What to expect:

NOTE:  ALL MUSKY/PIKE AND TROUT TRIPS ARE CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY.

Most Allegheny River trips usually consist of launching from the Kinzua Dam Tailrace and fishing south to the town of Tidioute. Our home waters regularly yield some of the largest muskies, pike, walleyes and trout in the state. I will guide you through this scenic waterway on my 21 ft. jet boat as it winds through 30 miles of the Appalachian Plateau. Our clients have caught and released many citation fish during my 25+ years of guiding on the Allegheny River. I specialize in trophy musky, trout, walleye, bass and pike.  As late fall and winter approach, air temps and local weather will dictate whether we cast, troll or do both.  My knowledge of seasonal “river” fish location and obsessive focus on catching them sets me apart from most anglers.  I do not launch the boat hoping to catch something, if the fish are active, we have a good chance of having some memorable action.

I will customize your trip to fit your needs. Since our Northern section of the river is greatly influenced by the outflow of Kinzua Dam, summer water temps rarely reach 73 degrees with 68-70 degrees being the norm. Water temps in the Southern section of my territory will be a bit warmer maxing out in the mid-70’s during August.   If you prefer summertime fishing without the mugging air temperatures, night fishing on this section of river can be extremely rewarding as well……..if you really want to hunt the largest walleye or trout in this fertile section of river, night-time is the right time to do so.  Trophy fish can be caught anytime on this section of river but with the warmest water temps occurring during July and August, most of the “big 4” species are feeding often during the summer months.  Running and gunning is the primary technique but if active fish are present, we will cover that particular area more thoroughly.

We take the utmost pride in making sure your trip is a learning experience as well.  As we all know, there are days when the fish will not cooperate. Rest assured your trip will be filled with tips and tactics to help you become a better fisher person long after your day with me is over.  I will do whatever I can to put you in the strike zone first while I ‘clean-up’ behind you with a different lure at a different speed.  In the case of me hooking a fish, I will hand the rod over immediately, if you wish. If there is a fish to be caught, it will be caught by you, NOT US.  Of course, your skill level will have a direct bearing on your ‘catching’ success.  It is not uncommon for our clients to use this service as a way to get started in the relaxing pastime of fishing.  From learning how to cast, tackle rigging, boat operation, and understanding where to fish, we are happy to help you in any way possible.  Our service is not just for the experienced but for all who simply love to be on one of the most scenic waterways in Pennsylvania chasing trophy fish.

Allegheny Reservoir (PA) trips can be good for muskies/pike anytime of day. Trolling will be the primary technique on Tionesta Lake and Allegheny Reservoir but casting can be very effective depending on the time of year as well as current weather conditions.