Shamokin Reservoir in Northumberland County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pennsylvania holds Shamokin Reservoir, in Northumberland County. It sits in mixed woodland. The water covers some 49 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Shoreline comes to about 1.9 miles, small enough to learn in a day. Kulpmont at 2.4 miles is the nearest place to stop. After that come Marshallton at 3.9 miles and Elysburg at 4.3 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Shamokin Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Northumberland County include brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill and brook trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Shamokin Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 70°F in July and bottoms out near 25°F in January. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Shamokin Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Number One Reservoir, 0.7 miles out. Signs at Shamokin Reservoir carry more weight than any list.