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Harveys Lake Trout Bass Walleye Trip Dry Creek

  • Published Date: January 8, 2026
  • Fishing
  • Lake Ontario
  • $125 - $1,500 price range
  • Updated Date: January 8, 2026

Summary

Join Captain Christopher for a productive half-day on Harvey's Lake targeting brown trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye. We'll use trolling and drifting techniques depending on what the fish are doing that day. Morning trips start at 6 AM or 8 AM when the bite is usually best, or try an afternoon session at 4 PM. All gear is provided for up to two anglers, and I welcome beginners and families. The lake fishes well from April through October, with each season offering different opportunities. You'll need a Pennsylvania fishing license, and feel free to bring drinks and snacks. Harvey's Lake has excellent structure and stays productive throughout the season.
Harveys Lake Trout Bass Walleye Trip Dry Creek

Lake Action Highlights

Half Day Harvey's Lake Guided Fishing Trip

Harvey's Lake sits like a hidden gem in northeastern Pennsylvania, and Captain Christopher knows every inch of its productive waters. This half-day guided trip puts you right in the action, targeting three of the lake's most sought-after species without the hassle of bringing your own gear or figuring out where the fish are biting. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon fishing, this top-rated charter adapts to your schedule and skill level.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts with Captain Christopher handling all the details while you focus on fishing. Morning trips launch at either 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM, perfect for catching the dawn bite when fish are most active. If you're not a morning person, the 4:00 PM afternoon session works great too, especially during summer months when evening fishing can be phenomenal. The boat accommodates up to two guests, so you'll get personalized attention and won't feel crowded. All rods, reels, and lures come included, which means you can travel light and let the captain's local knowledge guide your tackle selection. Just remember to grab your Pennsylvania fishing license before you show up – it's required for everyone who wants to wet a line. Pack some bottled water, sunglasses, and non-spray sunscreen, and you're set. The trip runs seasonally from April through October, covering prime fishing months when Harvey's Lake really comes alive.

Trolling & Drifting Techniques

Captain Christopher relies on two proven methods that consistently produce fish on Harvey's Lake. Trolling lets you cover water efficiently, pulling lures behind the boat at controlled speeds to trigger strikes from active fish. This technique works especially well for brown trout and walleye that patrol open water areas. When conditions call for a more finesse approach, drifting allows for precise presentation over structure and drop-offs where bass like to ambush prey. The captain reads the water conditions, weather patterns, and seasonal fish behavior to determine which technique will be most effective during your trip. You'll learn how different lure colors and retrieval speeds affect your success rate, and why certain areas of the lake produce better than others depending on time of day and season. This hands-on education makes the experience valuable whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler looking to improve your lake fishing skills.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Brown trout in Harvey's Lake are the crown jewel catch, known for their aggressive fights and beautiful coloration. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures, making spring and fall prime seasons, though they can be caught throughout the charter season with the right approach. Browns typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with some trophy fish pushing beyond that mark. They're incredibly smart and spook easily, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. What makes them special here is how they've adapted to the lake's structure, often holding near drop-offs and rocky areas where they can ambush baitfish.

Walleye fishing on Harvey's Lake offers consistent action for one of Pennsylvania's most popular table fare species. These fish have excellent low-light vision, so early morning and evening trips often produce the best results. Walleye typically measure between 15 to 22 inches in these waters, with their firm white meat making them a customer favorite for the dinner table. They school up in predictable patterns, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Their subtle bite requires attention and good rod sensitivity, but once you learn to detect their pickup, you'll be hooked on targeting them.

Smallmouth bass bring the excitement factor with their acrobatic jumps and pound-for-pound fighting ability. Harvey's Lake smallmouth average 12 to 16 inches, but don't let their size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. These bronze-backed fighters love rocky structure and are most active during warmer months, making summer and early fall trips particularly productive. Smallmouth bass behavior changes throughout the day, moving from shallow spawning areas in spring to deeper structure during summer heat, which is why having a local guide who knows their seasonal patterns makes such a difference.

Time to Book Your Spot

Harvey's Lake delivers consistent fishing action in a family-friendly setting that works for all skill levels. Captain Christopher's local expertise, combined with quality gear and flexible scheduling options, creates a world-class fishing experience right in Pennsylvania's backyard. The seasonal window from April through October covers the best fishing months, but prime dates fill up quickly among repeat customers who know what this lake can produce. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or want to target species you've never caught before, this half-day charter provides the perfect opportunity without the full-day commitment. Book now to secure your preferred time slot and get ready to experience why Harvey's Lake has earned its reputation as one of the region's premier fishing destinations.

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Harvey's Lake typically run 8-24 inches and weigh 1-9 pounds, though the bigger ones will surprise you. These golden-brown beauties with their distinctive black spots love the cooler, deeper waters and hang around rocky areas and drop-offs. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard and taste even better - that mild, sweet flavor is tough to beat. These fish are smart and can be picky, so here's a local trick: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Brown trout often strike right when you change pace, thinking wounded baitfish just got easier to catch.

Brown Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass in Harvey's Lake are absolute fighters, averaging 12-18 inches with plenty of 2-4 pounders mixed in. They love rocky bottoms, boulders, and drop-offs where they can ambush crayfish and small fish. During spring and fall, you'll find them in 5-15 feet, but summer heat pushes them deeper to 20+ feet for cooler water. These bronze-backed scrappy fish are why people get addicted to bass fishing - they jump, dive, and never give up easy. Early morning and evening are prime times when they're actively feeding. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild fillets. Here's a go-to technique: when they're deep in summer, vertical jigging with a tube bait right on bottom near structure produces consistent results.

Smallmouth Bass

Walleye

Walleye in Harvey's Lake usually run 12-20 inches and can push 5-8 pounds. Those silvery eyes aren't just for show - they help them hunt in deeper water during the day, then move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and weed edges, typically in 10-25 feet of water. Spring through fall fishing is solid, but low-light periods are when they really turn on. Guests love them because they're great fighters and absolutely the best eating fish in the lake - firm, white, flaky meat with no muddy taste. Local tip: when drifting with live bait, keep your line tight but don't set the hook too fast. Walleye tend to grab and run with bait before really taking it.

Walleye

About the Chris' Boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Johnson

Maximum Cruising Speed: 24

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 120

Captain Christopher's guided fishing trips on Harvey's Lake target brown trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye using proven trolling and drifting methods. Morning departures start at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM, with afternoon options at 4:00 PM during the April-October season. All fishing gear is provided including rods, reels, and lures for up to four anglers. These half-day adventures welcome beginners and experienced fishermen alike, making them perfect for families looking to spend quality time on Pennsylvania's pristine waters. You'll need a valid PA fishing license before boarding. Pack bottled water, sunglasses, and non-spray sunscreen for comfort. Moderate alcohol is welcome aboard, though glass containers and hard liquor aren't permitted. Whether you're after your first catch or chasing trophy fish, these trips offer solid chances at landing multiple species in one of the region's most productive lakes.
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Don’t let the trophy of a lifetime swim away—claim your spot on the boat with Dry Creek Charters and experience the heart-pounding thrill of a Lake Ontario or Harvey's Lake adventure today. Ignite your passion for the water and create unforgettable memories by booking your professional guided trip now!

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