New To The River
Insect Species
Fly Patterns
Fish
Streams Near By
D&H Canal

New To the River? . . .

The Lackawaxen is primarily a warm water stream. Except for the the last 10 miles before emptying into the Delaware River at Zane Grey Pool. The Lake Wallenpaupack PPL power generating station is just above the Kimbles Road Bridge. Here, water is added to the Lackawaxen during power generation runs cooling the warmer upstream temperature in summer. The colder water comes from the depths of Lake Wallenpaupack making conditions excellent for trout.
CAUTION: During full power runs wading can be VERY DANGEROUS and is not recommended. To get the power generating schedule call PPL at 1.800.807.2474 or click here.

The Lackawaxen River is stocked by the State of Pennsylvania once pre-season and several times in season. Over the last few years there has been little evidence of hold over fish. The PA Fish and Boat Commission considers the Lackawaxen to be a 'put and take' stream. I think this is a myopic view by the Commission. Brown Trout, Rainbows and Book Trout are all stock in the Lackawaxen. Brookies also entire the river through it tributaries. Most notedly Blooming Grove Creek where the BG Club maintains a private hatchery. There are species other than trout in the river. Smallmouth Bass are real common. Rock Bass, Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish and Chub are caught regularly. I've even sell Largemouth cruising in a couple of slow moving pools. In the spring shad have been known to come up from the Delaware. I even heard of Stripped Bass.

There a lots of bugs during the spring season from mid April to mid June . There are many types of Caddis, Mayflies, Stones and Midges. The bugs are smaller than the same bugs on the Beaverkill or West Branch of the Delaware and appear 10 days to 2 weeks earlier.

Matching the hatch can be really hard - just like most trout streams. In the early spring Adams patterns match a lot of the darker bug. Several patterns of the Shad Fly Caddis should work. Wets, dries nymphs all a required when you aren't seeing a rises. Caddis pupa weighted with shot. Big Stone patterns are essential. Visit Charlie Brights shop for the correct patterns. If you don't 'roll your own' flies this is probably your best resource.

The weather has been very cruel to the Upper-Delaware region of the past 4 or 5 years. The Lackawaxen has been hit really hard every year for the past 3 years. Many of the pools have been heavily modified. Last June the Tow Path was heavily damaged. The Swinging Bridge was wiped out. Much of the bottom is changed. So far this winter there hasn't been any ice and water levels have been high. This is going effect any hold over fish and the insect populations. Will the bugs be back? 2007 will be a transitional year. Lets hope for more gentle weather and a coolish spring.

Toget the best feel for the stream ride up and down the Tow Path to familiarize yourself with pools and parking locations. Look for water that you like. There's a lot of variety to choose from. Pools, riffles, pocket water and more. Get your hands on the map.•• The Tow Path (SR 4006) is in in contact with the river all the way from Molly's to the Delaware with a short interruption at the Lackawaxen Town buildings. There is ample parking and in most cases fairly easy access to fishing. There is a fair share of POSTED access though. This comes in 2 flavors. The all to familiar welcome to Pennsylvania POSTED stay off my land style of posting. And the posting that allows access for fishing only. Much of the access is unposted. In either case respect the right of the landowners. It is through their generosity that we are allowed access to this beautiful stream.

Wading can be tough. The bottom has a lot of rocks left over from the era of the Delaware & Hudson Canal and the building of the PPL dam. Felt soled or spiked soled wading boots or corkers and belted chest waders are essential equipment. A wading staff is very helpful. I recommend a foldable staff attached to your wading belt. Like most streams the easiest wading spots aren't necessarily the most productive.

**The map is available at Brights Shop on the Tow Path at the corner of route 590 in Rowland, PA