Guide to Fishing Lake Nockamixon in South Eastern Pennsylvania

[@Jimmy-hk4gr]

We also have purebred stripes here in the "Nock" as well.

[@jeffmaxwell9648]

I fished there from the bank many times. Great video thanks for sharing

[@billdonahue8224]

Nice job on Lake Nock. I’m up by the marina. Good pronunciation and lake/park/fishing info.

[@Jimmy-hk4gr]

Was a great place to fish 30 yrs ago, way too much traffic on the lake anymore!

[@chrissakaitis1873]

Excelent Video! I have fished this lake with my sons and friends 20+ years. Not a pro fisherman, but have caught some slobs here. In current times this lake is heavily fished, but they are there, just have to work to find them. This video will help us zone in and hone our finding skills. Need to work on my small mouth game. 20+ years and have only caught (1) small mouth and that was at the bottom on the spillway where it dumps back into the Tohickon. Thanks again for this informative video.

[@chucknorris3784]

Very informative! Keep these types of videos coming!

[@brentstrohm8165]

Awesome video. Thanks subbed.

[@darrylryder6740]

Excellent video. I live near the lake and want to fish it more. Your video will save me a lot of time by not having to blindy cruise the lake. Thank you!!

[@Yffud1999]

I use to fish this lake back in the 90's, primarily for Walleye and Hybrid Stripes and did very well and haven't been back there for many years but will fish it this coming spring!

[@Musicalpa]

Thank you for this information. After almost three decades of being out of the sport due to raising a family, I purchased a kayak a few weeks ago in order to get back into both sports and have gotten all required gear and a few more goodies to kick off my maiden voyage at Lake Nockamixon along with several others in the Facebook group "Kayak Angler's of Easter Pennsylvania" on June 25, 2022. I'm getting very excited, but I hope nobody else finds this video, as I fear my fishing skills may be a bit rusty and I'll need any advantage I can find, lol.

[@trishw8842]

What is the best live bait to use?

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I like fathead minnows or shiners , but depends what your fishing for!

[@trishw8842]

I’m fishing for something bigger than a sunny. Don’t know exactly what to go for other then Bass. Haven’t explored this lake yet but plan to this weekend via kayak. I have no experience with lures, only worms, minnows, cornmeal and fish chunks. I guess I need a lot of help. Advice would be greatly appreciated! Trish Walters in Philadelphia

[@NYStarRider]

Great Video! Very informative for this new PA resident fisherman ! Thanks

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thank you, glad it helped ya!

[@LENFFISHING]

Hey Ryan! I watched a couple of your videos. You have a great channel. Your attention to detail is awesome. Of course I subscribed. Thanks for great Pa information.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thank you very much! That means allot! I appreciate the feedback, I try to learn as much as I can and try to help other people learn as well. Hopefully I can keep it going , it’s a good bit of work and effort for some of these videos lol. Thank you again, I’m glad you find the channel useful!

[@johnschauder]

Nockamixon definitely does have a 20hp limit. I got popped last month running a 40 and I just payed my $125 fine.

[@morrisbenfield661]

Thanks for the video. Lived near Nockamixon all my life. Walked the dam before it was ever flooded to make the lake. Only live 5 minutes from it :-)

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Cool! That’s pretty awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@DonaldHeil-od8py]

Awesome video Ryan. Now we know where to go next year ! Thanks again.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Anytime man , glad you liked it and found it helpful , hopefully it works out for you!

[@Gym_E_Britt]

I am a new Fisherman and I appreciate your attention to detail. Thanks for the content and I am now a subscriber

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

No way that’s awesome!! The reason I’m doing the whole KZbin thing is to attract people to fishing and help people learn along with myself, this is so cool that you started fishing and watching! If you ever have any questions or need anything, send me a message on Facebook! Thanks again for watching I’m pumped to hear your catch stories if you will share this year!!!

[@Gym_E_Britt]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead I definitely will. I'm learning and teaching my two sons what I'm learning. So its gonna be a fun year.

[@Gym_E_Britt]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead I forgot to mention I live right outside King of Prussia. So gotta find some nice spots around here in the Eastern part of the state

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Sweet deal! Yeah take a look at some lakes and the biology reports , it will help you out allot!

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Let me see if I can find you any good areas!

[@edwardjones3631]

I FISHED IN THE LAKE BEFORE JOINING THE MILITARY, PRE.1970,BUT PLAN ON VISITING ONCE AGAIN. 😮

[@hoagie7859]

Hey happy holidays man, thanks for your videos cant wait to get out to the lake

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

HOAGIE , thanks man! I’m pumped to get out to! Should be fishable tomorrow if the rain holds out!

[@hkfishing594]

toheykin is what your saying it’s pronounced, toe-Hick-in

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thank you , appreciate the help!

[@mr.christopher8173]

I really like going fishing at Nockamixon. We go in at the 3 mile run boat launch on the other end of the lake. Every time we go out In the kayaks we catch something 🙂

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Nice that’s awesome!

[@lashashapira3406]

hi all, jave some1 caught carps in this lake? thank you

[@mikeyortiz6306]

We're can I get a map with these details

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I can’t tell on the mobile app which lake your looking at but all my stuff comes from the pa fish and boat habitat improvement maps… I also do some research with fishidy and online forums and such.

[@xavierp3619]

That roadbed out from the tohickon boat launch is actually shallow enough to walk on, with knee high boots I’ve been out about 40 feet from the shore fishing the middle of the lake

[@adammarkley1019]

love hearing about pennsylvania lakes man thanks

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Yeah man! Glad you liked it!

[@rufusromeo]

I really love this lake and have fished it a lot. I have personally found it to be a tough nut to crack. It's a lot of lake and can take some time to hit the whole thing, especially unpowered. This guide is a real time saver. A lot of familiar spots and some new ones to try. Thanks for the great info.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Awesome, thank you for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

[@BillyHau]

I must be doing something wrong, went out in kayak on the Haycock boat launch for 2 days and no bite. I see people pulling bass out of water though :(

[@michaels5809]

Im glad there’s a good, long,informative video on this lake,I constantly get skunked here and have only caught 5 bass max over like 3 years.I really just want to be able to catch fish here size doesn’t matter and I am motivated to really figure this lake out since its the best lake in my area and most accessible and usable with a boat.If theres any other tips of like a guideline of what to use just to catch any sort of size of bass and when that would be to use them,would be awesome,I do mainly fish from the bank at haycock since i am only 15 but me and my dad do have a boat but bank tips or spots to try would great as well.Thanks for the great vid man!Tight lines

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Michael S , hey man, I can share some tips for you. I feel like I use the same tactics throughout allot of different lakes in pa at certain times of the year. What do you use in spring for the bass here? We start with spring and breakdown what your doing and then see how I can help from there. Sound good? Let me know how you fish from shore in like April and May!

[@michaels5809]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read To be honest I haven’t really any figured out a pattern yet,I have caught bass on football head jigs and ned rigs but the jigs were at the pier which i also go to sometimes and they were all in the summer and I have a feeing they were all luck .But I have tried tons of tactics usually I read up on what ever season I’m in tactics for what kind of conditions the lake is in but I really have no specific lures or patterns,I try anything because of how much of a struggle I have since i cant get any Idea on what to use and when.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Michael S , here’s my first thought, I went through the same thing you are going through when I was younger. My first thought is to simplify. Take two or three styles of baits out there this spring. Start with a double Colorado blade spinnerbait , a rattle trap and a jerkbait. I like to cover water during the spawn and hit areas where I see movement in the water. Try using spinnerbaits slowly against weed areas and edges from shore. Use rattle baits and sort of yo yo them, or use a jerkbait like the shadow rap in all sorts of areas. Focus on three techniques and practice and stick with them. Perfect them and you will catch fish. Throw all the negative stuff out of your mind about the pressure on the lake and get Into the mentality of every cast could be the next bite. Stay aggressive and keep casting. Check out my first fish of the year video last year because sometimes it takes all day but you will eventually get a bite if you figure out what they want. Perfect two or three methods and stick with them and I promise it pays off!

[@michaels5809]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read Alright Im definitely try those come spring or a nice day sometime soon and go for it.Thanks man I appreciate and you’ll probably hear from me again,Tight lines 🤙🏻

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Michael S , good stuff, just be patient with yourself and focus on learning those couple techniques for spring. I went years just fishing double Colorado blade spinnerbaits and my brother uses rattle baits (Cordell’s from Walmart) all year long. We really simplified and that’s when I started hitting 4lbers, 5lbers and my biggest fish at 6lbs. My brother has the same except his biggest is an 8lber. Unreal for PA, but sometimes throwing 1/2 ounce baits produce all sorts of fish. Now I have had allot of skunk days , it’s not always rainbows and lollipops, but that last week of May and during and around full moons have been good to us. Also bass fishing around the first day of trout has been consistently good for us every year. Check your weather patterns too, just before a storm in April or May can be dynamite. I am looking forward to hearing back from you, keep me posted! Tight lines man!

[@mikeantes9597]

Great video live about 1 hour from the lake and have fished it a couple times this will definitely help much appreciated thank you Ryan

[@nicknush1630]

great video

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thanks man!

[@npzninja]

I just went to lake nockamixon yesterday for the first time. (missed two big ones, and one crappie that was huge. I digress) It's really unfortunate how low the water has gotten. I wonder how much of an impact it's playing on where these fish are today. (I only fished from the marina to the channel approaching the dam, then turned around bc I was out there in my kayak and trolling motor, wind and waves picked up) Because where you have water labeled 10' is now more like 2'

[@donaldlaxner8212]

Nice video, thank you for sharing

[@Ohawn]

Love what you do man .! Do one on prompton lake

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thank you , I appreciate that! I’ll take a look and see what I can find! I’ll put it on the list!

[@Slirpyfilms]

Great video! If I’m going to the lake to specifically target musky, would you suggest staying towards the northern stretches?

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Anywhere you can find good solid shallow flats and warmer water temps this time of year!

[@joshvolak371]

What’s the app your saying?

[@michaeltyniec7010]

Thanks for this great video. Taking my son later this week on our canoe. New to fresh water fishing.

[@jebuscrustgaming4063]

thanks, im gonna use this to fish from my tiny kayak, hopefully i dont catch a muskie lmao

[@kweaver2459]

The spillway is hot right now. Got a 40" musky, saw another caught, and 2 more takes that got off in a 2 hour period

[@jcybok]

I went down there 25 years ago and when I went up last month, that damn chained fence is up and can't get down there. I messaged them about it and they said ya can't fish down there which I think is BS. How can one get down there?

[@jeffmatteo2854]

Oh you can definitely get Down there . It took my son and I hours but we did it. Park down the road and walk along the creek . Don’t park at the top of the falls

[@gcorb208]

@@jeffmatteo2854 you can definitely park on rt 563 overlooking the dam. Walk up to the chain fence and go right. Follow it all the way down and it ends. There’s a path that takes you right to the spillway.. once parked it maybe a 10 minute walk. Tight lines buddy

[@paulressler5526]

i hav fished this lake since 1978,very hard to fish for anything,alewives are the key since they were introduced,my biggest walleye is 9.12 oz,on a nightcrawler,you wont catch them on regular minnows,they spit them out like something nasty

[@patrickfahie8671]

This lake is 25 minutes from my house 😂 Never had any luck there when I was younger , haven’t tried it much since then. Really have to know where to fish, or it will be a long day

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Yeah I understand, just gotta keep grinding and casting man, sometimes you hit a day where you crush em. Staying positive and grinding is half the battle!

[@patrickfahie8671]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read I agree. But limited fishing opportunities usually lead me to a lake a little bit further away , a good bit smaller and definitely more large bass and musky per acre

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Patrick Fahie , Oh I understand and respect that man, I think it’s interesting that I hear allot about how hard it is to fish nockamixon, I wonder if the fish are stacked up somewhere or if it’s really that over pressured. Anyway, you got limited windows like me, you gotta get yourself on good water and use high confidence baits to maximize the opportunity!

[@patrickfahie8671]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read it’s interesting. I see huge pictures of musky and bass from nockamixon each year. And I keep wanting to go. But we have an old boat with a trolling motor and nockamixon is big. Everyone says it’s so pressured. They also say it’s hard to catch fish. So if a lot of people are there but not catching fish, shouldn’t there be a lot of fish? I just get intimidated with where to start. I’m sure if you took a guide, he could put you on the fish pretty quickly.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Patrick Fahie , I put out this video after about 30 hours of research which in all honesty, is not always enough. I would think that it’s a case of what has happened to me in the past, the fish are in there , people are just not using the right presentations at the right time, I bet that it’s highly pressured, but the fish have to be in there. A good indication is the fish and boat biology reports, check those out because they tell the story. I bet changing up tactics on lakes like these pay off, like vertical jigging deep water musky or slow rolling double Colorado spinnerbaits in the spring may work for bass. Sometimes big water can be challenging , especially from shore. Once you find weed edges and underwater structure and points, you can start hammering areas that may hold higher numbers of fish.

[@kayzeaza]

Make sure you wear reflective gear here so hunters can see you

[@natemon236]

So much pressure has been placed on the Muskies at this lake that the numbers are already declining just in the last 3yrs or so. No one knows how to handle them correctly so they die shortly after being released. Bass in this lake have a ton of cover and plenty of food so they don't have to eat your fake lure which is why they are harder to catch then some other lakes. The Number 1 issue with this lake is the Pressure it receives, This lake is fished ALL week long spring, summer and fall. Even when you know the lake its still a challenge to locate fish because boats and kayaks are everywhere especially on the weekends.

[@billcraven4283]

Great video, thanks for the info. Can that map be downloaded ?

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Not my map but you can pull a generic one from pa fish and boat and just mark it up!

[@billcraven4283]

thanks

[@jnewton33]

Ryan, is that fishing hot spot map you used available to purchase?

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I put that together in google earth , it’s not available for purchase but you can download the structure maps off of pa fish and boats website!

[@brenthildenbrand7556]

Ryan what a great video, maybe the best on KZbin. I will study your video several times and give it a go. Thanks a million for sharing this valuable information that must have taken quite a while to compile. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

No problem , I hope the information serves you well! Let me know how you do!

[@mikeygrizz23]

I am hitting this lake on Saturday. With a pedal drive yak is it possible to flog end to end on this lake?

[@SQWIB]

I kayak here. Kayakers and paddleboarders BEWARE, there are a few asshole boaters that could give a rats ass about your well being, make sure to wear your PFD!

[@barryseifert6053]

Nice video thank you. You got to try blue marsh someday.Oh ya i subscribed.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Barry Seifert , thanks man, I appreciate the feedback! I would love to head out there! My company has an office in Berwyn, I would totally drive up to Reading if I had the time! That lake looks beautiful I just have not had the pleasure of fishing it!

[@barryseifert6053]

Let me know if and when you go maybe we can meet or i can take you out,I fish out of a Ranger RT178.Tight lines to ya.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Barry Seifert , sweet sounds good thanks for the offer!

[@northeastpac-man7652]

I have to disagree with it being tranquil,, there is so much damn boat traffic especially in the summer time on the weekends,,, and good luck trying to fish off of the fishing pier with a million people there

[@ameracharni8369]

is it catch and release or can you keep what you catch?

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Creel limits apply ... you can keep fished based on the creel limits!

[@ameracharni8369]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read thank you! Do you know where we find the creek limits kinda a new fisher

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

www.fishandboat.com/Transact/AnglerBoater/AnglerBoater2020/Documents/2020-0304ma01-creel.pdf

[@minutemouse66]

Great video Ryan! We're headed down there today for a few days for the first time fishing. We were curious what map you are using to show all of the structures. It was very informative and thought a copy of it would be good to have on hand. Thanks!

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback! I consolidated a ton of research on a google earth map. I got away from handing the maps out because of distribution policies , but If you have Facebook messenger and or Instagram , shoot me a message and we can talk about it.

[@chuckheybach1986]

There is cars and houses down there because it was a village down there

[@geraldp3790]

So no fishing down by the spill way?! fished there about 5 years ago and was able to.. That was was the best spot!

[@catfishunter28]

Beautiful lake but hard to fish.

[@wangtianfang2042]

Hi Ryan, amazing videos! Thank you for making those-very informative! I was wondering if I could still fish during early January in PA. If that’s possible, any recommendation of where I could go?? Thank you!!!

[@wangtianfang2042]

I live in central PA

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Wang Tianfang , awesome feedback thanks for letting me know! If you have a 2019 license you can fish for certain species! I would ask what your targeted species is and also ask if your looking to fish ice or open water! It depends on what you wanna catch and the style your looking to fish!

[@wangtianfang2042]

Fishing PA with Ryan Read thank you so much for your reply!! I’m looking to catch anything, really...maybe some crappie, perch, or catfish? I don’t know if it’s possible to catch bass...I’m open to fish open water or on ice, i just worry that the ice will not be ready in early January yet...thank you so so much for your reply. I’ve been looking for answers for years now haha

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Wang Tianfang , it’s possible to catch any fish at any time of the year if you get the right conditions! Fish are like humans In a few ways, they eat when they are hungry and they look to get warm when they are cold and they slow down and get lethargic when it’s cold. Just need the right bait in front of them during the feeding window, similar to me eating chili during a steelers game! You have to be careful here in pa but typically 4 inches or more of ice is the safest. Check out boat and fish website and look at the safety information they post, if you have the right gear, drill test holes to check the ice before going out and pay attention , it can be allot of fun! If I was you, I would hit the Clarion River, Susquehanna River or maybe checkout Curwensville lake. Curwensville has all the species you mentioned. Also I know lots of people that catch bass ice fishing, the presentation is usually with a small tear drop jig and a minnow. You just gotta get out there and try! Sunday looks like 50 degrees, pick a warm day like that and get your lines wet! Hopefully that helps!

[@brianreinke5855]

hey ryan i love your break downs of the lakes are you going to do one on beltzville anytime thanks and keep on making vids

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I can try! It may be a while! I’ll let you know! I appreciate the feedback! Thank you very much!

[@ryan_8487]

Hey thanks ryan im going there next week my first time there i live 10mins away

[@beebob1279]

I've hunted in Nockamixon more than I've fished it. But with bicycle trails taking over my hunting areas I'm going to have to start fishing it more often.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I love watching sports like hunting and fishing grow , but man I’ll tell you , I put the bow and gun down and started fishing in the fall and winter and I’ve had some of the best days on the water , especially in October! And honestly , more hunters , less places to hunt has made fishing more enjoyable for me!

[@rickb933]

The channel you have marked is not vert accurate , especially across from he marina

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

I did my best with it , it’s hard when your not on the water to see everything on the graph. These are more of a generalized videos to get people started , you still gotta fish and still gotta find the structure and channels ...

[@morrisbenfield661]

OMG... you totally missed the old bridge under water that is huge. It's about 100 yards from where the old ridge road goes under water heading towards the right side of Tohickon boat launch. I use to fish under it lol. It is about 200 feet long with 3 arches. To bad I can't post the picture from my humminbird HELIX 12 SI here.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Yeah I miss things, I do the best I can with what little time I have! Family , working 60+ a week, sometimes I can only research and find so much info... I appreciate the comment , helpful for most people watching!

[@WesternPaAnglers]

I like when u do these vids...good tips... when u decide to do 1 on kpd let me know we will go together fish tigers,if interested

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Western Pa Anglers , heck yes I am! I need to get out to the power dam and learn it , that’s one I have limited experience on! I’m always in for Musky Fishing!

[@WesternPaAnglers]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead sweet man let me know im down. I'll be hitting there for hard water in January as long as we get ice

[@johncanine6028]

Luckily there were many good spots you didnt list and most of the ones you list are hit hard. Weeds and rocks are the key. You have to keep moving until you get bit

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

These are designed to help people with a starting point to catch fish. I’m not that guy that holds everything as a secret, if we don’t grow the sport and get young ones involved the future of pa fishing could be dark and the stocking may go to crap based on support and so will the fisheries. Even with the spots that I missed , the information only gets you so far, like you said weeds change , fish move around the lake throughout the year , you still gotta fish man.

[@MTips18]

This video is good for info, but half of those spots are fished so heavily it's not even worth your time. Haycock bay gets hammered and at 563 you'll find more lures and gear then fish. Honestly if you go under that bridge carry some trash out with you.

[@robfisher8949]

Hey, Ryan. I love your video, but I’m a bit confused. I’m new to fishing Nockamixon, but I’ve launched twice now from the Haycock boat launch and went left towards the bridge. According to your breakdown, it’s deep past the bridge, but I found the water to be virtually impassable. It gets to be 2-3 deep extremely fast. Am I missing something here? I’d love to try deeper in the end of that section, but it doesn’t line up with what you have here. Did something happen to the lake structure that changed the depth. Also, Id love to do something striper fishing this Winter. Any tips on best hot spots on the lake, and types of bait or lures, I’d be externally grateful! Thanks.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Hey Rob, as you know , pa reservoirs fluctuate. But looking at the map , the deepest water should be the eastern side of the lake. Check the maps out on fish and boat and see the break lines: elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/PublicAccessProvider.ashx?action=ViewDocument&overlay=Off&overrideFormat=Native If you go left under the bridge it’s super shallow , maybe I mis spoke in the video , not sure I’d have to go back and watch it

[@robfisher8949]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead thanks for the quick reply. I’ll try it out the next time I’m there. Any tips on Winter striper fishing at “Nock?” Can you recommend any hot spots, techniques and types of tackle. Any information you can lend to someone new at striper fishing would be greatly appreciated. By the way, if you sell any maps of lakes that mark fishing hot spots, let me know. I’d be interested in purchasing them.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Thanks man , I do this research for fun and to try and help guys , most of my info is from fish and boat and resources on line. It’s not 100% accurate but It’s a start or at least an idea. It’s all for fun and the love of lakes and fishing. I don’t really fish for striper , but I have used stick baits allot in the past , I usually fish them in summer at night so I’m not really helpful there. Just like anything else , use your graph , locate bait and see what’s going on. This is a tough time of year to chase them! I’m better musky fishing and or bass fishing with soft plastics this time of year.

[@robfisher8949]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead thanks again for all the information! Tight lines

[@robfisher8949]

@@FishingPAwithRyanRead thanks again for all the information! Tight lines

[@randelldickerson2502]

Very help but im still a bank fisherman

[@dannyloving5435]

This video is a gamechanger. I have always fished Nockamixon since I live about 20 minutes away, but I never have had great luck. I'm so excited to go out there hopefully in the next couple of weeks with this new information in mind. Loved the video.

[@FishingPAwithRyanRead]

Awesome thank you! I hope it helps you out! Keep me posted!

[@kweaver2459]

Hows it been producing Dan? I'm going up for the weekend

[@jlansdale536]

That was gangster. Thank you.

[@genehammerle]

I moved here right when you posted this in 2018, and I am watching this now for the first time in 2021 😑 Awesome video.