Fairview Lake

Fairview Lake PA Fishing Overview

Fairview Lake is a 169-acre natural lake in Blooming Grove Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania, just south of Lake Wallenpaupack. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission describes a deep lake with a maximum depth of 48 feet and maintains a small public boat-launch facility on the southwestern shore.

This is a compact, mixed-species fishery rather than an extension of Lake Wallenpaupack. Anglers can target smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, stocked trout, walleye, chain pickerel, bluegill, bullheads, crappie, and other panfish documented by PFBC surveys. The page below is specifically about Fairview Lake near Tafton and Hawley, not another lake with the same name.

Fish Species in Fairview Lake

PFBC’s 2000 fisheries report documented strong catches of smallmouth bass and yellow perch, along with largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, bullheads, rock bass, black crappie, channel catfish, alewife, and golden shiner. Because that survey is historical, it establishes which fish have been documented in the lake but does not guarantee present-day abundance or a particular catch.

Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are the two primary bass targets. Smallmouth often favor firmer bottom, points, breaks, and offshore structure. Largemouth are more likely around vegetation, shoreline cover, and protected pockets. Begin with moving baits when fish are active, then slow down with tubes, drop-shot rigs, jigs, or soft plastics when the bite is less aggressive.

The lake’s depth makes electronics useful from a boat, but its small size also allows anglers to work several habitat types in one outing. Avoid treating an old survey catch rate as a current forecast; water temperature, weather, forage, and fishing pressure change the daily pattern.

Trout, Walleye, Pickerel, and Panfish

Fairview Lake remains listed in Pennsylvania’s trout-stocking program. Stocking dates and species can change from year to year, so confirm the current PFBC schedule before planning a trout trip. Walleye and chain pickerel add coolwater options, while yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, rock bass, and bullheads can make the lake appealing for light-tackle and family fishing.

Match the approach to the season: suspending baits and slow presentations can be useful in cold water, while summer fish may relate to deeper structure, shade, vegetation edges, or low-light feeding periods.

Boat Launch and Lake Access

PFBC maintains a small boat launch on the southwestern corner of Fairview Lake, with historically reported capacity for about 10 vehicles with trailers. The agency’s directions approach the lake from PA Route 390 and SR 4004. Space is limited, so arrive prepared and follow all posted parking and launch instructions.

Boating and gas motors are permitted according to the PFBC lake report. Operators must still follow current Pennsylvania boating requirements, required safety equipment, registration or launch-permit rules, and any restrictions posted at the access. Conditions and signage at a public launch can change, so verify them when you arrive.

Best Times to Fish Fairview Lake

Spring through fall offers the broadest range of opportunities. Spring can produce shallow bass activity and stocked-trout fishing. Early summer is a useful transition for both bass species, while summer mornings and evenings can be more comfortable and productive than bright midday periods. Cooling water in September and October can renew bass, perch, pickerel, and walleye activity.

Winter opportunity depends entirely on safe, current conditions. Never assume ice is safe based on an evergreen fishing page. Check local conditions, weather, and official guidance before any cold-weather outing.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required when applicable. Trout anglers may also need the appropriate trout permit. Review current PFBC seasons, sizes, creel limits, stocked-trout rules, and boating requirements before each trip. Regulations can change, and special seasonal rules may apply even when a species such as bass is open to fishing.

Practice careful fish handling, dispose of line and tackle properly, and protect access by respecting private shoreline and posted boundaries. Fairview Lake includes private lakeside property, so the public launch should not be treated as permission to enter other shoreline areas.

Fairview Lake Guides and Nearby Hawley

Hawley is the closest established destination in Bass Online’s local place relationships, and Lake Wallenpaupack is nearby. The two lakes should still be planned separately: launch details, fishing patterns, and access for Fairview Lake are specific to this 169-acre water body. The Fairview Lake guide listings below use Fairview Lake’s own taxonomy and show currently configured availability rather than substituting Lake Wallenpaupack inventory.

Use the PFBC Fairview Lake boat launch as the meeting reference, but confirm the exact time, ramp, equipment, and destination directly with the captain before departure. A guide may adjust plans for weather, water conditions, safety, or availability.

Fairview Lake PA Map

For trip planning, distinguish this Pike County lake from other places named Fairview Lake. The official PFBC stocking coordinates are approximately 41.3977, -75.1859.