Reports compiled by Dennis Tubbs (dtubbs@state.pa.us), Southwest Regional Outreach and Education Coordinator, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.

Central Allegheny County

The waterways around the district have been reasonably quiet.  A few boats were seen out on the water throughout the past few weeks, most of them bass fishing. 
There have been no reports of major catches.

Southern Armstrong/Southern Indiana/Northern Westmoreland Counties

Fishing and boating activity has been slow the last couple of weeks. 

A tiger muskellunge measuring more than 36 inches was caught and released at Loyalhanna Lake since the last report.

Two decent pike were checked at Conemaugh River Lake and its tributaries. 

A few bass catches have also been reported at each area.

Anglers on the Beaver River are catching some big walleye and nice catfish in the mornings and evenings.

At Hereford Manor a few anglers are catching some crappie and largemouth bass on the lower lake in the evenings. A reminder that the gates located at the spillway and off Dutch Road to the upper lake are now closed for the season until 6 p.m. on April 17, 2009, the day before the trout season opening day.

The Corps of Engineers reported that the docks at the Loyalhanna Lake launch will be removed shortly in preparation for the fluctuating off season water levels.

Precipitation is certainly needed.  Loyalhanna Creek has been looking like a rock pile for the last week or so.  That said, several good catches in the Loyalhanna Creek Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section have been reported. Floating leaves and low water are frustrating many who try though.

A couple walleyes were checked 10/20/08 on the Allegheny River that taped nearly 20 inches.

Somerset County

Anglers are catching bass in the 15-inch plus range at the Youghiogheny River Lake.  One angler also reported hooking a walleye while bass fishing.  The water is quite low at the lake and the best place to launch is at the breast of the dam.

Last weekend at Lake Somerset an angler caught a 26-inch catfish.

Trout fishing is good in both the upper and lower Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only sections of Laurel Hill Creek.  The trout are pooling right now, but expect them to disperse if some rain falls.

Boating activity at the Quemahoning Reservoir was low over the weekend.

Anglers at Point Marion Lock and Dam are catching channel catfish and some decent walleye in the 19 to 20-inch range using minnows and nightcrawlers.

Walleye, sauger, and striped bass hybrids are being caught at the Grays Landing Lock and Dam.