Fishing

The Youghiogheny River and its Pennsylvania stretch is a somewhat different river than its origins in Maryland. Much of the difference is attributable to Youghiogheny River Lake, from which the river emerges near the town of Confluence. Cold water released from the dam keeps the middle stretch of the river (the stretch running roughly between Confluence and Connellsville) fishable most of the year, even in the hot summer. This section is heavily stocked with fingerlings several times a year and the entire stretch is fair to good trout water. Most of the Yough in Pennsylvania is moderate to big water. The short stretch between Confluence and where the Casselman River joins the Yough is very popular and usually wadeable. Beyond where the Casselman enters the stream, the river becomes larger and much of it is difficult wading, depending upon dam releases and seasonal stream flows. Much of the middle stretch is probably much more suitable to floating. Below Connellsville, until the river finally joins the Monongahela River near McKeesport, the Yough becomes warmer and bigger and isn't really known for trout fishing. Smallmouth bass can be sought in this stretch.