The Best Fishing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cast Your Line in the Laurel Highlands
If you’re planning a trip for fishing in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort is your ideal home base. Not only are we surrounded by some of the best fishing lakes in Pennsylvania, we’re also a relaxing, family-friendly basecamp for anglers of every age and skill level.
Why Fish in the Laurel Highlands?
Combine that with the peaceful mountain air, thick forests, and scenic shorelines, and you’ve got a fishing experience that goes well beyond the catch. Whether you’re here for a weekend or staying the season, Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort places you near some of the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania.
Top Fishing Spots in Pittsburgh, PA
& Laurel Highlands Area
Donegal Lake – 15 Minutes
Location: Donegal, PA
Type: 90-acre lake, catch-and-release trout fishing
Stocked with trout and surrounded by peaceful forest, Donegal Lake is a favorite for fly and bait fishermen. It’s quiet, clean, and ideal for a few hours of shoreline angling or launching a small boat (non-motorized). The setting is serene and the fish are plentiful—what more could you ask for?
Common catches: Rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass
Acme Dam – 15 Minutes
Location: Acme, PA
Type: Stocked lake with year-round fishing
Less crowded than many larger lakes, Acme Dam is perfect for a peaceful afternoon cast. It’s great for families and new anglers learning the ropes. The calm waters and easy access make it one of the most under-the-radar fishing spots in Pittsburgh, PA, and its surrounding area.
Common catches: Bass, bullheads, bluegill
Youghiogheny River – 30 Minutes
Location: Ohiopyle, PA
Type: River fishing, wading access, fly fishing
If you’re looking for more of a challenge or want to try your hand at fly fishing in Pennsylvania, the Yough River (as locals call it) is a must. Flowing through Ohiopyle State Park, it offers excellent trout fishing in cool, fast-moving water. It’s also a beautiful location for casting from shore or wading out with your fly rod.
Common catches: Trout, smallmouth bass, walleye
Indian Creek – 20 Minutes
Location: Near Champion, PA
Type: Mountain stream fishing
This spring-fed tributary flows through wooded terrain and is well stocked. It is ideal for those who prefer more intimate streamside fishing. Shaded banks and boulder-strewn waters provide excellent hiding spots for trout.
Common catches: Rainbow trout, brook trout
Laurel Hill Lake – 25 Minutes
Location: Laurel Hill State Park
Type: 63-acre lake with boat rentals and fishing piers
A family favorite with convenient amenities, this lake is excellent for bank fishing, ice fishing, and boating. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent in-season. Combine your visit with a hike or picnic, and you’ve got a full-day adventure. It offers some of the best fishing in Pennsylvania for accessibility and variety.
Common catches: Largemouth bass, catfish, perch, bluegill, stocked trout
Keystone State Park Lake – 45 Minutes
Location: Derry, PA
Type: 78-acre lake with year-round fishing
Open all year for warm- and cold-water fishing, this lake is especially popular in early spring and late fall. ADA-accessible fishing platforms make it ideal for everyone. The lake is known for its abundance of panfish and stocked game fish.
Common catches: Bass, crappie, trout, catfish
Common Fish Species in the Area
Across the Laurel Highlands and southwest Pennsylvania, anglers regularly reel in:
- Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout
- Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
- Crappie, Perch, and Bluegill
- Walleye
- Channel Catfish
Free Fishing Days in Pennsylvania
2025 Dates
- Sunday, May 25, 2025 (before Memorial Day)
- Thursday, July 4, 2025 (Independence Day)
Amenities for Fishing in
Pittsburgh Roaring Run
People come here to:
- Fishing Gear Rentals: Forgot your tackle box? No problem. Visit our on-site country store for rods, bait, and gear rentals, perfect for spontaneous fishing trips or first-timers.
- Guided Fishing Tours: Want to discover the best local fishing spots with a pro? Guided tours can be arranged upon request. These are ideal for groups or anyone looking to sharpen their skills.
- Fish Cleaning Stations: After a successful day on the water, head to our fish cleaning stations, conveniently located near our comfort stations, to prep your catch for the grill or cooler.
Why Anglers Love Staying at
Pittsburgh Roaring Run
Here’s what sets us apart for fishing-focused travelers:
- Spacious RV sites and cozy cabins perfect for gear storage and multi-day stays
- Clean bathhouses for a hot shower after your time on the water
- Private fire rings and picnic tables to cook up your catch and relax
- On-site country store stocked with essentials (including snacks, drinks, and campfire supplies)
- Pet-friendly sites so your four-legged fishing buddy can tag along
- Resort-style amenities like our Olympic-size pool, mini golf, and game lodge—ideal for non-fishing companions
Plan Your Fishing Getaway with Us
With such a wide variety of fishing spots in and around the Laurel Highlands, Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort makes an unbeatable base for your next angling adventure. Whether you’re coming for a day, a weekend, or a full season, we invite you to unwind, drop a line, and discover why fishing in this part of Pennsylvania is so beloved.
