Topwater Popper Fishing on Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack · Pennsylvania · Northeast
Lake Wallenpaupack is Pennsylvania's second-largest lake, covering 5,700 acres with depths reaching over 80 feet in areas. The lake's clear water, abundant structure including rock ledges, drop-offs, and submerged timber make it a top-tier bass fishery in the northeast. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive here, attracting anglers seeking trophy-sized fish and high catch rates.
A floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Lake Wallenpaupack
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
Seasonal Tactics on Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake: Spring brings active largemouth bass to shallow coves and creek channels as water temperatures warm, with topwater and crankbait techniques producing excellent results. Smallmouth bass begin migrating to deeper ledges and rock structure as spawning approaches.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
Lake: Summer bass move to deeper structure and ledges as water temperatures peak, requiring anglers to fish offshore points, drop-offs, and deeper timber. Early morning and evening topwater sessions near shallow cover remain productive for largemouth.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
Lake: Fall is prime time at Wallenpaupack as bass feed aggressively in preparation for winter, with excellent results from crankbaits, jigs, and swimbaits around deep structure and weed lines. Water clarity improves and bass are less pressured than summer months.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
Lake: Winter fishing is productive for anglers willing to brave cold conditions, with smallmouth and largemouth concentrated on deep ledges and channels. Slow presentations like jigging and drop-shotting near 40-80 foot depths produce consistent results.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Lake Wallenpaupack
Ready to fish Lake Wallenpaupack?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →