Although the in-season trout stockings have been completed in the district anglers were still seeing and catching a good number of trout on most of the approved trout waters.  Live bait such as minnows, paste baits and spinners have been effective on a number of different approved trout waters.   Nesquehoning Creek recently received a trout stocking by a local club for a fishing event last weekend.  Fishing pressure on most waters has been light due to the recent rainy and cooler weather. 

Anglers were catching nice size bass (catch & release only) at both Mauch Chunk Lake and Beltzville Lake.  A few pickerel measuring 24 inches have been caught from shore at Beltzville Lake near the Preachers Camp boat access area.  Crappie action remained good at Mauch Chunk Lake along the north shore of the lake just west of the swimming area.  

As the boating season is about to begin and before venturing out onto water, take the time to check all the necessary boating equipment on board your watercraft such as PFDs (personal flotation devices), fire extinguisher (if required) sound producing device and any other necessary equipment including a current registration if required.  May 18 - 24 is Safe Boating Week.  Don’t become a statistic because you didn’t wear your PFD.  Wear your PFD and encourage others as well.  Take the Pledge, Wear It Pennsylvania.

Lackawanna County

Fishing has been sporadic at best over the past week and there's anybody's guess on what the recent cold snap will bring. 

Catch rates at the PA American Water Company Reservoirs have really not taken off yet.  Occasionally the bluegills really turn on but no real success stories to write about. 

The fishing at Lackawanna Lake has been similar and a few nice crappies and blue gills have been caught over the past week.  Boating activity has been almost non-existent but better days are ahead.

A few nice trout were caught at the Roaring Brook and South Branch Tunkhannock over the past week.  Anglers can still catch a limit of trout behind the Lackawanna State Park Lake in the spillway.  Pinhead bait might just do the trick.

Monroe County

The Lehigh River and Tobyhanna Creek were recently stocked and anglers were having good success catching brown trout on a variety of natural and artificial baits.

DCNR Forester Tim Bakos assisted with the stocking at the Bushkill on May 15th. Tim had a small stocking tank attached to the pickup and he helped ensure that the trout were spread out along the stream. A big thank you to Tim and all of the volunteers for their help stocking!

Northern Pike County

Anglers were having good success catching crappies and pickerel using natural baits at smaller impoundments.

Susquehanna County

Water levels have risen at Quaker Lake and several nice sized largemouth bass and bluegill have been seen from the Commission dock.

Water temperatures have remained relatively cold. Even though it is not required this time of year, boaters are encouraged to wear their life jackets. A disoriented swimmer who was recently encountered did not know his name, where he came from, or his birth date. The water temperature was 63 degrees.

Southern Wayne County

Anglers were having good success catching crappies and pickerel using natural baits at smaller impoundments.

Anglers targeting walleye on the upper Susquehanna River & Chemung River had some success but said that water conditions were not optimal.  Some May rain might change that.

It’s a good idea to go over your boating equipment thoroughly before heading out to your favorite water.  A few minutes of checks could prevent a major problem out on the water.  Ensure PFDs are in serviceable condition, check fire extinguishers as needed and make sure you have all of the necessary equipment to enjoy your day.

Carbon County

The fishing pressure has remained light to moderate on most of the streams even though the majority of the approved trout waters have received an in-season trout stocking.  Most streams were flowing low and clear.  Anglers using live bait (minnows and waxworms), paste bait and spinners had the most success catching trout.  Anglers fishing the Lehigh River near Bowmanstown did well catching trout. Stick baits and spinners were effective on the river.  

A few anglers fishing Mauch Chunk Lake caught nice size crappies.  Live minnows were the bait of choice.  Bass (catch and release) and Pickerel action remained good at Mauch Chunk Lake. 

A number of striped bass and walleye were caught in Beltzville Lake near the upper reaches of the Pohopoco Creek and Wild Creek bay area of the lake.  

Anglers and boaters are reminded that although the regulatory buoys such as Slow No Wake, Ski Area are not in place on Beltzville Lake, the regulations pertaining to the slow no wake and water ski area are in effect and enforced.  Maps are located at each boat launch indicating the regulated areas of the lake.  

A basic boating class will be held at Beltzville Lake on May 14th and May 16th from 6 pm to 10 pm each night at the Beltzville Environmental Interpretive Center.  There is no charge for the course, but all participants must pre-register by contacting the Park Office (610) 377-0045 and attend both sessions.  The boating safety education course is required for all operators of a Personal Watercraft (PWC) or anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 that operates a motorboat of more than 25 horsepower.       

Lackawanna County

What a difference a week makes.  Warmer weather this past week has created better fishing conditions as plenty of pickerel, blue gills and even the black crappies were starting to bite across the area lakes and ponds.

If you’re a trout angler, plenty of trout were caught on Monday (May 6th) in the Roaring Brook.  The Roaring Brook was stocked in Dunmore and through Scranton with brook and brown trout.  The fish were above average size. 

There are still plenty of trout in the South Branch Tunkhannock and Lackawanna Rivers as well.

Remember a trout stamp is required to fish in approved trout waters (until the end of May), whether you intend to keep any trout.

Manny Gorden Pond in McDade Park, Scranton is also loaded with trout.  The pond was stocked for youth 12 years old and younger through the cooperative nursery program partnership with the Fish & Boat Commission.  Young anglers have had much success over the past week.

It might be time to start thinking about getting your boat ready for the upcoming Memorial weekend.  Make sure all the required safety equipment is on board and is in good serviceable condition and that your registration is current.  Registration renewals can be done online at the Fish & Boat Commission's website.

Northern Luzerne & Northern Columbia Counties

Fish have been biting all over the district.  Crappies were being pulled from Harveys Lake (concentrate on the structure and the inlet).  Nice bluegill and perch have also been caught around the district. 

Harris Pond has started producing some decent bluegill as well. 

Area Approved Trout Waters are still being stocked and in most of them we are putting fish on top of others already there.

Monroe County

Anglers were out in large numbers this past weekend.  The sunny and mild days brought them out in record numbers and even a few boaters were out on kayaks.  Most people seemed to be going for trout with mealworms or regular worms.

Southern Pike & Northeastern Monroe Counties

Shad fishing has been incredible in the district. I have seen a lot of schools of shad at various locations under patrol boat. There was a heavy run of shad on the Delaware River from Bushkill Boat Ramp all the way up to Milford Beach Boat Ramp.

Also more good news, The National Park Service has received contributions and Milford Beach will no longer be closing.

Water flow is low for this time of year but with multiple days of rain in the immediate forecast this should help the situation. Water temperature was at 61 degrees and anglers were taking full advantage of another great shad run.

Northern Wayne County

In-season trout stocking is in full swing.  The streams are full of stocked trout.

Junior Kenyon helps stock Equinunk Creek

The bluegill fishing has been sporadic.  Large crappies were hitting light colored jigs near structure in Prompton Dam.  Chain pickerel were hitting live bait at Miller Pond. An occasional bass has been caught as well.

Becky McKenrick with a large crappie

Chad McKenrick sports a largemouth bass

Southern Wayne County

Anglers were having great success fishing at Fairview Lake and West Branch Wallenpaupack Creek using a variety of natural and artificial baits.  The fish were very cooperative and the water temperature was 60-61 degrees.

Wyoming County

Trout fishing continued throughout the area.  In-season stockings in the county are scheduled to conclude this Thursday. 

Lots of anglers were on the Susquehanna River over the weekend.  Some caught a lot of fish but others said they did not have much luck.  River conditions were good although slightly low for the time of year.  Lots of panfish were caught throughout the area. 

Anglers fishing at trout streams in Sullivan and Bradford County had success using nymphs and a variety of live or natural baits.  Trout seemed to be rising in the evening but were not taking top water flies yet.

Southern Columbia & Southern Luzerne Counties

Anglers have had little trouble finding suitable fishing on local trout waters.  Opening day proved successful for many anglers and that success continued as the in-season stockings are underway.  Anglers have been catching fish on a variety of baits and lures, from paste baits and bread, to the most delicately crafted hand tied flies, and everything in between.

Fishing pressure has been light on the Susquehanna River due to the high water levels.  Many anglers have been eagerly preparing for the walleye season opening on May 4th.

All anglers and boaters are reminded to review the summary book completely before heading onto the water and to pay close attention to the posters regarding special regulations on the waters that they fish or boat.

Although May 1st marks the end of mandatory PFD wear, all boaters are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD any time they are on the water.

Until next time, tight lines.

Monroe County

Anglers had a very good weekend on stocked private lakes and state approved trout waters. The weather and temperatures were just right and the trout were biting. Trout in lakes seemed to go after meal worms, while creek trout either went for eggs or spinners.

Tobyhanna Lake was recently stocked with brook trout and anglers were having good success using a variety of artificial and natural baits.

Southern Pike County

There have been lots of people enjoying the nice weather and just having a chance to relax while trout fishing throughout the district.  The water temperatures were still a little chilly which has kept the fish from being caught.  There are still plenty of trout in the area to be caught. 

Crappie have been starting to bite as well. Shohola Lake seemed to be a great spot for this along with Greely Lake. 

Shad were up as far as the Zane Gray Access on the Delaware River. If you have never tried fishing for shad this is a great time to try your luck on a great fighting fish.

Boating season is soon upon us.  Right now the water temperatures are still in the 50’s and everyone is strongly encouraged to wear your PFD's and to be safe out there.

Susquehanna County

Anglers were doing very well at Quaker Lake. One angler even caught a trout on a bare hook!

The mandatory cold weather Personal Floatation Device wear for boats under 16' and all canoes and kayaks will end for the season on April 30th.  However, water temperatures have remained in the mid 50's throughout the county. Use caution when getting out on the water and make sure you let somebody know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Wyoming County

Fishing opportunities have been abundant in the area.  Many trout remain in area trout streams from pre-season stockings and in-season stockings are under way as well. 

Anglers fishing from boats caught quality smallmouth bass over the weekend.  I've seen a number of panfish from many area lakes as well.  It's a great time to be an angler in Wyoming County.