FishCondishLehigh River, PA Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Lehigh River, PA fishing report
The Lehigh River fishes differently than most Pennsylvania rivers because it shifts character so dramatically by season and by section. Spring brings quality brown and rainbow trout action through the colder upper reaches and catch-and-release stretches, with fish stacked in the deeper runs and slower tailouts. As water warms through late spring and summer, smallmouth bass become the dominant target throughout the gorge section, joined by walleye pushing through deeper pools and current seams after dark. Chain pickerel lurk in any slower backwater with woody structure, while channel catfish and bullheads work the soft-bottomed deeper holes overnight. Panfish like rock bass and sunfish fill in the gaps wherever you find moderate current over gravel.
For trout in colder flows, dead-drift nymphs like hare's ears and pheasant tails through the seams where fast water meets slow, or swing soft hackles at the tailouts. When flows drop and clear in summer, smallmouth push tight to large boulders and the broken pocket water in the gorge — crayfish imitations, small tubes, and inline spinners worked upstream and across are reliable. Walleye hold in the deepest pools during daylight and move into the riffles at dusk; twister tails on jigheads dragged slowly along bottom are effective. Watch your water temperature closely — smallmouth go sluggish above 80 degrees, and trout activity shuts down fast in warm summers. Fish early and target shaded runs.
Lehigh River, PA river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Lehigh River, PA is Lehigh River at Lehighton, PA (site 01449000), about 2 miles away. It drains roughly 591 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In August, this gauge typically runs about 542 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 998 cfs |
| Feb | 980 cfs |
| Mar | 1,420 cfs |
| Apr | 1,410 cfs |
| May | 1,260 cfs |
| Jun | 876 cfs |
| Jul | 624 cfs |
| Aug | 542 cfs |
| Sep | 433 cfs |
| Oct | 638 cfs |
| Nov | 931 cfs |
| Dec | 1,280 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Lehigh River, PA dashboard.
What's biting near Lehigh River, PA
The species most likely to be feeding the runs, the riffles, and the pocket water: largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, chain pickerel, catfish, and panfish. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Lehigh River, PA and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Lehigh River, PA fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Lehigh River, PA?
The species bite forecast for Lehigh River, PA covers what's likely feeding there, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, chain pickerel, catfish, and panfish — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Lehigh River, PA?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on the runs, the riffles, and the pocket water, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Lehigh River, PA?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on the runs, the riffles, and the pocket water as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Lehigh River, PA?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Lehigh River, PA, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Lehigh River, PA
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: