DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Lackawanna River: Pennsylvania’s Revitalized Gem

Once considered an industrial casualty of Pennsylvania’s coal mining era, the Lackawanna River has undergone a remarkable transformation to become one of the Keystone State’s most promising fly fishing destinations. This 60-mile tributary of the Susquehanna flows through the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania, offering anglers a surprisingly productive urban and suburban fishing experience.

River Recovery

The Lackawanna’s recovery story is nothing short of remarkable. Decades of conservation efforts have turned what was once an orange-tinged, mine-drainage-polluted waterway into a thriving Class A wild trout stream along several sections. The river now supports healthy populations of wild brown trout, with supplemental stockings of rainbows and browns enhancing angling opportunities throughout the system.

Lackawanna River Wild Brown Trout

Ralph Scherder of Dark Skies Fly Fishing explores the Lackawanna River in Northeast PA for the first time and is rewarded with a beautiful wild brown trout.

Best Places to Fish the Lackawanna River

The Trophy Trout section between Olive Street in Scranton and Parker Street in Dunmore offers some of the best fly fishing. This catch-and-release, artificial-lures-only water holds impressive wild browns that have adapted perfectly to the river’s improving conditions. Downstream through Scranton, multiple access points provide convenient entry to productive pools and riffles.

Another standout area is the section near Archbald, where the river meanders through a mix of wooded areas and revitalized urban corridors. Here, deep runs against undercut banks hold some of the river’s largest trout.

Lackawanna River Fishing Map

Access Points

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail provides excellent access along much of the river’s course. Key entry points include:

• Olive Street access in Scranton
• Parker Street in Dunmore
• Archbald Fishing Park
• White Oak Park in Blakely

Lackawanna River – Trophy Trout Artificial Lures Only – 5.2 miles

Portions of the Lackawanna River are managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission under Trophy Trout Artificial Lures Only regulations.  The Trophy Trout section extends from the Gilmartin Street Bridge in Archbald downstream to the Lackawanna Avenue Bridge (SR 0347) in Olyphant, except a mid-section area extending 0.7 miles From the Depot Street Bridge in Jessup downstream to the footbridge in Robert Mellow Park. Fish must be at least 14″ to keep in the Trophy Trout section with a creel limit of two fish.

Tributaries Worth Exploring

Several tributaries of the Lackawanna River support trout populations and can provide excellent fishing opportunities. Here are the most notable ones:

1. Roaring Brook – This is perhaps the most significant tributary, and it holds a good population of wild brown trout, especially in its upper sections. Portions of Roaring Brook are designated as Class A wild trout waters.
2. Spring Brook – Another important tributary with wild brook trout in its headwaters and upper reaches. The lower sections receive stockings to supplement the fishery.
3. Leggetts Creek – This stream supports a mix of wild and stocked trout, with some sections holding surprisingly good numbers of wild browns.
4. Grassy Island Creek – A smaller tributary with native brook trout in its upper sections and some wild browns throughout.
5. Stafford Meadow Brook – Contains populations of wild brown trout in certain sections, especially in the less-developed upper reaches.
6. Eddy Creek – Has some wild brook trout in its headwaters and receives periodic stockings.
7. Keyser Creek – Despite historical mining impacts, restoration efforts have helped establish some trout populations in improved sections.

These tributaries often provide refuge for trout during warmer summer months when the main stem of the Lackawanna might experience higher temperatures. The smaller tributaries also tend to have more wild and native brook trout, especially in their headwater sections.

When fishing these tributaries, lighter tackle (3-4 weight rods) and stealthier approaches are typically necessary as the fish can be more easily spooked in the smaller water. Access can be more challenging on some of these streams compared to the main Lackawanna, so researching public access points beforehand is recommended.

Best Time to Fish the Lackawanna River

The best time to fly fish in the Lackawanna River is in the spring, from mid-April to late June. During this time, the water levels are typically higher and the temperature cooler, making the river more habitable for brown trout. Aquatic insect hatches are also abundant, providing trout with a plentiful food source and making them more active feeders.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Lackawanna River fly fishing season:

• Spring is the prime time for fly fishing on the Lackawanna River. The water is cool, and the hatches are abundant.
• Summer can be a bit more challenging. The water temperatures can rise, making the trout less active. However, there can still be good fishing in the early mornings and evenings or in areas with cooler water temperatures.
• Fall can also be a good time to fish, especially for larger brown trout. As the water temperatures start to cool down again, the trout feed more aggressively in preparation for winter.
• Winter is the most difficult time for flying fish on the Lackawanna River. In some places, the water temperatures can drop low enough to freeze the river. However, die-hard anglers can still find ice-free fishing opportunities on the river.

Lackawanna River Fly Hatches

The Lackawanna fishes well year-round, but early spring (March through May) brings the most consistent action as Blue Quill, Hendrickson, and Blue-Winged Olive hatches trigger feeding frenzies. Summer evenings see caddis and Light Cahill activity, while fall offers excellent terrestrial fishing and the chance at hooking larger browns preparing for spawn.

Winter fishing can be surprisingly productive, especially during midday hours when midges and small BWOs might appear.

Best Flies for Lackawanna River

Your box should include:

• Hendricksons (#12-14)
• Blue-Winged Olives (#18-22)
• Sulphurs (#14-16)
• Various caddis patterns (#14-18)
• Midges (#20-24)
• Stonefly nymphs (#8-12)
• Pheasant Tail and Hare’s Ear nymphs (#14-18)
• Woolly Buggers (#8-12)

Lackawanna River Fishing Report

A&G Outfitters publishes a Lackawanna River fishing report that provides current river conditions and a summary of the river’s fishing performance.

Stream Flow and Current Conditions

Be sure to check the stream conditions before fishing the Lackawanna River. The USGS stream gauge in Archbald, PA, provides a good indication of current conditions.

The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past seven days. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart), then fishing conditions may not be ideal.

Lackawanna River at Archbald, PA

• Streamflow: 52.5 ft³/s
• Gage height: 1.89 ft

USGS

Conservation Awareness

While fishing the Lackawanna, remember its fragile recovery story. Practice strict catch-and-release ethics on wild trout, and consider supporting the Lackawanna River Conservation Association, which continues vital work maintaining this urban gem.

The Lackawanna may not have the name recognition of Pennsylvania’s famous limestone streams, but for anglers seeking a convenient, productive fly fishing experience with a remarkable backstory of environmental recovery, this revitalized river delivers memorable days on the water right in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania’s urban landscape.

Trip Planning Tips

The Lackawanna River is easily accessible by car from many parts of Pennsylvania. Here’s how to get to the Lackawanna River from Scranton, the largest city nearby:

• Take I-81 N to Exit 58 for PA-347 N.
• Follow PA-347 N for about 6 miles to Scranton.

As for lodging, there are several options available including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in nearby towns like Scranton, Clarks Summit, and Dunmore.

Overall, a day trip to Lackawanna River for fly fishing for trout is sure to be a memorable experience with plenty of opportunities to catch some beautiful fish in a picturesque setting.

Looking for more places to fish in PA? Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania for information on other trout fishing destinations in the state.