It takes a little longer for trout to spread throughout this lake than at some of the tiny stocked lakes. Structure may also be more of a factor here than at many of the smaller lakes.

Between stockings, ice-fishermen with portable sonar have an advantage. Another advantage of larger lakes like this one is that a larger percentage of stocked trout tend to survive, so between stockings, this lake has more potential than the smaller lakes. You might have to work to find the trout, but it’s nice to know that they are here.

Fish-attracting devices have been placed in Raccoon Lake. Although they are more likely to attract panfish or bass, they’re worth checking out because most ice-fishermen are interested in catching anything -- few concentrate on trout alone.

Raccoon Lake lies along state Route 18, a short distance north from the intersection of U.S. Route 22 in Raccoon Creek State Park. Take Raccoon Park Road to access areas along the lake.

UPPER TWIN LAKE
Immediately to the east of Allegheny County, Westmoreland County has the largest cluster of Early Season Trout-Stocked Waters Program lakes in the Commonwealth. Five of the six lakes are slated for Feb. 12 stockings.

The exception is Upper Twin Lake, which is scheduled to be stocked Feb. 26, perhaps too late for ice-fishing. But this could be good news for those who prefer open-water fishing.

Upper Twin Lake is in county-owned Twin Lakes Park. From Pittsburgh, take U.S. Route 30 toward Greensburg.

Near the Westmoreland Mall, turn left onto Donohoe Road then follow the signs to Twin Lakes Park.

Use these same directions to Lower Twin Lake, which is to be stocked Feb. 12. A two-mile walkway provides access around these two lakes.

Lower Twin Lake is small, about 30 acres, but is the larger of the two lakes.

At Westmoreland County park lakes, ice-fishing is not allowed unless the ice meets safety standards. For information about these parks, contact the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation, 194 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601; or call (724) 830-3950.

DONEGAL LAKE
Donegal Lake is owned by the commonwealth and managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. With a surface area of 90 acres, it is a medium-sized stocked trout lake. It lies along state Route 711 about a mile north from Donegal.

From the Pittsburgh area, take Interstate routes 70 and 76 east to the exit at Donegal.

Look for rainbow trout here, which call for slightly different fishing tactics than when ice-fishing for brook trout or brown trout. Artificial baits can be very effective. Changes in color can make a difference.

KEYSTONE LAKE
Keystone Lake is also a likely bet for catching rainbow trout. You will note on the Fish and Boat Commission’s stocking list that trout shipped from Tellico, North Carolina, will likely be rainbows -- a great tip for formulating an ice-fishing plan.

The previous stocking, conducted during October, was also from the Tellico hatchery.

For the past few seasons, the Fish and Boat Commission has purchased trout from this hatchery to partially make up for reductions in the biomass of trout that may be raised in PFBC fish-cultural stations due to Department of Environmental Protection regulations. These trout are of very fine quality and are an excellent addition to our stocked trout fishery.

Keystone Lake lies in Keystone State Park about three miles from the intersection of state Route 981 and U.S. Route 22 in the central portion of Westmoreland County north of Loyalhanna.

From Pittsburgh, take U.S. Route 22 east to state Route 981 by New Alexandria.