What You'll Find on the Allegheny River
The Allegheny River runs 325 miles from its headwaters in Potter County south through Pittsburgh and into the Ohio River. For anglers, it divides into two distinct sections: the upper river above the dam system near Franklin, Pennsylvania, and the lower river below those dams down to Pittsburgh. The upper section holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish in a flowing-water environment. The lower section, a series of slack-water pools created by locks and dams, produces larger smallmouth bass, flathead catfish, and occasional muskellunge.
The Allegheny's character changes with the season and the dam releases. Spring brings high water and strong current; summer stabilizes the pools; fall offers clearer water and active feeding; winter slows everything down. Access varies dramatically depending on which section you fish and whether you're launching a boat or wading from shore.
Key Takeaways
- The upper Allegheny (above Franklin) is a flowing river best fished by boat or wading, with smallmouth bass and walleye as primary targets.
- The lower Allegheny (below Franklin to Pittsburgh) consists of slack-water pools behind dams, holding larger smallmouth bass and flathead catfish.
- Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase one online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
- Spring water releases from dams can raise river levels quickly, so check current conditions and dam release schedules before heading out.
- Public boat launches exist at multiple locations, but parking and facility quality vary; call ahead to confirm access and conditions.
Upper Allegheny: Flowing Water and Smallmouth Bass
The upper Allegheny above the Franklin dam system flows with current year-round, creating habitat that smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish prefer. This section is narrower and shallower than the lower pools, with rocky structure, current breaks, and deeper holes that concentrate fish. Smallmouth bass here run 12 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish exceeding 18 inches. Walleye fishing is strongest in spring and fall when water temperatures drop.
Access to the upper river is limited. The most reliable public launch is at Emlenton, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, where a boat ramp serves the section between Emlenton and Franklin. Wading is possible in many areas, particularly in summer when water levels drop, but current can be strong after dam releases. Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for the Allegheny River lock and dam schedule before wading; releases can raise water levels 2 to 3 feet in an hour.
Fishing pressure on the upper Allegheny is moderate compared to other Pennsylvania rivers. Spring (April through May) is peak season for walleye; summer (June through August) favors smallmouth bass in deeper pools and current breaks; fall (September through October) offers excellent conditions for both species as water cools.
Lower Allegheny: Slack-Water Pools and Large Flatheads
Below Franklin, the Allegheny becomes a chain of slack-water pools created by the Cowanesque, Mahoning, and Dashields dams. These pools are wider, deeper, and slower than the upper river, creating different fishing dynamics. Smallmouth bass grow larger here—18 to 22 inches is common—because the stable environment and abundant forage support bigger fish. Flathead catfish, an invasive species that has thrived in these pools, now represent a major fishery. Flatheads are aggressive, nocturnal hunters that can exceed 50 pounds.
The lower river has more public access than the upper section. Boat launches exist at Natrona (near Tarentum), Templeton, and Dashields (near Pittsburgh). Each launch has parking and a paved ramp, though facilities vary in condition and hours of operation. Call the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 to confirm current access and any seasonal closures.
Smallmouth bass fishing in the lower pools is strongest in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when water temperatures are moderate. Summer fishing is possible but slower, as fish move deeper and feed less during heat. Flathead catfish are most active from June through September; night fishing with live bluegill or shad is the standard approach. Winter (December through February) slows all species significantly.
Regulations and Licensing
Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years old or older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (www.fish.pa.gov) or at authorized retailers. A one-day license costs less than $10; an annual license runs approximately $20 for residents. Licenses are instant if purchased online.
Specific regulations for the Allegheny vary by section and species. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a daily limit of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five. Flathead catfish have no size or bag limit in Pennsylvania. Channel catfish have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of ten. Check the current Pennsylvania fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change year to year.
The Allegheny River is open to fishing year-round, but trout season (which does not apply here) runs March through October. No special permits are required for the Allegheny itself, though some private property adjoins the river and is posted against trespassing.
Boat Access and Launch Conditions
Public boat launches on the Allegheny are maintained by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or local municipalities. The upper river launch at Emlenton is a single-lane paved ramp with parking for approximately 20 vehicles. The lower river launches at Natrona, Templeton, and Dashields are larger facilities with multiple lanes, parking, and restrooms, though Dashields is closest to Pittsburgh and often busier on weekends.
Launch fees, if any, are typically $5 to $10 per day. Hours vary by location; some are open dawn to dusk, others have extended hours. Call ahead or check the Fish and Boat Commission website to confirm hours and any seasonal closures due to maintenance or water conditions. Spring flooding can temporarily close launches, so verify access before driving out.
Boat size and type are not restricted on the Allegheny, but the upper river's narrower channel and current favor smaller boats (16 to 20 feet) that are easier to maneuver. The lower pools accommodate larger boats without issue. Personal flotation devices are required by law for anyone in a boat.
Seasonal Conditions and Water Levels
The Allegheny's water level is controlled by dam releases from upstream reservoirs. Spring (March through May) typically brings high water and strong current as snowmelt and rain fill reservoirs. Water temperatures range from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is excellent for walleye and early smallmouth bass, but current can make wading difficult and boat control challenging.
Summer (June through August) stabilizes water levels as demand for hydroelectric power increases and rainfall decreases. Water temperatures climb to 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Smallmouth bass move to deeper water and structure; flathead catfish become more active at night. Daytime fishing slows, but evening and night fishing can be productive.
Fall (September through October) brings cooler water (55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and often clearer conditions as summer algae blooms fade. Fish feed actively in preparation for winter. This is considered peak season for both smallmouth bass and walleye. Water levels are typically moderate and stable.
Winter (November through February) slows all fishing significantly. Water temperatures drop to 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish are less active and concentrate in deeper holes. Fishing is possible but requires patience and slower presentations. Ice rarely forms on the lower pools due to dam releases, but the upper river can ice over in severe winters.
What Gear and Techniques Work Best
Smallmouth bass on the Allegheny respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and live crayfish. In spring, use darker colors (black, brown, dark green) in 4 to 8 feet of water. In summer, fish deeper structure with finesse techniques—drop-shot rigs and small soft plastics work well. Fall fishing is productive with topwater lures early and late in the day, and crankbaits during midday.
Walleye fishing requires live bait (shiners, shad) or jigs tipped with minnows. Fish deeper holes and current breaks, particularly in spring and fall. Flathead catfish are caught almost exclusively on live bluegill or shad fished at night; use a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook and fish on the bottom or suspended 2 to 3 feet above it.
Channel catfish respond to cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits. Fish the bottom in deeper pools, particularly near structure. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader works well. Fishing from shore is effective for catfish; many anglers fish the lower pools from public access areas along the riverbank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Allegheny River?
No. The upper river has wading access in many areas, particularly in summer when water levels drop. The lower pools have public shoreline access at several locations, including parks and boat launch areas. Shore fishing for catfish is productive and requires no boat. However, a boat gives you access to more water and deeper structure where larger bass and walleye hold.
What is the best time of year to fish the Allegheny?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, fish feed actively, and conditions are stable. Summer is slower for daytime fishing but productive at night for flathead catfish. Winter is possible but requires patience and slower techniques.
Are there musky on the Allegheny River?
Muskellunge are present in the lower Allegheny pools but are not common. They are occasionally caught by accident while fishing for smallmouth bass with large crankbaits or live bait. Pennsylvania stocks muskies in some rivers, but the Allegheny is not a primary musky fishery. Check current regulations for musky-specific rules if you target them.
Can I fish the Allegheny in winter?
Yes. Fish are less active and concentrate in deeper holes, but winter fishing is possible. Use slow presentations, small baits, and fish deeper structure. The lower pools rarely freeze due to dam releases, so boat access is usually available. Wading the upper river in winter is dangerous due to cold water and ice; avoid it unless you are experienced in cold-water safety.
Where can I find current dam release schedules?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes dam release schedules online at the Pittsburgh District website. You can also call the Allegheny River lock and dam directly for real-time release information. Releases affect water levels and current, so check before wading or launching a boat, particularly in spring.