August 17 issue of NW PA Fishing Report

It’s been a hot, dry summer in NW PA. The bite during the latter part of summer has been tough for most anglers, although there have been some shining moments. Lake Erie offshore fishing for walleye has been a banner year; many charter boats were filling boat limits in just a couple hours. The smallmouth bass fishing on the Allegheny has been spectacular with higher numbers of big bronzebacks compared to most summers. Of course, big flathead catfish are making news, especially in the Pymatuning/Shenango drainage. As the water temp cools a bit towards the latter part of August, expect fishing to pick up.