Raystown Lake

General Description

Discover the natural beauty of Raystown Lake.  Nestled in the mountains of South Central Pennsylvania between Altoona and Harrisburg, the lake has 30 miles of navigable water and is fed by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.

The waters of this 8,300 acre lake are home to a strong population of large and smallmouth bass, catfish and various species of panfish, but it's the opportunity of landing a striper that makes the trip worth taking. The legendary stripers of Raystown Lake tempt anglers with the chance of a freshwater fight they'll never forget. Whether rising to meet a surface lure or jig, or a trolled live bait, a battle with a trophy striper sends adrenaline rushing. And this lake is home to lots of stripers - including the Pennsylvania state record, which weighed in at 53 lbs. 12 oz. Want to beat that? Bait up, cast a line and hang on.

Surrounding the lake are 118 miles of natural wooded shoreline with 21,000 acres of largely undeveloped public land. Owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the lake was opened in 1975 as a flood control project, the only Army Corps flood control project in the U.S. kept at a permanent recreation level.

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Conditions

Launch Areas

Aitch
Corbin's Island
James Creek
Warriors Path
Seven Points
Shy Beaver
Snyder's Run
Tatman Run
Weaver Falls
Lake Raystown Resort

Fees & Licenses

A launch fee is collected at every Corps of Engineers boat launch.  When launching your boat, stop at the fee kiosk and remove a collection envelope.  Fill out the top half and place it in the windshield of your vehicle (pencils are provided).  Fill out the envelope section, place the fee in the envelope, seal and drop in the honor vault.  

Boat Rentals

Adventure Marine Canoes & Kayaks
Bedford, 814-623-1821

Heritage Cove Resort
Saxton, 814-636-3386

Lake Raystown Resort
Entriken, 814-658-3500

Rothrock Outfitters
Huntingdon, 814-643-7226

Seven Points Marina
Hesston, 814-658-3074

Directions

Pittsburgh: Route 22 east to Huntingdon, then Rt. 26 South to Raystown Lake. Watch for Lake Access signs (brown park signs) for specific lake areas.

Philadelphia: PA turnpike to Breezewood (exit 12), Rt. 30 West to Rt. 26 North to Raystown Lake. Watch for Lake Access signs (brown park signs) for specific lake areas.

State College: From I-80, Rt. 26 South, through State College, through Huntingdon, to Raystown Lake. Watch for Lake Access signs (brown park signs) for specific lake areas.

Harrisburg: Take Rt. 22/522 West to Huntingdon, Rt. 26 S. to Raystown Lake. Watch for Lake Access signs (brown park signs) for specific lake areas.

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