reservoir in northwestern Pennsylvania and Pleasant Mount State Fish Hatchery in northeastern Pennsylvania.

In addition, there are waters where fish reproduce naturally.

“The Allegheny River, the Mon(gahela), the Ohio, the north branch of the Susquehanna, a lot of these other waters, they are supported through natural reproduction," Wilson said. "Most of our flowing waters, our larger major rivers have walleye populations and anglers can go there as well."

Lake Erie is also known for naturally reproducing walleyes. Lake Erie is outside of Wilson’s work area, but he said it “has had outstanding reproduction the last few years.”

The commission’s Lake Erie Research Unit evaluates the populations of yellow perch and walleye in the lake annually. 

"The 2023 assessment showed that both yellow perch and walleye populations in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie remain at levels that don't necessitate regulation changes," Mark Haffley, PFBC Lake Erie Research Unit Leader, said in a news release. "Based on this, the 2024 creel limits are being maintained at the standard limits." 

Lake Erie yellow perch will remain at 30 per day and the creel limit for walleye will remain at six per day. The statewide creel limit for walleye is also six fish that are least 15 inches long.

 In 2023, 86% of Lake Erie boat anglers targeted walleye, the release said. 

Anglers can fish for walleye now in the Pymatuning Reservoir that is open to year round harvest, but other Pennsylvania waters are closed until the start of the season on May 4.

Lures and baits for walleyes

Wilson said jigs with minnows, jigs with nightcrawlers or soft plastics work well with vertical presentations.

Walleye move to shallow waters to spawn and then they still move to shallow waters at night to feed.

“My best advice is to fish in low light conditions. Dusk and dawn are your best times for sure," Wilson said. "A good sonar helps. Look for rocky points, rocky humps like that because they will move up onto those structures at dusk and dawn and that’s usually a good place to pinpoint them. A lot of guys like to troll, especially later in the season.”

Anglers can find a variety of walleye baits and lures at sport shops.

“Baits for walleye are going to be Berkley PowerBait worm, like a 7-inch Powerworm,” said Jennifer Payne, owner-operator of Hagemann’s Bait & Tackle in Shohola, Pike County. A popular color is one that’s similar to the color of motor oil.

The Keitech Swing Impact swimbait that is about 3.5 inches long and replicates the color of alewives, a small baitfish, is another popular choice at Paybe's store, which is near the Delaware River.

“Night crawlers are really popular,” she said about live bait and some anglers use live minnows, too.

When it comes to fishing line, Payne recommends 6- to 10-pound test depending on where the person is fishing.

“Fishing in the river in general, I don’t go below 6-pound test. Personal preference, I rarely go above 10," she said. "When people come into the shop and they don’t know what they want, I say 8 is safe, 8 is going to cover 90% of the bases from whatever species you’re going for.

“I prefer flouro(carbon) line because it has less stretch to it,” she said comparing it to monofilament. “It’s pretty much invisible (in the water), we’ve had good luck. I have a lot of tournament guys come in and that’s one of their favorites, too."

Payne also likes fishing at dawn and dusk.

“Either at first light or right before dark seems to be that perfect golden hour for walleye,” she said. “It’s also perfect photo time, it’s like the perfect photo opp. You get the sunrise, you get the sunset and, if you’re going for walleye, that’s the time they will be biting."

Fishing for walleyes

Wilson said walleyes are classified as a cool water fish.

“So spring and fall, they are usually the most active depending on water temperatures. In the height of summer sometimes they are less active. So a very hot sunny July day, that may not be your best day," he said. "You want overcast. There is such a thing called a walleye chop, they really bite much better when there’s a chop on the water. When it’s flat and calm, you’re more likely going to catch something like catfish, bluegills or bass." 

When it comes to targeting walleyes, Wilson, said, “It’s not so much as finding the right perfect lure, it’s being able to locate the fish.”

He said there’s a lot of instructional advice about learning to fish for walleyes on television and the internet to help get people started.

For anglers not having luck, they need to be willing to try something different.

“If what you are doing isn’t working, then do something else,” Wilson said about techniques and lures. “You want to give them something that they are already feeding on, but if you aren’t catching anything, that’s the perfect time to experiment with something else."

John Joivell of Joivell’s No Slack Guide Service on Raystown Lake, has been fishing for walleyes for decades.

He has been guiding people since 1980 for striped bass and lake trout but has caught many large walleyes in the massive reservoir in central Pennsylvania.

“We catch walleyes when we are fishing for stripers,” he said.

His heaviest walleye weighed 13 3/4 pounds and measured 32.75 inches long.

“I had one bigger than that but he got off,” he said, estimating that one to be at least 35 inches long. “I was in a boat by myself. There are a lot of walleyes in Raystown.”

One of the challenges anglers have with walleyes in Raystown is dealing with the plentiful white perch that take the bait before the walleye have a chance. Another challenge is that the reservoir has a lot of standing timber where the fish hang out during the day.

“It’s hard to get them,” he said about the structure protecting the fish.

The 73-year-old said anglers will fish at night for walleyes with imitation minnow lures like Husky Jerks and Shad Rap Rapalas. “They do catch a decent number of them,” he said.

Anglers also fish with night crawler harnesses and live alewives, too.

“People that target walleyes could probably come here with good electronics and target these walleyes and probably catch them,” Joivell said.

Good eating

“For table fare, they are one of the tops,” Wilson said about walleyes. “It’s personal preference. For me, the very best fish is bluegill and then probably perch and walleyes are next.”

Payne agreed they are a good eating fish. “It’s one of the few fish that’s pretty much unanimous. Everyone knows they’re delicious.”

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at [email protected] and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors , and Instagram at whipkeyoutdoors.