Alleghany river

[mrfixitman40]

Has anyone ever went out on the alleghany river in PA my family wants to go next spring and was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers .I have never boated out on a river before. this is my first year boating have only went to a local reservoir this year . we are going to try lake erie next year also since i am getting more comfortable driving and getting used to the boat.
I know this is early but would like to study up on what to expect in the differences of between lakes and rivers and one of the great lakes. Thank you in advance.

 

[rndn]

Re: Alleghany river

Don't know what size boat you have but make sure it is up to the challenge if you're going to Lake Erie. Lake Erie can go from dead calm to 4-5 foot wave in no time so make sure you are very aware of the marine forecast and the current weather. The marine forecasts are usually very good, but one time this May 2007 the forecast called for 1 foot or less waves and when I got to the launch, 2 hours away, the waves were crashing over the breakwall and were estimated to be around 4-5 foot waves. Nobody went out onto the lake that day from the large harbor where I attempted to launch.
That said if the weather cooperates you could catch a bunch of 4-7 pound Lake Erie smallmouths, so it is worth the trip as long as the weather cooperates.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Alleghany river

i have a 18 foot aluminum deep vee closed bow with a 75 horse rude on it . when i have went up to the lake i have seen alot smaller boats there and I listen to NOAA alot when i am out on any water . I wouldn't be running out real far just far enough for the kids to tube and ski . looks like when i go i will launch out of presque isle.

 

[OV1961]

Re: Allegheny river

Re: Allegheny river

I would not take an 18 ft. boat out on any Great lake. They are too unpredictable for small open boats IMO,

Having grown up on the three rivers I would say try them first. There are lots of pontoon boats there so your boat will be okay. If you want to take the Allegheny to the Point you will go through a few locks, which is fun if you've never done that before. The current is swift so be prepared to use more gas motoring upstream, and exercise caution around the banks because there may be submerged trees.

 

[rndn]

Re: Alleghany river

I boated for years with my brother on Lake Ontario in a old 14 foot Sea Nymph and an 18hp Tohatsu and never had a close call even though we fished 8 miles out. You need to know what you're doing and pay attention to the forecast and the current weather. You'll be plenty safe as long as you know what you're doing and don't take stupid chances. I've seen a 24 foot charter boat sink because they were doing something stupid. The size of the boat has a little to do with your safety but much more depends on the captain and crew.

 

[eriediver]

Re: Alleghany river

NOAA forecasts are so unpredictable & innaccurate this year, Not even good for a guideline. I crossed lake erie on the way to Port Colborne this year in 5-7 footers. NOAAs forecast called for 1-3s. I knew it was rough when I left port, but knew it was doable.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Alleghany river

when i go i will be hoping for less than 3 foot . never have really dealt with waves . just the wakes from other boats so i will be very cautious when decided when to drive up there . hopefully the spring i can find a nice day or someone thats done the lake before that knows it better

 

[rndn]

Re: Alleghany river

You may want to think twice about the three foot or less. A three foot wave is measured from where calm water would be not the entire height of the wave. You would want to shoot for 2 feet or less at the maximum.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Alleghany river

ok thank you for that info rndn learned something new

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Alleghany river

I know I'm late to this thread, but I noticed the original question wasn't really answered about the Alleghany. Thats where I boated for years until I sold my boat. And thats where I will be boating when I get my next boat on the water this spring. I put in mostly at the public launch in East Brady. Nice place to boat. Can be a zoo on the weekends.

Unless it's changed radically in the last few years, the only thing you want to watch is you can go to far up stream from the launch, it gets shallow. Down stream, I think you have 9 miles to the lock. Right before the lock you have Red Bank. It's a neat little cove, lots of people tie off and party back there. The entrance to red bank has a rail road trestle crossing above it. We used to climb on top and jump in. There was a neat rope swing in there too.

Where at in west PA are you?

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Alleghany river

Where at in west PA are you?

I live in Pulaski just outside of new castle . as close to OH as you can get with out being there.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alleghany river

I live in Pulaski just outside of new castle . as close to OH as you can get with out being there.

I grew up in Calcutta, OH, as close to PA as you can get without being there!

Trailer Boats Magazine did a write up on the Allegheny either last summer, or the fall before that. They said it was pretty cool.
You gonna go to the Burgh at all?

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Alleghany river

I am sure we will make the trip down sooner or later but wanna get the feel of the river slowly . I don't wanna take any chances of getting in over my head . I have been taking everything slowly and learning as much as i can

 

[69thunderbird]

Re: Alleghany river

I grew up boating with my family on the Allegheny. Best boating memories! We were in the area where the Golden Triangle Water Ski Club had an island - Nine Mile Island I think it was called. We travelled all the way to East Brady at least once a season. Locking through was quite an experience. You used to have to watch out for the barges - created lots of undertow. I don't know if they are still a factor. It's a great area for boating - go and enjoy it!

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Alleghany river

I boat on this river many times a year. It is much more scenic the closer you get to East Brady. Here is the link to that article another poster mentioned:

http://www.trailerboats.com/output.cfm?id=1069021

Other places to consider taking your boat in the area:

1. Deep Creek, MD (very nice)
2. Cheat Lake, WV
3. Summersville Lake, WV
4. Marblehead/Catawba/Port Clinton, OH (Lake Erie)
5. Conneaut Lake
6. Youghiogheny Reservoir
7. Tygart Lake, WV