Many anglers may be aware of the new fishing opportunities in northeast Pennsylvania on the Pennsylvania American Water Reservoirs.  Pennsylvania American Water Company was generous to open the following waterways to public fishing in Lackawanna County: Curtis (Madison Township); Dunmore #1 (Dunmore Township); Elmhurst (Roaring Brook Township); Griffin (South Abington and Scott townships); and Maple Lake (Spring Brook Township.). 

Anglers should be aware that certain rules apply when fishing at these reservoirs.  Boating, wading and ice fishing are not permitted and anglers are permitted to fish from sunrise to sunset. Anglers should also be respectful of the opportunity and remember that the reservoirs are water supplies.

Northern Wayne County

Ice fisherman have been out throughout the district.  The ice is volatile at best.  Anglers are reminded that a minimum of 4" is recommended for a single ice fisherman.  Wear a floatation device if risking going onto the ice during this unseasonably warm January.

There has been little to no fishing activity in the past week due to area lakes having unsafe ice thicknesses and ice developing on parts of the Susquehanna River.

Hopefully we will have some fishable ice in the near future.  As such, now is the time to make those last minute preparations before heading out.  Don’t forget to purchase your new fishing license as well.

As a reminder, Lake Irena is scheduled for a winter stocking on February 1st, and Lily Lake on February 3rd.

For those boaters and jet skiers out there, boating season will be here before you know it.  Think about taking a Basic Boating Course during the down time.  Nescopeck State Park will be hosting a class March 10, 2012.

Until next time, tight lines.

Wyoming County

Several ice anglers were on area lakes over the weekend.  Most of the lakes had about 4-5 inches of ice at the time but there is currently no safe ice as temperatures have risen and we have had rainfall since then.  Prior to the warmer temperatures, I had seen several panfish caught from Oxbow Lake and Lake Sheridan.  I saw several quality perch, in particular, at Oxbow Lake. 

There is ice on most lakes, but there is not enough of it to be consistent and adequate for ice fishing.

Anglers are advised to check ice conditions before venturing out and be sure to take precautions.

Southern Columbia & Southern Luzerne Counties

The fishing continues to heat up on the Susquehanna River as water temperatures continue to fall.  Anglers have been catching large numbers of walleye and muskie.  Most success has come from a slow retrieve using diving minnow plugs and soft plastic grubs.  As always, live bait is also producing well. 

Local lakes are showing skim ice, and it won’t be much longer until we are in the heart of ice fishing season.

There has been little activity on the areas trout streams.

Anglers are urged to use caution.  As water temperatures continue to fall, the risk of hypothermia increases in the event of an unexpected plunge.  Wear your life jacket and use common sense.

Lily Lake and Lake Irena are scheduled to receive winter stockings of trout the first week of February, check the website for more information.

One final note, if you haven’t already done so, purchase your 2012 Fishing License at a local issuing agent or online. 

Until next time, tight lines.

Lackawanna County

There is no adequate ice in the area for ice fishing.  Warmer temperatures last week deteriorated any ice that was forming.

Wyoming County

Fishing on area lakes has been non-existent for the past couple of weeks.  The Susquehanna River, though, has been in good shape and, with warmer than average temperatures, walleye and musky anglers have been having success.  While new regulations for wearing of PFDs (life jackets) have not yet taken effect, boaters should wear their PFDs as an accidental immersion into cold water can have deadly consequences.