Good to know. We usually do our own shuttles, but that could be helpful at times. I've tried to get an Uber at the Gap launch once and they had no idea how to get there! Also nearly impossible to get an Uber at the Rte 33 launch. Would he go that far down river?
Lehigh River, Carbon County 4/15/26
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SBecker
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Probably not 33, such we live in Palmerton. I usually schedule it ahead down that way and don't have much issue.
bringthepain
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Lots of guys on here and elsewhere saying the bug life is lacking, my experience has been similar. What are you guys thoughts?
SBecker
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I mean, what are we comparing it too? I had a blizzard hatch of Caddis, Blue Quills, and March Browns, Large stoneflies and other mayflies I wasn't able to get identification on yesterday. River was filled with bugs. Fish looking up...not so much.
Air Temps 72
Water Temps 55 (1pm) and 58.2 (7pm)
Middle of river.
bringthepain
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I know i dont spend as many days out there as you but i havent seen but a bug here and there since june 2024. That was the last time i saw even a decent hatch out there. Turning over rocks in places i used to see a good amount of bugs has also yielded very little. 2 middle river trips and one lower river this year so far. I saw 1 march brown and maybe 6 caddis last week. Cloudy overcast day, etc
SBecker
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I mean, I think its like any river. One day they are there, next they are not. I have no concerns about bug life. I see plenty of great hatches. I will say, I have noticed the grannoms have been lacking the last few years. Thats the only one I have taken a mental note of.
bringthepain
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It very well could be i just havent been showing up on the right days, i have a habit of that. Glad to hear you say that honestly because i was concerned
Andrwhite610
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Planning a day for next Sunday in the gorge. What can I expect for rafters and kayakers in the first half of the day?
wildtrout2
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I doubt rafters and kayakers will be any kind of an issue. I'd think the river is still cold enough to keep a lot of folks away. SBecker can probably give the best answer.
SBecker
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HA! No way. The fishing guides on the Lehigh have already had an issue with the rafters this year that involved speaking with one of the rafting companies. One of the rafting guides caused a big issue.
Anyways, in regards to the question, Its a white water release weekend, flows will be higher and the rafters and kayakers will be out in full force. I would stay clear of the gorge.
wildtrout2
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That's interesting! I honestly thought that water temp would keep them at bay. 😆
SBecker
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They just wear wet suits lol
bringthepain
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Its only a WW release on Sat. Fishing release on Sunday and its mothers day, i'd imagine the place will be pretty empty Sun
SBecker
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Nah, you will still have the rafters, but yes, less then Saturday. I missed him saying he was going Sunday.
Andrwhite610
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Sorry the following Sunday not this Sunday. I imagine this Sunday is a good day for single/childless folks to capitalize on thinner crowds…I’m assuming there is a flow release schedule I have not yet looked up?
SBecker
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Yeah, its the same thing. Whitewater release both Saturday's. Fisheries on Sunday. For anyone that is looking to fish the middle river, it takes 9 hours of the bubble of water to reach Lehighton and 12 hours to Walnutport. Just a little data for ya to plan fishing around releases. Relatively the same time frame when they cut back water.
Andrwhite610
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Hit the gorge this morning. Nymphed up a mixture of stocked rainbows and wild browns. Nothin major landed about 7. But the main attraction was the black bear I watched ponder a river crossing and then turn back. I lost sight of it and went back to fishing. Next thing I know it’s mid river standing on top of a 10 foot tall boulder like the king of the world. First time I’ve seen a bear while fishing. I’ll never forget the sight of it standing on that boulder!
Nymph-wristed
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June 9th 2026
Air: 47 to start, 78 by end of the day
Water: 59-60 coming out the dam, cooler in the gorge, she's warming up the pipes, though
Gage: under 500 CFS at Lehighton, way lower in White Haven
Location: Gorge
Bugs: Not much hatching, but slate drakes, sallies, black and gray caddis, probably enough big mayflies present at times because fish came up for big attractors.
Been a minute since I've been on the river! I made up for that with a lonnnnnnggg day, starting at 6 AM with @lars in the gorge and ending with the evening dry fly bite with @Tigereye around 8 PM. A simple 16 Adams did the trick on top. 90% stockers but some surprises in the mix too.
Fish were a bit persnickety all day, but it was a steady pick at least. It's been hot, and the water still had color from the weekend releases. I may have caught 8 browns and 3 rainbows in the first round, and then after a break, I met up with Joe in the afternoon, and we landed another 8-10 each on dries. I caught the donkey below on a heavy jig streamer, a 5.5 mm tung bead + another 3.3 added to get it into the spot quickly. The other browns in the morning shift were about average.
btw, I don't recommend wet wading for 15 hours if you care about your undercarriage.
Air: 47 to start, 78 by end of the day
Water: 59-60 coming out the dam, cooler in the gorge, she's warming up the pipes, though
Gage: under 500 CFS at Lehighton, way lower in White Haven
Location: Gorge
Bugs: Not much hatching, but slate drakes, sallies, black and gray caddis, probably enough big mayflies present at times because fish came up for big attractors.
Been a minute since I've been on the river! I made up for that with a lonnnnnnggg day, starting at 6 AM with @lars in the gorge and ending with the evening dry fly bite with @Tigereye around 8 PM. A simple 16 Adams did the trick on top. 90% stockers but some surprises in the mix too.
Fish were a bit persnickety all day, but it was a steady pick at least. It's been hot, and the water still had color from the weekend releases. I may have caught 8 browns and 3 rainbows in the first round, and then after a break, I met up with Joe in the afternoon, and we landed another 8-10 each on dries. I caught the donkey below on a heavy jig streamer, a 5.5 mm tung bead + another 3.3 added to get it into the spot quickly. The other browns in the morning shift were about average.
btw, I don't recommend wet wading for 15 hours if you care about your undercarriage.
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Tigereye
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Pretty good rundown Chris. Always enjoy our time together. Yes, the fish were a bit persnickety. Once the sun got off the water they were a bit more cooperative, which is no surprise to anyone. Here you are in your Orvis pose with what I believe was the first fish of the evening.
Stay "cool"
Stay "cool"
