Trout fishing contests and adaptive fishing session set for this weekend

There will be 100 trout of this size stocked for the upcoming Lehigh County Fish & Game Protective Association for this weekends trout derbies in the Little Lehigh. Photo by author

​This weekend (May 13 and 14) brings several trout fishing events that appears will require rain gear judging from the weekend weather forecast. 

On Saturday, May 13, the Lehigh County Fish & Game Association will hold its annual Junior Trout Derby on a stretch of the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway. Then Sunday, May 14, the derby will he held for adults in the same stretch of creek. 

For both contests, approximately 2,500 trout, including 100 trout that will be 18 inches or longer. The stream will be stocked from the Police Academy bridge downstream to the Robin Hood bridge. 

The Junior Derby is for kids ages 15 and under and will cast off at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. The adult derby begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 14. 

Registration is $5 for juniors and $10 for adults. While registration can be done on site, pre-registration can also be done at Archery at the Glen on Auburn St., in Allentown. Prizes will be awarded for the largest trout caught. 

LEHIGH RIVER LUNKERFEST

The Lehigh River Stocking Association says they’re stocking 1,400 trout that range from 14-28 inches with more than a dozen exceeding 20 inches in the Lehigh River in the Bowmanstown stretch of the river. They will also stock ten, 26-inch trophy trout for this contest. 

Lunkerfest official boundaries run from the confluence of the Lehigh River and Lizard Creek to the bottom of the island just below the East Penn Boat Ramp. This section of the river is .9 miles long and contains exceptional trout water. LRSA extended the contest area two years ago to enable anglers to fish a wider variety of exceptional trout water. The organization will also stock a kids pond with trout for ages up to 12. LRSA memberships and raffle tickets will be available at sign-up. Food, drinks, and bait will be available for purchase. There are picnic tables and bathroom on site. But alcohol is not allowed. The LRSA plans to give away free prizes of rods, reels, fishing equipment, guided trips, art work, gift certificates and more. Sign-up for Lunkerfest begins at 7:00 a.m. Wristbands will be given to participants to wear during the contest. For safety reasons, the LRSA may postpone Lunkerfest if river flows are greater than 1700 CFS at Lehighton, as reported on the USGS website the day before the contest. Please check our Facebook page for any changes. As of now, high water date will be May 20. 

Contest fishing begins at 8:30 am and runs until 3:00 pm. All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply. Wading and boat fishing is permitted. All legal baits, lures, and flies are allowed. Any fish, with or without a tag, caught during Lunkerfest within the contest boundaries is eligible for prize consideration. Each fish caught must be brought to the measuring table to be considered for a prize. Fish length determines prize categories. For example, the angler with the longest fish gets the first opportunity to choose from the prize selection. The angler with second longest fish gets to choose second, etc.. Ties in length will be decided by weight at the time of measurement. The LRSA will award fish prizes and announce raffle winners at 3:00 PM.

LEASER LAKE ADAPTIVE FISHING CLINIC

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation has partnered with the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation in hosting an Adaptive Fishing Clinic at Leaser Lake on Sunday, May 14, Mothers Day. The event is free and open to persons with disabilities who are interested in learning about adaptive fishing techniques and equipment. 

Good Shepherd recreational therapists will be on hand to teach participants fishing techniques, equipment handling and knot tying.  

Bait and adaptive fishing equipment will be provided but patrons are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles. 

The event will be held at the westernmost parking lot where the docks, kayak launch and dam are located. For more information, call 888-447-3422. 

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