Fishing on the Allegheny Reservoir

Learn about common fish and fishing regulations on the Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Lake).

Fishing Regulations

The Allegheny Reservoir is located in New York State, Pennsylvania and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Please check the local fishing regulations:

• Fishing regulations on territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians are actively being changed and may be available on the Seneca Nation of Indians Conservation page.
• Freshwater Fishing Regulations on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Special Fishing Regulations for Region 9 in New York State
• Fishing Regulations in Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Fish & Boat

Common Fish of the Allegheny Reservoir

• White Crappie - Size: Average 6” to 12”, can reach lengths up to 14” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates and small fish.
• Rock Bass - Size: Average 6” to 10”, can reach lengths up to 12” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates, crayfish and small fish.
• Smallmouth Bass - Size: Average 12” to 16”, can reach lengths up to 20” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on small fishes, crayfish and invertebrates. Also feed on frogs and mice.
• Yellow Perch - Size: Average 6” to 12”, can reach lengths up to 14” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates and small fish.
• Northern Pike - Size: Average 18” to 30”, can reach lengths up to 40” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on other fishes, invertebrates, and amphibians. Also feed on small rodents, waterfowl and snakes.
• Muskellunge - Size: Average 28” to 48”, can reach lengths up to 50” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on other fishes. Also feed on frogs , invertebrates, small rodents, muskrats and waterfowl.
• Walleye - Size: Average 12” to 25”, can reach lengths up to 30” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on other fish. Also feed on leeches, crayfish, frogs, snails and invertebrates.
• Channel Catfish - Size: Average 12” to 24”, can reach lengths up to 30” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on small fish, crayfish, clams and snails and aquatic insects.
• White Bass - Size: Average 8” to 14”, can reach lengths up to 15” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on small fish as adults. Juveniles will feed on small invertebrates.
• Common Carp - Size: Average 20” to 30”, can reach lengths up to 34” or longer. Diet: As bottom feeders, they primarily feed on plant matter, algae, crustaceans, snails and invertebrates.
• Bullhead - Size: Average 8” to 14”, can reach lengths up to 16” or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on insects, larvae, crayfish, snails, clams and small fish. Also feed on algae, various aquatic plants and organic debris

Other Fish Located in the Allegheny Reservoir

• Paddlefish - a giant filter feeder, growing over 5 feet in length, and exceeding 60 lbs. Diet: Almost exclusively feeds on zooplankton
• White Perch - Size: Average 8" to 10", can reach lengths up to 12" or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on crayfish, aquatic insects, and small fishes
• White Sucker - Size: Average 12" to 20", can reach lengths up to 22" or longer. Diet: Primarily feed on algae, organic materials, aquatic insects and crustaceans
• Golden Redhorse - Size: Average 12" to 18", can reach lengths up to 20" or longer. Diet: Almost exclusively feeds on aquatic insect larvae and small mollusks
• Silver Redhorse - Size: Average 15" to 22", can reach lengths up to 24" or longer. Diet: Primarily feeds on algae, organic materials, aquatic insects and mollusks

Ice Fishing Safety

Ice Thickness Table (For new, clear ice only)

This guide is based on average equipment weight, as well as new, clear ice on non-running waters. Many factors other than ice thickness affect ice strength. When a layer of snow melts and refreezes on top of the lake ice, it creates white ice which is only about half as strong as new, clear ice. Be especially alert where streams enter and exit the lake. Clear ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker. Since ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water, check the ice periodically to stay safe. Remember to use the buddy system while ice fishing!

Baitfish

Baitfish are commonly used when ice fishing. Make sure that your baitfish are certified disease free when you purchase them. For baitfish to be considered certified, the seller must provide a receipt that contains the following information:

• The seller’s name

• Date of sale

• The species of fish, and

• The number of species sold

The buyer must retain the receipt while in possession of the baitfish. Baitfish without a receipt, or with a receipt that is older than 10 days old is considered uncertified bait. Never dump unused baitfish from your bait bucket, as this may lead to the introduction of an undesirable aquatic invasive species.

For more information about baitfish regulations please visit – Baitfish Regulations in New York State

What to Wear

It is important to dress in layers. Your base layer should be made of a material that can wick moisture from your skin. Avoid wearing cotton because it loses its insulating ability when wet. Bring extra gloves. Wear warm, waterproof boots

Gear

Spud Bar - A spud bar is a heavy metal rod which is used to test the thickness of the ice. A spud bar is an important safety tool for ice fisherman. Spud bars can also be used to create a hole to fish through.

Auger - An ice auger is a tool that helps anglers drill a hole to fish through. Ice augers generally come in 4” to 8” diameters.

Sled - Plastic sleds are commonly used by ice fisherman to help get their gear to their fishing spot.

Shanty - An ice fishing shanty is used to block the wind, and make ice fishing more comfortable for anglers.

To View the "Common Fish Species in the Allegheny Reservoir" kiosk panel that is currently located at Onoville Marina Park, Click Here