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SW REGION REPORTS

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


 

December 29, 2022

REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear is in effect 

Beginning in 2012, the following regulation was established: 

  • a person shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak. 

Find more information on the FAQ page 

 


Western Armstrong County 

Anglers are catching nice trout out of the Buffalo Creek Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area.  

Walleyes are being caught below Lock # 7 of the Allegheny River. Anglers are typically using nightcrawlers and crank baits. 

 

Fayette County 

Anglers are catching Muskellunge near the mouths of tributaries to the Monongahela River and in and near the deeper holes on the Youghiogheny River. 



 

December 16, 2022

REMINDER: Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear is in effect 

Beginning in 2012, the following regulation was established: 

  • a person shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak. 

Find more information on the FAQ page 

 

2023 Fishing Licenses, Gift Vouchers, and Youth Permits 

You can now purchase your 2023 annual fishing licenses. Consider purchasing a fishing license voucher as a Christmas or holiday gift.  

A great gift for a child in your life is a Mentored Youth Permit, which is free.  Another option is to purchase a Voluntary Youth License which is only $2.90. This is an inexpensive way to give a gift to a child and a gift for future youth programs provided by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. While children under the age of 16 do not need a license, a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or free Mentored Youth Permit is required for special youth fishing opportunities in the coming year. 

 

Allegheny County 

North Park Lake in McCandless Township has been stocked with a large quantity of Brown Trout. A significant number of large fish were stocked. 

This would be a great opportunity to enjoy some fishing. If fishing from a boat under 16 feet in length or a kayak or canoe, please wear your life jacket - not only is it the law, but it may also save your life. 

Cambria County 

Anglers have been catching large crappie at Wilmore Reservoir using minnows and jigs. 

Trout are still being caught at Lake Rowena and Duman Lake from the fall stockings.

Fayette County 

Anglers are catching trout and Bluegill at Dunlap Lake near the boat launch and the pipes. 

Walleye, Sauger, and Channel Catfish are being caught below the locks on the Monongahela River. 

Anglers are still catching trout in the Youghiogheny River from Connellsville up to Ohiopyle. 

Muskellunge are being caught near the mouths of tributaries to the Monongahela River and in and near the deeper holes on the Youghiogheny River. 

 

Northern Fayette County and Southern Westmoreland County 

Fall trout stockings have taken place at Mammoth Lake, Indian Lake, Twin Lakes, and Donegal Lake. The Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section of Loyalhanna Creek was also stocked and the cold water temperatures should have the fish cooperating on normal baits. Anglers are reminded to check the PA Fishing Summary for regulations within the DHALO for bait, season, size, and creel limit restrictions. 

Boaters are encouraged to properly maintain, winterize, and store their vessels to avoid issues in the upcoming season.  Water temperatures are already low. Waterfowl hunters are reminded to not overload boats and have all required safety equipment on board when heading out. Note that the cold weather mandatory life jacket regulation is in place from November 1 through April 30. 

 

Greene County and Southern Washington County 

Anglers are catching Muskellunge on the Monongahela River and tributaries to the river.  

Trout anglers are still catching trout in certain areas on stocked trout streams.  

Lake Wilma is continuing to produce panfish for anglers. 

 

 
Northern Somerset County 

Winter is rolling in. As our lakes begin to freeze over, remember that the ice will be unsafe for fishing for quite a while. Check the ice before you go out ice fishing. Four inches of good ice is generally considered to be the minimum safe thickness for a solo angler. Find an Ice Thickness Safety Chart on the Water and Ice Safety webpage. 

During the wintertime, anglers will have to slow retrieval down to have success with many sportfish species. However, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and Chain Pickerel are all still very active during the colder months. 

 
Southern Somerset County 

Anglers are still fishing the Youghiogheny River Tailrace and catching trout on live and artificial bait.  

Channel Catfish and Smallmouth Bass are being caught on Youghiogheny River Lake. 

If you are headed out on the water, remember to wear your life jacket! 

 

Washington County 

Anglers are still catching trout at Canonsburg Lake. The best baits to try are artificial scented baits fished on the bottom and live minnows set about 3 feet under a float. The shoreline by the dam and the boat launch are key areas to target. 

Walleye and a smaller number of perch are being caught in the Monongahela River. The focus points are still near the locks.  

Good luck out there, stay safe with the colder weather on the horizon. Hopefully this is the year for some ICE time. 

 




 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.