A special regulation is in effect on this Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lake that makes it different from other lakes on this list. Fishing hours range from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Otherwise, the lake is off-limits from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Electric motors are the only allowed means of propulsion. There are two paved launch areas and three very large parking areas.

Leaser Lake runs along state Route 143 north of the village of Jacksonville. To its north, Route 143 may be accessed from state Route 309. Route 143 may also be accessed from Interstate Route 78 by taking Route 863 north and then following it till it reaches state Route 143.

RAYSTOWN LAKE
Perhaps Pennsylvania's most famous in-state body of water, this enormous Huntington County lake is not classified as "approved trout water." That fact is deceiving, however. Each year, 150,000 fingerling lake trout are stocked here. This stocking has been going on for many years, and a good lake trout fishery may be found at Raystown.

Also, the Juniata River Raystown Branch receives trout stockings. This year, its pre-season numbers are 1,000 brook trout, with an in-season stocking to follow.

Dave Miko, Area 7 fisheries manager, said holdover trout from the river eventually make their way into the lake when the river warms.

"This may be a different fishing experience for most anglers because of the lake's size," Miko noted. "To fish here, you must search for the channels and underwater structure, and it helps to find the large populations of alewives and smelt if you want to locate trout. An underwater topographic map is a good start."

On the northern end of the lake is the Point Access launch site. This is a Fish and Boat Commission facility off U.S. Route 22 east of the town of Huntington. This round-the-clock surfaced ramp features a large parking lot. All other launch sites on the lake require a fee.

Unlimited horsepower motors are the rule at Raystown.

Route 26 runs along the western shore of the lake and may be accessed from the town of Huntington.

BELTSVILLE LAKE
This southern Carbon County lake is big, long and deep. At 949 acres, with 19.8 miles of shoreline, there are stretches where the depth exceeds 200 feet. Area 5 fisheries manager Dave Arnold said most trout fishing on the lake is done with downriggers.

"The primary target is brown trout, and the average size range is from 20 to 25 inches," Arnold said.

Each year, the Fish and Boat Commission stocks between 30,000 and 40,000 brown trout fingerlings.

Arnold also mentioned another unique feature of this lake.

"The lake has a dual thermocline and dual oxygen level. There is a low radiant oxygen level from 30 to 60 feet, then a more oxygen-enriched layer from 60 to 90 feet. These are the areas to target for the biggest browns."

Beltsville is east of Lehighton off U.S. Route 209. Take Exit 74 from the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and follow the signs to Beltsville State Park.

Paved launches and large parking facilities are found here, although on weekends the lake can become very crowded in July due to its unlimited horsepower rating.