I want to fish the Lehigh

[Big_Spinner]

Hi,

When will things get cranking on the Lehigh and what stretch should I try?

How is the wading?

Can I float it?

Is there any access?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[beeber]

Lehigh

Hi Jim,

I plan on doing a bunch of floating on the Lehigh this year in my pontoon boat.

Check out LRSA.ORG (lehigh river stocking assoc). That site has good info.

Last year, late March, early April had little black stoneflies, lasting until early May. Nymphs seem to work best. Then there's Quill Gordons and Hendricksons mid-April. The Hendricksons usually get the fish looking up. The sulphurs hatched well last year too.

I usually float around Palmerton, Lehighton and Bowmans, but upstream is good too. The raft hatch gets heavy as the weather warms.

Beeber

 

[BigBrownE]

Lehigh River

Jim

I guide on the river and know it quite well.

Wading is and can be difficult at spring levels. The first USGS link will tell you what the release is from the reservoir. The second link will give you an idea how much "runoff" from the tribs is entering the river. I use the second link to gauge whether or not the fishing levels are good.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv/?site_no=01447800&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv/?site_no=01449000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010

To wade the lower river (Lehigh Gorge and below Jim Thorpe), I dont recommend anything over 1000 cfs at the Lehighton gauge but there are places you can wade effectively if you know them well. THe "Upper" water below the FEW Reservoir, if the release is over 500 cfs you have to be careful.

The best stretch to float the river is from just below the Lehigh Gorge (Glen Onoko) down to Triechlers. The stretch I focus mostly on is from Jim Thorpe to Walnutport. Give me a shout or send me an email at info@flyfishpa.net and I will try to give you directions to Launch locations. Also, check out our website. www.flyfishpa.net Surf the 2004 reports for info.

As beeber said, the fishing usually doent get good untill after PA's opening day when the Hendricksons start cranking. The sulphur and olive (#14) hatches in May and June last year were fantastic.

Give me a shout when you plan to hit the river. If you float it, make sure you are in good shape, your arms will get a work out...its nothing like the UPPER D!!

Dean

 

[Big_Spinner]

Wow,

Great stuff,

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Andre]

Beeber, I have a pontoon I've used twice. would love to float that section with you. Let me as things get closer. Jim, I usually wade around the rt 80 bridge up in White Haven when the water is running less than 500 CFS. The same goes for wading below the dam. I really enjoy the Lehigh as it's beautiful and not all that crowded. Great place for the family in the White Haven area and Jim Thorpe area. lots of outdoor activities.

 

[shware]

Hi,

Are there any shuttle services for the more popular Lehigh runs?

Thanks!


Shawn

 

[BigBrownE]

shawn

I have a friend in the area the runs my trailer for me. He charges around $25.

If you need a shuttle, shoot me an email and I will see if he will do it for you.

info@flyfishpa.net

Dean

 

[beeber]

Lehigh Float

Andre,

Check your PM. I would be happy to meet for a float.

Beeber
beeberfly@lycos.com

 

[beeber]

Lehigh Float

shware,

There are several whitewater operators for the gorge and surrounding areas. I am sure you could arrange a shuttle.

Beeber

 

[Big_Spinner]

Thanks for al the info.

Is a low side drift boat okay, or would a high side be better?

We will have to get together for a Lehigh day!

Jim

 

[BigBrownE]

Jim

High side is much better. But you shouldnt have any problems with a low side, maybe a little splash over in some of the rapids.

I actually just bought a low-profile this year. At normal flows you shouldnt have a problem.

Keep me in the loop regarding a get together.

Dean

 

[Big_Spinner]

Looks like no rain through the weekend.

How is the Lehigh looking for a float mid-week next week?

Suggested float? From where to where?

Any bugs yet?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[beeber]

Hi Jim,

Some light bug activity has been reported, mainly downstream of the FEW dam. I am considering a float the end of next week (21st or 22nd).

Tight lines,

beeber

 

[BigBrownE]

Jim
Flows should be ideal next week. The Corps will be filling the lake to comply with the Flow Plan for 2005. Not sure how much they will cut it back but they have till May 1st to put 35 feet of water in the lake.

Blue Quills, Quill Gordons and Hendricksons should start poping anytime now. THe lil black stones should be hatching very good. Also be prepared for some caddis too.

Suggested Floats:

Glen Onoko to Lehighton - full day trip
Lehighton to Bowmanstown - about a 4-5 hr trip, but could be stretched out to 7hrs
Bowmanstown to Walnutport - full day trip
(be careful of a low-head dam above Palmerton, scoot to right and walk boat down threw breach in dam)

Email me for more details if you need them, info@flyfishpa.net

Dean