SW REGION REPORTS
REGION COUNTIES -- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland (County Guide)
December 12, 2018
Northern Washington County
Washington County's larger lakes remain ice free despite the cold temperatures.
On days with light winds, crappie are biting jigs and minnows at Cross Creek Lake.
The Monongahela River has come up and is lightly stained.
The best fishing has been at Little Chartiers Creek below Canonsburg Lake. Trout are hitting inline spinners, spoons, and jigs. Most anglers are catching 1-2 fish per hour, finding fish in light to moderate current.
December 6, 2018
Allegheny County
The Allegheny River remains high and off color. Anglers are doing well around creek mouths and in the slower water. Smallmouth Bass and Walleye have been hitting closer to dusk. The hot bait is minnows.
Trout remain in Deer Lakes. There has been little pressure over the last week or so. Yellow paste bait was working, but minnows are a good bet.
Boating is still occurring in Allegheny County. Boaters, including waterfowl hunters in a boat, are encouraged to wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket, even when their boat does not fall within the requirements of the mandatory cold weather life jacket regulation.
The water is very cold and accidents can be tragic. Please enjoy the waters of the Commonwealth, but please wear a life jacket. Cold water kills.
When storing your boat for the winter, boaters should place the fire extinguisher, life jackets, and other equipment in a warm, dry location. This will help ensure that they remain serviceable for many years to come.
Do a quick inventory of your required safety equipment and check to see if there is any equipment that needs to be replaced. Right now is the time to find deals on some boating equipment from the big box stores. You will get a head start on the 2019 boating season and stay off the WCO "Naughty List."
Looking for a great gift that will last for a year or more? Consider a 2019 or multiyear fishing license gift voucher. There are also a variety of new voluntary stamps and permits that can also be purchased at the same time. Check out the Outdoor Shop at www.gonefishingpa.com.
Beaver County
Anglers looking to get out and do a little trout fishing in Beaver County are in luck. Brady's Run Lake will be stocked with trout on December 12, 2018. We will be stocking the lake around 1:00pm near the launch ramp.
A few anglers report catching trout at Raccoon Lake off the dam. Paste baits and minnows seem to be the only baits to produce hits.
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.