Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

72

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

We're in the midst of summer and it's time to pay very close attention to water temps. Early morning is the safest window, as the warmest water temp of the day will be around 5pm. Evening is not a good option.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 8/20/26

We're getting a decent dump of rain today and it looks like another shot is in store for Sunday. That, combined with cooler look temps next week should put us in decent shape as we head into September. Things may be a little muddy tomorrow (Friday), but conditions might be decent for the weekend.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/20/26

Nymphing the faster runs and riffles and looking for early morning risers.

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
Holy Grail Olive 14-16
Tunghead Hare’s Ear Flashback N/A 16-18
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 16-18
Griffith’s Gnat N/A 18
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Blk/Olv 4-6

Tunghead Pheasant Tail

Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.

3.99

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:

Tan Caddis #14-16

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Olyphant

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City