SW REGION REPORTS
REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)
REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear is in Effect
Beginning in 2012, the following regulation was established:
November 2, 2022
Cambria County
The Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters of Chest Creek were stocked at the end of October and anglers are catching trout on nymphs and squirmy worms. Anglers are to remember that the daily creel limit is zero in the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Section in the Extended Trout Season.
Lake Rowena and Duman Lake were stocked in the middle of October. The bite has been slow at these two areas. Anglers that are catching some trout are using scented paste bait, as well as jigs with scented rubber worms tipped with a waxworm.
Anglers fishing for Yellow Perch at the Ebensburg Reservoirs found themselves catching Largemouth Bass on mealworms.
Greene County and Southern Washington County
Anglers fishing the Monongahela River are catching Walleye, Largemouth Bass, catfish, and an occasional Muskellunge.
Anglers are catching panfish and Smallmouth Bass at Lake Wilma.
The “Slow, No Wake” buoys have been removed from Tenmile Creek for the winter. The creek will remain slow, no wake.
Laurel Hill Lake and the delayed harvest sections of Laurel Hill Creek have received their fall stockings of trout. Anglers are reporting good catch rates in the area.
The Youghiogheny River Lake has very low boat traffic this time of the year, so if you are a boater looking for a beautiful lake to fish that isn’t too crowded, then you’ll want to check it out. Due to low water levels, the dam breast boat launch is currently the only viable option from which to launch. Check water levels before you go to ensure you will be able to launch your boat.
As we roll into the colder months of the year, fishing has slowed down in Somerset County.
Anglers are still having luck catching some panfish and Largemouth Bass at High Point Lake on fair-weather days.
There are still plenty of trout to be caught on the Youghiogheny River from the tailrace downstream. The Youghiogheny River Lake water level is quite low, but some boat ramps are still accessible for now.
If you are going out on your boat, wear your life jacket! The cold weather wear period started on November 1st. Be sure to review the regulation before heading out onto the water.
October 26, 2022Peter’s Creek, in the area of Peter’s Creek Road in Jefferson Hills, still offers some great trout fishing. The creek was recently stocked by the town of Jefferson Hills for a children’s fishing day.
The trout are still thriving. The district Waterways Conservation Officer witnessed an approximately 20-inch Rainbow Trout jump out of the stream while he was talking to a father with his son trying to catch the big one.
With the fall temperatures being very comfortable, it is a great time to enjoy some fall fishing.
Northern Fayette County and Southern Westmoreland County
Trout fishing is underway for the fall with many lakes being stocked. Some of the fish were biting on spinners right away at Mammoth Lake. Anglers are encouraged to get out and enjoy these warmer fall days that we are lucky enough to be having.
Boaters are encouraged to properly maintain, winterize, and store their vessels to avoid issues in the upcoming season. Water temperatures are coming down quickly with the cold nights. Boaters are encouraged to wear life jackets while afloat during this time of year.
Water temperatures are already low. Waterfowl hunters are reminded to not overload their boats and to have all required safety equipment on board when heading out.
Reports compiled by Miranda (Mandy) Smith (RA-FBSWFISHNRPT@pa.gov), Southwest Region Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.