About
Lackawaxen River, Pennsylvania — 1828 Roebling Delaware Aqueduct, 1978 Upper Delaware Scenic, Zane Grey. From Hawley to the Delaware River confluence, the Lackawaxen runs 31 miles of Class I riffles through Pike and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania. At 480 CFS average with an optimal range of 200–800, it transitions from trout water in the upper reaches near Hawley down to smallmouth bass habitat by the time it meets the Delaware. The upper section from Hawley to Rowland holds the coldest water and best trout fishing, while the middle stretch from Rowland to Kimbles supports mixed populations of both trout and bass. Below Kimbles, the lower river warms enough for consistent smallmouth fishing down to the mouth. Protected as a tributary of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and designated a Pennsylvania Scenic River, the Lackawaxen maintains relatively clean water through its forested corridor. The Lackawaxen River Conservancy, established in 2014, works to protect the watershed. Kittatinny Canoes provides outfitting services along the river.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.