LAUREL HIGHLANDS FISHING

The Laurel Highlands features hundreds of miles of lake shores, rivers and creeks that are open to the public for fishing. There are several lakes nearby that are stocked with bass, trout, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Our nearby streams have both natural and stocked trout and are excellent spinning rod or fly fishing locations. A valid Pennsylvania fishing licence is required to fish in any public lake, river or stream.

Popular lake fishing spots include Acme Dam Lake, Laurel Hill Lake and Kooser Lake. The closest trout stream fishing spots are Roaring Run Creek and Indian Creek. If you need recommendations please do not hesitate to ask!

Fishing Seasons

Trout Season

Fly fishing is open year-round in the Laurel Highlands in most streams. During off-season specially designated trout streams are open to trout fishing year-round provided special artificial tackle and trout possession restrictions are observed.

Western PA Trout Species

Pennsylvania’s only native stream trout are Brook Trout although Rainbow and Browns have been naturally reproducing in the waters for many years. There are several nursery streams and contributaries that produce large colorful native trout.

Practice Catch and Release

All anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release. The use of barb-less hooks and quick release is important in order to keep the fish populations up and thriving.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

A current fishing licence with Trout/Salmon endorsement is for all public waters in Pennsylvania. Non-residents can purchase a one, three or seven day tourist license at any Walmart or bait shop. We have two Walmart’s in the area, one in Mount Pleasant and another in Somerset.

For more information, please visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission web site.

TOP 10 LAUREL HIGHLANDS TROUT FISHING STREAMS

Laurel Highlands Trout Map

Mill Creek – N40.2493 W79.2345. Fish upstream from Ligonier Valley Trail Bridge. Open to public fishing. A tributary of Loyalhanna Creek, it’s fed by exceptional value headwater streams.

Loyalhanna Creek – N40.2466 W79.2463.  One of PA’s eight Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters within Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section.  Public fishing between Route 711 bridge in Ligonier downstream to SR 2045 bridge.

Linn Run – N40.1690 W79.2336. Fish from Adams Falls picnic area upstream to Linn Run State Park Office. It has high alkalinity coldwater tributaries and is stocked. Streamside rental cottages available.

Indian Creek – N40.0891 W79.3356. Fish the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section from Hunters Bridge off Route 381 downstream 1.6 mile to the Route 381 Bridge in Jones Mills.

Pike Run — N40.0783 W79.3203. Laurel Hill Trout Farm, on Pike Run, 3 mile east of Jones Mills on the south side of Route 31. Provides fee fishing and tours of their trout hatchery. No license required. Rods may be borrowed; bait is available.

Laurel Hill Creek, upper section — N40.0083 W79.2325. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section in Laurel Hill State Park begins at the bridge above Laurel Hill Lake.

Laurel Hill Creek, lower section — N39.8589 W79.3207. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section is located just off Humbert Road north of Confluence PA on PA Route 281.

Youghiogheny River, Middle Section  – N39.8266 W79.3786. The 10 mile section between Ohiopyle and Confluence has an all-tackle Trophy Trout section beginning at the Ramcat access area.

Youghiogheny Dam – N39.8051 W79.3661. Corps of Engineers campground includes public access to an outstanding year-round tail water trout fishery.

Meadow Run – N39.8535 W79.4973. This Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only stretch begins where the stream crosses under Route 381 in Ohiopyle and extends upstream more than a mile. The lower area has waterfalls and slides. ADA accessible.