What Big Bass Lake Offers
Big Bass Lake is a 45-acre impoundment in Pike County's Greenridge State Forest, roughly 15 miles northeast of Milford. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish, with bass being the primary draw. The water is relatively shallow—averaging 15 to 20 feet—and the shoreline is wooded and undeveloped, which keeps the lake quiet and the fish less pressured than waters closer to population centers.
The lake sits at about 1,400 feet elevation in the Pocono region. Spring and fall typically produce the most consistent fishing, though summer can be productive early and late in the day. Winter is possible but the access road is not maintained for snow, so you need to check conditions before driving in. The lack of a developed boat ramp and the rough forest service road that leads to the parking area mean fewer anglers overall, which translates to less-pressured fish and a quieter experience than you will find at more accessible lakes in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Big Bass Lake is open to the public and requires no permit, but you must follow Pennsylvania fishing regulations and possess a valid fishing license.
- Launch access is limited to a small parking area and hand-carry only—no boat ramp exists, so kayaks, canoes, and small jon boats are the practical options.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass are present year-round, with spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) offering the most reliable fishing.
- The lake sits in a state forest with minimal development, so expect a quiet setting but also plan to bring your own supplies—no food, fuel, or lodging is on-site.
Access and Parking
Big Bass Lake is accessed via Greenridge Road, which branches off Pennsylvania Route 402 near Greenridge. The road is a narrow, unpaved forest service road that can be rough in wet conditions. A small gravel parking area sits at the lake's edge, with space for roughly 4 to 6 vehicles. The lot is unsigned and easy to miss, so use GPS coordinates (41.0667° N, 74.8833° W) or ask at the Pike County Visitors Bureau if you are unfamiliar with the area.
There is no boat launch ramp. Access is hand-carry only, meaning you can launch kayaks, canoes, small jon boats (12 to 14 feet), and inflatable craft from the shoreline near the parking area. Larger boats and trailers are not practical. The parking area has no facilities—no restrooms, no water, no trash service—so bring out what you bring in. The road condition varies by season; in spring and after heavy rain, high-clearance vehicles are safer than low-slung cars. Check with the Pike County Visitors Bureau or a local bait shop before you drive in if conditions have been wet.
Fishing Seasons and What to Target
Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Largemouth bass move into shallow water to spawn, and smallmouth bass follow suit slightly later. Topwater lures, soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, and small crankbaits work well. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and the fish are aggressive. This is the window when even novice anglers can expect consistent action.
Summer (June through August) can be slow during midday because bass retreat to deeper structure and shade. Fish early (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late (4 p.m. onward). Soft plastics rigged Texas-style and small swimbaits are effective. The lake's shallow average depth means bass do not have far to go to find cooler water, so focus on the deepest holes and any submerged timber you can locate.
Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, and bass feed heavily before winter. Crankbaits, topwater, and jigs all produce. Pickerel also become more active in fall, and they will strike the same lures as bass. Many anglers consider fall the best overall season here because the weather is comfortable and the fishing is reliable.
Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The access road is not plowed, so you need high-clearance or four-wheel drive to reach the parking area after snow. Bass are deep and sluggish; jigging with live shiners or small soft plastics near the deepest structure is the most reliable approach. Many anglers skip winter here and fish more accessible lakes closer to town.
Regulations and Licensing
Pennsylvania requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops in Pike County. The license is inexpensive and covers all public waters in the state.
Bass regulations on Big Bass Lake follow statewide rules: largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit (combined species). Pickerel have no minimum length and no daily limit. Sunfish have no minimum and no limit. Check the current Pennsylvania fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year. The Fish and Boat Commission publishes the guide online and prints it at license vendors.
What Gear to Bring
For hand-carry access, keep your setup light. A 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is versatile and easy to manage in a kayak or canoe. Bring a small tackle box with topwater plugs, soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), small crankbaits, and a few jigs. A net is helpful but not essential if you plan to release fish.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times if you are in a boat or kayak—it is the law in Pennsylvania and the smart choice on any water. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The lake has no shade once you are away from the shoreline, and the sun reflects off the water. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful if you plan to fish early or late. In cooler months, dress in layers because the wind can pick up on the water and temperatures drop quickly once the sun is low.
Nearby Services and Lodging
Milford, about 15 miles southwest, has gas stations, restaurants, and a few small motels. The town is the closest resupply point. Larger chains and more lodging options are in Stroudsburg, roughly 25 miles south. Pike County has several state parks and private campgrounds if you want to stay overnight—Masthope Mountain and Shohola Falls are within 30 minutes of Big Bass Lake.
Bait and tackle shops in Milford and Stroudsburg stock live shiners, crawfish, and standard lures. If you are coming from out of state, plan to stop at one of these shops to pick up local knowledge and any gear you forgot. The staff can also tell you about water conditions and what other nearby lakes are fishing well. Many shops have bulletin boards with reports from recent visitors, which can save you time on the water.
Why Big Bass Lake Is Worth the Trip
Big Bass Lake is not the easiest water to reach, and it does not have the amenities of a developed public lake. But that is exactly why it holds fish. The lack of a boat ramp and the rough access road keep pressure low. The shoreline is natural and undeveloped, which means good habitat for bass and fewer disturbances.
If you are willing to hand-carry a kayak or canoe and fish in a quiet setting, Big Bass Lake rewards the effort with consistent bass fishing and the chance to catch fish that have not seen dozens of anglers in a week. The Pocono setting also means you can combine a day here with visits to other regional lakes or state forest trails if you want to make a longer trip out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish Big Bass Lake?
Yes. Anyone 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. You can buy a one-day license for a low cost at the Fish and Boat Commission website or at bait shops in Milford and Stroudsburg. The license covers all public waters in Pennsylvania.
Can I launch a motorboat at Big Bass Lake?
No. There is no boat ramp, and access is hand-carry only. Kayaks, canoes, small jon boats without motors, and inflatable craft are practical. Larger boats and trailers cannot be launched here.
What is the best time of year to fish Big Bass Lake?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most consistent. Water temperatures are in the 50s to 60s, and bass are active and feeding. Summer can be slow during the day but productive early and late. Winter is possible but the access road is not maintained for snow.
Are there restrooms or facilities at Big Bass Lake?
No. The parking area has no facilities. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The nearest restrooms and food are in Milford, about 15 miles away.
What fish species are in Big Bass Lake?
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish. Bass are the primary target. Pickerel are also present and will strike the same lures as bass.