Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2020 - 19

Smallmouth Bass. Fly
anglers looking to creep
through these shallow
havens will not be
disappointed in the number
of strikes they will enjoy by
fishing a mix of poppers
and Bunny Leech Streamers
in black and olive. Since
there is a horsepower
restriction, many openwater weed beds stay
undisturbed throughout the
day, which allows anglers a
great shot at fish from dawn
until dusk. There is also a
large, shallow section on the
north end of the lake, where
big bass cruise before dark.
Those willing to stay out
until last light will not be
disappointed in the results.

Presque Isle

There is nothing better than early spring bass action.

opportunities, there is no doubt that northwestern
Pennsylvania lakes are among some of the finest bass waters
in the Commonwealth.

Conneaut Lake

Pennsylvania's largest natural lake (925 acres) is just a
short trip off of Interstate 79 in Meadville and provides
anglers with a nice mixture of weed beds and underwater
structure that bass love to call home. While it is certainly not
a secret spot, Conneaut Lake, Crawford County, can often
be less crowded than its larger, more well-known neighbor
Pymatuning Reservoir, Crawford County. Anglers can take
advantage of a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
launch to put boats in, which is the best way to fish this lake
due to extremely limited shore access. Those looking for
numbers of fish may be disappointed, but there is a real shot
at big fish. Smallmouth Bass in the 4- to 5-pound range are
not uncommon and larger ones are caught every year.

Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake)
The coves and bays of this Venango County lake
offer the perfect refuge for both Largemouth Bass and
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It is no secret that Lake
Erie has some of the finest
bass fishing not only in
Pennsylvania but perhaps
the entire country. What
makes Lake Erie unique is
Presque Isle, which provides
bass anglers with fly rods
the opportunity to wade
and sight fish. The bays and inlets of Presque Isle host a
tremendous number of Smallmouth Bass in spring and
early summer, and the angler willing to spend the time
learning safe wading areas can have a phenomenal day.
One of the great aspects of fishing here is the plethora of
public access since most of the fishing is in Presque Isle
State Park. That gives anglers plenty of parking options,
and a bike trail provides easy maneuvering to and
from their spots. Those not wanting to wade fish these
freshwater flats can enjoy terrific kayak fishing by cruising
into hard-to-reach areas often overlooked by others.
Fly fishing for bass can be one of the most rewarding
and addicting aspects of our sport. It does not take
many run-ins with a 4-pound Smallmouth Bass that
attacks a frog imitation or Clouser Minnow to launch
a full-blown obsession. Becoming well-versed in bass
fishing with a fly rod gives anglers another outlet,
and that is especially helpful on days when your local
trout stream may be crowded or too high and muddy.
Northwestern Pennsylvania, and the multitude of
productive lakes in Pennsylvania, is the perfect place to
get started.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2020

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