Lehigh River Lunkerfest set to kick off Saturday, June 16

Last years Lunkerfest was won by Ryan Scott with this 28-inch rainbow trout. Photo courtesy of LRSA

This years Lehigh River Stocking Association's  (LRSA) Lunkerfest that was postponed due to high water in the Lehigh River, is on again. Lunkerfest 2018 will take place this Saturday, June 16 at the Lehigh River’s East Penn Boat Launch in Bowmanstown, Pa. 

The event gets underway at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m. that date. And as always, the LRSA will stock sizeable trout. This year they’re stocking 500 trout, 14-28 inches in length with 12 or more trout over 20 inches in length, says Steve Chuckra, LRSA Lunkerfest chairman. 

The fee to fish is $25 for nonmembers and $20 for members. Kids 12 and under may fish for free. PA fishing licenses are required. Food and bait will be available on site (no alcohol permitted) along with raffle tickets, LRSA memberships, and free giveaways. 

The rules are as follows: 

Contest boundaries are from the confluence of the Lehigh River and Lizard Creek to the first island below the East Penn Boat Ramp. According to Chuckra, this stretch allows anglers to spread out and it offers different types of water to fish. Incidentally, there will be tables and bathrooms on site.

Anglers may wade or fish from boat. All legal baits, lures and flies are allowed. Any fish, with or without a tag, caught on the day of the contest is eligible for prizes. Each fish caught must be brought to the measuring table and may be released after measuring. Length of fish will determine prize choice order. For example, the longest fish gets first choice from the prize selection, second longest gets second choice and so on. Ties in length will be broken by the time of measurement. Prizes and raffles will be awarded beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Prizes consist of rods, reels, fishing equipment, guided trips, gift certificates and more. 

For more information check the organizations website at www.LRSA.org. Interested sponsors should call Steve Chuckra at 570-386-3586. 

So far the sponsor list includes: LL Bean, Cabela’s, Skinner River Guide Service, Rivers Outdoor Adventure, Wayne’s Rod, BC Bait, Boyers Hardware, Wildlands Conservancy, Bob’s Taxidermy, Archery at the Glen, River Walk Saloon, Catfish Creek Cabins, Flies by George, Bog Daddy Reels, Wink’s Wildlife Studio, Renaldo Enterprises, Clear Water Angling Guide Service, Timberwolf Spinners, Lip Ripper Charters, and a few more. Judging from this list, it’s a given that there will be impressive prizes. 
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