Moving to Pittsburgh PA

[Land Surveyor13]

Well after being out of work since April and sending out hundreds of resumes with little to no response I have finally landed a job with a company in Pittsburgh, PA.  So I will be starting my job on January 4th.  Going to be looking for a place to live around Canonsburg and will be checking out the fishing come this spring unless some of the locals think it is worth brining my boat up this winter and doing some fishing.  Checked out the 3 rivers and that is probably where I will be doing most of my fishing and checked out a local bass club that runs some tournaments.

So if anyone would be kind enough to give me some suggestions on lakes, the 3 rivers, tournaments and anything else that would be great.

Jerrod

[Lucky Craft Man]

Welcome to Pittsburgh!!!  I actually went to grade school in Canonsburg.  As far as fishing locations go, the closest one to you that will be worth your efforts is Cross Creek Lake.  Some nice LM Bass there, but it has a 9.9 hp restriction and it does get a lot of pressure.  I have not fished the rivers much, but there are a lot of people who fish them and do well.  But, by being in Pittsburgh, you are on the threshold of fishing Heaven, which of course is Lake Erie.  I am not sure what type of boat you have, but Presque Isle Bay can be fished from any type of boat and in the Spring is an unbelievable place to fish.  Again, welcome to Pittsburgh and I want to wish you good luck in your new job.

PS I wouldn't bring your boat up until mid-April. 

[simplejoe]

Welcome to Pittsburgh. I sent you a pm with a link on it.

[bassnleo]

2.5 hrs North on I-79 and you'll be smack dab in the middle of one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the world, Lake Erie. Presque Isle bay aint too bad for largies either

[Land Surveyor13]

Thanks for the replies.  I don't think they will let me in the Horsepower restricted lakes unless they will let you unload with the big motor and just use the trolling motor to get around.  I have a 2006 Triton TR20X with a Mercury 225.  Was definitely going to go up to Lake Erie and check it out.

[bassnleo]

You are definately allowed to use your Triton on the hp restricted lakes, lots of anglers do. It may take a little longer to get around by trolling motor but you can still have some fun.

Also be sure to check out Lake Wilhelm (Maurice Goddard State Park) which is near Sandy Lake PA.

I-79 runs right over the North End of the lake. It will be about a 1.5 hour drive for you. It has 4 launches, you can pick a launch and drop the boat in and only be a short TM run to good LM fishing.

Also, Shenango is West of Mercer PA. It's a unlimited hp lake, has decent LM and SM fishing.

[JF1]

Welcome to the burgh!  I moved about an 1.5 north of there 2 years ago.  The smaller lakes will allow you to fish, but you will have to launch and unload w/ the trolling motor.  I have a Gambler w/ a 225 rude and I have taken it to wilhelm (20hp) limit.  Pretty good LM lake. 

Shenango is 1.5 hours away from cannonsburgh give or take.  GREAT fishery in my opinion (my home lake so I'm biased).  Unlimited HP, great campground, and a few local hotels if you wanted to make it a weekend. 

Erie was mentioned previously, and it honestly is better than advertised! 

There are even a few good lakes in Ohio that really aren't that far of a drive from you and are fantastic fisheries!  Since I've moved just across the state line into ohio, I've noticed there are a ton more tournies here if thats what you are in to.

What club are you looking to join?  Just curious, cause I can recommend one if interested send a PM.

Only bad part of being this far north is the fishing season is over until march!!

Good Luck on your move!

[central.PA.bass]

Only bad part of being this far north is the fishing season is over until march!!

that made me tear up :'(

[Land Surveyor13]

Do the rivers and lakes ice over or do most people just not brave the cold in the winter months?  Also does anyone know of a good place to store a boat that is inside and out of the winter elements?

Jerrod

[central.PA.bass]

jerrod,

the lakes freeze over..  at least in the central part of the state..  i am assuming western  pa lakes freeze as well.. 

[JF1]

The freeze over.  Most have started to freeze or are frozen now.

[Land Surveyor13]

Thanks guys. That really sucks. I might have to start hunting again. Got to do something outdoors during the winter months.

[Hot Rod]

You could give ice fishing a try or there are also a lot of trout streams in PA that are spring fed where the fish are active most of the winter.  Some of these streams also have SM in them!

I prefer to go after bass but if I can't get one to stretch my line when its cold then I settle for trout.

[bassnleo]

Try the Lake Erie tributaries for steelhead, it's an awesome winter fishing activity.

They are like stockies on steriods!

[Lucky Craft Man]

Try the Lake Erie tributaries for steelhead, it's an awesome winter fishing activity.

They are like stockies on steriods!

x2...These things are awesome.

[Reel Deal]

No one has mentioned Raystown Lake yet. It is about 3 hours from Cannonsburg but is definitely worth the trip a couple times a season. Some of the western PA bass clubs will make the journey every season. If you get into a bass club, some of the state level tourneys are held at Raystown.

[central.PA.bass]

Reel Deal where are you from in PA?  Im from Morrisdale.. near Philipsburg.. I fish raystown a lot

[Reel Deal]

JimmyMo3287, I live in Huntingdon, about two miles south of town actually.  I know exactly where Morrisdale is, been through there several times.  When I was in a bass club, there was a club from Philipsburg, may still be today, not sure.  I can remember just a few years ago, they used to sponsor a buddy tourney on Raystown.  Went out to the lake last week.  Its down about 8 feet right now for winter pool and they are doing some work on a few points to stop erosion.  Got the boat all covered up for now, can't wait till spring. 

[gradythebassmaster]

hahaha!!!! welcome to the burgh!!!!! ya we have some pretty good bass fishing but you really have to figure them out here. i rarely ever have just one spot around here to catch fish. its like they are mutalating your lure one day and then switching ponds the next. maybe its just me raystown lake and if you want try lake arthur.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

Pittsburgh is a great town!  Cost of living is low, people are really nice, and football is king.  I spent 4.5 of the happiest years of my life in that town while going to Pitt.

I now live in the DC area but I fish Deep Creek Lake a lot and it is spectacular in the spring and fall (too crowded in the summer).  Mapquest says it is a hair under 2 hours from Cannonsburg but I would estimate it at 1.5 hours if you don't have to deal with much traffic and leave early.  You can still get Pittsburgh radio stations at Deep Creek so it isn't that far.  The three rivers can be decent but Deep Creek is the best bass boat lake near Pittsburgh; it is loaded with Largemouth, Smallmouth, Northern Pike, trout, and walleye.  Erie is awesome but can be a nightmare if the waves are up and you are in a bass boat, if you are going to make that drive up be sure to check the conditions first.