FISHING IN OHIOPYLE, PENNSYLVANIA
DISCOVER ANOTHER SIDE OF THE YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER
Most people first think of the Youghiogheny River for its waterfalls, scenery and whitewater.
Anglers know another side of it.
Ohiopyle offers both big-river fishing on the Youghiogheny and smaller-stream trout fishing along Meadow Run, giving visitors more than one way to experience the waterways that define the area.
And you don't have to be an expert fly angler to appreciate what's here. Whether fishing is the reason for your trip or simply one part of a larger Ohiopyle getaway, there are opportunities for experienced anglers, occasional fishermen and visitors interested in trying something new.
Fishing the Youghiogheny River
The Youghiogheny River is at the center of the fishing story in Ohiopyle.
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources describes the Yough within Ohiopyle State Park as providing good wilderness trout fishing. Fingerling trout are stocked throughout the section of river within the park in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
A particularly notable stretch is the nine-mile All-Tackle Trophy Trout section running from the Ramcat area downstream to the PA 381 bridge in Ohiopyle.
The river is large, scenic and surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Laurel Highlands. Access to portions of this section is limited, helping give fishing along the Yough a distinctly wild character.
What Can You Fish For?
Trout are the main fishing story around Ohiopyle.
The Youghiogheny is one of Pennsylvania's large-river trout fisheries, with brown and rainbow trout stocked in the Ohiopyle-area sections of the river. Pennsylvania waters also support native brook trout, particularly in smaller streams.
The broader Youghiogheny River system supports other species as well, including smallmouth bass.
Exactly what anglers may target—and the regulations that apply—can depend on the particular water and time of year.
Fishing opportunities and regulations vary by location and season, so anglers should check current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission information before heading to the water.
Meadow Run: Smaller Water, Different Experience
Not every fishing experience around Ohiopyle takes place on a large river.
Meadow Run offers smaller-stream trout fishing within Ohiopyle State Park. A 2.2-mile section from Dinnerbell Road downstream to the Youghiogheny is managed as Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only water.
The setting is very different from the Yough: forest, moving mountain water, rocks and cascades. Much of the Meadow Run Trail follows the stream, providing another way to experience this part of the park.
That variety is part of what makes fishing around Ohiopyle interesting. Visitors can experience a substantial mountain river and a smaller trout stream within the same state park.
Fly Fishing in Ohiopyle
The Youghiogheny and surrounding trout waters attract fly anglers to Ohiopyle, but visitors don't need to arrive knowing every stretch of river.
Fishing guides, fly-fishing instruction and other fishing resources are available in the Ohiopyle area. They can be useful for visitors interested in learning to fly fish as well as experienced anglers who want help becoming familiar with new water.
Fishing Through the Seasons
Fishing provides another reason to experience Ohiopyle at different times of the year.
Spring
Spring brings traditional trout-season interest, cooler water and an active mountain landscape. Streams and waterfalls become more prominent, forests return to green and anglers return to Pennsylvania trout waters.
Summer
Fishing can easily become one part of a larger Ohiopyle vacation. Spend some time along the river, then hike, bike the Great Allegheny Passage, visit the waterfalls or experience the Yough in an entirely different way.
Fall
Cooler days and changing foliage bring a different character to the river and surrounding streams. For visitors who already think of Ohiopyle as a fall hiking or biking destination, fishing offers another reason to spend time outdoors.
Winter
Some fishing opportunities continue where regulations and conditions allow. Winter anglers should pay particular attention to current regulations, weather, water conditions and safe access.
There isn't one fishing season that fits every stretch of water around Ohiopyle. Always check current regulations and conditions before planning your trip.
Before You Fish
Pennsylvania fishing regulations vary by water, season and species. License and permit requirements apply, and special-regulation waters have additional requirements.
Before heading to the water, check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for current information about:
Fishing licenses and permits
Seasons
Size and creel limits
Special-regulation waters
Tackle restrictions
Current fishing regulations
Where Should You Start?
You don't need to know every section of river before deciding whether fishing belongs in your Ohiopyle trip.
Looking for the big-river experience?
Start with the Youghiogheny.
Interested in trying fly fishing?
Guides and instruction are available in the area for visitors who would like help getting started.
Prefer a smaller mountain stream?
Explore Meadow Run.
Already an experienced angler?
Check current conditions and special regulations before deciding where to spend your time on the water.
More Than a Fishing Trip
Fishing doesn't have to be the only reason you come to Ohiopyle.
One person can spend time fishing while someone else bikes the Great Allegheny Passage, hikes through Ohiopyle State Park, visits Ohiopyle Falls or Cucumber Falls, or explores town.
Or spend part of the day fishing and the rest exploring together.
That's one of the advantages of Ohiopyle: different people can have very different outdoor experiences in the same destination.
Plan Your Ohiopyle Fishing Trip
For official information about fishing within Ohiopyle State Park:
Ohiopyle State Park Fishing Information
For current Pennsylvania fishing licenses, permits and regulations:
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Local fishing guides and instruction are also available in the Ohiopyle area for visitors who would like additional help getting started or becoming familiar with the area's fishing opportunities.
Planning to stay and explore more of Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands?