The lake is in western Crawford County and is accessible from Interstate Route 79 via exits for routes 358, 285 or 322.

For more information, visit Pennsylvania State Parks at the DCNR Web site at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/pymatuning.aspx.

WOODCOCK LAKE
Crawford County's Woodcock Lake contains perhaps the most dense muskie population of any lake in the state. While it could be termed an "action lake" due to its high numbers, Woodcock also supports a fair share of fish over 40 inches.

During a spring sampling by the Fish and Boat Commission in 2003, three trap nets set for three nights collected 99 muskies. The fish ranged in size from 24 to 46 inches. About 75 percent of the fish trapped were over 30 inches in length. Regular stockings of purebred muskie fingerlings maintain the muskie fishery.

WOODCOCK LAKE
The 500-acre Woodcock Lake is in central Crawford County, five miles northeast of Meadville. Owned and operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, its primary purpose is flood control, so it is subject to fluctuating levels. When the water level has been stable, the lake can be quite clear. Dramatic winter drawdowns limit weed growth, but during some years, terrestrial weeds are present during the spring and summer months in shallow-water zones. Additional cover and structure include significant stumpfields, creek channels, points, humps and flats. Brushpiles are scattered throughout the shallows. A causeway bisects the upper third of the lake. The lake attains a depth of about 40 feet at summer pool.

Woodcock Lake provides an interesting blend of water to suit both the caster and troller. Good casting areas include the causeway, the two corners on the northern portion in particular. In general, the northern shoreline is heavily seasoned with structure. Points and bars exist along the southern side as well, especially in the vicinity of the small bays that break up the shoreline.

This lake also is kind to the troller. Given its relatively small size, the lake can be covered efficiently in a day's fishing. Shad-shaped baits have a good reputation on Woodcock Lake as effective trolling baits.

An excellent launch ramp with ample parking is on the south side of the lake near the dam. Crawford County provides an excellent campground off the lake. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower. Call the Fish Education Center in Fombell at (724) 452-4464 for a hand-drawn contour map of Woodcock Lake.

The lake may be reached from Interstate 79 via the Meadville or Saegertown exits.

CONNEAUT LAKE
Conneaut Lake's muskie fishery might not be what it once was, but this 925-acre natural lake is still worthy of mention as a July hotspot simply because of its trophy potential. The lake continues to hold the state record for muskellunge, the 80-some-year-old mark standing at 54 pounds, 3 ounces. The Pennsylvania Game Commission stocks Conneaut with purebred fingerlings on a regular basis.

Conneaut Lake gives up its muskies grudgingly -- it has a reputation for being tough to fish. However, it also has the necessary ingredients to grow big muskies, lunkers over 40 pounds. Being in the species' natural range likely has something to do with this.

A popular boating lake with a developed shoreline, Conneaut during the summer isn't likely to qualify as a tranquil experience. But it has the attraction of being a natural lake with a wealth of associated muskie lore. It also contains an equally abundant amount of muskie habitat in the form of points, bars and humps.

Along the western shore of the lake, muskie anglers will find significant points such as the Bath House Bar and Black Bird Point. Points and humps extend from Goat Island and Wolf Island along this shoreline. Round Bar and Ferry Bar are two of the larger humps off the deepest basin in the northern end of the lake. Midway Bar is found, as its name implies, near the middle portion of the lake.