Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Times of hatches may vary based on weather. Expect hatches to be later on sunny, warm days and earlier on cloudy, cooler days.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/14/24

An unsettled stretch of weather expected through the week and into the weekend. Nothing too cold or too wet, but expect flows to remain on the high side a little longer. Sulphurs should remain out for at least the next week.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/14/24

Looking for mid day or evening risers and nymphing the faster runs, riffles and pockets.

Local Species Available January thru June, Sept

  • Fish Icon

    Browns

A & G Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A 14-18
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 14-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 14-18
Sulphur Parachute N/A 14-16
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 14-16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Blk/Olv 4-6

Tunghead Pheasant Tail

Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.

2.99

Item #144J

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A & G Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lackawanna River

The Lackawanna River begins in the southeast corner of Susquehanna County where its East and West Branches flow into Stillwater Reservoir, just south of Uniondale and about four miles north of Forest City. The final 3 miles of the river before its confluence with the Susquehanna have been too severely scarred by acid mine drainage to support any aquatic life. The remaining 37 miles below the dam contain significant populations of mostly wild, naturally reproducing brown trout, with little to no private water. Nearly 18 of those miles are designated by the PFBC as either "Class A Wild" or "Trophy Trout" water. There is an additional 8 miles of "Approved Trout" water above that. The remaining lower 11 unspecified miles have produced some of the largest fish in the river. Only the 8 miles of "Approved Trout" water are closed from March 1 to the opening day of trout season.

Nearest Airport:

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

Hatches:

Sulphur 14-16 BWO 18-22 Olive Caddis 14-16 Tan Caddis 16-18

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City