John C Smith Reservoir Fishing Guide, Bedford County, Pennsylvania

• Overview

  Within Bedford County, Pennsylvania, you have John C Smith Reservoir. This is farm and woodlot ground. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The nearest town is Bedford, 1.7 miles away. The big place round here is Pittsburgh, 82 miles distant. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on John C Smith Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish documented in Bedford County include bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch and brown bullhead. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At John C Smith Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 71°F and January reads 26°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Plan around that when you fish John C Smith Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Todd Spring Reservoir sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to John C Smith Reservoir locally before you travel.