Catching monsters in the Lackawaxen

LACKAWAXEN, PA — This year, there will be 100 monster trout stocked in the Lackawaxen River in time for opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania, Saturday, April 12. The stocking will be done courtesy of an initiative of the Business Owners of Lackawaxen Township.

The trout are part of the second annual Monster Trout Derby, open to all anglers, in which approximately $2,500 in prizes will be offered. There is no entry fee for the public and no pre-registration. To participate, all an angler needs to do is catch any one of the 100 monster trout being between Hawley and the Village of Lackawaxen.

The trout are tagged with a number that corresponds with the list of sponsors. Winners can take the fish to Angler’s Roost sporting goods store on Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen or to Wallenpaupack Sport Shop at Routes 6 and 590 in Hawley. At the sports shops the fish will be weighed in and certified. The angler will have his picture taken for the press.

The contest will continue through the entire trout season on the Lackawaxen River. The prizes will be available until the trout are caught, regardless of when.

These trout are approximately 21 to 28 inches in length, and weigh between five and 10 pounds. A mix of brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout will be stocked.

Last year, 30 monster trout were stocked in a four-mile stretch from Rowland to Lackawaxen. Twenty-five of the 30 were caught during the trout season, and no fish was caught more than half a mile from its stocking point. Five fish were not caught, and they will be eligible for prizes if caught in 2008.

For more information email mountainman@ltis.net or call 570/685-2010.

Catching trout in New York

Trout season in New York opens April 1. For more information see dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/25446.html .