Lehigh River, Carbon County – 28 April 2019

[Millsertime]

Took advantage of a fish release from FEW. Since it was a grey and dreary day, I figured there should be good mayfly action. I’ve wanted to fish the long flat section above the 940 bridge in White Haven for a while so I headed there.

There were good numbers of mayflies floating on this section of the river and within a couple of minutes, I started noticing heads. Majority mayflies appeared to be BWO (size 16-18). The birds were eating more mayflies off the river surface than the fish were but there were enough rises that I tied on a dry. Fished an Adams and BWO (catskill style for both).

Fished from approximately 3:30-5:30 pm. Caught 4 browns, all on the Adams. Missed 3-4 others. Browns appeared to be stocked fish but were in good condition. I purchased a 10’ 5 wt Orvis Clearwater from the Swap Forum a year or so ago and it has become my Lehigh rod. I was roll casting dry flies half the distance of the river yesterday with a delicate presentation. I can only hope we don’t get slammed with rain again this year because fishing the Lehigh during 400 cfs or less is a great experience.

Somebody posted on PAFF last week that the Lehigh and Brodhead were comparable in difficulty of wading. The Lehigh is by far more difficult (IMO). I’m 36 and in good health and those snot rocks on the Lehigh are brutal. I highly doubt I’ll be able to wade the Lehigh when I’m in my 60’s or older. It doesn’t even compare to the Brodhead.

Hopefully this Lehigh stream report prompts others that fished the Lehigh this weekend to report what they saw…

 

[timmyt]

I was gonna go up for a first light session yesterday morning but never made it, the rain forecast was iffy and it was gonna be cold.

Looks like the flow is back to 1500 now. I want to go up Friday, hopefully the flows will come down this week and friday will be good with or without the fishing release

 

[SurfCowboyXX]

It was I who was discussing the ankle-breaking nature of both streams, and what I'm guessing is that I'm fishing a a different stretch of the Brodhead than you are. I've yet to fall in the Gorge, but I apparently routinely get wet on the Brodhead. My issues are less about slick rocks and more about the angle they're situated. I wear cleated boots.

 

[Millsertime]

Surf...Funny how people's opinions differ.

I've fished every public stretch of the Brodhead from the Delaware to Analomink and the few public places above the clubs (Canadensis). Around Analomink, wading is more difficult but I still wouldn't say as difficult as the Lehigh. I've only fished a fraction of the Lehigh but everywhere from FEW to Jim Thorpe; wading has been the worst I've experienced. If I fish it for 8+ hours, my knees are weak the next day.

That said, I have went swimming more in the Bhead but that's only because I've fished it so much more. I purchased some felt boots from Cabela's a couple of years ago to fish the Lehigh. I think they're worse and haven't tried them again since. I've been using Vibram soled Simms boots with KoldKutters. Decent but not great.

 

[DaveKile]

NIce report. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Tigereye]

I fished the river just downstream near the 80 overpass between 6 and 8:30 on the same day. I did have passing thoughts about fishing above 940 but a certain brown trout was calling me. Fished nymphs (green caddis larvae and BHPT both in 16 most of the evening, then switched to a #10 peacock & black WB the last 1/2 hour). Did not move a fish. Also did not notice any significant insect activity, the wind was up and may have been blowing them around.

There was a guy below me that appeared to be fishing wet flies. I noticed him landing one or two.

Yes, the river at 300-350 is pure nirvana fishing. Only gonna get better if flows begin to normalize. Hopefully we dont have a 2018 rerun.


Agree on the difficult of walking the Lehigh. Its like walking on greased bowling balls. I will be 60 this year, in pretty good shape, and I do not go near the river without a wading staff. More out of respect than fear. (I was ignorant in my younger days).

I seldom use it on the Brodheads.

 

[blueheron]

You don’t give yourself enough credit, you’ll be able to wade in your 60’s. I fished with my buddy up north on the Androscoggin which runs a close second to the Lehigh in wading difficulty and he was well into his 80’s. You just have to anchor each step before lifting up the next foot. I’m anxious to get on the river, thanks for the report.

 

[LehighRegular]

Good report. Nice to see some targets. Lehigh is tough to wade no matter what the flows/releases. Felt/Stud soled boots are a must. Wading staff is a must as well. Below FEW and through the Gorge is tough and gives you a work out, but can be rewarding. Below Jim Thorpe things become a little more gentle and wading a bit easier but the above gear is still needed.

 

[falcon]

Vibram or rubber soles with studs slide on many slanted rocks. felt with studs is better and the newer aluminum bars are probably best.
My opinion.