LAUREL HILL LAKE
In Somerset County, Laurel Hill Lake is a 63-acre impoundment in Laurel Hill State Park. From I-76 Exit 110 (Somerset), drive west on state Route 31 for eight miles, turn left onto Trent Road and follow the signs to the park.

This lake also holds crappies, yellow perch and bluegills of good size. A brightly colored jig tipped with grubs might catch trout or any of these panfish species.

EAST BRANCH LAKE
Perhaps the most unusual trout ice-fishing opportunity in the western counties is at East Branch Lake, where lake trout are the target species. Success rates are actually quite good, although the trout seldom are large. Most are less than 20 inches in length.

This lake is not very fertile, which is one of the reasons it holds lake trout, but it has good oxygen content in the depths.

One of the best areas to ice-fish for lake trout is directly across from the U.S. Corps of Engineers boat access at the lower end of the lake. Fish close to the bottom. Depths exceed 100 feet here and anglers may have to go this deep to find lake trout, so be sure every tip-up is spooled with plenty of line. Farther up the lake, concentrate ice-fishing efforts over the old river channel.

Use live minnows for bait or try jigging spoons. Lake trout jigs should be tipped with minnows, pieces of minnows, or use an appropriate scent.

ALLEGHENY RESERVOIR
If you want to catch really big trout through the ice, the best place to go in western Pennsylvania is the Allegheny Reservoir, where trout are typically 16 inches to 24 inches long and there's the real possibility of catching one that weighs more than 10 pounds. This is not high-percentage fishing and few anglers specifically target trout because walleyes are more popular. It seems logical, however, that anglers who want to specialize in ice-fishing for big trout might do well here.

The best ice-fishing for trout at the Allegheny Reservoir is generally in the midsection, which is between Warren and Bradford off state Route 59.

Anglers who ice-fish here often set at least one of their tip-ups specifically for trout. Trout tip-ups are generally set to catch fish a few feet under the ice. Even over deep water, trout apparently cruise just under the ice. Emerald shiners, a species found in abundance in this lake, are the preferred bait.

TRY THE RIVERS
There are numerous lakes where trout anglers can ice-fish in western Pennsylvania, providing an interesting variety of fishing situations ranging from regular stocked trout to trophies.

Two rivers, the Shenango River and the Youghiogheny River, are also stocked during winter. Both of these are dam tailrace fisheries.

The Shenango River, in Mercer County close to Sharpsville, is scheduled to be stocked Feb. 3. The Youghiogheny is scheduled to be stocked Feb. 1. It is in Somerset County north off U.S. Route 40 on state Route 281.

Be sure to read your regulations summary to determine the details of special regulations. If you need more information, contact the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000; or call (717) 705-7800.

For more information about accommodations in the region, contact the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism, Room 404, Forum Bldg., Harrisburg, PA 17120; or call (717) 232-8880 or (800) VISIT-PA.