Independent site — not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Official sources are linked on every page.
Stocked Trout Water, open to year-round fishing — PFBC GIS data. PFBC data, Aug 2026
Opossum Lake covers 59 acres in Cumberland County, on PFBC-owned land. PFBC biologists last reported on it in May 2020. It has 2 dates on PFBC's 2026 adult trout schedule, as published Oct 4, 2026. The 2026 advisory has no lake-specific row for it; the statewide one-meal-a-week advice applies.
What PFBC biologists found
May 2020 survey · 6 years ago
PFBC biologist report
Gear: trap nets, night electrofishing
The 2020 electrofishing catch rate was 78 bass/hour. (p. 3)
In 2020, 41% of captured bass measured 12–14 inches. (p. 3)
The combined 2019 and 2020 trap net catch included 785 White Crappies measuring 2–14 inches. (p. 5)
The combined 2019 and 2020 trap net catch included 314 Black Crappies measuring 3–13 inches. (p. 5)
PFBC's plan, in our words: PFBC will continue alternate-year Muskellunge yearling stocking and assess abundance to evaluate the program. (p. 9)
Open to year-round fishing; no trout may be kept from February 16 until the opener (2026 Fishing Summary, p. 23).
Fish consumption advice (2026 list)
No lake-specific advice for Opossum Lake in the 2026 list.
Statewide advice:“Pennsylvania has issued a general, statewide health advisory for recreationally caught sport fish: eat no more than one meal (1/2 pound) per week of sport fish caught in the state’s waterways.”
“People who regularly eat sport fish, women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants that build up over time.”
“Fish stocked from PFBC state fish hatcheries are subject to the blanket one-meal-per-week consumption advisory that applies to recreationally caught sport fish in Pennsylvania.”
DEP: “The advisory listing was current at the time this summary went to press. Fish consumption advisories may have been issued or lifted since that time.”
Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass: 15-inch minimum and 4 a day (combined) from Jan. 1 through April 10 and from June 13 through Dec. 31; catch and immediate release only from April 11 through June 12, with no tournaments. Other species follow inland rules.
The 2026 Fishing Summary lists Opossum Lake under Panfish Enhancement for Crappie (9-inch minimum), 20 a day (p. 15); PFBC's special-regulation data (Mar 2026) does not show this yet. The current Summary and posted signs govern. PFBC ↗
Summarized. The current Pennsylvania Fishing Summary, 58 Pa. Code and posted signs govern.
PFBC lists Opossum Lake on its adult trout schedule for 2026: 2 dates, as published Oct 4, 2026. Dates can change; check PFBC's schedule.
When is Opossum Lake on PFBC's trout-stocking schedule in 2026?
As published Oct 4, 2026: Feb 17, 2026; Apr 17, 2026. PFBC: “All stocking events are subject to change without notice.”
Can you eat fish from Opossum Lake?
The 2026 advisory has no lake-specific row for Opossum Lake. The statewide advice — no more than one meal (1/2 pound) a week of sport fish — still applies. Not medical advice.
What fish are in Opossum Lake?
PFBC's May 2020 survey recorded: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Golden Shiner, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, White Crappie, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch. Surveys record what biologists caught with their gear on those days, not everything in the lake.
Is Opossum Lake a Big Bass lake?
Yes. PFBC's special-regulation data and the 2026 Fishing Summary (p. 11) list it in the Big Bass Program: Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass: 15-inch minimum and 4 a day (combined) from Jan. 1 through April 10 and from June 13 through Dec. 31; catch and immediate release only from April 11 through June 12, with no tournaments. Other species follow inland rules.