Pymatuning Outflow (Shenango River)

Greetings fellow anglers! 
I was wondering if anyone has had any luck fishing the section of the Shenango river (I believe most people have referred it to the upper Shenango) that flows out from Pymatuning.  We have a cottage in Jamestown and the stream runs right behind our neighborhood.  I have floated the river on canoe a few times down to Greenville, but have never spent any time fishing.  I plan on trying to do a majority of my fishing up in Crawford county this year and was wondering if anyone could speak to any successes they have had on the river.  I am also interested in fishing French Creek, another body of water that I am unfamiliar with.  I've obviously heard a lot more about French Creek as far as the biodiversity and amount of fish that flourish in this watershed.  Which of these areas do you guys prefer?  Should I just focus on French Creek instead of Shenango?  Shenango would be more convenient due to access points by the cottage, but I am open to any and all suggestions.  I have heard that they stock Shenango with trout, but I am more interested in fishing for smallies, walleye, pike, and musky.  I have the option to wade or float by canoe or kayak.  I don't have a large boat for the reservoir so I was hoping that I could do some productive fishing on the streams.  Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks again everyone!
 
Dante

Both good options. I'm pretty knowledgeable of the Shenango(more so below Shenango Lake, but also between Pyma and Shenango), and I'm also starting to get to know French as well.
 
For what you're after, I would say French might be a better bet overall but the Shenango is great too. I tend to prefer Shenango because it's closer to home so I've had time to learn it, but if I lived closer to French I'd probably change my mind. If you want some specifics on either river/stream send me a pm and I'll be happy to help if I can, but yeah give both a try. Can't go wrong either way.....just get out and fish them.
 
Also, no trout in the upper Shenango unless they swim out of a stocked trib. Only trout are stocked below Shenango Lake down a few miles..

Well, in terms of the actual fisheries both are terrific. Regarding how easy the fish are I would have to agree with you maniliketofish, but French has some quality fish. My PB smallmouth has come from there, the top two biggest non Erie 'eyes I have ever seen in person have been from there, and it's got some big muskies. Not an easy creek to figure out, but it's got some nice fish. It's loaded with forage though so that is probably why it's tougher than Shenango.
 
I'd definitely fish Shenango more since you live right there, but if you don't mind a little drive by all means give French a try if you're up for it.
 

CAPTAIN HOOK
About time for some fresh pics on the photo thread Troutguy. We need some fresh fish porn !

I've been out two or three times since my last post in that thread, so yeah some new pics are destined to be added. I don't ice fish so this winter has been tough. I reeeeaaaallllly can't wait for spring!!!!

Sorry to change the subject, but I just picked up a new walleye rod.  Its an eyecon MLF6'6''.. I'm looking to match a good reel with the rod and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for a good spinning reel under 100 bucks.  My fishing buddy is an avid shimano fan but I'm finding it hard to justify paying more than 100 bucks and he has been harassing me at the thought of buying anything less than the symmetre.  I've considered some options from Pflueger.  The last spinning reel I purchased was about 10 years ago and was an Abu Cardinal.  I loved it at the time but I know that model has dropped off a little in quality.  Your opinions are appreciated!

D.j.morsillo@gmail.com
Thanks guys for your insight, I really appreciate it.  Just to be sure, are you referring to the upper shenango or the lower shenango (below the dam) when you speak of good fishing.  I'm sure you may be a little reluctant to give up your favorite spots, but are there any particular areas on shenango that you guys prefer?  Again, I am only familiar with the stretch from Jamestown to Greenville.  There are some nice pools along that stretch that I'll be sure to hit.  How about at the mouth of the Pyme dam?  I always see guys fishing from shore up there but never gave it a shot. 

 
Both. I fish the lower Shenango(below Shenango Lake) a lot more and overall do a lot better, probably because I've gotten to learn it more since I live closer to it, but the upper Shenango(from Pyma down to Shenango Lake) also has great fishing and I've had good days fishing that stretch as well. If you'd like some specifics I'd be happy to share what I know via pm. Just give them both a shot if you can, as well as French. 
 
Some do better on French, and others do better on Shenango. I wouldn't necessarily say one is better than the other, they're just different. Just gotta take the time to learn both rivers.

D.j.morsillo@gmail.com
 I just can't wait for the weather to warm up! Do any of you fish along the river in winter? I'm from pittsburgh and the rivers down here we're frozen over for a week or so. I would imagine that it's probably frozen up there too. Although things have been getting warmer.

Yeah. Even during cold winters the sections directly below the two lakes stay open, but as you get farther downstream you'll come across more shelf ice.

D.j.morsillo@gmail.com
Fish5000, 
When fishing the upper shenango are you floating or wading out?  Also, do you have a particular stretch that you usually fish?  If you don't mind me asking that is... I know some fisherman are apprehensive about relinquishing their favorite spots.  

I apologize for the delayed response MrM_vs_Wild as I'm not on - line everyday. To answer your question re: floating out vs. wading out on the Upper Shenango, neither. I'm referring to the very extreme upper Shenango, the outflow of Pyme. Upper and lower depends on one's perspective. I don't mind you asking at all [location]. I fish from the outflow of Pyme Dam [the headwaters of the Shenango] down to the rusted iron bridge that is used by snowmobilers. It is just a bit down from the lowhead dam.

D.j.morsillo@gmail.com
Sorry to change the subject, but I just picked up a new walleye rod.  Its an eyecon MLF6'6''.. I'm looking to match a good reel with the rod and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for a good spinning reel under 100 bucks.  My fishing buddy is an avid shimano fan but I'm finding it hard to justify paying more than 100 bucks and he has been harassing me at the thought of buying anything less than the symmetre.  I've considered some options from Pflueger.

Pflueger President imo is a very nice reel, and outstanding value - can find it for $60
Im no snob when it comes to gear.  I don't know what a low end or better Shimano would do that a dozen other reels under $100 will do just as well.  How many more eyes you gonna catch with the expensive stuff?
 
Also it has been several years but we used to do real good on the eyes in the Jamestown area of the Shenango.  Catfish later on too.
French Creek is still largely unknown to me, but Ive heard good things, especially for musky

You do know there's a closed season for walleyes on all lakes and rivers in PA, except Pymatuning lake which is shared with Ohio. Early march, cant remember exact day, til may 2. They make a lot of money on guys fishing for trout below the outflow when trout season opens and they hook a nice walleye and TRY to keep it. No one gets back up that hill to the lot with one.