Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

74

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Time to pack it in for the summer on the Lack! Levels are too low and temps are too warm. Hopefully we get some decent weather in September and can get back on the water a bit before the spawn in October.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/24/24

Summer flows and summer temps.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/24/24

Finding a tailwater for trout or going bass fishing!

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 14-18
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 14-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 14-18
Rusty Spinner N/A 14-18
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 16-18
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer Blk/Olv 4-6

Tunghead Pheasant Tail

Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.

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:

Olive Caddis 14-16 Tan Caddis 16-18

Best Time to Fish:

None

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City