Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Unless bugs are actively hatching, water temps are still chilly, so fish may not move too far for a meal. So, continue to fish nymphs and streamers slowly until water temps reach the mid and upper 40s.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/18/25

We're still running pretty high from the rain on Sunday, but no other significant rain is expected until the beginning of next week. So, levels should continue to drop steadily through the weekend. Today and tomorrow look nice, but the second half of the week and into the weekend look to be a bit cooler and breezy.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/18/25

Nymphing the deeper runs and pools. Looking for afternoon risers in the slower water. Should have decent streamer action if the water stays up over the next couple days.

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 16-18
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 16-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 16-18
Rojo Midge Olive 18-22
TH Zebra Midge Black 18-22
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:

Black Stones 14-16 BWO 18-20 Midges 20-22

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City