Loyalhanna has history of solid bass fishing
One of 16 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control lakes administered by the Pittsburgh District, Loyalhanna Lake features a pool that covers about 480 acres. The impoundment is located a few miles upstream of Loyalhanna’s merger with the Conemaugh River in Saltsburg, where the Kiskiminetas River is formed.
Loyalhanna Lake’s primary species include largemouth bass, crappies and catfish. It’s one of the few waters in the western part of the state where you can catch white catfish, the result of an unauthorized introduction. Brown bullheads and channel cats are also common and complete Loyalhanna’s catfish trifecta.
Like most federal flood control lakes, Loyalhanna’s fluctuating water levels limit submergent vegetation. Cover and structure is mostly in the form of wood and rock, and submerged flats and points that drop into deeper water.
According to Rick Lorson, the region’s PFBC fisheries manager, Loyalhanna has a history of providing a solid largemouth bass fishery, one comprised of both numbers and size. Lorson says the lake’s crappie fishery is also in good shape, noting that the size structure of both bass and crappie benefit from gizzard shad as a forage fish.
Recent survey work conducted by the Fish and Boat Commission in 2014 and 2015 verify Lorson’s upbeat evaluation of Loyalhanna.
Though the lake is managed by way of standard statewide regulations, largemouth bass were collected at a rate in excess of that needed for Big Bass Regulations waters, a good standard for identifying a quality bass fishery. A total of 111 largemouth bass were captured during night electrofishing efforts, of which 21 percent were over 15 inches. The percentage of bass over 15 inches in length was over double that of the two previous surveys. Crappies were abundant, with over 600 collected in trap nets. About equal number of black and white crappies were netted, though numbers of white crappies over 9 inches were significantly higher than their black cousins (19 percent compared to 5 percent). While common in the lake, bluegills don’t attain quality size. Over 200 brown bullheads were netted, the size range running from eight to 15 inches.
White catfish and channel cats were also present in good numbers, with the largest individuals stretching to 20 and 28 inches respectively. Channel catfish fingerlings are stocked by the PFBC, while the bullheads and white catfish are self-sustaining.
Both tiger and pure muskies have been stocked in Loyalhanna for many years, but the return has been disappointing, says Lorson. The recent survey turned up only six tigers and zero pure muskies. The tigers were tagged as part of the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of its muskellunge stocking program. Efforts to establish sauger in Loyalhanna have not met with success. The last sauger stocking was in 2006.
Bass tournament veteran Deron Eck, of Armstrong County, makes regular visits to Loyalhanna, targeting the lake’s abundant supply of two to four-pound largemouths.
“I see Loyalhanna as a miniature Raystown Lake,” noted Eck. “It has many of the same features. A riverine fishery in its upper, southern end. In its lower/northern portion, it’s more of a steep-sized, rocky basin.”
In the summertime, Eck is particularly fond of the upper, riverine part of Loyalhanna. He likes running up into this area, where bass find some current and better oxygenated water.
“Spinnerbaits are good around any type of wood cover there,” he noted. “Buzzbaits can be great, especially early in the morning. Creature baits and jig-n-pig are also good options in the riverine section, pitched up in any type of visible cover that’s present.”
Eck said drop-shotting is often a top summertime tactic in the lower, northern end of the lake, where the water tends to be clearer. He often uses four-inch finesse worms or shad profiles, along with a quarter-ounce drop shot weight, to work the edges and bases of the rocky points found there. When bass are in a more aggressive mood, Eck has had some tremendous topwater fishing by working smallish surface lures — both prop-style and walk-the-dog style — over these same rocky points.
There is no horsepower restriction on Loyalhanna Lake. Due to its flood control nature, boaters need to be alert for floating debris, particularly after high water events. Navigation challenges are more common in the upper portion of the lake.
Boat access is by way of the Bush Run Recreation Area. Updated information on the status of the boat launch and other facility services can be heard by phoning 724-639-9013. Choose option 7 from the menu.
Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.
