Fishing in Lehigh Valley

Reel in a real whopper at the best fishing spots in Lehigh Valley!

Discover freshwater fishing spots across Lehigh Valley where you can catch trout, striped bass, walleye, carp, and more. From rivers winding through downtown parks to lakes near the Appalachian Trail, anglers will find year-round fishing opportunities here.

Fishing Spots by Species Local Favorite Fishing Holes Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Top Fishing Spots by Species

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists these local spots among the best in the state for their respective species of fish:

  • Stocked Trout - The Little Lehigh, Jordan Creek, and Pohopoco Creek are heavily stocked with trout.
  • Common Carp - The Lehigh River, from Northampton to Easton, is known for common carp.
  • Muskellunge - Leaser Lake in New Tripoli, near the Appalachian Trail, is great for Muskellunge.
  • Wild Trout - Saucon Creek in Hellertown has wild trout.
  • Striped Bass & Walleye - Beltzville Lake, east of Jim Thorpe, is the place for striped bass and walleye.

Local Favorite Fishing Holes

Lehigh Valley’s towns each have their go-to fishing spots where locals cast a line year after year. Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton each offer fishing spots with easy access, scenic views, and waters teeming with local species.

  • Allentown - Favorite spots include Kimmet’s Lock, Canal Park, and South Mountain Reservoir, which are all along the Lehigh River.
  • Bethlehem - Locals like to hit up Sand Island Park (Lehigh River) and Illick’s Mill Park (Monocacy Creek).
  • Easton - Riverview Park is near the Lehigh River Waterfall, and you can look over to New Jersey from the Easton Access Point (near the Larry Holmes Statue) which is where the Delaware River and Lehigh River intersect.

Many bodies of water have camping grounds near their fishing holes, including Evergreen Lake in Nazareth. Plus, there are dozens of other lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers all around Lehigh Valley just waiting for you to discover. And if you're looking to rent fishing rods and tackle, check out the Jacobsburg Visitor Center. To borrow equipment, you must provide a driver’s license or other form of state issued identification. Persons age 16 and older must possess a current fishing license to fish.

Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses & Regulations

  • All fishermen 16 and older must hold a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
  • Additional permits and regulations necessary for specific species and fishing methods.
  • For full information and frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania’s fishing licenses and regulations, click here.