Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

June means time to be careful and mindful of water temperature. Bring a thermometer with you and check water temps before you begin fishing.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 6/17/25

Water levels remain a bit elevated for this time of year, with a fairly wet week ahead of us. Hatches remain a little spotty, although some morning caddis and evening mayfly action can be found. Looks like the last safe week to fish on the Lackawanna, as a heat wave appears to be on the way for the start of next week. Remember: afternoon t-storms don't cool things off. Rain falls on super-hot pavement and asphalt, dumping in warm water, not cool water.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/17/25

Nymphing the faster runs and riffles. Looking for morning/evening risers in the slower water.

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 14-16
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 14-16
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 14-16
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 16-18
Golden Stone N/A 10
Rusty Spinner N/A 12-16
Sulphur Parachute N/A 16
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:

Sulphurs #16 Tan Caddis #16

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City