Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured left to right are the top three finishers of the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament held in Tidioute in late September: Justin Drukenbrod, third place; Terry Cotterman, second place; and Andy Severns, first place.

By JESSICA N. REX

jrex@timesobserver.com

Apparently, the fish have been biting just fine in the waters near Tidioute.

The Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament was held in Tidioute in late September. In its 66th year, this event is held every year on the last full weekend of September. The tournament is put on by a small committee of volunteers who are hoping for more helpers. They host vendors on the grounds, craft vendors, bingo, kids fishing, a parade, live music and a door prize raffle.

Tidioute has welcomed the general public to this since 1959. Started by local fishermen, it has grown to become one of the largest multi-species contests in northwest Pennsylvania. The catch-and-release program was part of this tournament, which not only includes 60 miles of the Allegheny River, but also the waters of the Kinzua and Tionesta. Extended boundaries bring versatility to every angler as all types of fishing are welcomed in this tournament. Anglers who prefer trolling can fish the dams, bait fishermen can drift the river, bank fishermen have over 100 miles of shoreline to choose from and fly fishermen can flog some of the best trout waters in Pennsylvania.

Tournament results are:

Kid Derby: Wyatt Keegan

Junior Champion: Grace Potts

Champion Angler: Andy Severns

Oldest Female Angler: Helen Wilson

Oldest Male Angler: John Pleskovich Sr.

Community Service Award Recipients:

Christy Craft Valentine

Johnathan Brown

Kylei Davison

Parade Results:

1st Place Float: TCCS

2nd Place Float: First Presbyterian Church

3rd Place Float: Tidioute Towers Association

Special Judge’s Award: Zeke’s Theatre

Best

– Antique, Classic, Modified Car: Ground Zero Stump Grinding

– Variety Musical Group: Warren Shrine- Calliope

– Horse Single: Claire Manning

– Horse Group: Jo Manning, Capone, Mini, Bella, Ella

– Color Guard: American Legion Post 0334

– Marching Band: Tidioute Community Charter School

– Jr. Drill Team: Molly Dies Dance Express

– Motorized Unit: Minions

– Police Cruiser: Youngsville PD

– Tanker: Tidioute Area VFD

– Ambulance: Tidioute Area VFD

– Rescue: Tidioute Area VFD Argo

– Pumper: West Hickory VFD

– Brush Truck: Pleasantville VFD

– Furthest Traveled: Pleasantville VFD

On Oct. 4, Tidioute was host to the 2025 George R. Jones Jr. Walleye and Bass Tournament. The event is held each year in memory of George R. Jones Jr., Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission law enforcement officer in Warren County from 1967 to 1996. The tournament started in 1997 and soon will celebrate 30 years. Jones, a former resident of Tidioute, loved the outdoors and was a passionate walleye fisherman who is honored at the event each year on the first Saturday in the month of October. It’s an all day event held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a location from Kinzua to President, Pa., along the Allegheny River. Species included walleye and smallmouth bass. There were 14 two-person teams of anglers.