Rabbit Run Reservoir

Added on September 24, 2025

Tucked in the hills just outside Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Rabbit Run Reservoir is a quiet, scenic fishing spot that blends small-lake charm with big rewards. Surrounded by hardwood forest and Pocono foothills, it’s a favorite among local anglers chasing stocked trout, bass, and panfish — all without the crowds of larger lakes.

With easy access, calm water, and plenty of shoreline, Rabbit Run is perfect for both serious anglers and families who want to spend a relaxing day on the water. Early mornings bring rising trout, while summer evenings hum with the splash of surface-feeding bass.

What You’ll Catch

Rainbow & Brown Trout

Stocked several times each year by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Rabbit Run’s trout population keeps action steady through spring and fall.

Best Baits: PowerBait, mealworms, small spinners, or trout magnets
Fly Options: Woolly buggers, caddis, and Adams dries when the surface comes alive
Best Times: March–June and again in September–November

Largemouth Bass

Bass thrive in the reservoir’s weedy shallows and submerged structure. They’re not trophy-sized, but they hit hard and fight clean.

Top Choices: Spinnerbaits, wacky-rig worms, and topwater frogs in summer
Where to Cast: Along the dam face or shaded edges on the north shore

Bluegill, Crappie & Yellow Perch

Perfect for families and beginners, these panfish keep rods bending all day.

Baits: Live worms or small jigs
Best Season: Late spring through early fall

Location & Access

Rabbit Run Reservoir sits off Rabbit Run Drive in Tamaqua, PA, less than 10 minutes from downtown. It’s easily reached from Route 309 and a short drive from Jim Thorpe, Pottsville, and Hazleton.

GPS Coordinates: 40.812° N, 75.964° W

The parking area provides easy walk-up access to the shoreline. The lake’s size makes it ideal for bank anglers, kayaks, and small electric-motor boats.

Amenities & Regulations

Access: Open to the public for fishing; part of the Tamaqua Borough Water Authority property
Boating: Non-motorized or electric-motor boats only
Shoreline: Ample space for bank casting and small-craft launching
Restrooms: None on-site — plan accordingly
License: A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older

Pro Tip: Arrive early. Rabbit Run is peaceful, but parking fills up quickly on spring weekends when trout season peaks.

Best Seasons to Fish

Spring (Mar–May): Freshly stocked trout and active bass in the shallows
Summer (Jun–Aug): Morning and evening topwater for bass; panfish all day
Fall (Sep–Nov): Cool water revives trout bite and brings clearer water
Winter (Dec–Feb): Limited access; occasional ice fishing when safe

Make It an Off-Road & Fishing Adventure

If you love both casting and crawling, Tamaqua sits at the center of some of Pennsylvania’s best off-roading. After a morning on the water at Rabbit Run, you can air down your tires and head less than an hour west to Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) or Rausch Creek Off-Road Park.

Both parks are built on reclaimed coal land and offer miles of trail systems for Jeeps, UTVs, and 4x4s — from beginner forest runs to extreme rock climbs. AOAA, located in Coal Township, features over 300 miles of trails through ridges and valleys, while Rausch Creek in Tremont delivers technical rock gardens, mud pits, and hill climbs across 3,000 acres.

It’s the perfect “reel and wheel” weekend: quiet sunrise fishing at Rabbit Run, then an adrenaline-filled afternoon conquering Pennsylvania’s coal-country terrain. Few places let you chase trout in the morning and tackle granite by noon.

Why Anglers Love Rabbit Run Reservoir

Because it’s simple, beautiful, and rewarding — everything a local lake should be. You can teach a kid to cast, launch a kayak, or just enjoy the stillness of a summer sunrise. Add nearby AOAA or Rausch Creek to the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate Eastern Pennsylvania outdoor adventure — fishing, wheeling, and exploring all in one trip.

Ready for a weekend of rods, reels, and rock crawls?
Plan your Rabbit Run Reservoir fishing trip and combine it with an off-road day at AOAA or Rausch Creek — the perfect way to experience the best of Pennsylvania’s outdoors.