Allegheny Fishing Forecast
Kinzua Dam tailwater
Opens Apr 4
Stocked trout waters closed Feb 16 - Apr 4 opener. Wild trout sections may differ. Check special reg areas
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 3:48 AM
57°F
--
1 AM - 3 AM
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Quick Facts
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout
tailwater
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Quill Gordon
Mayfly
First major hatch of spring
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on overcast days
Midge
Midge
Winter fishing
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36-42°F | Nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, Caddis |
| April | 50-58°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, Caddis |
| May | 56-64°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, Caddis |
| June | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, High Elevation |
| July | 64-72°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, High Elevation |
| August | 66-74°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, High Elevation |
| September | 58-66°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| October | 52-60°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| November | 44-52°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| December | 38-46°F | Nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Allegheny
Kinzua Dam
Below dam tailwater access.
Warren
Town access with services.
Tidioute
Quality fishing access.
Oil City
Lower river access.
How to Fish Allegheny: Tips & Tactics
The Allegheny River below Kinzua Dam offers excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout in a tailwater setting, plus quality smallmouth bass fishing below.
Best Times of Day
Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing near the dam. Summer transitions to excellent smallmouth bass. The tailwater section is productive year-round.
Recommended Techniques
Tailwater techniques for trout - match the hatches and fish nymphs. Smallmouth respond to streamers and poppers.
Water Conditions
Cold dam releases create trout habitat in the upper river. Water warms as you move downstream. Float fishing covers more water.
Fly Selection
Midge and BWO patterns for trout. Caddis and stoneflies in season. Crayfish and minnow patterns for smallmouth.
Local Knowledge
The Allegheny changes character from trout water to bass water. Kinzua Dam creates the tailwater. Warren is the primary destination.
Local Tips
Warren is the gateway to the Allegheny. The tailwater section offers year-round trout fishing. Lower sections have excellent smallmouth.
When is the Best Time to Fish Allegheny?
Spring
Excellent trout fishing. Smallmouth becoming active.
Summer
Prime smallmouth season. Trout near dam.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Great fishing.
Winter
Tailwater trout fishing. Challenging conditions.
Recommended Equipment for Allegheny
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight for trout. 6-7 weight for smallmouth.
Line
Floating for trout. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Wade carefully in larger water.
Essential Flies
Allegheny Fishing Regulations
Season
Check PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Limits
Varies by section and species.
Special Regulations
Tailwater section has special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Check by section.
Notes
Diverse fishery - trout to smallmouth.
Always verify current regulations with Pennsylvania fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Allegheny
Local Fly Shops
- Allegheny Outfitters - Warren
- Kinzua Country Fly Shop
- PA Wilds Anglers
Guide Services
- Allegheny River Guides
- Kinzua Tailwater Guides
- Warren Area Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
1000 - 3000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Pennsylvania Trout Rivers
Delaware (below Hancock)
Spring
Youghiogheny
Penns Creek
Letort Spring Run
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