“Reel” in the Adventures
“Reel” in the Adventures
Grab your fishing rod - trout season opens April 2nd
Trout season opens in Pennsylvania on April 2, 2022. Sunny days, warm weather, and a fishing rod are your passport to adventure in nearby Pennsylvania. Prime fishing locations include the mighty Allegheny Reservoir, Hamlin Lake, Marilla Reservoir, Tunungwant, Potato and Kinzua Creek. Fishing license options include a one, three, or seven-day tourist license, resident license, or a senior resident license. Licenses may be purchased at a variety of local locations or online at fishandboat.com.
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) with over 513,000 acres of public access lands offers the angler a variety of fishing opportunities from small native brook trout to trophy fishing for muskie, pike and walleye in the Allegheny Reservoir.
The Allegheny Reservoir offers excellent fishing and is open for both non-motorized and motorized boating. Species of fish include bass, muskie, walleye, crappie, catfish and panfish. There are four campgrounds along the reservoir plus several developed boat access points.
Willow Bay Recreation Area is located along the shoreline of Willow Bay, a small arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. It offers fishing, hiking trails, 101 campsites for RV and tent camping, and rustic cabin rentals. All campsites contain a picnic table, fire ring, and parking for two vehicles. Willow Bay is located just 15 miles from Bradford, along PA Route 346, just south of the New York/PA state line. The concrete courtesy dock at Willow Bay offers easy access along with plenty of parking for boat trailers. There is a daily parking fee. Campsite and cabin rentals are available from April 21-October 31, 2022.
Red Bridge Recreational Area, another very popular fishing site, is located along the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir, just north of Kane. Red Bridge offers 65 campsites plus a limited number of cabins with full amenities. For fishing there is a courtesy dock, restrooms, and a shoreline trail.
There are many other access areas for fishing in the Allegheny Reservoir and freshwater mountain streams within the ANF. In total, there are 14 campgrounds, with a choice of over 1,000 sites to choose from. To view details of the different recreation areas and cabin rentals on the Allegheny National Forest visit alleghenysite.com.
Kinzua Creek, near Westline, is easily accessed from the Kinzua Valley Trail. The Kinzua Valley Trail has a handicap accessible fishing platform alongside their covered bridge. This trail winds from the trailhead along Westline Road to Red Bridge Campground in the Allegheny National Forest. Westline Inn offers great food in a relaxed atmosphere plus the option of booking an overnight stay.
Marilla Reservoir, a favorite with local fishermen, is located along PA Route 346, five miles west of the City of Bradford. There are two rustic wooden trestle bridges, a wooden covered bridge, and a 1-mile loop trail around the reservoir. Non-motorized boats, canoes and kayaks are permitted. For overnights, there are a wide variety of options available in Bradford, full-service hotels, bed & breakfasts, and Airbnb home rentals.
Fishing lore states if bald eagles are nesting, the fishing is good! Two areas with nesting bald eagles are Tunungwant “Tuna” Creek and Hamlin Lake. The Tuna runs north through Bradford to the Allegheny River. Crook Farm Trail offers a 3-mile loop trail around the banks of the waterway. Parking is available at the Crook Farm Trailhead, or along Bolivar Drive, near the Route 219 Foster Brook exit.
Hamlin Lake is in the community of Smethport. Goosechaser Trail, a loop trail, offers easy access to the lake for fishing. The lake is within walking distance of two beautiful bed & breakfasts, the Mansion District Inn, and the Blackberry Inn. While visiting Smethport, check out the self-guided Mansion District Walking Tour. Old Town Smethport offers historic displays, a general store, and the new Cottage House Restaurant & Winery.
Plan Your Adventure: To help plan your fishing escape, order a free ANF Visitors Bureau Adventure Guide which includes a local waterway map plus information on trails, restaurants, attractions and lodging. To order the brochure call 800-473-9370 or download the guide online at VisitANF.com.