Fishing Season: January thru June, Sept

Lackawanna River - PA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 46°

Temp:

46°

Water Temp:

50

A & G Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Lots of high water lately. If you plan on throwing streamers on a sunny day, fish early or fish late.

Directions open in app

Map of Lackawanna River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/18/24

Finally, a week without a major rain event. A couple of cooler, more seasonable days are in store for this weekend, and levels should be in good shape through the beginning of next week. Bugs have gotten a little quiet, but we should start seeing some daily caddis any day now.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/18/24

Working streamers in high water, bobber nymphing the deeper runs and holes, and looking for afternoon 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 14-18
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Green 14-18
Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback N/A 14-18
Blue Wing Olive Parachute N/A 18-20
Elk Wing Caddis Olive 14-16
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:

BWO 18-22 Olive Caddis 14-16

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

From Forest City through Scranton

Best Access:

Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant & Dickson City