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.

Thanks troutguy. I don't have access to send pm's yet since I haven't been a member for 5 days. But I'll be sure to get in touch as spring approaches. Like I said, I plan on hitting the rivers pretty hard this year and I'm happy to hear that you guys have had a lot of success on both sections. 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.

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.

Upper Shenango is good at times. I've had some good days for eyes the last few winters.
Late Nov. thru the close of the season. Find some holes and stick it out. I put pics of some eyes from the upper river 2 years ago at the beginning of the photo thread. Got some muskies and lost a few bigger ones because of break off jig fishing. Bait is nice to have but I've had luck with bucktails for eyes.
French creek is really good but tough because of access. Floating is the best way to go. Some of the biggest eyes come out of French. Learn how to read the flow gauges the right flows are the key most times.
Spend time on both and you will figure them out. Good luck

If you want trophy Eyes fish French Creek. There are Hogs taken every now and then. I'm talking fish over 10lbs. Wading upper Shenango (Pymy area) nearly impossible with the high banks and fallen timber in water. Upper Shenango has good Eyes and better numbers over average. Lower Shenango even better numbers and more mix of fish total. Wading this time of year you are asking for trouble anywhere on these waters especially lower Shenango. Can you still fish, yes, but you are limited due to higher and colder water. The Rivers are open and action has started. Time to get out and make some stories ! Fish got to eat too !

I agree with Captain Hook about wading this time of year. The lower Shenango was very wadeable Saturday and Sunday(fished both days, and caught some feesh ) but looking at the gauge they seemed to have raised the level back up. Even during lower flows be careful this time of year, and always have dry clothes in the vehicle if you still want to fish after taking a swim.
 
And there would be know way I would be wading French this time of year. Most of the areas from Cochranton down are easy wading(in the summer), but as you get upstream of Cochranton some spots are downright impossible/pointless/dangerous to wade, especially this time of year.

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.

As of now I should be out there next weekend as well. Ill be sure to let you guys know if we catch anything. Thanks again for all of the comments.

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

Interesting that I decided to dig up my old post nearly a year to date.  Are any of you guys familiar with the walleye run on the Shenango?  I've heard from some locals that walleye will run up from Shenango lake all the way to the pyme dam.  I would imagine that would start sometime in the beginning of march but I have no experience with it.  Any suggestions?