Local angling opportunities remain good depending on location

With the “dog days” of summer almost upon us fishing wise, local angling remains relatively good depending on where you fish. 

Willie from Willie’s Bait & Tackle in Cementon said Leaser Lake is hot. Anglers there are catching-and-releasing a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappies and muskies but no trout. Says Willie, “One new customer came in and said he caught and released over 300 muskies. And during a visit last Sunday, Leaser was jammed with boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and anglers on float tubes. Parking too was at a premium because boaters with trailers took up two parking places each. 

Willie added that before Saturday’s rain, Lehigh River was fishing good for 18-25-inch trout, smallmouths, fallfish and rock bass, but no Muskie. Most river trout anglers are using minnows or spinners. 

On the Little Lehigh, Willie said he’s still receiving good trout reports from the parkway section that were loaded up with trout during inseason stockings and two fishing contests. 

While on the subject of trout, members of Pioneer Fish & Game and Lehigh Fish & Game associations met Thursday at the Lil-Le-Hi Trout Hatchery for replenishment of trout fingerlings that will eventually get stocked in two years, predominantly in the Little Lehigh. 

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commissions’ stocking truck from the Bellefonte Hatchery delivered over 16,000 fingerling trout of which 12,000 were brookies, 4,000 browns, some rainbows and 90-100 goldens.  “These trout, said Jim Schneck of South Whitehall and a Lil-Lehigh Hatchery volunteer, will grow to 15-21 inches in two years when they’re ready to be stocked in City of Allentown park streams.” He goes on to say that the new fingerlings will be mostly pellet fed until they’re released and they usually grow about an inch a month during this period.

Willie also reports Mauch Chunk Lake is fishing quite good for bass and pickerel that are falling for Yamamoto worms. 

As for the Delaware River, Mike, from Mike’s Bait & Tackle in Nazareth, said the Delaware is slow with only a few stripers being caught upriver of Easton. But he’s been getting good leftover trout reports from the Bushkill, Monocacy and Martins creeks. One customer has been clobbering trout on the Monocacy with lures while another customer using nymphs on the Martins recorded good trout numbers. As for the McMichael’s, Mike believes it’s a tough stream to fish with lots of posted property and deep waters that need chest waders not hip boots. One angler reported it’s also loaded with snakes along the banks and ticks in high grasses and brush.”

Chris from Chris’ Bait & Tackle in Mertztown reports Ontelaunee Reservoir is fishing good for largemouth bass for anglers willing to wade and cast towards the deeper parts (no watercraft allowed). Bass there hitting Senko worms, crankbaits and minnows. Ontelaunee’s great Crappie fishing died since the water heated up. As for Muskie, Chris says they’re in there but are only caught on occasion – and probably by chance while fishing for bass. 

Chris fished Blue Marsh Lake on Thursday and did well on largemouths throwing blue tubes, black/blue Senko worms and 6-inch lizard lures. Bass ranged from 3-4 pounds. He also latched onto and released a 14-inch striper on a tube. 

For anglers seeking catch-and-release muskies, he echo’s others who say Leaser Lake is the place to fish for them with very large shiners being the bait of choice. 

CABELA’S BOWHUNTING CLASSIC UPCOMING
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Cabela’s will help customers learn about archery and prepare for archery season with the company’s Bowhunting Classic event Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30. In-store activities offered during the event will include sales, giveaways, product demonstrations, guest appearances and hands-on seminars. 

Visitors will have opportunities to learn about, and find deals on, the latest and greatest archery and hunting gear, including compound bows, crossbows, bow accessories, treestands, hunting blinds, optics and much more.

Drawing will be held for giveaways, including a Bushnell B-12 trail camera, a Badlands hunting pack, and a Cabela’s Insurgent compound bow. In addition, the first 50 customers through the doors on Saturday will receive a free Cabela’s beanie.

Cabela’s Pro Staff and in-store specialists, as well as visiting sponsors and guests, will offer visitors free insight and tips on archery equipment and techniques. Customers also will be able to put their new skills and gear to the test in the store’s indoor archery range while receiving guidance from industry experts.

Free, in-store activities offered Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include: 
* Fuel Your Archery Addiction
o Representatives of Bear Archery will educate customers about getting started in archery, building skills, and Cabela’s-exclusive products

* Game Cameras: Scouting Your Next Trophy
o Representatives of Bushnell will offer insights on advanced features and benefits of trail cameras

* Kids’ S.A.F.E. Archery 11-2 Saturday & Sunday

* Ladies Archery 101 11-2 Saturday & Sunday


* Kids’ 3D Archery Shoot  12-2 Saturday

* Adult 3D Archery Shoot  12-2 Sunday


* Can Cooker Cooking  11-1 Saturday & Sunday

Guest appearances will include:

*  Brian “Pigman” Quaca  11-2 Saturday

For more information about Cabela’s Bowhunting Classic activities, visit www.cabelas.com/hamburg.