Lehigh RiverCarbon County, 3/19/ 2012

[blueheron]

I worked on the new laundry room most of the weekend, then took the wife and son out yesterday afternoon, so I went for a little me time today. The lehigh is running low which is good for the bugs and the flyboys and I was pretty sure that I'd have the run of the river, especially considering the area I targeted. I got to the parking lot and unloaded my rig. There is no road access to this section of the river so I don't imagine it gets much pressure. The water temp was 52 degrees with stones and BWO's present as were the fish. I would like to insert the photos in relevant places but I'm clearly inept so they'll have to follow the report. This is what the water looked like. All my fish were caught subsurface on various stone patterns, I tried a dry/dropper without success and pretty much stuck with an articulated stone and a small dark soft hackle. The water level has exposed some interesting runs and pools and the fish were where I expected them to be. They were heavy fish and if I had somehow found a brookie the day would have been complete but the plunge pools were empty. Enjoy! I sure did.

 

[SBecker]

Nice report BH. Your the third guy that I have gotten some great reports on the Lehigh in a day. If you are looking for rising fish one of my buddies contacted me today through email where to find them. lots of BWOs, stoneflies, and midges. Pm me if you would like info. Seems like the rough weather last year will provide an excellent time this year.

 

[blueheron]

Midges! We don't need no stinkin' midges.

 

[vcregular]

Sweet report! That is the best way to get around the Gorge imo! I've heard more good reports so far this year for the Lehigh than all of last year!

I was well below you on Sunday, and had some very good dry fly fishing for April, let alone March! All fish are healthy and fat, and have been eating well.

Please take the time if you can to always document your catch with the LCFA and their online survey card. It's a great help to the PFBC in determining if fingerling stocking is adding anything to the angler experience on the Lehigh.

Becker, if I pm you, will you que in me in.... 🙂

 

[SBecker]

BH and VC pms sent to both. VC our mutual friend is the one that wire me in to the rising fish. You were with him lol

 

[greenlander]

Would love to head up and fish the Lehigh on foot while the water is low, having never fished that river.

Any info on how/where to access/fish that anyone is willing to send along via PM is very welcome.

 

[SBecker]

GL Shoot me a pm and after my Tu meeting tonight I will get back to you. It all depends what you are looking for from the river.

 

[vcregular]

GreenLander - You want locations.... check this map out. Remember it is off limits from the dam (Francis E Walter) down to Sandy Run. Which is near the top end of the Gorge. Below that though is all open water this time of year, and it is full of trout. With the current conditions the fishing is prolly really good anywhere. Just have to poke around. The Lehigh does not come easy, and a lot of people hit it one time, and are either turned off by the size, ie., intimidation - you know most PA anglers are used to small water - or just pick a wrong day due to the fact they don't consult the releases from Walter.

In fact the Corps might just cut back the release a bit more in order to skim a bit more water to fill the lake in order to have water for the white water releases, and meager fisheries augmentation this summer.

**ooops, just looked and the Corps did already ratchet back a bit. Might be looking at 300cfs from the dam for the weekend. Which translates to a great wade level throughout the whole trouty portion of the river.

 

[blueheron]

VC is right on. If you ever wanted to fish bigger water, now is the time. Some of the runs are downright creeky with the current flows. The Lehigh fish don't always show themselves but if you have skills and knowledge and fish confidently you will do OK.

 

[Tups]

Fellas: Nice report. Gorgeous river, never fished it. Water looks perfect for a team of wet flies. You say that 300 cfs is wadable. What flow rate would you consider dangerous to wade in the gorge? Thanks

 

[CLSports]

I've biked that Gorge sections many times, but never fished it. I actually had never even seen anyone else fishing it either. Good to know the fish are thriving there.

The only way to access most of those spots is to hike in a good distance or bike it. I will have to bring a rod with me next time. I do recognize the one spot you were fishing.

This is one river that is in no danger of spot burning. I think many people won't bother to bike/hike that far in to fish, but you can have the river to yourself; at least until the rafters come by . . .

 

[blueheron]

What gorge?

 

[CLSports]

I stand corrected. It seemed to me from the pics that was the location. Makes more sense now.

 

[blueheron]

I took my screen name from a tussle I was having with a nesting pair of blue herons that were using my pond as a takeout joint. We came to an understanding but not before I looked at life from a heron's point of view . I now realize they are the supreme fishers and I'm happy to roust them cause I know I've found the fish and besides it's their livelihood and our recreation. I also found myself feeling the need to fish alone and there's no better place for that than the beautiful Lehigh. And the scenery ain't half bad. The only section I haven't waded is between Lehighton and Mauch Chunk .

 

[RRR]

Has the Commission changed the law about not being allowed to fish approved trout waters and "all areas downstream of said waters" from March 1st until the opening day of the season? Or have I been reading the rule incorrectly all these years? It doesn't seem to read exactly the same as it used to. Questioned a fish warden about this several years back and his reply was that trout can and do swim down stream out of the approved section hence you weren't allowed to fish said downstream areas either.

 

[SBecker]

RRR, there is another recent thread regarding that issue. Basically the Lehigh is a whole different beast. You can legally fish below Sandy.

 

[RRR]

Becker Thanks for the info. Never really knew what the deal was up there.

 

[greenlander]

Man, did I ever pick the wrong day to try to fish the gorge for the first time. By far the windiest conditions I've ever tried to fish in.

And the sun was so bright, the conditions weren't great for picture making either. Here's a few pics anyway.

 

[SBecker]

Amazing pictures. No fishys?

 

[blueheron]

Purty. That wind contributed greatly to my new earring. They are pooled up at this point,keep at it.