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Premier Clarion Reservoir Fishing with Brecht
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Foxburg, PA
- $75 - $200 price range
- Updated Date: November 8, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Crappie and gills on the clarion reservior .awsome trip
Just another Crappie - Foxburg, PA.
Smallmouth Bass - Foxburg, PA.
Hooked!
Reeling in crappie on a calm morning at Pymatuning Lake
Early morning start for a day of fishing at Pymatuning Lake
Hooked on crappie fishing at scenic Pymatuning Lake
Captain Chuck guides anglers to big catches on Pymatuning Lake
Calm waters and steady bites make Pymatuning a favorite
Pymatuning Lake crappie fishing
Crappie and gills on the clarion reservior .awsome trip
Just another Crappie - Foxburg, PA.
Smallmouth Bass - Foxburg, PA.
Hooked!
Reeling in crappie on a calm morning at Pymatuning Lake
Early morning start for a day of fishing at Pymatuning Lake
Hooked on crappie fishing at scenic Pymatuning Lake
Captain Chuck guides anglers to big catches on Pymatuning Lake
Calm waters and steady bites make Pymatuning a favorite
Pymatuning Lake crappie fishing
Crappie and gills on the clarion reservior .awsome trip
Just another Crappie - Foxburg, PA.
Smallmouth Bass - Foxburg, PA.
Hooked!
Morning Fishing on Clarion Reservoir
Ready for a morning of fish-filled fun on one of Pennsylvania's prettiest lakes? Captain Chuck Gisselbrecht's half-day guided trip on Clarion Reservoir is just the ticket. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this 4-hour adventure offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. You'll be casting lines for a variety of freshwater favorites, from hard-fighting channel cats to tasty crappie and walleye. With a comfortable 17-foot Crestliner as your base, you'll have plenty of room to reel in the big one.
Trip Overview
Kick off your day bright and early with a 7 a.m. start time on weekends (or choose a laid-back afternoon trip if that's more your speed). Captain Chuck knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some prime fishing spots. The reservoir's mix of open water and structure means there's always action, whether you're trolling for walleye or jigging for crappie. And with a max of two guests per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance to up your fishing game.
What to Expect on the Water
Once you're aboard the Crestliner, Captain Chuck will get you set up with all the gear you need. He's a pro at matching techniques to conditions, so you might find yourself drop-shotting for bass one minute and tossing crankbaits for walleye the next. The reservoir's varied terrain – from shallow flats to deep channels – means you'll get to try a bunch of different tactics. Don't worry if you're new to this; Chuck's patient teaching style will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Clarion Reservoir isn't just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's the whole package that keeps folks coming back. The misty morning air, the call of a distant loon, the thrill of a sudden strike on your line – it's pure Pennsylvania magic. And with Chuck's local knowledge, you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of one of the state's best-kept angling secrets. Plus, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before your trip, it's a stress-free way to get out on the water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouthed brawlers are a Clarion Reservoir staple. They love to hang out near submerged timber and weed edges, making for some exciting topwater action in the early morning. Largemouth here can top 5 pounds, giving you a real fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime times, but Captain Chuck can put you on bass year-round.
Crappie: If you're after a delicious fish fry, crappie are your target. These silvery panfish school up in Clarion's deeper areas, especially around brush piles and fallen trees. They're a blast on ultralight gear, and their light bite makes for a fun challenge. The reservoir's crappie population includes both black and white varieties, with some slabs pushing 14 inches.
Walleye: Clarion's walleye fishery is one of Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets. These toothy predators cruise the reservoir's points and drop-offs, offering great action for both trolling and jigging enthusiasts. The reservoir's walleye tend to be good-sized, with plenty in the 20-inch range. They're most active in low light, making them perfect for early morning trips.
Smallmouth Bass: While their largemouth cousins get more attention, Clarion's smallies are a force to be reckoned with. They love the reservoir's rocky areas and can often be found smashing baitfish near the surface. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater, and landing a chunky 3-pounder is a highlight of any trip.
Channel Catfish: For pure power, it's hard to beat Clarion's channel cats. These whiskered bruisers prowl the reservoir's deeper holes and can top 10 pounds. They're not picky eaters, which makes them great for beginners, but landing a big one is a thrill for anglers of any skill level. Night fishing for cats is especially popular, but Captain Chuck knows how to find them any time of day.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks – a morning on Clarion Reservoir with Captain Chuck is about as good as freshwater fishing gets. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty crappie or the photo of a lifetime with a monster bass, this trip delivers. At $150 for one angler or $200 for two, it's a steal for four hours of guided fishing in one of Pennsylvania's most scenic spots. And remember, with free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, you've got nothing to lose. So why wait? Grab your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on Clarion Reservoir!
Learn more about the species
Channel Catfish
Channel cats in Clarion Reservoir typically run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't uncommon. They're bottom feeders, so look for them in deeper holes, near channel edges, or around submerged structure. Catfish feed actively at night, making evening and pre-dawn prime times. They're most aggressive in warm weather, from late spring through early fall. Anglers love catfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch them, try bottom fishing with cut bait, nightcrawlers, or prepared stinkbaits. A local secret: after a heavy rain, fish the incoming creeks where muddy water meets clear. Catfish stack up there to ambush baitfish. Use a sturdy rod and sharp hooks - channel cats have tough mouths and can put up a mean fight.
Crappie
Crappie are a favorite target here on Clarion Reservoir, usually running 7-12 inches and about a pound. Look for them around submerged brush, fallen trees, or man-made fish attractors. They tend to school up, so if you catch one, there's likely more nearby. Spring is prime time as they move shallow to spawn, but fall can be excellent too. Crappie are most active at dawn and dusk. Folks love catching them for their tasty white meat and the fun of filling a stringer. Light tackle adds to the excitement - they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. A local tip: try a small jig under a slip bobber, slowly retrieved around structure. Experiment with depths until you find the right zone. Once you dial it in, the action can be non-stop.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of the sunfish family, typically running 2-5 pounds but capable of topping 20. You'll find them lurking near structure - fallen trees, weed edges, docks. They're ambush predators, so cast tight to cover. Spring and fall are prime, when bass move shallow to feed. Warm summer days, try deeper water or early mornings. These fish put up a great fight and leap clear out of the water when hooked. It's a rush every time. For a local trick, try a wacky-rigged plastic worm slowly twitched along the bottom - drives 'em crazy. Largemouth are also good eating if you're looking to keep a few for the table. Just be sure to release the big ones to keep the fishery healthy.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass in Clarion Reservoir average 1-3 pounds, but can top 5. They love rocky areas, so target points, gravel bars, and boulder-strewn shorelines. Unlike their largemouth cousins, smallies prefer cooler, clearer water. Spring and fall are prime, when they move shallow. In summer, focus on deeper structure. These fish are famous for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap repeatedly when hooked. It's a blast on light tackle. Smallmouth are also excellent eating, with firm, white meat. To catch them, try dragging tube jigs along the bottom or working topwater lures early and late in the day. A local tip: when the water's high and stained, throw spinnerbaits parallel to the bank. The flash and vibration can trigger explosive strikes.
Walleye
Walleye are prized catches in Clarion Reservoir, typically running 15-20 inches and 2-3 pounds. They're bottom-dwellers, so look for them along drop-offs, rocky points, and deeper weed edges. Walleye have excellent low-light vision, making dawn, dusk, and night the best times to target them. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move shallow to feed. Anglers love walleye for their hard fights and top-notch eating quality. To catch them, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses, or jigging minnows along structure. A local secret: on cloudy days, walleye often suspend off points chasing baitfish. Casting crankbaits can be deadly then. Be patient and thorough - walleye fishing rewards persistence.
About the Brecht Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 13
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 20
