Freddie McKnight

Pennsylvania is blessed to have many small impoundments scattered across the state where an angler can make a quick trip to wet a line and catch some fish. One of those in the western portion of the state is Acme Dam in Westmoreland County.
At only 24 acres in size, it is easy to find a spot along the shoreline or on the water to fish, but it is the size of what you may catch that is most impressive in this little lake.

When the lake was drained, a fish-salvage operation was conducted so stockings were needed to bring the lake back to its former status. First a moratorium on harvest was placed on the water, and then the lake was first stocked with fathead minnows and golden shiners in April of 2021.

It might not be a wilderness experience, but it comes pretty darn close. That is how I would describe fishing the little gem called Gifford Run in Clearfield County.