SHENANGO
Another Mercer County water has been making news of late -- big muskie news, that is. During the past year or two, several muskies in the 50-inch-plus range have been taken from the lake.

A Corps of Engineers flood-control lake, Shenango is subject to fluctuating water levels. Winter drawdowns thwart any significant weed growth. But while the lake lacks weeds, it is replete with bottom contour (humps, ledges, channels, etc.). Sunken roadbeds and areas of riprap (much of it along causeways) add to the cover.

While the Mahaney Channel -- the reach of the lake directly upstream of the dam -- is narrow and steep-sided, the lake is primarily comprised of wider, gently sloping basins. There is a lot of interesting area to cover for the muskie troller. The lake experiences heavy recreational use during sunny summer weekends.

The primary forage in the lake is gizzard shad. Panfish are another menu item for the lake’s toothy critters.

Three major access areas -- Clark, Mercer and Shenango -- provide access to the lake. There is no horsepower restriction on much of the lake, though the portion upstream of the Route 846 bridge is limited to 10-horsepower motors.

Contact the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-637-2370 for travel assistance.

LOWER ALLEGHENY RIVER
The lower Allegheny River, in particular pools 5 through 8, all have good muskie populations.

The river is impounded by lock and dam systems, and there can be a high level of boat traffic during the summer. The biggest factor is fair weather, which means stable water levels (not high and muddy) and good fishing conditions.

Pool 6 has the best shallow-water habitat. There are plenty of islands, mid-river humps and grassbeds. This is excellent water for casting to.

While good casting spots are available in the other three pools, much of the shallow habitat has been removed through dredging. In these areas, trolling may be a better tactic.

Along this stretch of river, boat-access areas include the Kittanning, Cowanshannock Creek and Templeton launches. No public access is available on Pool 5. Anglers must lock through from either above or below.

To get additional information on the area, call the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau, 1-888-265-9954.