What You'll Find at Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park sits in the southwestern corner of New York, near the Pennsylvania border, and holds two separate lakes worth fishing: Red House Lake and Quaker Lake. Red House is the larger and more developed of the two, with a beach, boat launch, and campground. Quaker Lake is smaller, quieter, and sits about 10 miles north. Both hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. The park itself covers over 65,000 acres of mixed forest, so the lakes feel remote even though they're accessible by car.

Red House Lake runs about 75 acres and reaches depths of 60 feet in places. The shoreline is rocky and wooded, with some shallow bays on the south end. Quaker Lake is roughly 40 acres, shallower overall, and surrounded by heavier forest. Neither lake is stocked by the state — both support wild populations that fluctuate with natural recruitment. The fishing is steady rather than explosive, and success depends on matching the season and reading the structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Red House Lake has a public boat launch, campground, and day-use area; Quaker Lake has no facilities and requires hiking to reach the water.
  • Both lakes hold largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • A New York State fishing license is required; you can fish from shore or boat, but no motors are allowed on either lake.
  • Red House Lake is open to fishing dawn to dusk; Quaker Lake has no posted hours but is accessible only during daylight hiking conditions.
  • The park charges a day-use fee at Red House ($7 per vehicle as of recent years, though this may vary) and has no fee for Quaker Lake access.

Red House Lake: Access, Seasons, and What Bites

Red House Lake is the practical choice if you want a full day without a long hike. The lake sits at the park's main entrance area, about 65 miles south of Buffalo and roughly 20 miles east of Salamanca. A paved parking area and boat launch sit on the south shore; the launch is concrete and suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Day-use parking costs a fee (verify the current amount at the park office or website before you go). The lake is open to fishing from dawn to dusk year-round.

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable season. Largemouth bass move into the shallows to spawn, and you'll find them in the bays on the south and west ends, especially around fallen timber and weeds. Smallmouth bass are active too, often holding on rocky points and drop-offs. Use 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, crankbaits, or live shiners if you're allowed to bring them (check current regulations). Panfish — bluegill and pumpkinseed — bite consistently all season and are easiest to catch in May and June.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite. Bass move deeper and hold near the thermocline, typically 25 to 40 feet down. Early morning and evening produce better than midday. Fall (September through November) brings a second strong period: water cools, bass move back to shallower structure, and you can catch them on topwater lures and shallow-running crankbaits. Winter fishing is possible but difficult; the lake does not always freeze solid, and ice conditions change rapidly.

Quaker Lake: A Quieter Alternative Requiring Effort

Quaker Lake sits north of Red House and offers a trade-off: no crowds, no facilities, and no motorized access — but you have to hike to reach it. The trailhead is marked within the park; the walk is roughly 2 miles one way on a maintained trail. The lake itself is shallower than Red House, with an average depth around 20 feet and a maximum near 40 feet. The shoreline is heavily forested, and much of the perimeter is swampy or overgrown, limiting where you can fish effectively.

Quaker Lake holds the same species as Red House but in smaller numbers. Largemouth bass are more common than smallmouth here, and they tend to be smaller — expect fish in the 10- to 14-inch range as typical. Panfish are abundant and eager. The lake is best fished in spring and early summer when you can reach the water without fighting heavy brush. Fall is also productive but requires careful footing on wet leaves and roots. The quiet makes it worth the hike if you want solitude and don't mind a slower bite.

Regulations and Licenses

You must carry a valid New York State fishing license to fish either lake. Licenses are sold online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops near the park. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license; choose based on how often you plan to fish. Licenses are checked by park rangers and DEC officers, and fishing without one carries a fine.

Both lakes follow New York's statewide bass regulations: a 12-inch minimum length and a daily limit of five bass per angler. Panfish have no size or bag limit. No live baitfish may be transported into the park from outside waters, but you can use shiners or minnows caught within the park itself. Catch-and-release is always allowed. Check the current DEC fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Boats, Canoes, and Shore Fishing

No motors are permitted on either lake — this is a strict rule. Red House Lake allows canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and small sailboats. The boat launch is suitable for hand-launching or using a small trailer. If you don't have a boat, shore fishing at Red House is productive, especially along the south and west shorelines where the parking area and day-use facilities sit. The rocky banks hold bass, and the shallow bays attract panfish.

Quaker Lake is accessible only by foot, so shore fishing is your only option. The best spots are where the trail meets the water and along the eastern shore, where the forest opens slightly. Wading is possible in places but can be slow and muddy. A canoe or kayak would give you access to more water, but you'd have to carry it the full 2 miles in, which most anglers don't do.

When to Go and What to Bring

Spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through October) are the prime windows. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the weather is usually pleasant. Summer is fishable but slower and hotter. Winter is possible but requires checking ice conditions with the park office first — unsafe ice can close access without warning.

Bring a New York fishing license, a valid form of ID, and your tackle. For Red House, bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; the lake has little shade. For Quaker Lake, add a headlamp or flashlight if you're hiking in early morning, sturdy boots for the muddy trail, and insect repellent — mosquitoes can be heavy in summer. Both lakes are in bear country; store food and trash in your vehicle or the provided receptacles, never leave it unattended on shore.

Nearby Services and Lodging

The park itself has a campground near Red House Lake with tent and RV sites. Reservations are handled through the New York State Parks system and fill quickly in summer. If the campground is full, the towns of Salamanca (20 miles west) and Olean (15 miles east) have motels, restaurants, and bait shops. Salamanca is closer and has more services geared toward outdoor recreation.

The nearest tackle shop is in Salamanca; call ahead to confirm they stock what you need. Gas stations and small groceries are available in both towns. The park office, located near the Red House Lake entrance, can answer questions about current conditions, trail status, and any temporary closures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Quaker Lake in winter?

Technically yes, but the 2-mile hike becomes difficult or impossible if snow is deep or ice is unsafe. The trail is not maintained in winter. Call the park office before attempting it to confirm trail and ice conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish Red House Lake?

No. Shore fishing is productive, especially in spring and fall. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more shoreline, but it's not required for a good day.

What's the difference between the two lakes in terms of fish size?

Red House Lake produces larger bass on average, with fish in the 14- to 18-inch range common in spring. Quaker Lake's bass run smaller, typically 10 to 14 inches. Both hold panfish of similar size.

Is there a bait shop at the park?

No. The nearest tackle shops are in Salamanca and Olean. Bring your own tackle or plan to stop in town before entering the park.

Can I camp at the park if I want to fish both lakes?

Yes. The campground near Red House Lake has sites available spring through fall. You can fish Red House in the evening or early morning, then hike to Quaker Lake during the day, or vice versa. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance.