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Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake ★★★★★ 5 2 reviews
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Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania

Raystown Lake In PA

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

Raystown reservoir was solely made for the intents of electricity production so that calamities such as floods would be controlled and for recreation and entertainment purposes. 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 since it has a lot to offer and learn. From top-notch fishing in the lake, mountains, museums, camping grounds, parks, and even resorts, visitors are guaranteed unforgettable memories in the Huntingdon county of Pennsylvania.

Where is Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania

Huntingdon County near Central Pennsylvania, a land with vast acres, sits 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, 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. 

Averagely it encompasses a depth of almost 81 feet, and under essential elevation, it’s believed to be about 785 feet. So you can see from the facts above that the Raystown lake region is indeed a large water body, and with its depth, we can be sure it provides plenty of water activities for visitors.

Top Targeted Fish Species

unforgettable memories at Lake Raystown resort cabin

Northern Bass

PA park entrance location

Smallmouth Bass

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Crappie

Year round inviting playground

Walleye

Raystown lake community river

Muskellunge

See all fish species >>>

Raystown Lake Pa Fishing

Lake Raystown Resort community visitor centerLake Raystown is 28-miles long with 118 miles of shoreline running along a productive and healthy fishery holding some of the most popular sport fish species.

The Raystown Lake region is very massive and has many species of fish 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 in a natural lake. 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 edges because they offer cover, food, and various water depths all 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 come together along the shores, and live bait will always lure them into biting. You can also use Gizzards and Alewives during other seasons such as summer, where they feed at night, which provides the best opportunity to make a catch.

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 Resort community visitor centerLake Raystown is 28-miles long with 118 miles of shoreline running along a productive and healthy fishery holding some of the most popular sport fish species.

The Raystown Lake region is very massive and has many species of fish 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 in a natural lake. 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 edges because they offer cover, food, and various water depths all 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 come together along the shores, and live bait will always lure them into biting. You can also use Gizzards and Alewives during other seasons such as summer, where they feed at night, which provides the best opportunity to make a catch.

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.

Lake Charter Captains

To see a complete list of great PA Fishing Guides, please click here!
Capt Mark Rose tobyhanna state park

Capt Mark Rose

Capt Tom Goodrich - state parks rail line

Capt Tom Goodrich

Capt John Miller - prospect rock trail

Capt John Miller

See All Fishing Guides Profiles

Campgrounds Near Raystown Lake Pa

Raystown lake is home to numerous camping sites that provide top-notch accommodations, views, and fun activities. 

Seven Points Recreation Area Campground

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

Saxton KOA

Named from the Saxons that were once 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 terrains. The camp is located just a few meters from the mountains, ideal for enjoying an authentic hiking experience. 

Swimmers and boat racers are also not left behind as varied amenities are in plenty.

Those traveling with kids can be assured they are guaranteed playing rooms 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 of 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 is equipped with accommodations for every type of traveler with 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 maybe 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 got jet skies that go for rental for 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.

Raystown Lake Reviews

Great experience!

Raystown Lake
★★★★★
“ We went to the Seven Points recreation area, and were pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure. It's a beautiful lake with lots of boating options, including house boats you can rent (though expensive), though you do have to book in advance. There is a really cool trail made by the Army Corp of Engineers out of old rubber tires, which runs by the lake and is so comfortable to walk/run on.”
- Morgan B

Worth the trip!

Raystown Lake
★★★★★
“ My wife haven't been here for years and journeyed to the north part of the lake. Wow, what awesome views. It was fascinating reading the signage about the dam and all the good that came of it.”
- Robbie J
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Raystown Lake Pa Things to Do

Apart from fishing, hiking, boating, and canoeing, there are plenty of activities to engage in.

First of all, Raystown Mountain and the Allegrippis are the best places to do a bike ride if you are in 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 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 the Whipple Park and Creek state, where you are guaranteed all amenities you need.

Reports

Smallmouth Bass Lures

Smallmouth Bass Lures

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