Allen Lake is an artificial impoundment of a branch of Wigwam Creek. Located on the 2,200-acre Allen Lake State Forest, it was originally intended to be exclusively a trout lake. This is no longer the case, and warm-water species, primarily panfish, are now quite common. Trout, however, still provide most of the fishing on this lake.

In the spring, approximately 2,800 brook trout yearlings, 2,800 rainbow trout yearlings, and 350 2-year-old brown trout are stocked here, in addition to a fair number of excess breeder stock. The fish winter over in this lake quite well, and it is not uncommon for the rainbows to reach lengths in excess of 20 inches and the brookies to top 12 inches.

A productive method for fishing Allen Lake is to wade out and fish in the early morning or evening. Trout can usually be taken in this manner as late as early June. The bottom is firm, and you can cover a lot of water by wading. Fly fishing is especially productive while the fish are in shallow, but small spinners and jigging spoons also work well.

For shore-bound fishermen, the riprap along the south side of the lake provides good access. Using small hooks baited with nightcrawlers, white worms, canned kernel corn, or marshmallows, cast out into 10 to 20 feet of water. If necessary, use two small splitshot attached about 18 inches above the hook to get some distance. Let the bait slowly drift to the bottom. A majority of the fish taken from this lake are probably taken in this manner.
The deepest part of the lake, near the dike, is productive even in the warmest summer months due to the presence of springs. The trout congregate in these cool, deep areas all summer. They can be taken from these depths by trolling with spoons or plugs. Some anglers do well at night fishing under bright lights suspended over the water.

Trout can be taken from Allen Lake year-round, and ice fishing is permitted. Camping and picnicking are permitted on the state-owned land adjacent to the lake, but not directly on the lake perimeter. Be sure to check for current regulations.