David V. Evans Loc: pa

Hello fisher people,
For years I had access to a place in Canada on the St. Lawrence River where we caught large numbers of pike in the 30 to 35 inch range. We no longer have access to that place and I really miss that fishing. I live in Pittsburgh and I've caught plenty of pike in western Pa. but nothing like the numbers or size of the St. Lawrence. If anyone is aware of a location near here, if there is one, that has that similar pike fishing I'd appreciate it if you'd clue me in. I enjoy catching walls, muskies, bass, stripers, etc. but I really miss those pike. I thank you in advance for any information you can provide.
Dave

imjac54 Loc: Waynesburg Pa. area

Try the allegheny river north. Rapala type lures and big live bait will catch pike. There are big pike up there. 29-30” common . Lots smaller and bigger if you can brave the weather in winter. Caught 2 last February in two days 29”. Second one had a 14.5” pike in its gullet!

harleypiker Loc: WA

David,
I share your pain. We had wonderful pike fishing also in NE Wash up to 10 years ago before the gill nets appeared. We were on the verge of becoming one of the premier pike fisheries in the lower 48.

David V. Evans Loc: pa

Thanks pal,
I know what you're talking about, I've fished the Allegheny reservoir since the early 1970s and the river down to East Brady. I've found the Kinzua dam the best for steady good size pike, especially the Chapel Fork area. To your point I've found that the Allegheny river gives up many pike near the mouth of trout streams that dump cold water into the river; although not big pike or many pike they are still fun to catch and good to eat. However I'm looking for bigger size and numbers. I appreciate your information. Let's stay in touch and hope for better pike fishing ahead of us. Thanks.
Dave

David V. Evans Loc: pa

I hear you! Thank for the response. I hate having to travel north to catch big pike, but, if you want big pike, I guess that's where they live.

Farmerfisher Loc: Central pa

I have bin going up to the st. Lawrence river since I was a kid. Love it up there. Just up in August and again in October. I too have bin searching for pike closer to home, but not much success. Really thinking of trying the allegheny, but know very little about it?

imjac54 Loc: Waynesburg Pa. area

I’ve fished Kinzua for 50
Years! More empty live wells than full but I still go back for the scenery! Fish the reservation in the spring but not much luck this year. Chautaqua in the spring for crappies and panfish! Traps in creek right now where I live in Greene for fishing this week up north. House on the river 8 miles north of Tidioute. Bear season Saturday but hopefully, ducks, grouse hunting and walleye/ pike before that! Big pike in Starbrick and refinery areas.