Lake It 'Til You Make It: Explore Washington County Lakes

Located in Canonsburg, this 76-acre former industrial reservoir turned recreational lake is a place to kayak and fish. The lake is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 5 times a year - anglers can catch bluegill, brown trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, muskie, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, white crappie and pumpkinseed, which makes it a favorite spot among locals. The “coolest” part? Canonsburg Lake offers ice fishing in the winter.

In addition to it being a fishing hot-spot, this lake is also the place to be for bird lovers: up to 300 different species of birds call this lake home during migration season, including shorebirds and waterfowl of all kind, red-winged blackbirds, swamp sparrow, northern flicker, green and blue herons, Carolina wrens, and even bald eagles from time to time, among many more.

Canonsburg Lake also neighbors a few favorite local restaurants and entertainment venues — including Mad Mex, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Juniper Grill and Little Lake Theatre.

Visitors can boat, kayak, canoe and raft at this 91-acre, half-mile lake located in West Alexander. The lake was formed in 1958 by the Dutch Fork Dam and is named after early German settlers in the area. 

Serving as one of local anglers' favorite spots, Dutch Fork Lake is open for year-round fishing and is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, muskie, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, saugeye, walleye and cold water bass. 

Peters Lake Park in Canonsburg is another popular spot for walkers, hikers, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, kayakers and wildlife lovers of all kinds. Originally a clean drinking water reservoir purchased in 1931, this now 189 acres of minimally-developed land is home to a forest of pine and other native trees that line the lake. 

Peters Lake Park has 2 boat launches, plus a dam and scenic bridge that provides a beautiful view of the lake. 

The lake is stocked with yellow perch, channel catfish, shad, carp, largemouth bass, crappies and bluegill. As for birds, unusual and sometimes rare birds like Red-throated loons, surf scoters and long-tailed ducks have visited the lake in addition to the great blue herons, gray catbirds, woodpeckers, mallards and more that call the lake home. 

Serving as Washington County's largest park at around 250 acres, Cross Creek County Park features a beautiful lake for boating and fishing. Located in Avella, anglers are able to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch and saugeye at this very Instagram-able location.

More than 30 acres of the lake area were restored with native wildflowers and clover, which attracts deer, turkey, birds and other local wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy watching for. Nearly 200 other species of birds, including Chimney Swift, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird and the American Tree Sparrow have also been spotted in the area. 

In addition to all the options on or near the water, Cross Creek Lake Park offers picnic shelters, playgrounds, a three mile long gravel trail and a children’s bicycle park.