The Youghiogheny River, often called The Yough (pronounced Yok), is a 134-mile tributary of the Monongahela River flowing through parts of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Its name comes from a Lenape word meaning a stream flowing in a contrary direction, as it uniquely flows northward. The river begins near Eglon, West Virginia, travels through Maryland, and enters Pennsylvania between Fayette and Somerset counties before joining the Monongahela River at McKeesport. Once severely impacted by pollution, the Yough has made a remarkable recovery and now supports diverse aquatic life. The river offers outstanding opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass fishing, with coldwater releases from Youghiogheny River Lake maintaining suitable temperatures for trout in upstream sections, while the lower portions support excellent warmwater fisheries.
Learn what type of fish are at Youghiogheny River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Esox lucius
Esox masquinongy
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Esox niger
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Aplodinotus grunniens
Lepomis cyanellus
Hypentelium nigricans
Lepomis gibbosus
Ambloplites rupestris
Micropterus punctulatus
Morone saxatilis
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Youghiogheny River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Youghiogheny River, and when to apply.
Lower Yough from Ohiopyle
Boater pass · All boaters · Required Apr 10 to Oct 11
Lower Yough boaters need a launch ticket from the Ohiopyle launch window from the second weekend of April through Columbus Day, with a fee on weekends and holidays.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Ohiopyle State Park
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to sport fish/crab. They can, however, purchase a recreational crab license if they want to catch the bushel of crabs allowed with that license.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Current law in Maryland seems quite friendly to public access to floatable water, allowing access at all public bridges and road crossings of floatable water. Though historically the state has only recognized waters subject to the ebb and flow of tides as navigable, that definition appears to have broadened. A complete list of public waters and access points is available on the Maryland DNR website.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Youghiogheny River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Youghiogheny River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Youghiogheny River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Youghiogheny River.
Youghiogheny River · Upper Yough · Brookfield Renewable
0 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 6:22 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Youghiogheny River · Below Youghiogheny Dam · National Weather Service
960 cfs now, 750 cfs from 4:00 PM EST
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 1:38 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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