The Youghiogheny River /jɒkəˈɡeɪni/,[6] or the Yough (pronounced Yok /ˈjɒk/) for short, is a 134-mile-long (216 km)[2] tributary of the Monongahela River in the U.S. states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It drains an area on the west side of the Allegheny Mountains northward into Pennsylvania, providing a small watershed in extreme western Maryland into the tributaries of the Mississippi River. Youghiogheny is a Lenape word meaning "a stream flowing in a contrary direction

The Youghiogheny River is Southwestern Pennsylvania's top river smallmouth destination. The fishing can be fantastic on this medium sized river, with plenty of wade fishing opportunities available. The Yough is pretty much devoid of plant life, but the rocky environment allows for smallmouth to thrive in this river. These trips will have you fishing in small coal mining town of years past or scenic Western PA hillside valleys. As we fish for smallmouth we'll have the opportunity to catch other species fish, like muskie, trout, and walleye. The river is unique as it flows from south to north thru the Laurel Highlands with tons of history happening along its banks. The river has many stretches along the way, like the whitewater rapid section, the slower moving middle section, and finally, the slow moving mouth section. We will be fishing the middle section during low flow. You can easily walk across the river moving from spot to spot looking for smallies. If you like to wade streams and have never tried river wade fishing, this is a great river to learn on.

Youghiogheny River 2008 river of the year

The Youghiogheny River, often referred to as the "Yough," is a river in the Appalachian region of the United States, flowing through parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. It has a rich history, both in terms of natural significance and human development. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Youghiogheny River:

Pre-Colonial and Native American Presence

The name "Youghiogheny" is derived from the Native American word “Ohiohiyo,” meaning "a stream flowing in a contrary direction," which could refer to the river's natural flow direction relative to other regional waterways.
Native American tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking Shawnee and Iroquois, inhabited the region around the Youghiogheny River. The river itself likely served as a vital resource for transportation, fishing, and trade.

European Exploration and Settlement

European settlers arrived in the 18th century, with the river becoming an important waterway for trade and transportation.
In the late 1700s, during the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the region was a strategic military area due to its proximity to key colonial settlements.
The river valley was eventually settled by Europeans, and towns like Connellsville (Pennsylvania) and Oakland (Maryland) began to develop.

Industrialization and Transportation

The 19th century saw significant industrial activity along the Youghiogheny River, especially in the areas of coal mining, steel production, and timber. The river provided an essential route for transporting these goods.
One of the most significant developments was the construction of the Youghiogheny and Ohio River Railroad in the 1850s, which helped facilitate the transportation of coal from the mines to other regions.
In the mid-1800s, the river became part of the larger canal and railroad system used to move coal and other goods. The Monongahela and Youghiogheny Navigation Company worked on making the river navigable, and lock systems were built to allow boats to bypass the river’s natural rapids.

Environmental Concerns and Conservation

By the 20th century, industrial pollution from the coal mines, steel mills, and other factories had begun to affect the river's ecosystem.
The river gained attention in the 1960s and 1970s during the national movement for environmental protection, and efforts were made to clean up pollution and preserve the river’s natural beauty.
Today, the river is considered an important resource for outdoor recreation, including white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. It has also become a key part of local tourism.

Modern Day

In the present day, the Youghiogheny River is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and its role in the local economy. The Yough River Trail, which stretches along the river for over 70 miles, attracts hikers, bikers, and tourists.
The Youghiogheny River Lake in Maryland and the Youghiogheny River Gorge in Pennsylvania are two popular spots for recreation, and the river is also a part of the Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Youghiogheny River continues to play a critical role in the region’s ecological and recreational landscape, combining its rich historical past with modern environmental and outdoor-focused initiatives.