SW REGION REPORTS
REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)
November 13, 2019
Central Allegheny County
Don't let the sunshine fool you. The weather has turned sharply cold, and any person who wants to enjoy the waters of the Commonwealth should wear a life jacket. Additionally, it is the law for all persons in kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and any watercraft under 16 feet in length to wear their life jacket from November 1st to April 30th.
Although the Three Rivers, and North Park Lake look inviting, you need to be properly prepared. Don't be a statistic…Wear it!
Greene County and Washington County
Water levels have played a role in the Walleye bite slowing down. Anglers need to move around to find prime water conditions.
White Bass and Perch have been caught in the Lake Lynn area on the Cheat River.
Westmoreland County and Fayette County
With cooling water temperatures, the fishing is heating up. If a Muskellunge is what you are after, local anglers are finding them on the Youghiogheny River using large stick baits.
Trout anglers are taking advantage of the state stocking of large Rainbow Trout at Indian lake and having success on minnows and paste baits.
Twin Lakes were also stocked with some very nice Brook Trout and anglers are catching them on spinners and meal worms.
Boaters are reminded that the mandatory cold weather life jacket regulation for PFDs began on November 1 for boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks.
November 6, 2019
Eastern Allegheny County
Deer Lakes and the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section of Deer Creek received a fall trout stocking on October 22, 2019. Success has been spotty at Deer Lakes, with paste baits catching the most fish. Small spoons are working as well.
With the recent rains, the trout stocked into Deer Creek have been able to move around quite a bit. Explore the Delayed Harvest section that is away from the usual stocking points. You never know what you will catch.
Anglers have been catching several large Muskellunges from the Allegheny River in the recent weeks. This is the time of year when the fish of "10,000 casts" seems to be a little easier to catch. Large swim baits produce, but remember that casting one all day requires some stamina.
Except for a few diehards, the 2019 boating season is almost over. Many boaters have already put their boat away for a long winters nap. If you are going to venture out on the water, then please wear a personal flotation device even if not required to do so. Sudden immersion into cold water will quickly take your energy and quite possibly your life.
Boaters are reminded that the mandatory cold weather life jacket regulation is now in effect (November 1 to midnight April 30) on ALL KAYAKS, CANOES, PADDLEBOARDS and ALL BOATS LESS THAN 16 FEET IN LENGTH.
Beaver County
Raccoon Lake was stocked with Rainbow Trout the last week of October. Many anglers showed up for the stocking and were delighted with the size of the fish. The anglers were also excited because the trout were biting soon after the stocking. Gold spinners were catching the most trout.
The Flathead Catfish bite is starting to slow down on the rivers with the drop in water temperatures.
Brady's Run Lake is scheduled to be stocked with trout at 1 p.m. on November 19, 2019.
Indiana County
Anglers at Blue Spruce Lake are taking advantage of the recent stocking. Many anglers are catching Brook Trout, averaging around 10 inches. All anglers catching trout have been using live bait.
Anglers at Two-Lick Reservoir are catching their limit of Yellow Perch. They are using minnows and wax worms.
Somerset County
Laurel Hill Lake was stocked with Brown Trout on October 29, 2019. The average size of the trout stocked was really nice.
Both of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) sections of Laurel Hill Creek were stocked on October 29, 2019.
The water level is down approximately 6-7 feet at Quemahoning Reservoir. Northern Pike are biting well for the few anglers who have been out pursuing them.
Anglers are catching some pickerel and bass at High Point Lake.
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.