Fishing

You can fish at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in two lakes and a trout creek. DCNR lists pickerel, perch, bass and stocked trout as the common fish in 25-acre Laurel Lake and in Fuller Lake, and brown, brook and rainbow trout in Mountain Creek, which flows through the park. DCNR's guide highlights year-round trout fishing in the stocked creek and Laurel Lake. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules apply, and fishing is not allowed inside the swimming areas.

Where to Fish

Laurel Lake. The bigger lake, at 25 acres, and the only one where you can fish from a boat (electric motors only, slow no-wake). Boat rental, launch, kayak launch and moorings are on site. DCNR publishes color and black-and-white depth maps of Laurel Lake on its Maps and Guides page.

Fuller Lake. The old iron ore quarry by the park office: shore fishing only, since boating is prohibited. Stay out of the swimming area.

Mountain Creek. It flows through the park to Laurel Lake and holds brown, brook and rainbow trout. The 1.4-mile Mountain Creek Trail follows it downstream to Laurel Lake and gives easy access to the water (Hiking).

Rules and Licenses

• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply: licenses, seasons, size and creel limits.
• No fishing inside the beach and swimming areas.
• Boats on Laurel Lake need a registration or a launch or mooring permit (Boating).
• DCNR does not publish stocking dates for the park; check PFBC's trout stocking schedule.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is allowed on the natural ice of Laurel Lake, outside the maintained skating area. Ice thickness is not monitored except in the skating area. DCNR's minimums: 4 inches of solid ice for one person, 7 inches for a small group. Test with an auger, spread out, carry safety gear and wear a life jacket. Ice fishing is prohibited on Fuller Lake (Winter).

Good For

• Families: easy shore access at both lakes, with picnic tables and restrooms nearby.
• Trout anglers who want a creek and a lake in one trip.

Maybe Skip If

• You want a gas outboard: only electric motors are allowed on Laurel Lake.