The Youghiogheny River below the Confluence dam is not a normal Pennsylvania river. It is a coldwater tailwater fishery, meaning the dam releases water from the cold bottom of Yough Lake all summer, and that cold water turns about 35 miles of the Yough from Confluence to Connellsville into trout habitat that has no business existing in August. If you know how to fish it, summer in Confluence is a rare opportunity. Here is how.
What Is in the Water
- Brown trout and rainbow trout. Stocked and holdover, year round.
- Smallmouth bass. Warmer pockets and tailouts all summer.
- Walleye and panfish. Above the dam on Yough Lake. Different water, different rules.
- Musky. For the obsessed. They are in there.
The Summer Tailwater Pattern
Most of Pennsylvania is too warm for trout by mid-July. The Yough below the dam stays in the 50s and 60s. Fish stay active all day, and hatches continue when other rivers have shut down. Sulphurs and caddis in early summer, terrestrials mid to late summer, BWOs in the cooler mornings of early fall.
Where to Access
- Ramcat launch. The closest public access to the dam. Walk upstream or downstream from here.
- Ohiopyle State Park. A drift trip from Confluence to Ohiopyle is one of the great Pennsylvania fishing days. Shuttle with Riversport.
- Connellsville area access points. Further downstream, more pressure, still good.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat manages the delayed-harvest sections and posts regulations. Check the current regs before you go.
Laurel Hill Creek Bonus Trip
If you want a break from the Yough, drive 25 minutes to Laurel Hill Creek. The Laurel Highlands Trout Trail includes two delayed-harvest sections on the creek, shaded by hemlocks, with smaller fish but easier wading and a different feel.
What to Bring
- 9-foot 5-weight if you are fly fishing
- Wading boots with felt or rubber soles, your choice
- 5X or 6X leader for summer trout
- A sulphur box, a caddis box, and a hopper-dropper rig
- More water than you think you need
Where to Recover
Back in town. Coffee at Tissue Farm, lunch at Mitches, beer at Trailhead Brewing, dinner at Pamela’s Pints and Provisions. In that order if it was a good day. In the reverse order if it was not.
Planning a weekend around fishing? Pair this with our 48-hour Confluence itinerary and the camping near Confluence guide.