Kinzua is a steep-sided mountain impoundment, particularly in Pennsylvania's portion of the lake.

Steep, dropping shorelines are the norm. Walleyes are taken close to shore by pitching jigs and pulling crawler harnesses.

On New York's side of Kinzua, the character of the lake is somewhat different, with more flats, points and shallow areas. Most of New York's portion of the lake falls within the Seneca Indian Reservation and requires a reservation permit to fish.

A New York license is needed for fishing the segment not in the reservation, but north of the Pennsylvania state line.

Both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service have excellent facilities around Kinzua Lake.

There is no horsepower restriction.

MIDDLE ALLEGHENY RIVER
From the Kinzua Dam tailrace north of Warren down to East Brady, the Allegheny River provides well over a hundred miles of free-flowing waters that contain good numbers of walleyes.

Middle Allegheny walleyes don't venture too far from the larger, deeper holes and pools in the river. For the first few weeks of the season, anglers should concentrate on these slower areas. As the water warms with the arrival of summer, the fish will be found in areas of stronger, faster current, especially when they are feeding. By mid- to late-summer, it may be necessary to fish at night to have consistent success, especially during periods of sunny weather.

Many access points dot this portion of the Allegheny. Upriver there are the Starbrick and Buckaloons ramps, as well as an access found a short distance below Kinzua Dam. Downriver, ramps are available at West Hickory, Tionesta, Oil City and Franklin. In the lower portion of this stretch, there are public ramps at Emlenton, Parker and East Brady.

Longer, deeper pools may be navigated with shallow draft boats with short-shaft outboards. Jet-drive outboards are required to run lengthy river sections dominated by shallow riffles and runs.