Afternoon Lake Fishing at Clarion Reservoir

Published Date: November 8, 2025
Fishing

Foxburg, PA
$75 - $200 price range

Summary

Spend an afternoon on the water with Captain Chuck Gisselbrecht, fishing Clarion Reservoir's calm waters for channel catfish, crappie, walleye, and panfish. This 4-hour trip is great for anglers of all levels looking to improve their skills or just enjoy a relaxing day on the lake. You'll head out on a comfortable 17-foot Crestliner, with room for up to two guests. Afternoon trips run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, while weekend options include morning or afternoon start times. At $150 for one angler or $200 for two, it's an affordable way to get on the water with an experienced guide who knows where the fish are biting. Captain Chuck provides all the gear you'll need, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready to reel in some nice catches. With the option to cancel for free within 24 hours of booking, it's easy to plan your perfect day on Clarion Reservoir.

Afternoon Lake Fishing at Clarion Reservoir

Reeling Them In

Angler enjoying a peaceful fishing trip in Foxburg

Reeling in crappie on a calm morning at Pymatuning Lake

Early morning start for a day of fishing at Pymatuning Lake

Bluegill fish caught during fishing in Foxburg

Hooked on crappie fishing at scenic Pymatuning Lake

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Foxburg

Captain Chuck guides anglers to big catches on Pymatuning Lake

Reel in the Afternoon on Clarion Reservoir

Get ready to cast your line into the fish-filled waters of Clarion Reservoir on this half-day guided trip with Captain Chuck Gisselbrecht. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast targeting some of Pennsylvania's most popular freshwater species. With comfy seating for up to two guests on a 17-foot Crestliner, you'll have plenty of elbow room to land that trophy catch.

What to Expect on the Water

This 4-hour afternoon adventure kicks off at either 3 PM or 4 PM, depending on the day you book. Captain Chuck knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be heading straight to the hotspots where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of channel catfish, crappie, walleye, and panfish - so be ready for some variety in your catch! The calm waters of Clarion Reservoir make for a peaceful setting, perfect for unwinding after a long day or introducing the kids to the joys of fishing.

Gear and Techniques

No need to lug your tackle box - Captain Chuck's got you covered with all the gear you'll need. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Expect to do some trolling for walleye, jigging for crappie, and maybe even some good old-fashioned bottom fishing for those chunky channel cats. The captain will show you the ropes, so even if you're new to fishing, you'll be reeling them in like a pro in no time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love fishing Clarion Reservoir for its laid-back vibe and consistent catches. It's not uncommon to land a cooler full of fish on these trips. Plus, with the flexible scheduling options - morning trips on weekends and afternoon outings available all week - it's easy to fit a fishing trip into your busy schedule. The reasonable rates and free cancellation policy are just the cherry on top for many repeat customers.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: These hard-fighting fish are a favorite among anglers visiting Clarion Reservoir. Known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps, largemouth bass put up a thrilling fight. They tend to hang around structure like fallen trees and weed beds. Spring and fall are prime times to target these bucket-mouths, but you can catch them all summer long too. Expect to catch bass in the 2-5 pound range, with the occasional trophy pushing 7 or 8 pounds.

Crappie: Often called "papermouths" for their delicate bite, crappie are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These silvery pan-sized fish school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, making them perfect targets for this trip. Crappie in Clarion Reservoir average around 10-12 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a slab over 14 inches!

Walleye: The "marble eyes" of Clarion Reservoir are prized for both their fight and their flaky white fillets. These toothy predators are most active in low light conditions, so the afternoon trip can be prime time to hook into them as the sun starts to set. Walleye here typically range from 15-20 inches, but Captain Chuck has put clients on some real whoppers pushing 30 inches. Trolling with crankbaits or jigging with live bait are go-to techniques for these tasty fish.

Smallmouth Bass: Often overlooked by anglers focused on their largemouth cousins, smallmouth bass in Clarion Reservoir can provide some of the most exciting action of the day. Pound for pound, these "bronzebacks" fight harder than just about any freshwater fish. They love rocky areas and drop-offs, and they'll crush a well-presented jig or crankbait. Most smallies here run 1-3 pounds, but fish over 5 pounds are not unheard of.

Channel Catfish: When the sun starts to dip low on the horizon, the channel cats come out to play. These whiskered bottom-feeders can grow to impressive sizes in Clarion Reservoir, with fish over 10 pounds being fairly common. They're not picky eaters, happily gobbling up cut bait, worms, or stink baits. Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - these fish can put up a serious fight and make for some mighty fine eating if you decide to keep a few for the table.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to unwind after work with some rod-bending action, or just need to scratch that fishing itch, Captain Chuck's half-day trips on Clarion Reservoir fit the bill perfectly. With all the gear provided, flexible scheduling, and a variety of fish species to target, it's a no-brainer for anglers of all skill levels. So why wait? Grab your spot on the boat, and get ready to make some fishy memories on the beautiful waters of Clarion Reservoir. The fish are waiting - are you ready to catch 'em?

Learn more about the species

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are the whiskered warriors of our waters, typically ranging from 2-10 pounds but capable of topping 20. These bottom-dwellers prefer deeper holes in rivers and the lower depths of lakes, especially near structure like logs or rock piles. They're most active at night, making them a great target for evening fishing trips. Catfish have an incredible sense of smell, so stinkbaits and cut bait are go-to choices. They're known for their powerful fights, often making long runs once hooked. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Local tip: After a heavy rain, fish the inflows where muddy water enters the lake. Catfish often gather there to feast on food washed in by the runoff.

Crappie

Crappie are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These pan-sized fighters usually run 7-12 inches and under a pound, but don't let their size fool you – they put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Look for crappie around brush piles, fallen trees, and other cover in 5-15 feet of water. They're schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's likely more. Spring is prime time as they move shallow to spawn, but fall can be hot too. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, so use light line and small hooks. Minnows under a bobber are always a good bet, but small jigs work great too. Here's a local trick: On calm evenings, try casting small jigs or flies around dock lights. Crappie often gather there to feed on insects, making for some exciting night fishing action.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the sunfish family, typically ranging from 2-5 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. You'll find them lurking around structure like fallen trees, weed edges, and docks. They're ambush predators, so look for areas where they can hide and attack passing prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. To catch one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. My local tip: On sunny days, flip jigs into shady pockets under docks or overhanging trees. The big ones often tuck into those darker spots to ambush bait fish. Just be ready for an explosive hit when that jig drops into their lair.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. These bronze bruisers typically run 1-4 pounds, with anything over 5 considered a trophy. You'll find them in clearer, cooler water than their largemouth cousins – think rocky areas, gravel bars, and current breaks. Smallies are aggressive feeders, especially in spring and fall when water temps are in the 55-70°F range. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. To catch one, try casting tube jigs, crankbaits, or topwater lures around rocky structure. Here's a local tip: On hot summer days, look for smallmouth in deeper holes near fast water. Drift live crayfish or small minnows through these areas for some of the biggest bass in the lake.

Walleye

Walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These golden-olive predators average 1-3 pounds but can top 10 pounds in our waters. They've got big eyes that give them an edge in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Look for walleye along drop-offs, rocky points, and weed edges in 15-30 feet of water. They like cooler temps, so they often go deep in summer. Spring and fall are great seasons to target them. Walleye put up a stubborn fight, with powerful runs and head shakes. To hook one, try slow-trolling with crankbaits or drifting live bait rigs. Local tip: When the water's choppy, focus on windswept shorelines. Walleye often move shallow to feast on baitfish getting knocked around by the waves.

About the Brecht Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 13

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 20

Hop aboard Captain Chuck Gisselbrecht's 17-foot Crestliner 1750 Series boat for a laid-back afternoon of fishing on Clarion Reservoir. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to reel in some channel catfish, crappie, walleye, or panfish in a scenic lake setting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Captain Chuck will show you the best spots and techniques to land a great catch. The comfortable boat has room for up to two guests, so bring a friend or enjoy some one-on-one instruction. With flexible scheduling options on weekdays and weekends, you can easily fit this relaxing fishing adventure into your plans. Don't worry if your schedule changes - free cancellation is available within 24 hours of booking. Get ready for a fun, productive day on the water targeting Clarion Reservoir's popular freshwater species!

Sitemap