Youghiogheny River
The Youghiogheny River near Confluence and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania offers trout and smallmouth bass below a cold dam release.
- 175 miRiver length
- 5Game fish
- 68Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Youghiogheny
The Youghiogheny River, or Yough, runs through the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania. It starts in Maryland and West Virginia. The best known fly fishing section runs from Confluence down past Ohiopyle. It is a stocked trout fishery with a cold tailwater feel thanks to the dam above Confluence.
A trophy trout section runs from Ramcat down toward Ohiopyle. Brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and golden trout live here, and smallmouth bass move in as the river warms downstream. It is a big river with whitewater, so many anglers float it in a raft or drift boat.
Hatches include blue-winged olives, quill gordons, grannoms, hendricksons, sulphurs, isonychia and green drakes. Fall is often a favorite time for larger brown trout.
Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules for the trophy trout program and stocked sections. Be careful of whitewater and changing releases.
Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, PA
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Nearby gages
- Bear Creek at Friendsville, MD14.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03076600
- Redstone Creek at Waltersburg, PA15.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03074500
- Big Sandy Creek at Rockville, WV16.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03070500
- Casselman River at Markleton, PA17.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03079000
- Cheat River at Albright, WV23.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03070260
- Casselman River at Grantsville, MD23.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03078000
- Cherry Creek at State Park Road near McHenry, MD23.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03075905
- Pike Run at Granville, PA25.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03074850
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
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Tips for fishing the Youghiogheny
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Start near Confluence
The water just below the dam is where trout fishing is easy to reach.
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Float the middle Yough
A raft or drift boat opens up water that is hard to wade. Respect the rapids.
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Switch to smallmouth in summer
As water warms, smallmouth take over the lower sections. Fish ledges, boulders and drop offs.
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Watch dam releases
Flows can change fast. Check before you wade.
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Know the trophy section rules
The program from Ramcat to Ohiopyle has its own rules. Read them before you fish.
Every access point on the Youghiogheny, in your pocket.
- 68 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Youghiogheny
Youghiogheny River FAQ
Where is the best place to fly fish the Youghiogheny River?
Many anglers start near the dam at Confluence and fish down toward Ohiopyle. The trophy section near Ramcat is also popular.
Can you wade the Youghiogheny River?
Yes in calmer sections, especially near Confluence and Ohiopyle. The river is big and rocky, so be careful.
Can you float the Youghiogheny River?
Yes. The Confluence to Ohiopyle float is a classic trip. Learn the rapids before you go.
What flies work on the Youghiogheny River?
Classics like Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and Woolly Buggers work. Big hatches include green drakes and isonychia. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in the Youghiogheny River?
The Yough holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, golden trout and smallmouth bass.
Are there special rules on the Youghiogheny River?
Yes. There is a trophy trout program on a section near Ohiopyle. Check the current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules.
