Cherry Valley Reservoir in Washington County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pennsylvania holds Cherry Valley Reservoir, in Washington County. Elevation runs to 1,070 feet. It measures about 52 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. With about 1.6 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. It is among the larger waters listed here for Washington County. The town to know is Burgettstown, 5 miles out. Beyond it, McDonald at 5.7 miles and Cecil-Bishop at 7.1 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Cherry Valley Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Species logged across Washington County include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and smallmouth bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Cherry Valley Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 71°F, while January sits near 28°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Cherry Valley Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Dinsmore Reservoir at 6.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Cherry Valley Reservoir if anything is unclear.