Fishing Lampher Reservoir in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

• Overview

  Lampher Reservoir lies within the bounds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It sits in rolling hill country. It covers about 15 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The closest town, Etna, is 1.1 miles distant. Beyond it, Millvale at 1.2 miles and Sharpsburg at 1.7 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lampher Reservoir

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Fish documented in Allegheny County include common carp, largemouth bass and bluegill. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Lampher Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 74°F and January near 29°F on the long-run figures. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan around that when you fish Lampher Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Carnegie Lake, 2.6 miles away. Rules at Lampher Reservoir are worth checking on the day.