Allegheny National Forest Fishing Overview

The Allegheny National Forest provides some of the finest warm-water fishing in northwestern Pennsylvania. Several reservoirs and over 500 miles of pristine streams offer outstanding fishing opportunities. The Allegheny reservoir (a 12,000-acre impoundment on the Allegheny River) is the largest reservoir on the Forest. Fish species found in the Reservoir include smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish, and some brown trout. Tributary streams flowing into the Reservoir, as well as the streams located throughout the Forest, offer excellent cold-water fishing experiences. Some streams are stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout while others have natural populations of brook trout.

Fishing license fees

Separate fishing licenses are required for each of the following categories:

Resident (Ages 16-64) $22.00
Senior resident (Ages 65-up) $11.00
Senior resident (lifetime) (65-up) $51.00
Non-resident (Ages 16-up) $52.00
Seven day tourist (Ages 16-up) $34.00
Three day tourist (Ages 16-up) $26.00
Trout Salmon permit (Ages 16-up) $9.00

You qualify for a Resident license if you are a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania. You must show positive proof of permanent residency. Individuals under 16 years old can fish for free in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania license is valid from January 1 through December 31. Pennsylvania licenses can be obtained at various sporting goods stores throughout the state. Senior licenses are issued one time only and do not need to be renewed yearly. For more information, please contact the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

In New York State, about 98 percent of the New York portion of the Allegheny Reservoir is under jurisdiction of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Fishing in this area requires a Seneca Nation license, obtainable at numerous stores in the Salamanca area and the Nation's office is just west of Salamanca. A New York State fishing license is not required on the reservation, but all New York State fishing regulations (other than license requirements) must be observed.

The Seneca Nation license is valid from January 1 through December 31. For additional information, call 716-945-1790. Ask for the clerk's office.

In the New York portion not on the Seneca Reservation, a New York State license is required. Quaker Run and portions of State Line Run, Pierce Run, Bone Run, and Onoville Bay are the major fishing areas that extend off the reservation. The New York license is valid from October 1 through September 30.

Season activity maps that illustrate stocked trout streams are available from local tourist promotion agencies or any Forest Service office.

The Allegheny National Forest Administrative map and the Allegheny Reservoir hydrographic map, both PA and NY can be purchased from the Allegheny Nation Forest offices. Topographic maps are also available.