Full Day Bass Fishing Trip - Old Forge, PA
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour lake fishing trip targeting Smallmouth Bass and WalleyeAll fishing equipment and gear provided by experienced captainPrivate charter accommodates single angler for personalized experience
Looking to spend a solid day on the water chasing bass in northeastern Pennsylvania? This full-day fishing adventure with Captain Jonathan Kelley puts you right in the middle of some seriously productive bass waters around Old Forge. We're talking 8 hours of focused fishing time, which gives you plenty of chances to fill up that cooler and maybe even land the fish of a lifetime. This isn't a rushed half-day deal where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back – you'll have the whole day to work different spots, try various techniques, and really dial in what the fish are wanting.
Captain Kelley knows these Pennsylvania waters like the back of his hand, and he's built his reputation around consistently putting anglers on smallmouth bass. The boat holds just one guest, so you're getting completely personalized attention – no sharing the captain's knowledge with a bunch of other folks or waiting your turn to fish the best spots. You'll start early to make the most of those prime feeding windows, and with 8 hours ahead of you, there's time to adapt if conditions change throughout the day. The lakes and reservoirs around Old Forge offer varied structure – rocky points, submerged timber, weed edges, and drop-offs that hold different types of fish depending on the season and weather. All your fishing gear is included, so you don't need to worry about bringing rods, reels, tackle, or bait. Just show up ready to fish.
Smallmouth bass fishing in this region calls for a mix of finesse and power techniques depending on what Mother Nature throws at you. Captain Kelley typically starts with moving baits – spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures during those early morning hours when bass are actively feeding in shallow water. As the sun gets higher, you'll likely transition to slower presentations like drop shots, tube jigs, and soft plastics worked along deeper structure. The rocky bottom composition around Old Forge is perfect smallmouth habitat, and you'll learn to read the electronics to identify key areas where fish stack up. When the bass bite slows down, there's always the option to switch gears and target walleye, which often hold in slightly different areas and respond to different baits. The captain provides all the tackle, but he's also happy to work with any favorite lures you might want to bring along.
Smallmouth bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are known for their aerial displays and bulldog determination once hooked. In the waters around Old Forge, you're looking at fish that typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with plenty of keepers in that sweet spot around 14-16 inches. The bigger specimens – those 18+ inch fish that really get your heart pumping – show up regularly enough to keep things interesting. Spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to look. These smallmouth relate heavily to rocky structure, and they're ambush predators that love to hold tight to cover and dart out to grab an easy meal. What makes them so fun to catch is their fighting style – they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. Walleye provide a nice change of pace when you want to target something different. They're typically found in deeper water during the day and respond well to live bait presentations or slower-moving artificials. While they don't fight with the same intensity as smallmouth, they make up for it by being excellent table fare.
An 8-hour bass fishing trip with all gear included and one-on-one instruction from an experienced local captain – that's the kind of day on the water that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place. Whether you're looking to improve your bass fishing skills, explore new waters, or just spend a full day doing what you love most, this trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are after. Captain Kelley's knowledge of the area combined with productive fishing grounds and personalized attention makes this a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to experience the best bass fishing that Old Forge, PA has to offer. Don't forget to bring a cooler with ice, some snacks and drinks for the day, and a camera to document the catches. Book your spot now and get ready for a full day of outstanding bass fishing.
Pittsburgh