Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 44

Three
Hotspots
for Toothy
Predators
really allows anglers to explore Presque Isle
Bay. There may not be Muskellunge in great
numbers, but muskies are sometimes caught
by those trolling the deeper water.

Allegheny River

photo-Darl Black

by Nick DelVecchio
While anglers spend a good deal of time in pursuit of bass
and trout, toothy predators offer a change of pace that many
anglers find both exciting and addicting. The thrill of an apex
predator tracking down and devouring a fly or lure is not
easily forgotten, and the experience may leave many anglers
daydreaming about their next encounter with a Muskellunge,
pickerel, or pike. Knowing where to go for these fish is more
than half the battle, and here are a few hotspots to consider
when fishing for these finned carnivores.

Presque Isle Bay

While Presque Isle Bay, Erie County, pike populations have
fluctuated in recent years, it is still a great location for some
steady action. Spring is the favorite time to fish for pike, but
the area's many weed beds give up fish all year long. A strong
panfish population likely plays a role in providing consistent
pike action, but the amount of habitat and fishable water

44

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020	

Few waters can match the diversity of the
Allegheny River. From the outflow of the
Kinzua Dam, Warren County, downstream,
trophy Muskellunge and pike can be found
lurking in the deep holes and woody
structures that line the banks. There is also
superb Muskellunge fishing downstream
closer to Pittsburgh. Thousands of juvenile
Muskellunge are stocked in the lower
sections of the river, and anglers have great
success targeting mouths of tributaries
and other pockets where baitfish gather.
Muskellunge in this stretch are known to
devour suckers, shiners, and even stocked
trout that find their way into the river from
smaller stocked streams.

Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Lake)

There is no shortage of water on this sprawling reservoir
that is over 12,000 acres. The many bays and coves highlight
fishing opportunities for Muskellunge and Northern Pike.
While Muskellunge may not be overly abundant in the lake
itself, there are some true giants lurking in the deep water.
Some years ago, a fish upwards of 54 inches was caught in a
gill net during a biological survey. Northern Pike are present
in great numbers, and there is plenty of opportunity to catch
a good fish. Trolling is a favorite method on the Allegheny
Reservoir, but flies and lures may also be effective around
structure and weed beds.
Going after members of the Esox genus is sometimes
frustrating, but the action is exhilarating. One of the great
benefits of pursuing these fish is the diversity in which fish
can be targeted. Those choosing to use flies, terminal tackle,
and even ice fishing gear can find great success throughout
the year. By checking out these three hotspots, anglers can
eliminate some of the learning curve and put themselves into
a great position to catch Muskellunge, pickerel, and pike.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

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