Pittsburgh may not sound like such a glorious destination for anglers, but there are many hidden spots here that will convince you otherwise and give you the opportunity to use your telescopic fishing rod. There is a diverse aquatic life thriving in the waters here, and you will also appreciate how family friendly the area is. For both beginners and seasoned anglers, this place has something to offer. Here are the best fishing spots in Pittsburgh that should be on your list.
Cross Creek Lake, Washington County
One thing that anglers might hate more than anything in the whole wide world is having to fight crowds while they are trying to drop a line. There is no reason for you to encounter such troubles if you choose Cross Creek Lake in Washington County as your destination for fishing in Pittsburgh.
The low key atmosphere is not the only excellent thing about this location, though. You will find the scenery beautiful and calming, and here you will be able to enjoy some amazing bass fishing opportunities. Anywhere from Hickory to Avella, you will find plenty of great spots for catching bass.
Another great thing about this destination is that it caters to fishers, making your vacation even more comfortable. The boat ramp is paved and easy to access, and you will find plenty of public docks from where you can embark on your fishing adventure. Also, the pier is accessible by wheelchair, which is a great plus.
Nine Mile Run
Another option and fantastic answer to the question ‘where to fish in Pittsburgh?’, the Nine Mile Run offers plenty of opportunities for the angler in you. The place used to be a sewer, but its Frick Park location demanded it to be transformed into an area more suitable for engaging activities.
Be aware that you will have to wade through vegetation rich patches and many small pools until you reach the proper spots. However, if you don’t mind a little adventuring while hunting down the perfect location for casting your line, this place has its perks.
Many people come here because they appreciate the off the beaten path feel of the place. It is not a traditional spot for anglers, but it is a hidden gem that deserves its place on this list. The urban setting represents an enticing location for those who are looking for vacationing in a low-key spot.
Keystone Lake, Armstrong County
Escaping the city life is not something easy to achieve, and, when it happens, not many of us are comfortable with the idea of giving up on all the things that make our lives easy. If you’re looking for a place that can combine what’s best of both worlds, that would be Keystone Lake, located in Armstrong County.
The rural area is low-key and comfortable, but it is within such short distance from the city, that you won’t feel like you are losing anything. The lake has a surface of 78 acres, and it is filled with largemouth, carp, and catfish. As you can see, there are plenty of fishing opportunities to enjoy.
In winter, you can enjoy fishing in the area just as much. If you’re into ice fishing, you will discover the pleasures of trudging over the frozen water body and struggle to drill a fishing hole through the ice so that you can reach the thriving fish underneath.
Raccoon Lake, Beaver County
You will get the same rural vibe from this location as from the one mentioned earlier. The state park where this lake is located offers many essential amenities for the tourist found in search of fishing experiences. If you want to know, the Raccoon Creek State Park offers plenty of entertainment options, in the shape of canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
No matter what way you prefer for exploring the lake, you will discover that fishing here is relaxing and rewarding. Water paddling is a pleasant activity, but, by no means, you are forced to engage in boat fishing only.
Those who are also interested in fishing off a pier will find the local one to cater to their needs quickly. The waters are rich in bluegill, and there are plenty of sunfish, as well. For a low-key vacation with the entire family, choosing this destination will bring you closer to enough fishing action, while still keeping a relaxing atmosphere.
North Park Lake
You might have heard about the substantial restoration project this lake was part of back in 2012. The local authorities invested 21 million dollars in making this place worthy of being included among the top destinations for fishing in Pittsburg.
The lake is thus managed, and stocks of fish are catered for by those involved. The waters are now populated with bass, bluegill, and other species of fish that prefer warmer waters. You will find many boat rental options nearby, so you will not miss anything, in case you want to engage in some boat fishing.
Seasoned anglers will even find fishing here enough of a challenge to address their interests. You may have to establish the best times for dropping a line here, after putting some elbow grease into studying what fish species are most likely to get into your hook, depending on the season.
Point State Park
Another excellent option for those who seek a perfect fishing spot in Pittsburgh is Point State Park. Here, you will be able to enjoy stunning views, and you can cast your line for catching a wide variety of fish. The waters here are rich in walleye and panfish, but anglers swear by sauger and catfish being in equally numerous amounts, as well.
Besides offering amazing backdrops, and fishing opportunities, this location draws attention for other reasons, too. People with disabilities can access the wharf spot so they can indulge in as much fishing as they like.
There are other fish species that are much sought after here. If you don’t mind adventuring on a Sunday to search for bass, this is the best spot where you can go for such a challenging experience.
Highland Park Dam
If you go up the Allegheny River, you will find the Highland Park Dam, an excellent location for fishing in Pittsburgh. One thing to keep in mind is to be aware of water levels. As long as they are low, you will find plenty of walleye in these waters. There was, a few years ago, a feeding frenzy that made quite an event that drew anglers from all over the place.
Too much popularity may be a bad thing, like the fact that this place was touted by major specialized media outlets as being the best spot for fishing in the area. Since you are offered the opportunity to fish while remaining within the city, there is hardly a more comfortable place for such activities.
As long as you don’t mind the area being more crowded than most, and swarming with both local anglers and tourists, you will find the dam an excellent opportunity for dropping a line. However, be aware of the competition for the fish you will have to fight to get a few specimens out of the water.
