Mercer County is home to exciting fishing and angling opportunities, perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. May 26th is Fish for Free Day in PA, where anyone can fish without a license.
Although a fishing license is not required for Fish for Free Day, all other Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations do apply, including daily creel and minimum size should you choose to keep any fish species that is in season.
Mercer County boasts the Shenango River, two major lakes (Shenango River Lake and Lake Wilhelm), and numerous streams and creeks.
Visit these favorite fishing holes for a variety of warm water species and ample shoreline angling opportunities.
The Shenango River flows from Pymatuning Lake to the backwaters of the Shenango Lake. The river exits the Shenango Dam at Sharpsville and flows through Sharon/Farrell and on into Lawrence County. A specific section of the Shenango River (New Hamburg to Big Bend) falls under special regulation Stocked Trout Waters and is open to Year-Round Fishing.
Situated a short distance north of the I-80/Rt. 18 interchange is Shenango Lake, a 3,500-acre Army Corps flood-control impoundment recognized as one of the best warmwater fisheries in the state for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Flathead Catfish, Crappies and White Bass. Plus, Shenango Lake offers a unique species found in only a few Pennsylvania waters – Striped Bass Hybrid!
With an unlimited horsepower rating for boats, the lake is usually churned on weekends; nonetheless, fish still bite in the shallows during May. Several easy-access shoreline angling sites have been enhanced through the Corps’ habitat program, which installs submerged fish-attracting cover at key areas, including a wide swath of shoreline at the Mahaney Boat Access near the dam in the bay behind the Chestnut Run Swim Beach area, and the east side of Rt. 18 Causeway (reached by a small side road with designated signage, after turning onto West Lake Road from Rt. 18).
A special handicapped fishing site is situated beside the Clark boat ramp off Route 258. Additional shore fishing access may be found off East Lake Road on the north side of lake.
Located in the northeast corner of Mercer County within Goddard State Park lies 1,680-acre Lake Wilhelm, which is a fantastic warmwater fishery featuring populations of Largemouth Bass, Walleyes, Muskellunge, Crappies, and other sunfish. Motorboats are limited to 20 horsepower, and the lake is popular with kayakers. Anglers without a boat may fish anywhere along the Wilhelm shoreline except in the designated State Park Marina.
Popular bank fishing sites with parking include four boat launch sites, the Dugan Run site on the northside off Lake Road, and the two causeways which cross the lake. Additional shore sites with pull-offs for vehicles can be reached from Creek Road on the lake’s south side.
Neshannock Creek, affectionately known as “The Place of Two Streams,” is an incredible waterway that flows through the heart of Mercer and Lawrence County before joining with the Shenango River and offering an array of dynamic feeder streams, including Cool Spring Creek, Pine Run, Potter Run, and Little Neshannock. There’s simply no shortage of natural beauty surrounding these fishing spots that are teeming with trout – every season of the year.
Neshannock Creek doesn’t just offer one spot to fish from; it provides a plethora of options. Try your hand at fishing in areas like the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only spots or the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. Whether you prefer to use mealworms, minnows, or salmon eggs as bait, make sure to add some weight, as the water bodies here are often larger than your average trout streams.
Designed as part of the Delayed Harvest Program, the Cool Spring Creek boasts a robust population of brown and rainbow trout for an exciting challenge. The creek is lined by groomed trails rich with wildflowers and wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys.
Cool Spring Creek is also known for its trophy-sized catches. So, if you’re game for a challenge, you might land the biggest catch of your life!
If your idea of a great day involves fishing rods, tranquil waters, and a peaceful ambiance, then Wolf Creek in Mercer County is just the place for you. Perfectly hidden in the Northwest Regulated Trout Waters, this fishing spot holds a secret that locals have known for years – it’s home to an abundance of tasty trout, restocked yearly!
There’s a particular stretch of the creek, spanning from the Route 58 bridge in Grove City right up to the Airport Road Bridge, that’s known among anglers to be a real jackpot (or, as we like to call it, the “honey hole”). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just a beginner, a fishing trip to Wolf Creek is sure to leave you with a sense of accomplishment, a hefty catch, and a bucket full of fun memories. It’s high time you checked it out for yourself!
Get your fishing gear ready and prepare to cast a line into North Deer Creek’s waters, characterized by their striking beauty. Set within a mile of Carlton, this 9.24-mile-long, second-order tributary converges with French Creek, presenting a picturesque setting for your next trout season.
Besides its natural charm, North Deer Creek is renowned for its stocked trout waters. This makes it the ideal spot for you to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of Fish for Free Day. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience fishing in these outstanding waters!
During Fish for Free Day, check out Little Sandy Creek, a splendid fishing spot that’s a dream come true for anglers everywhere.
With spring in full swing, Little Sandy Creek is teeming with a healthy population of brook and wild trout, ready to take your bait. The best part? This creek is not your ordinary fishing spot. It is part of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s bi-annual stocking events in March and April. So, rest assured, you’ve got a great chance of reeling in a big catch!
Starting east of Lake Wilhelm, Little Sandy Creek flows southeast for around six miles, offering a quiet and serene environment that’s perfect for a fishing adventure. So prep your tackle bag, grab your fishing rods, and get ready to head off the beaten path to this hidden gem in Mercer County.
Little Shenango River in Greenville offers stocked trout waters. Access is a breeze. Simply get your permit, and you’re good to go. No more waiting for fishing season to come around. Plus, these waters are conveniently located just off Werner Road, where there’s generous public parking. This takes the hassle out of transport so you can focus on what you love most – reeling in those fantastic trout!
So why wait? Pack up your fishing gear and immerse yourself in the aquatic haven that is Greenville’s stocked trout waters.
If you’re searching for one of the best fishing spots in Mercer County for first-time anglers, look no further than Lake Julia! Almost the entire shoreline of this charming 6-acre body of water is available for fishing, and inexperienced anglers have only a few trees to interfere with their backcasts. The lake is a hotspot for rainbow trout. In addition to trout, panfish, and bass are also found in the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of fishing or if you’re a seasoned pro, Lake Julia offers a fantastic experience for everyone. When the spring season rolls in, this beautiful lake truly comes alive!
It’s an exciting time to go fishing in Mercer County. Anglers are sure to find success on Fish for Free day on May 26th. Contact VisitMercerCountyPA at 724-383-8191 and request the regional fishing guide!
