While waiting for New Jersey lakes to freeze up, consider that Northeastern Pennsylvania has many lakes available to ice fish that not too far from the border, that sometimes freeze a little faster, and where largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch are all commonly found. Of course, there are a few Keystone State selections not far from the Delaware River border that offer more variety to ice anglers looking for a challenge, one in particular being the Beltzville Dam.
Covering 949 acres and nestled in Carbon County, PA, Beltzville boasts a variety of fish not found in many other lakes. Of course it has a healthy population of largemouth and trophy smallmouth bass, as well as walleye, brown trout, yellow and white perch, huge chain pickerel, several species of catfish along with, musky, but it also holds my favorite, true strain striped bass, as well as some hybrid stripers.
Beltzville Dam is deep, with many areas in the 90- to 130-foot range at the deepest near the dam. Because Beltzville Dam is so deep, it can present a challenge when searching for safe ice, but the large shallow flats and rocky points are great areas to setup and target fish. A minimum 4 inches of clear black ice is preferred. The main lake is difficult to freeze except in the coldest of winters, however many prime spots can be safely fished since they are shallower and freeze in a normal winter.
The lake is fed by two creeks at the eastern end of the lake. These areas often freeze in an average winter while the main lake remains open water. The convergence of these is a prime area for ice fishing. Just east of the Preachers Camp boat launch, parking and easy access to the ice make this a favorable spot. A short walk to long shallow point with steep drop-offs provide ideal places for predatory fish to ambush bait up in shallower waters.
The western part of the lake offers a feeder creek just north of the Pine Run boat launch. This area is closest to some of the deepest waters in the lake. There is also ample parking and easy access to the ice here as well. This area is often a prime first choice due to the depth and proximity to the main lake. Many large stripers have been caught near the deeper channels, though a shallow cove just off the Beltzville Drive bridge is also a prime place to drill a few holes where many species of fish seem to congregate.
The lake’s main food source is an abundance of alewives. Live large shiners are often a good bait choice for tip-ups or dead sticking. Artificial baits in the same size are productive. Jigging spoons, Jigging Rap, even plastics such as a swim-shad or curlytail will produce when actively jigging a hole. Beltzville is also a great choice for those looking for more than the cookie-cutter bass or pickerel. High quality trophy fish of nearly all species could land you a new “PB” with every flag. Best of all is that Beltzville is easily accessed from the north or south via the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 74, Moaning Valley, heading North on Route 209. From the east including access by way of Route 209 South.
The Pine Run Launch area at the northwest part of the lake, and Preachers Camp is the southeastern part are the easiest to access and offer free parking and 24-hour access. Other access points can be found, however limited parking and a hike may be required before getting near the water. Unfortunately camping overnight is not allowed, so if fishing a weekend you may need to stay at one of the two hotels located near the turnpike entrance.
The lake is vast enough to allow anglers to fish without being over-crowded. The diversity of species means you never really know what you may pull out of a hole! Monster channel cat or walleye potential, as well as stripers in the 20-pound range, so be sure to bring gear that can land fish in this size range. Dress accordingly, winds tend to whip through the lake; an ice hut can be a welcome place to warm up and have lunch.
To gear up, you’ve got the Wacky Worm located on Route 209 at 1222 Interchange Road in Gilbert, PA (610-681-6226), or Dunklebergers Outfitters at 1471 U.S. 209 in Brodheadsville, PA (570-992-3865). Both are located east of the lake by just a few miles, they offer any gear or bait needed for a day on the hard-water.
Go get on ‘em!
