Yough Lake is the open-water secret of the Laurel Highlands. Sixteen miles of impounded Youghiogheny River stretching from the Confluence dam south into Maryland, with beaches, boat launches, trout, walleye, and enough quiet coves to lose a whole day. Here is how to spend a Saturday on the lake.
Where to Get In
- Outflow Recreation Area. The swim beach and boat launch closest to Confluence. Five minutes from the town square.
- Tub Run Recreation Area. Further south. Quieter, good if you are camping.
- Jockey Hollow. Rocky coves and a steady afternoon breeze. Our pick for sailing or a long paddle.
- Mill Run, Somerfield Bay, and the Maryland end round out the six USACE-managed public launches. All free to use.
What to Do on the Water
Swim. The Outflow beach has sand, shade, and a roped swim area. Cast a line. Yough Lake holds walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout, and panfish, and Pennsylvania requires a fishing license plus a trout stamp depending on what you are after. Rent a boat. Riversport handles pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards, and a couple of local marinas have bigger rigs if you want them.
Rain Day Backup
If the sky turns, do not skip the lake. Park at Outflow, walk the shoreline, and watch the weather move across the water from the pavilion. Then drive fifteen minutes back to Confluence for lunch at Mitches and coffee at Tissue Farm.
A Local Tip
Weekday mornings are the move. Saturday afternoons in July can feel like a festival. Tuesday at 10 AM feels like the lake is yours.
Ready to plan the rest of the weekend? Pair this with our 48-hour Confluence itinerary and our guide to stargazing at Outflow Campground.