Lake Ontelaunee

Lake Ontelaunee Fishing Overview

Lake Ontelaunee is a 1,082-acre reservoir in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The Reading Area Water Authority identifies it as the City of Reading’s principal water supply, about eight miles north of the city, with a capacity of approximately 3.88 billion gallons. The reservoir was constructed in 1926. Those facts make it an important public-water resource as well as a well-known shore-fishing destination.

Because Lake Ontelaunee is a protected drinking-water reservoir, this is a bank-fishing lake—not a boating destination. Anglers should plan around shoreline access, posted property boundaries, changing water levels, and the City’s rules. There is no verified Bass Online charter operation on the reservoir at this time.

Fish Species at Lake Ontelaunee

A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission survey documented a varied fish community that included channel catfish, largemouth bass, black and white crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, white perch, yellow perch, common carp, golden shiner, white catfish, and other species. That survey was conducted in 2003, so it is useful historical evidence of the fishery rather than a current population guarantee.

For a practical shore-fishing plan, focus first on channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullheads. Carp and perch can also provide opportunities where shoreline access and conditions are suitable. Match tackle to the target species and avoid claims that any particular size or catch rate is guaranteed.

Largemouth Bass

Bank anglers can cover visible structure with compact presentations that cast accurately and resist snagging. Work shoreline cover, edges, points, and changes in depth that can be reached legally from land. Low-light periods and stable weather often make it easier to contact active fish.

Channel Catfish and Bullheads

Bottom-oriented presentations are a straightforward choice for catfish from shore. Use appropriate tackle, keep rigs clear of restricted areas, and monitor current Pennsylvania seasons, sizes, and creel limits before fishing.

Crappie, Bluegill, and Perch

Light tackle can be effective around accessible cover and protected shoreline water. Spring and fall are useful starting windows, but daily conditions, water temperature, and legal access determine where anglers can fish safely.

Lake Ontelaunee Access and Regulations

The current City of Reading code prohibits boats on City-owned or controlled waters. It also prohibits swimming, bathing, wading, floating, ice fishing, and ice skating. That means anglers must remain on legal shoreline access and should never plan to launch a kayak, wade, or fish through the ice at Lake Ontelaunee.

A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required when applicable. Review the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s current freshwater regulations, seasons, sizes, and creel limits before every trip. Local City restrictions and posted notices also apply, and access conditions can change.

A commonly documented orientation point is the parking area near the western end of the PA 73 dam. Treat it as a meeting reference only: verify signs on arrival, park only where permitted, and do not cross gates or enter posted propagation or restricted areas.

Best Times to Fish

Spring and fall are the most broadly useful seasons for a mixed-species shore trip. Warming spring water can improve bass, crappie, and bluegill activity, while summer mornings and evenings can be better for bass and catfish than the brightest part of the day. Cooling fall water can concentrate fish near accessible structure. Winter fishing is limited to open-water shoreline opportunities because ice fishing is prohibited.

Weather, water level, and access can change the day’s plan. Bring more than one shore presentation, move methodically between legal access points, and leave enough daylight to return safely to the parking area.

Location and Nearby Cities

Lake Ontelaunee lies north of Reading in Berks County. Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia are broader regional reference points, but Reading is the closest major city identified by the water authority. Visitors looking for a guided boat trip should compare other Pennsylvania waters where legal launches and verified guide availability are present.

Plan a Responsible Visit

Lake Ontelaunee can reward anglers who approach it as a shore fishery and respect its role in the public water supply. Check the latest regulations, carry out all line and litter, honor posted closures, and avoid boating, swimming, wading, and ice activity.