Low water levels can be seen in the Lehigh River that will make fishing tough

As most sportsmen are out deer hunting right now, avid anglers have the streams and rivers to themselves. But when arriving at your favorite waters, be advised that conditions are not the best. In fact, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has declared a drought watch for 38 counties. Of these, Lehigh and Northampton are included. The watch was prompted by low stream flows, declining groundwater levels and lack of precipitation. 

One case in point is the low water on the Lehigh River. Below the dam in Cementon/Northampton, the water is so low that the cement boat launch at Canal Park in Northampton is completely out of the water. Rocks and boulders are readily visible which would customarily be under water. This condition is good for geese as these low spots make great resting places for them as they’re close to the water but don’t have to fight the current to stay in place. And there are hundreds of them on the Lehigh when they return midday from their morning feeding in harvested cornfields.
 
The best fishing on the Lehigh River is right below the dam in Cementon where leftover trout are occasionally caught as well as a few smallmouth bass. 

Local streams have the same low water conditions. The Jordan and Little Lehigh creeks are both low as are other outlying streams in both counties. 

During these low water times, live bait seems the preferred bait of choice for leftover trout according to local tackle shops. 
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