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

Reports compiled by Miranda (Mandy) Smith (mirsmith@pa.gov), Southwest Region Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 20, 2011
Allegheny County

Warm temperatures over the weekend brought out plenty of anglers on the Ohio River. Most of the activity was after dark with anglers reporting good numbers of carp and catfish at the mouth of the Little Sewickley Creek. Anglers were also catching some nice smallmouth bass along the riprap on the back channel of Neville Island.

Fishing on the Allegheny River has been slow over the past week. Most catches of catfish and bass have come in the early morning or late evening.

There have been reports of smallmouth bass being caught in the Monongahela River around Becks Run.

With the forecast of possible thunderstorms over the next week, boaters should remember to keep a sharp eye out for the debris that will come with the runoff.

Armstrong County

Keystone Lake is currently down approximately 4 feet. Boaters are reminded to use caution when operating around the hidden island.

Anglers fishing around the boat launch area are reminded THEY MUST YEILD TO BOATERS.

The catch report has slowed in recent weeks. Some nice bass have been observed. A 24.5-inch walleye was checked over the weekend. The musky bite has also slowed, but numerous reports of catches in the mid 20 to mid 30-inch range are still being reported.

Beaver County

Youth and adults alike had the opportunity to learn life jacket (PFD) safety and how to paddle and navigate canoes at this year’s Beaver County Youth Field Day held at Midland Sportsmen’s Club.

Youth Field Day

Cambria County

Bass and some crappie are being caught at Glendale Lake.

Anglers are catching small bass at Ebensburg Reservoir.

Lake Rowena anglers are catching panfish.

Some anglers are catching crappie and smaller bass at Wilmore Dam.

Indiana County

The bite has slowed at Yellow Creek Lake. A few smallmouth bass are being caught near the dam; however most are on the small side. Some nice crappies were observed over the weekend.

Reports have slowed with northern pike also. Small bluegills and perch are being caught lake wide from shore.

Washington County

The fishing has been good on the Monongahela River with people catching catfish, drum, and small bass.

Boating conditions have also been nice on the River.

Northern Westmoreland County

Night time anglers are reporting great success on sizeable catfish.

An exceptional channel catfish was taken and released recently at Conemaugh River Lake. The fish weighed over 17 pounds.

Several decent catches of channel catfish were checked this past week along the Lower Conemaugh River.

Bass action seems spotty. Some 3-pound class fish were taken this past week at Loyalhanna Lake and Conemaugh River Lake; however most anglers were reporting little or no luck.

This week's local forecast is prime weather for boaters to remember to use their navigation lights during periods of limited visibility, not only from sunset to sunrise. Rapid changes in temperature due to sudden downpours, etc., will bring on the steam/fog. Be safe!