Wnuk said that high numbers of wild trout are present in the Mehoopany’s tributaries. Stony Brook in particular is one feeder stream famous for its native trout fishing among the locals of the Mehoopany watershed. Of course, fishing these small feeder streams requires some casting skill -- especially with a fly rod because the areas around these tributaries are crowded with vegetation.

Later in the trout season, many of the Mehoopany’s tributaries run relatively low, so the best fishing is in early spring.

From state Route 87 in Forkston, take state Route 3001 to access Mehoopany Creek in the area where Stony and Kasson Brooks enter it. In this section, state game lands parallel the creek in most areas along its banks, providing plenty of public access to the creek.

MESHOPPEN CREEK
According to biologist Wnuk, Meshoppen Creek in Wyoming County is stocked from West Nicholson Road downstream to its intersection with state Route 29 -- a distance of approximately 4.7 miles.

The PFBC stocks again at Lemon Creek Road and continues downstream to Potts Falls (a distance of nearly 3.5 miles). The creek can be reached from both state Route 29 and Route 6.

In the Potts Falls section of Meshoppen Creek, the water tends to be deep enough for floating. But portions of the creek may be waded, with sufficient casting room over the best holes.

There are no wild trout present in the entire drainage, but big holdover browns often turn up.

TUNKHANNOCK CREEK
In Wyoming County, Tunkhannock Creek is accessible from Route 6 in Tunkhannock. From the Route 6 bridge, quality holes can be located both up and downstream from that point. Parking is available past the bridge on the right side. Downstream from the bridge is an excellent riffle, ending a pool large enough to be floated. There is sufficient room for casting as well.

The southern branch of Tunkhannock Creek may be accessed from Route 92 near Tunkhannock.

Wnuk noted that the stream is stocked from Gelatt downstream to the confluence of Nine Partners Creek, a distance of nearly 9 miles.

“There are some wild brook trout and brown trout present in the creek, and more natives may be found in select tributaries entering the creek as well,” Wnuk said.

LEHIGH RIVER
Dave Arnold, the PFBC’s Area 5 fisheries manager, noted that for the opening day of trout season in 2006, the Lehigh River’s water was cool and clear. He added that the Lehigh’s fertile water provides a healthy environment for trout.

State Route 940, off state Route 115, provides access to the river near the town of Tannery. The river can also be reached near the town of White Haven.

The PFBC stocks trout in this specific area from the Carbon-Luzerne county line downstream to the river’s confluence with Sandy Run -- a distance of nearly 9.1 miles.

The northern section of the river may be waded. Whenever the river is gauged at 300 cubic feet per second or lower, wading conditions are favorable for visiting anglers.