With two streams -- Tulpehocken Creek and Spring Creek -- in its western end, this area warms up first. Both streams carry a strong limestone influence. Even before the upper third of Blue Marsh turns green from summer algae blooms, the lake has a pale green cast. The dark water color often suggests slow, steady presentations along the sharp dropoffs at the western end.

Access to this area of the lake is at the Sheidy Boat Launch or the Church Road access, both off Route 183 west of Reading. The Sheidy Boat Launch is in the no-wake section of Blue Marsh, and it takes some 45 minutes to reach the main pool from here.

Good spring fishing can also be found in the lower end of the lake in its eastern coves. Blue Marsh forms a sharp bend on its way to the dam, and along the way, there are numerous shallow bays. These bays warm up faster than the main body of the lake, and bass come there to spawn.

Access to the bend area of Blue Marsh Lake is at the State Hill boat ramp off Brownsville Road and Dry Brooks boat ramp off Palisades Road south of Route 183.

For more information on Blue Marsh Lake, call (610) 376-6337.

BELTZVILLE LAKE
On the north side of Blue Mountain, Beltzville Lake is one of the larger lakes in the eastern half of the state and a project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At 959 acres, it’s not overly wide, but is long and thin, with nearly 20 miles of shoreline.

Beltzville Lake has two very long tributary arms at its eastern end, a few substantial coves heading west and finally, a very impressive stone-front dam at its western end.

Beltzville Lake is technically in the lower rung of the Poconos, and the bass spawn starts sometime in mid-May. Given that Beltzville Lake is located so far north, that seems early. Nonetheless, the upper arms of the main tributaries, Pohopoco Creek and Wild Creek, as well as the bay at Pine Run in the lower third of the lake, are good spring starters because of the spawn.

Access to the two tributaries is from the Preachers Camp launch site on the south side of the lake, off Route 209. The ramp lies inside Beltzville’s no-wake zone. This area has good bass structure along the shoreline, so take some time to fish it.

For many anglers, the upper half of Pohopoco Cove, from the hard bend up to the end of the cove, is a good spring spot. Warm water flowing from the tea-brown Pohopoco Creek often produces the best spring fishing.

West of Preachers Camp, high-tension wires cross the lake. In this area, there are extensive grassbeds that offer good spots all spring.

As the sun starts to bake the rocks on the long, tall face of the dam, the angling action heats up for smallmouth bass.

Access to the lower part of Beltzville Lake is from the Pine Run ramp on the north side of the lake off Pohopoco Drive. Most Beltzville Lake tournaments are run from this ramp.

In addition, the main lake holds a solid population of striped bass. In spring, you’ll often see stripers pushing bait to the surface.

Beltzville Lake is part of a nearly 3,000-acre state park that lies less than 10 minutes east of the Northeast Extension (I-476) Exit 74.

For more information, call the park office at (610) 377-0045.