Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Even though water temps across the region have greatly improved over the past couple weeks, when flows are still very low this time of year, it still may be best to fish for bass or find a tailwater until conditions improve on the freestones.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 9/3/25

These slightly below average temperatures look like they're going to last through the weekend, and they've cooled off the water quite a bit. It appears water temps shouldn't be a problem going forward. The levels are a bit of a different story. We've been in a pretty good dry stretch for a while, and it doesn't look like much in the immediate forecast. We'd still recommend easing off the trout during these low water periods until levels improve. The spawn is coming up soon and we don't want any additional stress on the fish.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/3/25

Nymphing the faster water and looking for afternoon 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
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Tan/Green 16-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 16-18
Elk Wing Caddis Tan/Olive 16-18
Flying Ant Blk/Cinn 16-18
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:

BWOs #18-20 Flying Ants #16-18 Tan Caddis #16 Olive Caddis #16

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City