Raystown Lake

 Raystown Lake is the largest lake in PA entirely in the state; two or more states share larger ones. The lake is a 29,000-acre project with an 8,000-acre lake, 12 public access areas, a beach area, boat launches, picnic areas, campgrounds, a small waterpark, marina concession stands, trails, hunting, and incredible fishing opportunities.

Raystown reservoir was built solely for electricity production, to control calamities such as floods, and for recreation and entertainment. The Simpson family originally built it, but the Army Corps of Engineers completed the lake in 1973.

The Raystown Lake Reservoir is a place everyone should visit, as it offers a lot to learn and explore. From top-notch fishing in the lake, mountains, museums, camping grounds, parks, and even resorts, visitors are guaranteed unforgettable memories in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Where is Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania

Huntingdon County, near Central Pennsylvania, a land of vast acres, is home to the Raystown Reservoir in the heart of the state. The county is easy to trace, having numerous landmarks you can find on Google Maps. 

One of the key features to note is that it’s right along the Juniata River to the east of Altoona and comes west of Harrisburg, with its coordinates: 78 degrees to the west and 40 to the north.

Depth

Raystown Lake is a human-made lake developed in 1913, and reports show that it has depths of up to 200 feet, approximately 60-61 meters long. 

On average, it has a depth of almost 81 feet, and at its base elevation, it’s believed to be about 785 feet. As you can see from the facts above, the Raystown Lake region is indeed a large body of water, and its depth offers plenty of water-based activities for visitors.

Raystown Lake PA Fishing

Lake Raystown is 28 miles long, with 118 miles of shoreline, and supports a productive, healthy fishery that holds some of the most popular sport fish species.

The Raystown Lake region is vast and has many fish species that one can catch. With its shoreline being very long and the extensive land on which it sits, fish are very likely to be noticed.

The lake is home to lake trout, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, tiger Muskie, striped bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. There are a couple of restrictions and guidelines to fishing here, but still, people are allowed to fish there.

Tips For Fishing Man-Made Lakes

Artificial lakes, such as Central Pennsylvania’s Lake Raystown, can have water levels that fluctuate more dramatically than those of natural lakes. Therefore, while fishing a man-made lake, it’s best to focus your efforts on creek edges, ledges, and drop-offs. The fish in Lake Raystown tend to seek out areas near the edges because they offer cover, food, and a variety of water depths nearby.

Tips For Bass

Striped bass is the most preferred catch for many anglers, probably because you can find it in large numbers, and they put up an intense fight. The Raystown offers an ideal spot as temperatures are warm and suitable for spawning.

The fish tend to gather along the shore, and live bait will always lure them to bite. You can also use gizzard shad and Alewives during other seasons, such as summer, when they feed at night, which provides the best opportunity to catch them.

If you forget to carry bait or lures, you can easily rent or buy them around the Sports Marina, depending on your choice and the type of fish you want to catch. When fishing for any bass here, consider using lures or baits that can be worked near the bottom of drop-offs or ledges. Jerk baits, lizards, and soft plastic worms are all effective baits to try. Bass fishing in Rayston Lake makes for some of the best Pennsylvania fun adventures.

Raystown Lake PA Fishing

Lake Raystown is 28 miles long, with 118 miles of shoreline, and supports a productive, healthy fishery that holds some of the most popular sport fish species.

The Raystown Lake region is vast and has many fish species that one can catch. With its shoreline being very long and the extensive land on which it sits, fish are very likely to be noticed.

The lake is home to lake trout, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, tiger Muskie, striped bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. There are a couple of restrictions and guidelines to fishing here, but still, people are allowed to fish there.

Tips For Fishing Man-Made Lakes

Artificial lakes, such as Central Pennsylvania’s Lake Raystown, can have water levels that fluctuate more dramatically than those of natural lakes. Therefore, while fishing a man-made lake, it’s best to focus your efforts on creek edges, ledges, and drop-offs. The fish in Lake Raystown tend to seek out these areas near the edges because they offer cover, food, and various water depths.

Tips For Bass

Striped bass is the most preferred catch for many anglers, probably because you can find it in large numbers, and they put up an intense fight. The Raystown offers an ideal spot as temperatures are warm and suitable for spawning.

The fish tend to gather along the shore, and live bait will always lure them to bite. You can also use gizzard shad and Alewives during other seasons, such as summer, when they feed at night, which provides the best opportunity to catch them.

If you forget to carry bait or lures, you can easily rent or buy them around the Sports Marina, depending on your choice and the type of fish you want to catch. When fishing for any bass here, consider using lures or baits that can be worked near the bottom of drop-offs or ledges. Jerk baits, lizards, and soft plastic worms are all effective baits to try. Bass fishing in Rayston Lake makes for some of the best Pennsylvania fun adventures.

Raystown Lake PA Fishing

Lake Raystown is 28 miles long, with 118 miles of shoreline, and supports a productive, healthy fishery that holds some of the most popular sport fish species.

The Raystown Lake region is vast and has many fish species that one can catch. With its shoreline being very long and the extensive land on which it sits, fish are very likely to be noticed.

The lake is home to lake trout, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, tiger Muskie, striped bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. There are a couple of restrictions and guidelines to fishing here, but still, people are allowed to fish there.

Tips For Fishing Man-Made Lakes

Artificial lakes, such as Central Pennsylvania’s Lake Raystown, can have water levels that fluctuate more dramatically than those of natural lakes. Therefore, while fishing a man-made lake, it’s best to focus your efforts on creek edges, ledges, and drop-offs. The fish in Lake Raystown tend to seek out areas near the edges because they offer cover, food, and various water depths nearby.

Tips For Bass

Striped bass is the most preferred catch for many anglers, probably because you can find it in large numbers, and they put up an intense fight. The Raystown offers an ideal spot as temperatures are warm and suitable for spawning.

The fish tend to gather along the shore, and live bait will always lure them to bite. You can also use gizzard shad and Alewives during other seasons, such as summer, when they feed at night, which provides the best opportunity to catch them.

If you forget to carry bait or lures, you can easily rent or buy them around the Sports Marina, depending on your choice and the type of fish you want to catch. When fishing for any bass here, consider using lures or baits that can be worked near the bottom of drop-offs or ledges. Jerk baits, lizards, and soft plastic worms are all effective baits to try. Bass fishing on Rayston Lake is one of the most fun adventures in Pennsylvania.

Lake Charter Captains

To see a complete list of excellent PA Fishing Guides, please click here!

Campgrounds Near Raystown Lake PA

Raystown Lake is home to numerous campgrounds offering top-notch accommodations, views, and fun activities. 

Seven Points Recreation Area Campground

 Seven Spots campground offers several amenities and even more beautiful sites, including the Seven Points marina, beach, and a hillside nature trail. The Seven Spots campground also has an inland and shoreline site.

Saxton KOA

Named after the Saxons who once lived in the area, this KOA has a lot to offer visitors. If you find yourself around the Allegheny Mountains, you are in for the perfect terrain. The camp is just a few meters from the mountains, making it ideal for an authentic hiking experience.

Swimmers and boat racers are also not left behind, with plenty of amenities.

Those traveling with kids can be assured they will have guaranteed playing and bailing rooms that will surely be memorable for them.
Apart from the two, you can still use the Woodland Camping Resort, Lake Raystown Camping Resort, and the Point Campground.

Raystown Lake Resort

Lake Raystown Resort is a beautiful lakeside resort situated two miles from Tatman Run Beach on 400 woodsy acres. It’s 10 miles from Terrace Mountain Trail and 17 miles from Warriors Path State Park. Lake Raystown Resort is considered Central Pennsylvania’s top destination for special occasions and family fun, with a reputation for being nature’s most inviting playground.

With 400 acres of waterfront property, endless fun activities, and tons of top-rated accommodations, this is the perfect place for fun adventures and to relax. The site offers accommodations for every type of traveler, including villas, cabins, a lodge, tent sites, RV sites, and more.

Raystown Lake Pa Boat Rentals

Boat rentals are a little expensive in the region, depending on the type of boat you want to hire. The pontoon boat may be a little overboard, as they charge about $230 depending on the hours you ride and the maximum number of passengers on board, but if this fits within your budget, then go for it.

If you love speed, you are also covered, since they have jet skis available for rent up to 80 minutes. This ranges from $100- $120. Mini boats are also available at a close range of almost $250 a day for hire. Even when renting a boat, you will still need a freshwater Pennsylvania fishing license if you plan to fish.

Raystown Lake Pa Things to Do

Apart from fishing, hiking, boating, and canoeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.

First of all, Raystown Mountain and the Allegrippis are the best places to do a bike ride if you are up for it. The mountains also offer climbers an opportunity to use their boots and explore the mountain’s scenic beauty. If you are a lover of history, the best place to visit is the museum of Swigart and Asset heritage.

Boat riding and racing are also sweet in the waters, plus there are even classes on fishing and swimming. 

For visitors looking to do some local shopping, all you need can also be found in the markets and gift shops around. 

Relaxation is something you can also do while at Raystown Lake, and they have ideal spots for that, such as Whipple Park and Creek State Park, where you are guaranteed all the amenities you need.

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