Lehigh river 6/8/25:

[AndyS]

Lehigh river @ 1500 CFS. The Lehigh finally dropped down to wadable numbers so I thought I would give it a try. Pretty much came up with the same results as last time I fished it from the banks in 2019. After a dismal NY trip I thought I would give Pa. a try. My problem when it comes to trout fishing is I like to fish really big rivers, just not into "creek" fishing. I mean I will hit the N and S branches for SMB and what not, it's just that I like big water. Most of the streams in NJ I can spit across, I guess some find joy in that. One thing I forgot is just how hard the Lehigh is to wade, round rocks with a nice thin coating of green slime, damn near broke both ankles, even using my wading stick. I did see 2 older gents coming down to fish the river at one spot. They had big fly rods with really big fly reels with bobbers and worms. I know many in Pa. fish for the table and I could see drifting a worm under a bobber down the river as a highly effective method but I gave up bobbers and worms when I left 7th grade. There is something to be said about local knowledge though, I watch Jun T's videos on YouTube and he crushes the trout on the Lehigh, something to be said about "local knowledge." Will I go back and beat up the banks again, highly unlikely, I did look at one of Jun T's spots from his video and I thought if I get down there there is a good chance I won't be able to get out, he may be accessing spots along the D&L trail also. Tough as the river runs "gorge" like through 2/3's of it. I have done 2 successful float trips on the Lehigh and I am looking forward to booking a late fall float trip with Gravy Boat.