REGION COUNTIES -- Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming (County Guide)

Reports compiled by Andy Fedor (anfedor@pa.gov), Northeast Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.
Fishing and Boating Report – July 20, 2011
Carbon County

With the recent heat wave upon us, most area waterways have been receiving little to no fishing pressure. Most successful anglers were hitting the area waterways during the evening.

Trout action has remained good on the Pohopoco Creek downstream of the outlet pipe of Beltzville Lake. A few walleye have also been caught in this area.

Smallmouth bass are still active on most parts of the Lehigh River from Lehighton to the Palmerton Pool of the river.

Bass action on Beltzville Lake has been slow to good during the weekend. Panfish action remained good in most cove areas of the lake. Boating activity has been very busy on Beltzville Lake during the past few weekends.

Bass, pickerel and panfish action has been decent on Mauch Chunk Lake. A number of anglers did well catching catfish off the shores of Mauch Chunk Lake. Most have been caught near the area of Boat Launch A of the lake.

Anglers, boaters and patrons who may visit Mauch Chunk Lake or Beltzville Lake are reminded that alcoholic beverages are prohibited at both lakes including on a boat or on shore. Boaters are encouraged to consult the maps posted at the Beltsville Lake boat access ramps regarding the location of the designated slow no wake zones and the location of the designated water ski zone of the lake.

Northern Luzerne & Columbia Counties

We're here about halfway through the boating season so it is about time to check your gear and provide some maintenance.

Check your fire extinguisher for charge and to ensure that the nozzle is clear.
Check your PFD's for holes in the material (anything larger than a dime and it is no longer serviceable) and test the straps to make sure they are secure.
It would be a good idea to check your lower unit to ensure water is not getting past the seal. Fishing line wrapped around the prop is a culprit here. If you have more than 100 hours on the engine since the season's start you should think about changing the grease anyway.
Grease up those bearings on the trailer and fittings on your outboard or out-drive. If you have a jet drive you should be greasing the lower unit after each run.
Make sure you are putting additives in your fuel to combat the damaging and corrosive properties of the ethanol added to fuel these days. This is especially true for 2 cycle engines. Check with your boat mechanic or manufacturer for suggestions on what additive will work best for your boat.

Operate safely and with consideration for others, ensure your trailer and boat registration is up to date, and you can be sure to enjoy your time on the water.

Monroe County

The boating action has begun to peak on the private community lakes. Parents need to remember that they are responsible for children 17 years of age or younger. Parents are held responsible and may be cited if their children are boating without life jackets.

Northern Pike County

Fishing reports have been slim and not many fish were caught in the Delaware River due to low water conditions and high temperatures. As always, be careful and wear your life jackets.

Northern Wayne County

Water temperatures remain low on the Upper Delaware River system. Trout are active in the morning and evenings. Panfish are active at White Oak Pond.