Where are the best fishing spots in Pittsburgh? The three rivers themselves: the Allegheny for smallmouth bass, the water around the locks and dams for walleye and sauger, and the deep, slow stretches of the Ohio and Monongahela for catfish. You can work them from shore at public parks, or reach the water most bank anglers never touch from the deck of a boat.
This guide covers what bites in each river, the shore spots locals use, how to fish from a pontoon, and the license and safety rules that apply. If you want to fish from the water, a pontoon boat rental in Pittsburgh from Vic's Boat Park in McKees Rocks puts you on the Ohio River minutes from downtown, with the Allegheny and Monongahela a short cruise away.
Pittsburgh's rivers hold a healthy, varied fishery. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists these as the main sport fish on the Three Rivers Water Trail:
Carp and panfish round out the mix, so even a slow day usually puts something on the line.
If you only fish one river, make it the Allegheny. The Fish and Boat Commission notes that smallmouth bass are at their best here, and they hold tight to cover: bridge piers, mooring structures and rocky banks.
The Allegheny's islands and the mouths of the creeks that feed it create quieter back channels. Those slower pockets are where bass and walleye wait for food to drift past. From a boat, you can idle up to a pier or along an island edge and cast without fighting for room on the bank.
Want to explore those channels? Our guide to the hidden islands you can explore by boat shows where they are and how to enjoy them.
The Mon is known for fish that gather around its locks and dams. The moving water below a dam carries baitfish, and walleye, sauger and bass follow. The banks are more industrial than the Allegheny's, but the fishing can be excellent, especially in cooler months.
The Ohio begins at the Point, where the Allegheny and Monongahela meet. It is wide and deep, which makes it a favorite for catfish anglers who like to anchor and wait with bait on the bottom. It is also the river right outside our dock, so you can start fishing almost as soon as you leave.
Yes. A pontoon is a stable, roomy platform for casual fishing, and several boats in our fleet are built for it. The Sun Tracker Party Barge has a spacious deck for fishing or sunbathing, and the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20DLX and the Sea-Doo Switch both have open decks made for lounging or casting a line.
Bring your own rods and tackle, and keep hooks off the seats. Renters are responsible for any damage during the rental.
We rent pontoons, not dedicated fishing boats, so it helps to know the tradeoffs. A V hull fishing boat is faster, turns sharper and handles rough water better. That matters to tournament anglers who run long distances between spots.
A pontoon wins on comfort and stability. It is the better choice when you are fishing with kids, mixing fishing with a cruise, or bringing a group where only some people want to fish. Most days, Pittsburgh's rivers are calm enough that a pontoon rides smoothly.
There are two things to plan around. A pontoon's tall profile catches wind, so drifting can be harder on breezy days. And it is slower, so pick one or two areas to fish instead of trying to cover all three rivers. If fishing is the main goal, an 8 hour block gives you time to move, settle in and wait out a slow bite.
Not everyone in your group needs a boat to fish. These public spots on the rivers are popular with local bank anglers:
Shore fishing works best early in the morning and toward evening. Look for current breaks, rocky banks and any structure that gives fish a place to hold.
The biggest advantage of a boat is reaching structure that shore anglers can only cast toward. A few habits make a day on the water more productive:
Our rentals run from 9 AM to 9 PM, so a morning start or an evening return both fit easily.
Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You do not need to display it, but you must be able to show it, on paper or on your phone, if an officer asks. You can buy a Pennsylvania fishing license online through the Fish and Boat Commission.
The boat has its own rules. Anyone driving one of our pontoons who was born on or after January 1, 1982 needs a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate. Our pontoons carry a life jacket for everyone on board, and the person paying signs the rental agreement along with every passenger.
For more on the rules of the water, read what you can and can't do on Pittsburgh's rivers.
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Spring and fall tend to be the most productive seasons. Cooler water gets walleye and sauger moving, and smallmouth bass feed hard before and after the summer heat.
Summer still fishes well if you go early in the day or as the sun drops. Midday brings the most boat traffic, so use those hours to cruise, eat lunch and enjoy the skyline, then get back to fishing in the evening.
Our guide to the best time to rent a boat on the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers covers weather and crowds month by month.
Pick your river, pack your rods, buy your licenses and choose a pontoon with room for your crew. Rentals run in 4 hour and 8 hour blocks from Vic's Boat Park, and dogs are welcome if your fishing buddy has four legs. Call (412) 773-0988 with questions about fishing from our boats.
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for every angler 16 or older, whether you fish from shore or from a boat. You do not have to display it, but you must be able to show it if an officer asks. Licenses are sold online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The Allegheny holds smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, muskellunge, and channel and flathead catfish, along with carp and panfish. The Fish and Boat Commission notes its smallmouth bass fishing is the best of the three rivers. Look for fish around bridge piers, rocky banks, island edges and creek mouths.
For casual fishing, yes. A pontoon is stable, roomy and shaded, so several people can cast comfortably. It is slower than a V hull fishing boat and catches more wind, so plan to fish one or two areas instead of racing between spots. It is a great fit for families and mixed groups.
Early morning and evening are usually best. The water is calmer, the light is lower and there is less boat traffic. Our rentals run from 9 AM to 9 PM, so you can book a morning block or plan your fishing for the last hours of an afternoon rental.
Yes, dogs are welcome on our pontoons. Bring a dog life jacket, fresh water and some shade, and keep hooks and lures stored where curious noses cannot reach them. Mention your dog when you book so we can help you choose the right boat.
Ready to wet a line? Book a pontoon rental in Pittsburgh or compare our boats to find the right deck for your crew.
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