Fishing in Western Pennsylvania
Map of Lake Arthur - Boat launches		 Lake Arthur


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This map details the water between the Mt. Zion boat launch on the south shore and the 528 boat launch on the north shore.

1. The shoreline on either side of the Mt. Zion boat launch is steep and rocky. It drops off into 10'+ of water very quickly.  This area will produce both largemouth and smallmouth bass when conditions are right.  Low light and pre-storm conditions are best.  Spinnerbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits work well here.

2. Several hundred feet to the west of the Mt. Zion boat launch are several large patches of lily pads adjacent to the shoreline.  These pads usually hold bass.  The trick is getting the bait to the fish.  I normally use a Mann's floating rat for such fishing because it is weedless and can be fished on top of the pads.  You can also fish the edges of the lily pad patches with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.  This area will usually produce fish under most conditions, be patient.




3. The southern end of the 528 bridge is built into a steep point that projects into the lake.  The eastern side of the point drops off sharply into the lake.  The shoreline is rocky with the odd patch of weeds.  This area will produce bass on occasion.  I find that casting spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and shallow-diving crankbaits produces fish when the lures area retrieved parallel to the shoreline.  Try different depths and distances out from the shoreline to locate the fish.  This area produces best in low-light conditions.

4. There is a deep flat north and east of the Mt. Zion boat launch.  The flat drops off into the original creek channel at 12 to 14 feet.  I only mention this area because occasionally you will see schools of striped bass feeding on shad or minnows in this area.  The water will literally boil with fish for 10 to 15 minutes at a times.  Casting minnow-type lures or spinnerbaits into the feeding frenzy can produce some huge striped bass.  Unfortunately, this fishing is sporadic and you need to react quickly to get in on the action.

5. The shoreline adjacent to the 528 boat launch will produce bass or panfish.  Low light conditions are best.  Spinnerbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits work well here.

Miscellaneous: You will note that there is a sunken road that runs between the boat launches.  It would appear to be an ideal location for fish in deep water.  Personally, I have not had any fishing success here.