Fly Fish Muskie in Pennsylvania

Fly fishing for muskie on the Youghiogheny River Lake—often referred to as Youghiogheny Reservoir—can be an exciting challenge. This large impoundment straddles the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line and is known for a variety of fish species, including muskie. While the Youghiogheny River itself is more famous for its trout fishery, particularly in the tailwater sections below the dam, the reservoir offers a different opportunity for anglers targeting warm-water predators like muskie on a Buford. Here’s a breakdown of the best flies and locations to help you get started.

Best Flies for Muskie

Muskie are apex predators, often called the “fish of 10,000 casts” due to their elusive nature. They require large, attention-grabbing flies that mimic their prey—think baitfish, smaller game fish, or even small mammals. Based on general muskie fly fishing wisdom and what works in similar warm-water environments, here are some top fly recommendations:

• • Double Buford: A big, articulated streamer with a wide profile, typically 8-10 inches long. Colors like white, black, or chartreuse work well to provoke reaction strikes. The double hooks increase your odds of a solid hookup.
  • Tandem Baitfish: Another articulated pattern, usually tied in natural tones (olive, brown, or gray) or brighter combos (orange and chartreuse). These flies imitate the reservoir’s forage fish like shiners or perch.

• Musky Bandit: A bulky fly with a hefty head to push water, often in chartreuse and black. It’s great for murky conditions, helping muskies locate it by sight and vibration.
• Bullethead Baitfish: A simpler, single-hook pattern that’s easier to cast but still effective at 6-8 inches. Go for flashy colors like chartreuse/orange to stand out.
• Big Streamers with Flash: Patterns like the Warpath Jig Fly (black and gold) or oversized Woolly Buggers with added flashabou can tempt a muskie into striking. Aim for flies that move a lot of water and create commotion.

For gear, you’ll want a 9- or 10-weight fly rod with a strong intermediate or sinking line to get these hefty flies down to where muskies lurk. Pair it with a stout leader (0X or heavier, often with a wire tippet) to handle their sharp teeth. Vary your retrieve—slow strips to fast bursts—since muskies can be picky about presentation.

Best Locations on Youghiogheny River Lake

The Youghiogheny Reservoir spans about 16 miles and covers 2,800 acres, offering plenty of ground to explore. Muskie tend to hang out near structure, drop-offs, and weed beds where they can ambush prey. Here are some prime spots to target:

• Near the Dam (Tailrace Area): Just above the dam in the reservoir, the deeper waters can hold muskies, especially where the current begins to slow. Fish the transition zones where the lake narrows, as baitfish often congregate here.
• Submerged Structure Along the Banks: The reservoir has sunken logs, stumps, and rocky points along its shoreline, particularly on the Pennsylvania side. Cast to these areas, focusing on spots with visible cover or sudden depth changes.
• Weed Beds: Look for patches of submerged vegetation, especially in the shallower bays like Jockey Hollow or Mill Run. Muskies use these as hunting grounds, and early morning or late evening casts here can pay off.
• Drop-Offs and Channels: The old river channel runs through the lake, creating deeper trenches. Use a map or fish finder to locate these, then work your flies along the edges where muskies patrol.
• Inflow Areas: The upper end of the lake, where the Youghiogheny River feeds in near Friendsville, Maryland, can attract muskies chasing baitfish carried by the current. This is a good spot in spring or after heavy rain.

Timing matters too. Fall (September to November) is prime muskie season as they feed heavily before winter, but you can also find them in summer when water warms, particularly near cooler inflows. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be most productive, as muskies are more active in low light.

Tips for Success

• Cover Water: Muskies aren’t everywhere, so keep moving and casting to new spots. A boat—whether a drift boat, kayak, or motorized craft—gives you the best access to the lake’s expanse.
• Watch for Follows: Muskies often follow flies without committing. If you see one trailing, switch to a figure-eight retrieve near the boat to trigger a strike.
• Be Patient: Even in a well-stocked lake like Youghiogheny, muskies are sparse and tough to hook. Persistence is key.

The Youghiogheny Reservoir isn’t as renowned for muskie as some Great Lakes tributaries or northern pike waters, but it does support a population thanks to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocking efforts. Pair the right flies with strategic location scouting, and you’ve got a solid shot at landing one of these toothy beasts. Good luck out there!