Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

100%Chart created using amCharts library

Water Temp:

55

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

After heavy spring rains, smaller tribs clear up and get back into shape faster than larger rivers. Take the opportunity to seek out some smaller, less pressured water.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 5/22/25

Cold and rainy to round out the week, with improvement as the holiday weekend goes on. Expect higher than average flows through Memorial Day, but we don't expect any major blow out over the next 48 hours. We've had some evening sulphur action if you can find slow enough water.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/22/25

Nymphing the faster runs and riffles. Looking for afternoon/evening risers in the slower water.

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 14-16
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 14-16
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 14-16
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 16-18
March Brown N/A 12
Rusty Spinner N/A 12-16
Sulphur Parachute N/A 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

Buy Now

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:

Sulphurs #16 March Browns #12

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City