Trout Fishing in Western Pennsylvania

Located in Butler and Lawrence counties, not too far from the city limits of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock Creek is known for its incredible trout fishing. Heading southward into Beaver River, Slippery Rock Creek has remote, gorgeous stretches that can be accessed by trails in McConnells Mill State Park.

Anglers can try their hands at float fishing on the famous Youghiogheny River outside Pittsburgh in Fayette and Somerset counties, where excellent trout-fishing opportunities exist all along the massive waterway. The Youghiogheny features a nine-mile all-tackle trophy trout section, several fly-fishing areas, and easy access at Ohiopyle State Park.

Earning its name at a time when the river was used to ship petroleum downstream, Oil Creek has become one of Pennsylvania’s top trout streams. Anglers may explore some of the Crawford and Venango county creek’s tributaries where wild brook trout make their home. The best access to the water for fishing is in Oil Creek State Park, between Titusville and Oil City. The water here offers beautiful pools, riffles, and runs.

Thought to be one of the best winter trout streams in Pennsylvania, the Neshannock Creek in Lawrence and Mercer counties is a beautiful 20-mile freestone stream in northwestern Pennsylvania. Fly fishermen tend to prefer the waters near the upper part of the creek, but excellent angling can be enjoyed further downstream as well.

Slate Run in Lycoming County has become one of the most well-known freestone trout streams in the eastern United States. Wild brook trout and a few brown trout reside in the upper part of the stream, and wild brown trout reside in the lower part. Anglers from far and wide flock to this stream for some challenging and exciting fly fishing, surrounded by a fine mix of pools, riffles, and runs to explore.