Fishing at Arrowhead Lake, Monroe County, Pennsylvania

• Overview

  Out in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, sits Arrowhead Lake. The land about it is pine and birch. It runs to roughly 224 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. There is roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Few waters listed in Monroe County are bigger. Nearest place of any size is Pocono Pines, 6.8 miles away. Allentown is the closest city, 38 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Arrowhead Lake

  It is listed at 12.6 ft. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Monroe County cover brown trout, brook trout, bluegill and largemouth bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Anyone new to Arrowhead Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 67°F on average, January about 22°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly mid December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Anyone fishing Arrowhead Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Spot 6, 0.6 miles away. The position on Arrowhead Lake is worth confirming on the day.