Ohiopyle summer fishing tips
Well, it has been a bit of a rough fishing season here in Ohiopyle due to the nearly 10 inches of rain that fell from early June to Mid-July. The Youghiogheny was over 4 feet on the Ohiopyle gauge for almost a full month, near record setting. It was way better of a whitewater rafting month than a fishing month. In addition to the high water levels, near daily rain storms caused the river to be quite “off-color”.
But alas not all is lost. Ohiopyle summer fishing is kicking into gear, with the Yough forecasted to remain around 2 feet on the Ohiopyle gauge for the foreseeable future. Bug activity is really strong and quite diverse.
Late Summer Yough Fishing Strategies:
With warmer water temperatures, reaching the upper 60’s in Ohiopyle by late afternoon, I will fish for trout early in the morning and later in the evening. The small warm waterish “Nemacolin Rainbows” are still a bit active, but the medium-large fish become a little more lethargic.
But this time of year, mostly I focus on smallmouth bass fishing. They are in their prime of the season, and will actively chase streamers and crayfish. Not to mention poppers when things really warm up. Even a trout purist can’t deny that kind of fun! Work the ambush points; drop offs, boulder gardens, ledges, gravel bars/points, grass lines, bridge piling , etc.
Nice client Smallmouth
In the event that we do return to above average flows, greater than 3 feet, focus your fishing near the bank. Aside from the abundance of terrestrials, there are many eddies and less sediment. Fish will be concentrated here, and react positively to streamers.
Late Summer Hatch Report:
Slate Drakes sz. 12-14 we are seeing these with great consistency and they will be present for many weeks
BWO sz. 22-28 a solid go to here on the Yough
Midge sz 24-28
Small Golden stones sz 14, there are even some very large Golden Stone’s, stay alert
Hexagenia sz 8-6 in September
Yough River Brown Trout 20 inches
This Yough River update brought to you by Ryan McCauley, head fishing guide at Wilderness Voyageurs.
Float trips are available on the Middle Yough, Lower Yough and the bottom Yough (Connellsville to Dawson)
Wilderness Voyageurs stocks more than 300 fly patterns in our Ohiopyle outfitter store shop, and we have all the gear you need to ensure a awesome outing on the Yough. Stop in and see us and tell us how you did on the water.
Wilderness Voyageurs, 103 Garrett Street, Ohiopyle PA 15470 800-272-4141
See you on the River,
Ryan