SW REGION REPORTS
REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)
April 18, 2019
Allegheny County
Mr. Jason LaFrankie, of Finleyville, taking advantage of the peace and quiet on Peter's Creek in Jefferson Hills, over the opening day weekend. This beauty was caught on the first cast, with just worms.
Greene County and Washington County
Statewide Trout opening weekend was an overall success for area anglers. Weather was cooperative for Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Lake Wilma and Dutch Fork Lake had the highest catch rates for area lakes.
Whiteley Creek and Browns Creek were good with most anglers having success with brightly colored spinners. Rains through most of Sunday have made area waters turbid.
April 11, 2019
Central Allegheny County
Members of Allison Park Sportsmen's Club, as well as personnel from Shaler Public Works, Hampton Twp. Public Works, Boy Scout Troop 173 (Etna), & Cub Scout Pack 162 (Shaler), participated in their annual Pine Creek Clean-up day, organized by Allison Park Sportsmen's Club. These great volunteers do a tremendous job of keeping the Waters of the Commonwealth clean.
Shane Kochanowski, his son Levi, and daughter Breana, having a great day on Pine Creek in Shaler Township Allegheny County.
Eastern Allegheny County
Anglers are catching Smallmouth Bass, Carp, and catfish in the Allegheny River. As water levels continue to drop, the fish will return to a more normal pattern for this time of year. Hot baits as of now are minnows and chicken liver.
Boaters venturing out at this time of year are reminded that while the air temperature is getting warmer, the warmer water is still far behind. Always wearing your life jacket is the key to being safe on the water.
The 2019 boat registrations are EXPIRED as of March 31, 2019. If you have neglected to get your new registration, do it before you venture out. The alternative to registering your boat before heading out can be costly.
Western Allegheny County
The Mentored Youth Trout Day was a success in Western Allegheny County. Water conditions were low and clear, but many children had success on Big Sewickley Creek and the North Fork.
Anglers are catching Walleye up to 32 inches on the Three Rivers. They are hitting jerkbaits.
Boaters are reminded that they are required to wear a USCG approved life jacket on all canoes, kayaks, and boats under 16 feet through April 30. The PFBC strongly encourages wearing your life jacket year-round.
Greene County and Washington County
Area waters are being stocked with trout. Those Stocked Trout Waters are closed from March 1 until 8am on April 13, 2019. Anglers are advised to refresh their knowledge of local streams and those that are closed. Area streams stocked privately are open to fishing, but trout should be returned immediately as the daily possession limit is ZERO until 8AM on April 13th.
Tom Miller, of Washington, PA assists with stocking trout at
Dutch Fork Lake on April 3, 2019.
Mentored youth anglers had one of the best weather days in recent weeks for their Mentored Youth Trout Day. Dozens of young anglers were on area waters taking advantage of the day.
This family had a great time fishing Aunt Clara Fork on Mentored
Youth Trout Day.
Anglers fishing the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section of Dutch Fork continue to have good catch rates.
Anglers targeting Walleye are having limited success on local rivers, fishing near the lock and dams.
Muskellunge anglers are having great catch rates in the 10 Mile Creek and Pigeon Creek areas.
Local lake and pond anglers are starting to see Largemouth Bass and crappie bites on the rise as water temperatures begin to enter the high 50-degree range.
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.