Ridgway Reservoir Fishing Guide, Elk County, Pennsylvania

• Overview

  Ridgway Reservoir lies in Elk County, in Pennsylvania. The country round it is lake country bush from end to end. It measures about 98 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The full circuit measures close to 1.9 miles on foot. The nearest town is Ridgway, 3 miles away. Johnsonburg lies 6.8 miles off, Saint Marys another 12 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Ridgway Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Fish documented in Elk County include brook trout, brown trout and white sucker. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Ridgway Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 22°F in January to roughly 67°F in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Climate figures give an open season running early April to mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Ridgway Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Laural Run Reservoir at 9.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Ridgway Reservoir locally before you travel.