With four seasons of natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures, the Montour Area Recreation Commission and Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau invites you to explore Columbia and Montour counties from the water.
The North Branch of the Susquehanna River flows directly through both counties, and provides one of the best outlets for outdoor recreation in all of central Pennsylvania. The river and tributary creeks and lakes are home to trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Channel and Bullhead Catfish, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Carp, and Crappie. Other wildlife is abundant – don’t be surprised if you take a paddle break and see a bald eagle soaring overhead!
Fishing Creek runs through Columbia County and is considered to be one of the finest trout streams in the state. There are many other creeks and streams for fishing and kayaking that are found throughout the two counties, including: Beaver Run, Briar Creek, Hemlock Creek, Huntingdon Creek, Little Fishing Creek, Mugser Run, Pine Creek, Roaring Creek, Scotch Run, West Creek, Mahoning Creek, and Mauses Creek.
Lake Chillisquaque, named for a Native American word meaning “song of the wild goose,” is a 165-acre reservoir built on the middle branch of Chillisquaque Creek. Constructed in 1972 by PPL Electric Utilities, it serves as a backup cooling water supply for the Montour power plant. The lake is located within the Montour Preserve, and is a prime fishing and boating location.
The Weiser State Forest – Roaring Creek Tract is located between Elysburg and Mount Carmel and also contains several reservoirs. Non-motorized boats are permitted on two of the three reservoirs on the Roaring Creek Tract – the 184-acre McWilliams’ Reservoir and the 31-acre Kline’s Reservoir. Warm water fishing is allowed in all three locations. Ice fishing is becoming a popular winter activity in the Tract as well. All fishing within the boundaries of the Weiser State Forest – Roaring Creek Tract is catch-and-release only and requires the proper PA fishing license.
Ricketts Glen State Park is located 30 miles north of Bloomsburg. The State Park contains Lake Jean, a 245-acre lake that has a 600-foot beach open from late May to mid-September for swimming and relaxing. Fishing is permitted and boat rentals are available. All PA Fish & Boat rules and regulations apply.
Kocher Park can be found just outside Lightstreet, directly north of Bloomsburg off I-80 Exit 236. The public park was established on donated land along Fishing Creek in 2000, and is a wheelchair-accessible nature park. It offers over seven acres of stream-side property that are ideal for bird-watching, fishing, walking, swimming, kayaking, or canoeing.
Test Track Riverfront Park in Berwick was once used as an obstacle course to test military tanks produced by the Berwick American Car and Foundry plant during WWII. The park is located along the Susquehanna River and provides access to trails, fishing, and a boat launch. Every year in June, the Berwick Area Regatta takes place from Test Track Riverfront Park. The event draws a large crowd, and spectators can enjoy speedboat races and waterfront fun on the Susquehanna. In October, Riverfest lights up the park with fun, food and fireworks.
Briar Creek Lake Park near Berwick is a 53-acre lake that was built in the 1970s for flood control. The lake is available for year-round fishing and boating. The PPL Susquehanna Riverlands is located five miles north of Berwick on Route 11 and covers approximately 2,100 acres of land. There are fishing and boating opportunities at Lake Took-A-While.
Learn more about fishing and boating opportunities in Montour and Columbia Counties at https://itourcolumbiamontour.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/on-the-water/
Learn more about fishing and boating seasons, creel limits, opportunities and more at fishandboat.com.
Check out the map below to find your new favorite spot!