Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021 - 33

populations, targeted
fish species availability,
and desired amenities
at the location.
Hamilton Lake checks
off all the boxes in this
designation. I caught
up with local angler
and expert Don Kelly to
ask him about fishing
at Hamilton Lake. He
knows fishing and
knows all of the local
fishing locations.
We sat in his fishing
tackle shop, just north
of Wellsboro, and
chatted about the little
lake, which is one of
my personal favorites
to visit.
A boat trolls near the dam breast at Hamilton Lake, Tioga County.
" Hamilton Lake is a
great little put-and-take
fishery, " said Kelly. " It
is one of the first lakes I send people to, especially if they
" Especially in the spring, there is easy access to fish from
are coming to the area, and they do not know the area well.
the shore. You have trout swimming along the shore as well
It is a really great place to take kids, because the shorelines
as crappies and bass all congregating in the lake. But, fall
are so open. Kids are notorious for casting into trees and
is a great time to fish too, and winter is special at this lake.
tangling their lines, so when you give them that nice open
Hamilton Lake is one of the better ice fishing destinations in
shoreline, it makes the whole experience a lot easier for both the area, because it freezes over so well, " said Kelly.
the parents and their kids. And, there are a variety of fish to
What can you catch in this lake? Hamilton Lake is known
catch, so I really like to push families there when they are
for its trout populations. The lake is stocked several times a
starting out, " said Kelly.
year by the PFBC. But, some of the bass in the lake are truly
lunkers. Kelly has seen bass that were 6- and 7-pounds when
he helped with an electrofishing project a few years back.
But, there is more. There is a good pickerel population in
the lake as well as a variety of panfish, perch, and even catfish.
Electric motors only can be used at Hamilton Lake
so there will often be anglers in bass boats trolling the
deeper spots in the lake for fish. As the fish move to deeper
waters, it is the perfect size lake to launch a boat from the
boat launch and spend the day. Canoes and kayaks are
also welcome on the lake. There is no boat launch fee at
Hamilton Lake.
For those who may want to enjoy a non-fishing day at
Hamilton Lake, there is wildlife to watch while enjoying
the picnic facilities. A resident pair of bald eagles can often
be seen along the far shore of the lake. Ospreys, waterfowl,
shorebirds, and herons all frequent the waters here. And, on
occasion, the call of a migrating loon can be heard.
Tiny Hamilton Lake has something to offer almost
everyone who visits. And, just down the road is beautiful
Victorian Wellsboro with is gaslight-lined boulevard and its
fairy tale-like historical district.
Bring your fishing license and visit this all-season,
fishery gem. Or, visit like I do, camera in hand, and enjoy a
sense of peace and serenity lakeside. It is the perfect small
lake to visit.
Golden Rainbow Trout
www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2021

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021

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