Fishing Allegheny Reservoir

AKA: Allegheny Lake

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Allegheny Reservoir Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Allegheny Reservoir, PA

Popular Fish Species Allegheny Reservoir, PA

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass get fat and feisty in Allegheny Reservoir. they make their home here in the ideal conditions of the lake created by the Kinzua Dam, on the Allegheny River. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good here anytime they are shallow - especially in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at catching smallmouth, and other species, ice fishing.

Walleye

Thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, a decent population of nice-size walleye are thriving in the waters of Allegheny Reservoir this year. They are often difficult to locate but the rewards are great when you find them, often catches of 7 to 8 pounds are reported. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Yellow Perch

Allegheny Reservoir continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch, especially in winter when ice fishing. Not only are yellow perch great table fare, they are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, muskie, northern pike, rock bass, white bass, white perch, yellow bass and yellow perch at Allegheny Reservoir in Pennsylvania.

Known as a big fish factory, Allegheny Reservoir is a 12,000-acre lake on the northern border of the state with potential for your 'fish of a lifetime'. The state records for both northern pike and walleye were caught from Allegheny Reservoir. And, muskies over 40 lbs are common enough to be as close as one cast away, any time you are on the water. In addition, this fertile lake produces healthy schools of catfish, bass, crappie, perch and other sunfish. Stocked rainbow, brook and brown trout provide a nice trout fishery as well. In all, this is a great place for your next fishing trip. in winter, ice fishing for walleye and northern pike is popular.

Located in the scenic Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Reservoir stands as a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. This vast body of water stretches across 12,000 acres and provides an excellent habitat for various fish species. Anglers flock to the reservoir primarily for its abundant population of smallmouth bass, known for their fierce fighting ability and impressive size. The reservoir also offers opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and panfish like crappie and bluegill, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing experience.

Beyond its fishing opportunities, the Allegheny Reservoir is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. With its ample space and calm waters, boaters can explore the reservoir's coves, bays, and open stretches while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Whether it's a peaceful cruise or an exhilarating ride, the reservoir offers the perfect setting for all types of boating adventures.

Camping is another popular activity at the Allegheny Reservoir, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the serene wilderness. The area offers several campgrounds, both developed and primitive, where outdoor enthusiasts can set up their tents or park their RVs. Waking up to the sounds of nature and being just steps away from the reservoir provides an unparalleled camping experience.

As visitors engage in their favorite activities, they can also appreciate the picturesque landscapes that surround the Allegheny Reservoir. The forested hills, rocky shorelines, and peaceful bays create a tranquil atmosphere that adds to the overall charm of the area. Whether one is fishing, boating, or camping, the natural beauty of the Allegheny Reservoir enhances the experience and invites a sense of awe and appreciation for Pennsylvania's outdoor wonders.

The lake has a couple marinas, lots of camping, multiple boat launch ramps, and areas of accessible shoreline for bank fishing. Whether you have a fishing boat, pleasure boat, pontoon, canoe or kayak - this is a great place for boating.

Primary fish species residing in Allegheny Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Allegheny Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Kinzua Wolf Run Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
814 726-1650

Marinas

Kinzua Wolf Run Marina
250 Marina Lane, PA-59
Clarendon, PA 16313
814 726-1650

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Dew Drop Boat Ramp
Located on the west side of the lake, in the southeast leg of the lake, this is a one-lane concrete ramp with ample parking.

Elijah Run Boat Ramp
This four-lane, concrete launch ramp has a dock and plenty of paved parking. It is on the west side of the southeast leg of the lake.

Kiasutha Boat Ramp
This two-lane, concrete launch ramp has a dock and plenty of paved parking. It is located at the southern tip of the lake.

Kinzua Tailwaters Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, this is a two-lane concrete ramp with plenty of parking.

Roper Hollow Boat Ramp
Located on the west side of the lake, immediately south of the PA-NY state line, this is a two-lane concrete ramp with a dock and ample parking.

Kinzua Wolf Run Marina
Located on the east side of the lake, just east of the Kinzua Road Bridge, this is a two-lane boat launch ramp with more than sufficient paved parking.

Webbs Ferry Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, this is a one-lane concrete ramp with limited parking.

Willow Bay Boat Ramp
Located on the east side of the lake, immediately south of the PA-NY state line, this is a four-lane concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.