by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: October 16, 2009

One of the more unique aspects of the Pittsburgh, Pa., area is the diversity it offers outdoors men in the amazing number of quality fishing opportunities. The Pittsburgh area is not only blessed with excellent lake fishing, but possesses many outstanding trout streams and of course, the three major rivers that run through and around the city itself. While the local trout streams offer a fisherman a chance to escape to a fishing endeavor in which quiet enjoyment is possible, the rivers offer miles of open water for trolling with incredible views. Enhancing the local fishing experience is the Pennsylvania Department of Wildlife, which stocks fish into the local waterways heavily and enables the fish populations to multiply, ensuring a pleasant fishing opportunity with every outing. Here are some of the better fishing spots in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area:

North Park Lake/Pine Creek - Heavily fished because of it's close proximity to the city of Pittsburgh, North Park Lake and especially Pine Creek is an excellent place to fish for trout. Stocked with large populations of trout by the state game commission, North Park Lake and Pine Creek also have other species such as Channel Catfish, Bluegill and Carp.

Hereford Manor Lake - Located near the town of Zelienople about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, Hereford Manor has an upper and lower lake with an earthen dam between them. One of the better fishing lakes in the Pittsburgh area, Hereford Manor contains excellent populations of Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish and Saugeye, as well as some monster sized Bluegills.

Lake Arthur - Located with Moraine State Park, Lake Arthur offers 3,225 acres of fishing water with Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass. Lake Arthur also offers 10 boat launches and is handicapped accessible in many areas.

Raccoon Creek Lake - A 101 acre lake located southwest of Pittsburgh, Raccoon Creek Lake offers Perch. Walleye, Muskellunge, Crappie, and Brook and Rainbow Trout and is a very popular fishing spot with local residents.

The Monongahela, Ohio and Allegheny Rivers that surround the city of Pittsburgh are very convenient and popular places to fish, mostly for Catfish and Carp. With funding from public and private conservation groups recently the rivers around Pittsburgh have undergone an upgrade both in terms of the cleanliness of the water and their ability to promote a thriving fish population. The areas just above and below the rivers locks are excellent places to fish, with trophy sized fish caught frequently by anglers.

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