Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

35

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Even though the active spawning has passed, there are still numerous spawning beds up and down the river with eggs on them. If you choose to fish over the next couple weeks, be extra careful where you wade. Preferably fish near shore and try to wade on rocky, not gravel, areas.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 12/17/24

A couple above average days to start this week, and another decent shot of rain expected Wednesday night into Thursday. So, we should see a decent bump in flow headed into the weekend, as the air turns arctic, with highs only in the 20s until Christmas Eve. The weather after Christmas is looking promising.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/17/24

Nymphing the deeper runs and pools.

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 Tan 16-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 16-18
Griffith's Gnat N/A 18-20
Rojo Midge Blk/Olv 18-20
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:

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