About:
Completed in 1953, Hills Creek Lake is a 137-acre lake nestled in Hills Creek State Park, that has a well established warm water fishery. Anglers can target Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Panfish, and more. Surrounded by forest, wetlands, and natural shoreline habitat, this lake offers anglers a great opportunity to enjoy productive fishing in a quiet outdoor environment.
Hills Creek Lake features a variety of natural habitat, including submerged timber, stumps, weed beds, lily pads, shallow flats, and shoreline cover. These areas provide excellent opportunities for anglers targeting largemouth bass, panfish, and other warmwater species.
Easy accessibility from land or boat makes Hills Creek a great place to fish for anglers of any skill level, and a perfect spot for family outings. With three boat launches (2 for public use) and the Lake Side Trail following the whole perimeter of the lake (~3 miles) there’s ample opportunity to wet a line.
Two boat launches are located off Hills Creek Lake Rd. and the other is located in the campground.
Hills Creek Lake is also one of the first lakes to freeze in Pennsylvania with excellent ice fishing opportunities.
Maps, Directions, and Fishing information can be found below
Fish Species at Hills Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass
Hills Creek Lake is well known for quality largemouth bass fishing. The lake has produced impressive bass, including fish weighing more than eight pounds. Anglers commonly catch bass weighing 1-4 lbs with several 5lbs and larger caught every year. With shallow timber, lily pads, and weeds, it's perfect for frog fishing and texas rigged soft plastics. Squarebill crankbaits and chatterbaits also work well in the stumps or on weed edges. Natural colors tend to work best with generally clear water conditions.
PA Fish & Boat Commission 2023 Largemouth Bass Survey
Crappie, Perch & Other Panfish
Panfish are a favorite target at Hills Creek, especially in the spring, fall, and winter months. Bluegills, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappies, and yellow perch can be targeted throughout the year using live or artificial baits. Ultralight and light action setups work best.
Other Species
Hills Creek Lake also supports a variety of other popular species, including:
- Chain Pickerel
- Bullhead catfish
- Walleye (rare - Last Stocked in 2011)
- Muskellunge (very rare - Last stocked in 2005)
Both Walleyes and musky have not been stocked in many years and targeting them is difficult. Few catches are reported every year with dwindling populations and no documented natural reproduction. However a few are still out there and you might be the next lucky angler to catch one!
Chain pickerel up to two-foot long are often caught and can be found in and around weedy areas or structure. They are aggressive and will readily take live shiners, as well as panfish and bass lures. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, and swimbaits are favorites to target them.
Target bullheads at night with nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or commercially available catfish baits (We like Catfish Charlie dough balls)
Recommended Tackle For Fishing Hills Creek Lake
Bass Gear (also good for pickerel)
Rods
- Medium action spinning rods 6-7’ will work for live bait, soft plastics & finesse lures
- Medium Heavy - Heavy baitcasting rods 6’8”-7’6” are preferred for topwater lures, moving baits, jigs and heavier texas rigs
Line
- 8-15lb monofilament or fluorocarbon for live bait and soft plastics
- 30-50lb braided line for topwater frogs
- Heavier fluorocarbon or braid/leader combos are excellent for texas rigs in and around the weeds/timber. We like 15-20lb to help pull fish out of cover.
Lures
- Hollow body frogs, toads, and similar topwater baits
- Texas rigged creature baits and soft plastic worms
- Jigs (Swim jigs and structure style heads tend to be best)
- Chatterbaits & Spinnerbaits
- Squarebill Crankbaits
Panfish Gear
Rods
- Ultralight - Medium Light spinning rod 6-7’
- Ultralight - Medium Light spincast combos 4-7’ (great for beginners)
- Our favorite panfish setup is a 7’ Light action rod with a 1000 or 2000 series reel
Line
- 4-8lb monofilament is versatile for a variety of applications
- 4-8lb fluorocarbon works well for leader material, or subsurface presentations. Keep in mind that fluoro sinks and does not work well with bobbers, unless used as a leader
Baits & Lures
- Live minnows, nightcrawlers, redworms, mealworms, or waxworms all work well for panfish. Rig them on a size 6-10 hook
- Small soft plastic minnow, worm, and bug imitations. Rig them on a 1/32 or 1/16 jighead
- Small topwater poppers or plopper style baits.
Best Fishing Areas
Hills Creek Lake offers many productive areas to explore. The north end of the lake is shallow and filled with timber and stumps. Often referred to as ‘The Stumps’ end, this area holds fish year round.
Also target:
- Weed lines
- Lily pads
- Shoreline cover (especially overhanging trees in the backs of coves)
- Shallow flats
- Deeper transitions (particularly near the beach and dam)
The lake’s natural structure makes it a great place to explore different techniques and seasonal patterns.
Boating & Lake Access
Valid Pa Boat Registration or Pa Launch Permit Required
Hills Creek Lake is ideal for small fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and other non-gas-powered watercraft. Boating is limited to electric motors and unpowered boats, helping to maintain the lake’s peaceful fishing atmosphere.
Kayak and canoe rentals are seasonally available at the campground concession stand. Call the park for more information.
A fishing pier is also available for anglers at the Pines boat launch
Seasonal Fishing Tips
Spring
Bass, crappie, and panfish become active as water temperatures rise and spawning season starts.. Target shallow cover, warming shorelines, and spawning areas. The shallow stumps in the north end and emerging weed beds are good places to start with squarebill crankbaits, plastics, and live baits. Topwater baits like a buzzbait or walking baits can be excellent for bass and pickerel over the emerging weeds and lily pads
Summer
Weeds and lily pads can get thick and these areas offer good cover for all species of fish. Target holes in the weed mats or weed edges, and drag topwater frogs and toads over the mats. Drifting nightcrawlers or minnows in deeper water works well for perch and other panfish.
Fall
Cooling water can create excellent feeding opportunities. Try moving baits, crankbaits, and baitfish imitations. As weeds die back, look for remaining green patches or timber structure to hold fish.
Winter
Hills Creek Lake is a popular ice fishing destination when conditions are sufficient. It is consistently one of the first places in PA to freeze and generally has a reliable ice season lasting from mid-late December to early-mid March. Yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie are the most common winter targets. Though fish can be caught throughout the lake, shallower areas with remnant weeds or woody structure tend to fish best in the north end of the lake. Give us a call for the latest ice updates and remember to always check ice conditions before heading out.
Campground Information and Local Attractions:
Along with great fishing Hills Creek has an excellent family friendly campground with close proximity to numerous local attractions. Hills Creek offers 80+ campsites, 10 modern cabins and yurts. Open April-October. Located about 9 miles from downtown Wellsboro Pa. and roughly 18 miles from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Enjoy your stay and explore Wellsboro’s local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Hill Creek State Park : 570-724-4246
Plan Your Getaway - Visit Potter-Tioga
