River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE MONONGAHELA RIVER DATA
Monongahela River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Monongahela River
Trace the Monongahela north from West Virginia through southwestern Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
Looking upstream on the Monongahela River from Pittsburgh's West End Overlook.
THE MONONGAHELA STORY
An industrial river becoming a recreation corridor
The Monongahela carried coal, steel and commerce through one of America's defining industrial regions. Today locks, river towns, trails and public launches share the water with a growing recreation culture.
1800s
River industry expands
Coal, iron, steel and river transportation tied Monongahela Valley communities to Pittsburgh's industrial growth.
1900s
A lock-and-dam navigation system
Navigation structures created a reliable commercial waterway linking West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh.
Today
Fishing and paddling return to the riverfront
The Three Rivers Water Trail and regional riverfront projects have expanded public access for paddlers, anglers and other recreational users.
Photo: Cbaile19 · CC0 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Recreation context: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Monongahela is a large warmwater river with year-round urban and valley fishing opportunities around current breaks, tributary mouths, pools and navigation structures.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Walleye
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Upper Monongahela ↗The Upper Monongahela Water Trail connects West Virginia and Pennsylvania river towns through a navigable warmwater corridor.
FISHING AREA
Pittsburgh Three Rivers ↗Lower-river access points double as fishing locations as the Monongahela approaches the Pittsburgh confluence.
Before you fish
- Fish regulations vary by state and species.
- Check current Pennsylvania and West Virginia fishing rules before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The Monongahela is a working navigation river with locks, powerboats, barges and a growing network of paddling access.
Upper Monongahela Water Trail ↗
A long water-trail corridor from northern West Virginia into southwestern Pennsylvania.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Three Rivers Water Trail ↗
Paddling landings and urban access connect the lower Monongahela with the Allegheny and Ohio.
Kayaking Canoeing Powerboating
Know before you go
- Understand lock procedures before paddling through navigation structures.
- Stay visible and clear of commercial vessels and tow traffic.
- Use designated access and monitor changing river conditions.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Monongahela Access ↗
PFBC river access in Washington County; check current ramp status before planning a launch.
Three Rivers Water Trail landings ↗
Marked public landings provide access to the lower Monongahela and Pittsburgh riverfront.
Point State Park ↗
Public riverfront park at the Monongahela-Allegheny confluence.