Jeep Sporting Destinations - fly fishing, adventure travel, four-wheel-drive trips, trout streams, Camp Jeep

Managing Editor:
James Perry

By Wes Bower

Poconos

The waters of Pennsylvania provide a great variety of fishing opportunities. From mighty Lake Erie to the smallest farm pond, fabled trout waters to pristine, headwater tributaries, great flowing rivers to warm-water streams, there are many species of fish waiting to test an angler's skill. However, if I were asked to select any one particular region that provides the most quality diversified angling opportunities, the Pocono Mountains region would be my absolute answer.

While some fishing "holes" are easily accessed from major roads, other, more remote impoundments and streams mandate the pleasure of hiking through field and forest to gain contact. Wildlife abounds, and this area holds more black bears than any other region in the commonwealth.

The northeast Pennsylvania mountainous region of Carbon, Pike, Monroe, and Wayne counties contains 150 lakes, 170 river miles and countless numbers of trout streams, including 49 stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It's been written that there are 475 miles of trout streams and rivers in the Poconos.

Trout season begins in mid-April and in-season stocking continues through the mid-summer months. Two favorite trout waters, particularly in mid-June, are the Upper Delaware River and the Lackawaxen River. Other recommendations include Big and Little Bushkill creeks, Toms Creek, Roaring Brook, Broadhead Creek, Hickory Run, Black or Hayes Creek, Paupack Creek, Dyberry Creek, Tobyhanna Creek, Butternut Creek, Pohopoco or Big Creek, and the Upper Lehigh River. June fly-fishing enthusiasts should concentrate on the Upper Lehigh River. Try light cahills and stoneflies, plus Caddis from chocolate to yellow. Also, you might want to consider a white mayfly.

Few will dispute that the American shad is the "Cinderella" fish of the Delaware River area. Beginning about April 20, shad start moving up the Delaware; sportsmen follow the fish up-river through early June. By early June, most of the American shad fishing is concentrated in the Narrowsburg area on the New York-Pennsylvania border, adjacent to Route 97 in Wayne County.

Favorite early June locations are the Narrowsburg, Milanville, and Damascus areas. Fishing at dusk with artificial lures over their spawning beds can be effective. During this early June spawning period, dry flies will produce good results. Almost any brightly colored pattern will serve the purpose. However, during the shad's migration movements, shad darts of all colors, sizes, and shapes are the most productive. The present state record for American shad is 9 pounds, 9 ounces. The best bet is to look for a concentration of fishermen, then stop and talk to them. Most are more than willing to share their expertise.

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In the Delaware River and estuaries, bass season is open year-round and continues to be a favorite Pocono-area species. Largemouth enthusiasts should try Mauch Chunk Lake and Shohola Lake. Pennsylvania's state record largemouth weighs in at 11 pounds, 3 ounces, while the top smallmouth weighs 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Trophies are available for the taking.

Poconos Fishing Angling enthusiasts should check out Lake Wallenpaupack. It's stocked by the fish and boat commission and offers multi-species fishing opportunities. This 5600-acre lake, the third largest in Pennsylvania, boasts 52 miles of continuous shoreline. Rental boats are available. At the "Paupack," striped bass takes center stage in early June, and walleyes are also a favorite with local sportsmen. It would pay big dividends to stop at a local bait and tackle shop and determine what's "working" for the local fishing fraternity.

If your pleasure is fishing slow and easy in smaller lakes, try Gouldsboro Lake and Pecks Pond for pickerel and other warm-water species. The current state record pickerel--8 pounds--came from a Wayne County impoundment.

While three and seven-day tourist licenses are available, Saturday, June 3, is a "fish-for-free day" and no fishing license is required. There are numerous license agents scattered throughout the Pocono Mountain region. Pick up a 2000 summary of regulations and read carefully.

For fishing information, contact the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, 1004 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18630 or phone 800-762-6667. Online, visit www.800poconos.com or e-mail pocomts@poconos.org.

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