Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ?

Author
4X4Dad
New Angler
  • Total Posts : 15
  • Reward points: 0
  • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
  • Location: Butler , Pa.
  • Status: offline
2018/08/05 18:50:43 (permalink)

Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ?

Hi everyone , my name is Rick . I recently got stung by the Catfish bug , bought a 18 ft pontoon boat and am in search of good safe launches to Catfish at night . I hear the biggest are in the Ohio , but I'm sure there are many more in any of the 3 rivers willing to test the heaviest of tackle . I've got the boat and the gear , just need a destination . Any suggestions are greatly appreciated . 
Tight lines to you ,
Rick
#1

18 Replies Related Threads

    Timachro
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1339
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2007/06/26 19:20:57
    • Location: Pitsburgh
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/07 16:22:02 (permalink)
    Cats are pretty big in the Elizabeth area of the Mon. go between Elizabeth an Charleroi locks. should find some nice ones.
    #2
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/07 16:30:30 (permalink)
    Thanks Timachro . Can you recommend a safe launch for night fishing ? I'm not to familiar with Pittsburgh  neighborhoods and don't want to leave my truck at night in a rough area while fishing . Thanks .
    #3
    Porktown
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 9682
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2001/09/04 16:37:05
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/08 21:46:49 (permalink)
    Elizabeth is safe. There is a launch below the lock. A bait shop right off of 51 that caters to catfishermen. Has some suckers and other big baits for flatheads. Where are you located? I personally wouldn’t drive to Elizabeth, if it is a haul for you, and just as good spots closer. Also, post this in the SW PA forum. I think more guys frequent there, and can give you some more refined info.
    #4
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/09 00:10:46 (permalink)
    Thanks Porktown . Bait shop information is always appreciated . I haven't found a good BIG bait , bait shop near the northern locks on the Allegheny yet .  I didn't realize I posted in the general catfishing forum . Thanks and tight lines to you sir .
    #5
    Porktown
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 9682
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2001/09/04 16:37:05
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/09 11:48:56 (permalink)
    I couldn't see you are located in Butler on my phone yesterday.  I am not going to say that Elizabeth isn't worth your commute, but as you noted, fishing the northern locks, it is likely 30 minutes for you to fish there.  As opposed to 1:30 or more to Elizabeth (much more if not timing traffic correct).
     
    If you head out there, here is the website of the bait shop.  He said they have internet deals on bait at times.  They had some 8" suckers there, when I was there.
    https://mutt-jrs-bait-shops.myshopify.com/
     
    Here is the boat access launch.  Elizabeth isn't a major crime area.  Old river town that saw its glory when the mills were in their hey day.  But by no means a gang ridden dump like some the other mill towns closer to downtown.  I'd say similar make up as Butler.
     
    https://www.google.com/ma...!4d-79.8911029!9m1!1b1
    #6
    psu_fish
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 3103
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/08/28 22:37:11
    • Location: PA
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/09 13:41:54 (permalink)
    oops...wrong thread.
     
    post edited by psu_fish - 2018/08/09 13:45:31
    #7
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/09 20:57:01 (permalink)
    Wow ! Thanks Porktown . It's funny you showed me the first bridge down from McKeesport . I was looking at McKeesport where the other river feeds in thinking it would be a prime area . I think if I try that area , I'll have to make a dry run before hitching up the pontoon . It's 8 ft wide and doesn't like heavy traffic . Or maybe it's the driver that's nervous in heavy traffic ? LOL ! Thanks buddy . I really appreciate your help . Tight lines to you sir .
    #8
    olgerman
    Avid Angler
    • Total Posts : 159
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2007/11/05 07:17:46
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/12 07:33:59 (permalink)
    Don't give up on the Ohio. There are several good, safe launches. I personally like the launches at East Rochester and Monaca. As for bait, I use Reddi bait in Bridgewater. The owner, Tim Reddinger is a weath of catfishing knowledge. If you google the baitshop he even has a few videos on fishing the area. He is usually in the baitshop on weekends. Good luck.
    #9
    Eman89so
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1806
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/01/29 09:51:06
    • Location: Irwin
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/12 21:46:26 (permalink)
    Monaca good way to.ruin a trailer
    #10
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/16 00:20:11 (permalink)
    Greatly appreciated guys . The knowledge from locals is priceless when exploring new areas . Especially which launches NOT to use with a long trailer . It's supposed to rain tomorrow , so I just may make a dry run down Beaver way to explore the bait shops & launch . Thanks again .
    #11
    olgerman
    Avid Angler
    • Total Posts : 159
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2007/11/05 07:17:46
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/16 07:31:01 (permalink)
    If you're driving this way, also check out Island Arms on Neville Island and Shooters Place in New Brighton as possible bait stores.
    #12
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/16 14:20:42 (permalink)
    Olgerman , yep , I already found him on my last dry run . Checked out the bait and bought a used Penn reel off of him . Small but we'll stocked shop . Thanks .
    #13
    Stevejohn
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 1
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/17 00:40:19
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/08/17 00:46:32 (permalink)
    Read and share my blog about .
    #14
    rogern
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 1
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/09/01 00:19:33
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/09/01 00:31:45 (permalink)

    #15
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/09/04 09:27:00 (permalink)
    Well , I was talking to my sister and she informed me that she has a nephew in Rochester that likes to chace Catfish . We met up at the launch by the bowling alley . It's a little tight with the cement wall being right at the launch , but we managed . We didn't get any hits , but i did learn the Ohio river is MUCH deeper on average than the Allegheny from Kittanning going north . So I now have much longer anchor ropes to better position the boat  . Also , tugs pushing barges are NOT lit up very much compared to the backdrop of city lights !  That is until he lights up the barges with a BIG spotlight ! I didn't realize they even used the locks after sunset . Being from up North , they limited the lock usage years ago when they quit dredging the Allegheny . I had a ( your not in Kansas anymore Dorthy ) moment . Lesson learned ! I'll also have some live bluegills next time I make the trip . Hopefully that will get some big flatheads attention . 
    Thanks again for all of your help guys .
    #16
    Eman89so
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1806
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/01/29 09:51:06
    • Location: Irwin
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/09/04 17:35:47 (permalink)
    Its slow right now. Cut bait bite
    #17
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2018/09/04 19:18:12 (permalink)
    Thanks Eman89so . We used cut bait last time . ImI sure my buddy will use it again next time , but I figured I'd try something different . We also fished deep . I went against what I've been reading and being told . We need to go shallower and get up closer to the lock area . Just wish I had more days on the water . Dogon work & weather gets in the way every time . LOL !
     
    May be time to play hooky . . . 
    #18
    4X4Dad
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 15
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2018/08/05 16:48:40
    • Location: Butler , Pa.
    • Status: offline
    Re: Best places to launch for Catfishing around the Pittsburgh 3 rivers ? 2019/04/04 12:06:17 (permalink)
    UPDATE:
    I took a dry run down to Rochester last Sunday . I finally found Reddi Bait shop . Very nice & friendly owner and guys that hang out there . They seemed to not be able to do enough for you . I'm now much more confident about fishing the Rochester pool . Now , if the weather cooperates , ilI' be getting to know that stretch better by the end of this month .
    Thanks for all the help everyone .
    #19
    Jump to: