SW REGION REPORTS

REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)

August 23, 2019

Fayette County

The Youghiogheny River is clear and flowing at normal August levels. Anglers are catching Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Walleye.

Northern Westmoreland County

Anglers are targeting Muskellunge in the Allegheny River. Two anglers, who were in a boat just up from the confluence of the Allegheny River on Buffalo Creek, caught three good sized muskies while trolling for two hours. The Muskellunge is commonly referred to as "the fish of 1,000 casts," so to catch 3 in two hours is great. The anglers were flipping various large plastic lures.

Anglers are been catching muskies behind the lock walls at Lock and Dam #5 and Lock and Dam #4. It seems that now that the summertime river conditions are low and clear anglers are catching many muskies. Anglers are targeting the fish in the middle of the day.

August 14, 2019

Beaver County

Anglers fishing the Ohio River are catching Flathead Catfish and Channel Catfish in pretty good numbers lately. Cut bait and Bluegill seem to be producing good bites.

Anglers are catching trout in the county's Stocked Trout Waters. The North Fork Little Beaver Creek and Brady's Run Lake are producing Rainbow Trout.

Largemouth Bass anglers reported a slow bite on artificial baits in the Beaver River and Ohio River, but are doing better at Raccoon Lake and Brady's Run Lake.

Somerset County

Youghiogheny River Lake anglers are catching some large Walleye.

Anglers are finding Walleye and some nice Smallmouth Bass at the Quemahoning Reservoir.

High Point Lake anglers are getting some large Bluegill.

Northern Westmoreland County

Smallmouth Bass fishing is great on the Kiskiminetas River.  Anglers are floating stretches of the water each day and reporting consistent catch rates. They are having the most success at dawn. The anglers are reporting as the sun comes up you can see the water surface boiling from the smallies. Fishing seems to slow in the afternoon hours but picks up at dusk. Anglers are using a variety of lures and no one lure seems to be better than another.

There are multiple good kayak and canoe liveries located all along the river where you can rent kayaks and canoes. They supply all the safety equipment, the watercraft, and transportation to and from the river. It is our recommendation to always wear your life jacket when on the water.

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.