Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2020 - 20

photo-Marshall Nych

Accessible bike trails wind along many restored railways and bike trails.

the river left. Two tunnels, one in Kennerdell and another
near Rockland, require a light.
Though much of the trail is flat, bikers benefit from a
quality mountain bike. Other riding equipment should
include an air pump, helmet, and water bottle.
Gear should not be limited to those of a mountain
bike. I suggest changing speeds by parking the bike to
sneak in a few casts. Pack along fishing gear to enjoy both
outdoor recreational activities simultaneously. Come
summer, rubber hits the road, and bass hit the rubber.
Soft plastics are not only lightweight and easy to transport
but highly effective. Pack an ample supply of ¼-ounce
jig heads and 3-inch grubs of various colors. Soft plastic
swimbaits and Senkos are also reliable.
Another must is going from pedal to metal. Blade baits,
such as spinnerbaits and ChatterBaits, seem to perfectly
reflect the rays of summer before being pummeled by an
enticed gamefish. Inline spinners enjoy their day in the
sun too. Early and late rides are enhanced by a topwater
plug. Buzzbaits and Heddon Torpedoes navigate the
river current better than most other lures. Live baits,
particularly cumbersome containers associated with
baitfish, tend to be difficult to handle while pedaling and
arduous to carry to and from the bike trail.
Bike fishing requires the need for lighter gear and less
of it. Intelligent rod options include multi-piece rods
broken down into transportable hard cases or a telescopic
model. Reels and line follow suit. My reel tends to mirror
the portable nature of the rod, a size smaller than when I
leave the bike at home. Line strength of 8 pounds is ideal
in most Allegheny River applications, particularly when
pursuing Smallmouth Bass and Walleyes.

20

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * May/June 2020

Modern innovations with tackle have all but
eliminated the bulky box taking up Grandpa's whole boat
or the entire corner of Uncle Bill's garage. I have seen
comfortable packs simply slung over the back/shoulders
or clipped across the waist. Such storage brags ample
room for a day's tackle, a snack, and drink.
When fishing from a bike, proper dress can make or
break the experience. Many brands offer rugged footwear
that can double as wading shoes for the river rocks while
still athletic enough to push the pedal. Head to toe, quick
drying, synthetic clothes are ideal.
With bass fishing so good it has you on the edge of
your bike seat, anglers will be racing from hole to hole
along stretches of rapids.
If fishing from a boat, the Allegheny River Trail still
offers perks. Transportation and dropping off vehicles
is often an obstacle. More often than not, anglers must
drive separate to coordinate the logistics. A bit less
conventional, I once packed a bike in the bow of my boat.
When I drifted from morning to late afternoon, I secured
the boat and unloaded the bike. While my buddy (who
did not have to drive separately) stayed with the boat and
prepped equipment, I delighted in a one-way upriver ride
towards my awaiting vehicle.
The Allegheny River Trail taps all elements. Be it a
skyward sighting of a bald eagle, crossing whitetail deer
tracks, or catching a spunky Smallmouth Bass from the
clear waters, every trip affords an intimate experience
with nature. If you have yet to experience the Allegheny
River, the Allegheny River Trail, or both, it may be time
to switch gears and give this recreational combination a
try this summer.
www.fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2020

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