Trout in the 14-inch to 22-inch class are common in the Allegheny River. Occasionally 10-pound trout are caught, but often these go unreported because some of the better fishing -- especially for larger trout, occurs during the time when only catch-and-release fishing is allowed.

Miscellaneous Special Regulations apply to the Allegheny River from the Kinzua Dam downstream 8.75 miles to the confluence of Conewango Creek in Warren.

From 8 a.m. on the opening day of regular trout season through Labor Day, the daily creel limit is two trout, with a minimum-size limit of 14 inches. During the remainder of the year, no trout may be killed or had in possession.

One thing that makes this Special Regulations section of the Allegheny River special is that it may be float-fished. Flows are suitable through summer for canoes or shallow-draft boats. Jet boats are quite popular among local anglers. Canoe rentals are available at Warren.

As on all of our trout rivers, you should observe caution during periods of high flow. It's prudent to avoid boating on the river when outflow from the Kinzua Dam is more than 5,000 cubic feet per second.

Outflow information is available by calling (814) 726-0164.

Information about local services is available through the Warren County Visitors Bureau, 2883 Pennsylvania Avenue Extension, Warren, PA 16365. Or call 1-800-624-7802, or log onto the agency's Web site at www.northern alleghenies.com.

LITTLE JUNIATA RIVER
The Little Juniata River flows through the central part of the Commonwealth and has been in the news several times over the past few years because of court battles over who has the right to fish it.

A superb trout fishery, developed through stocking of fingerlings, attracted wealthy landowners who tried to claim it for themselves. They may claim the land around the river, but any navigable river is open to public traffic.

For more information, contact the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, R.D. No. 1, Box 222-A, Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA 16647. Call 1-888-729-7869, or log onto raystown.org.

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER
The Youghiogheny River has a longer history as a trout river than most rivers in Pennsylvania. Year-round stocking of adult trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has made the outflow of the Youghiogheny Dam a popular area.

Though a lot of good trout fishing is available through a long stretch of the Youghiogheny, the primary fishery is in the outflow area.

The Youghiogheny is one of only two rivers that receive year-round adult trout stockings. The other river, the Shenango, should not be classed among Pennsylvania's "best" trout rivers because its only significant trout fishery is in the tailwaters of the Shenango Dam, where the cool water discharges maintain suitable water temperatures. Elsewhere, the Shenango River does not contain good trout habitat, so this is essentially a put-and-take fishery.