Monster trout flying out of the water

By FRITZ MAYER

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Over the past week, half a dozen press releases have been sent out picturing anglers who’ve pulled a prized monster trout trophy out of the Lackawaxen River.

But the five-pound-plus trout are actually being caught at about the same percentage at last year, when the first Monster Trout Derby was staged.

Pat Murphy of Two River Junction, one of the businesses sponsoring the event, said, “We think it only seems like fish are being caught more quickly because there are more of them in a larger stretch of the river.” Last year, 30 trout were let loose between Rowland and Lackawaxen. This year, 100 trout were stocked between Hawley and Lackawaxen.

So far, 35 of the big fish have been hooked, which leaves 65 still in the water.

The derby is open to all anglers through the end of the trout season on February 29, 2009. To collect a prize, the angler should take the trout to Two River Junction Sports Shop in Lackawaxen or to Wallenpaupack Sports Shop in Hawley. The fish will be weighed and certified and the fish’s sponsor will present a prize.

For further information call 570/685-2010 or 226-4797.