Lake Arthur Muskie

By Jeff Knapp

Lake Arthur is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the state of Pennsylvania. Easy access from population centers in western Pennsylvania make it convenient for not only anglers, but for a host of water-based recreation users. Interstate 70 passes just west of the lake, while U.S. Route 422 rims the southern shore of the lake. Muskies are one of the lake’s premier species, found in both good numbers and trophy size.

The highlight of Moraine State Park, Lake Arthur covers 3,200 acres, which by Pennsylvania standards, is a good-sized body of water. Nestled among gently rolling hills, the lake is relatively shallow. Depths of about 40 feet are reached near the dam, but the average depth is much shallower. The lake is actually a collection of many creek arms, with not much present in the way of a main lake basin. The one exception is north of the Route 422 bridge, where the lake reaches its widest point. This area sees heavy usage by sailboaters and windsurfers during summer weekends, and is a factor for muskie anglers trolling main lake areas.

While muskies can be found in all reaches of Lake Arthur, certain areas seem to be the most productive. East of the Route 528 bridge is a series of three major bays that feed the headwaters of the lake. Muddy Creek, Swamp Run and Shannon Bay are all good areas for muskies. While creek channels provide depths in the 15-foot range in this section of the lake, the majority of the water ranges from eight to 10 feet deep. Submergent vegetation can be found in many of the shallow water zones in these three bays, providing casters with many options. Trollers also take good numbers of fish working these waters. A propagation area is located in the back of Swamp Run where no fishing is permitted. The area is well marked.

Heading west, the lake necks down in the vicinity of the Route 528 bridge, then opens back up beyond. The entire area from the bridge out to Neely’s Point is also productive muskie water. A submerged railroad bed runs the length of the arm, and can concentrate both baitfish and muskies. This is good trolling water. Numerous bays such as Trout Cove and Lost Cove are also located along this reach. Davis Hollow is a major bay in this area, but no fishing is permitted within the marina coves in Davis Hollow Bay. Casters will find the shallow cover provided by the bays and coves to their liking.

In the main arm of the lake, trollers tend to work the areas of the submerged railroad bed as well as that of the old Route 422 roadbed. Both are easily found on a good lake map. Fishing Hot Spots, International Map Company and Allegheny Design and Map Company all produce maps of Lake Arthur. Maps are also available from local tackle shops and they can also be ordered from the manufacturers. Contact information for these map producers can be obtained by visiting the website: www.fish.state.pa.us

The Bear Run/Portersville Bay area is also popular with muskie anglers. This large bay, located southwest of the Route 422 bridge, offers the typical Lake Arthur blend of casting and trolling water. It features the Bear Run creek channel, sunken roadbeds, weedbeds and wood. The bridge prevents sailboats from entering the bay from the main lake. The same is true of the three arms east of the 528 bridge.

Arthur’s deepest water is located near the dam. The lake takes on a different complexion in this area. While plenty of shallow points are present, such as Duck Point and Snyder’s Point, the situation is a bit tighter here. Shorelines tend to quickly drop into deep water quickly. Gravel Island, which sits out from dam, acts as an infield of sorts as trollers work the deeper water found around much of it. Shallow stump fields are located off the southern tip of the island. Typically these flats see significant weedgrowth during the summer months, and provide excellent muskie water for casters.

Like all muskie waters, there are favorite lure choices on Arthur. Trollers in particular favor the locally produced Wiley Lure. The 5 inch Musky Killer, 7 inch Headshaker and 8 inch Musky King are all productive. These lures come in a variety of patterns. Red Bar Perch is a Lake Arthur favorite. Depth Raiders, Legend Perchbaits and Crane Baits are also productive.

Casters working the weedbeds and shallow wood cover would be wise to carry some muskie-sized spinnerbaits as well as walk-the-dog style topwaters like the Jackpot.

Muskies, large ones in particular, are not numerous in any state water. Fisheries are improving largely due to catch and release angling. If you plan to pursue muskies, outfit yourself with the proper muskie release tools, and learn how to handle these delicate fish.

Ten boat launches are located in Moraine State Park. The lake is limited to 20 horsepower outboards. Travel information for the Butler County area can be obtained by phoning the Butler County Tourism and Conventional Bureau at 1-866-856-8444.