Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The weather this time of year can be unsettled, and that means windy days. To combat that, you may want to use a stiff 5wt or 6wt rod, even if you're fishing small flies.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/8/25

We've seen pretty good amounts of BWOs the past week, both up and downstream of the shop, and some cooperative rising fish. Other days we've seen good bugs and no risers. Cold and windy today, with a minor warm up for the rest of the week. Still below average though. Thursday through Sunday looks rainy. So, expect elevated levels for the weekend, although I don't expect a blowout.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/8/25

Nymphing the deeper runs and pools. Looking for afternoon risers in the slower water. Should have decent streamer action if the water goes 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:

BWO 18-20 Black Caddis 16-18 Blue Quills 16-18 Midges 20-22

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City