The city of Pittsburgh may not appear to be a particularly appealing destination for anglers, but there are a number of secret spots in the city that will convince you otherwise and provide you with the opportunity to use your telescopic fishing rod. The waters of this area are home to a diverse array of aquatic life, and you will appreciate how family-friendly the environment is as a result. This location has something to offer anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Here is a list of the best fishing spots in Pittsburgh that you should consider visiting.
Cross Creek Lake, Washington County
One thing that anglers may despise more than anything else in the entire world is having to contend with large crowds while attempting to cast a line. If you choose Cross Creek Lake in Washington County as your fishing destination in Pittsburgh, you will have no reason to experience any of these difficulties.
Even though this location is known for its low-key atmosphere, it offers a number of other advantages. In addition to enjoying some fantastic bass fishing opportunities, you will be able to take advantage of the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. From Hickory to Avella, there are a plethora of excellent bass fishing spots to choose from.
Another excellent feature of this destination is that it caters to anglers, making your vacation even more enjoyable. The boat ramp is paved and easy to access, and there are plenty of public docks from which to launch your fishing expedition, so you won’t have to worry about getting wet. The pier is also wheelchair accessible, which is a huge plus for the disabled community.
Nine Mile Run
Providing yet another fantastic answer to the question “where can I go fishing in Pittsburgh?” the Nine Mile Run provides a plethora of opportunities for the avid angler in all of us. While the location in Frick Park required that it be transformed into an area more conducive to engaging activities, it had previously served as a sewer system.
Be aware that you will have to wade through vegetation-rich patches and numerous small pools in order to get to the proper spots, so be prepared to do so. Those who don’t mind a little adventuring while searching for the ideal location to cast their line will find that there are some advantages to this location.
Many visitors come to this location because they appreciate the fact that it is off the beaten path. Despite the fact that it is not a well-known fishing spot, it is a hidden gem that deserves to be included on this list. Travelers interested in spending their vacation time in a more laid-back environment will find the urban setting to be particularly appealing.
Keystone Lake, Armstrong County
Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life is not an easy feat to accomplish, and when it is accomplished, many of us are uncomfortable with the prospect of giving up all of the conveniences that make our lives so convenient. If you’re looking for a place that offers the best of both worlds, Keystone Lake, which is located in Armstrong County, is the place to go.
You will not feel like you are missing out on anything because you are in a rural area that is low-key and comfortable, but it is only a short distance away from the city. The lake has a surface area of 78 acres and is home to largemouth bass, carp, and catfish, among other species. As you can see, there are numerous fishing opportunities to take advantage of in the area.
In the winter, you can still go fishing in the area and have a good time. If you enjoy ice fishing, you will discover the pleasures of trudging over the frozen water body and the struggle to drill a fishing hole through the ice in order to reach the thriving fish beneath the frozen surface.
Raccoon Lake, Beaver County
If you visit this location, you will experience the same rural atmosphere as you did when visiting the previous one. In addition to the lake itself, the state park in which it is located provides a number of other essential amenities for visitors looking for fishing opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more, Raccoon Creek State Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities in the form of canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
No matter which mode of transportation you prefer for exploring the lake, you will find that fishing here is both enjoyable and rewarding. Water paddling is a relaxing activity, but you are not required to limit yourself to boat fishing as a result of your participation.
Those who are also interested in fishing from a pier will be able to locate a local establishment that will meet their needs quickly. Bluegill can be found in abundance in the waters, and sunfish can also be found in abundance. If you’re looking for a low-key vacation with the whole family, this location will put you closer to enough fishing action while still maintaining a relaxing atmosphere.
North Park Lake
Some of you may remember hearing about the extensive restoration project that this lake was a part of back in 2012. The local government invested 21 million dollars in order to make this location worthy of being included among the top fishing destinations in Pittsburg.
As a result, the lake is managed, and the fish stocks are taken care of by those who are involved. Bass, bluegill, and other species of fish that prefer warmer water are now abundant in the area’s waters. For those interested in boat fishing, there are numerous boat rental options in the area that will ensure that you do not miss out on any opportunities.
The fishing here will even provide a sufficient challenge for experienced anglers to satisfy their requirements. Following some research into which fish species are most likely to get into your hook depending on the season, you may need to determine the best times for dropping a line in this area. This will require some effort on your part.
Point State Park
In addition to Point State Park, which is a fantastic fishing spot in Pittsburgh, there are several other excellent options. You will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery while casting your line in hopes of catching a variety of fish in this location. While walleye and panfish can be found in abundance in these waters, anglers also swear by the abundance of sauger and catfish that can be found in the same waters.
This location is notable not only for its breathtaking scenery and excellent fishing opportunities, but also for a variety of other reasons. The wharf spot is accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to participate in as much fishing as they desire.
There are a variety of other fish species that are highly sought after in this area. You can find the best bass fishing spots in the area on a Sunday if you don’t mind venturing out on a whim on a Sunday to look for bass.
Highland Park Dam
If you travel up the Allegheny River, you will come across the Highland Park Dam, which is a fantastic place to go fishing in Pittsburgh. Water levels should be monitored, and this is something to keep in mind. As long as the water levels remain low, you will be able to catch plenty of walleye in these waters. In the past few years, there has been a feeding frenzy that has turned into a huge event that has drawn anglers from all over the world.
It is possible to have too much popularity, as was the case with this location, which was hailed by major specialized media outlets as the best fishing spot in the area. There isn’t a more convenient location for such activities than the city, where you have the option of fishing while remaining within the city limits.
As long as you don’t mind the fact that the area is more crowded than most and that it is swarming with both local anglers and tourists, you will find the dam to be an excellent place to cast a line for trout. However, keep in mind that there will be a lot of competition for the fish, and you will have to work hard to get a few specimens out of the water.