Travels Through Northeast Pennsylvania: The First Stop: Francis E. Walter Dam, Part I

South Entrance to Francis E. Walter Dam

To me the Lehigh starts at Francis E. Walter dam, which sits on the border of Luzerne and Carbon Counties and is where the “Lehigh River” and Bear Creek meet. I started out mid-morning yesterday to this, my first destination. For other travelers, such as yourself, the turnpike or route 80 make it easy to get there. Both can be taken right to route 940 and from there, in just over a mile to the east and the entrance to the dam will be on the left. This is the south entrance and I find that it sets the stage for the views found at the end of the road. State gamelands border the entrance road for two and a half miles and especially at this time of year when the leaves are starting to change it is quite beautiful. Near the dam the road splits and I was left with a decision. Go down into the dam’s basin on the lower road or go over the dam on the top road. I went into the basin. When the dam is filling this road is flooded and there is no option, you have to take the upper road. At the bottom there is somewhat of a parking area, but mostly it is hardened lake bottom.

I found a place right off the side of the road parking next to a black truck who’s driver was packing up his gear and getting ready to leave. Getting out I caught him before he got on his way. Maung Ne Win was his name and he was there to enjoy the morning. Mr. Win explained to me that he stops by this location about every other weekend to try to catch the largest carp he can. He told me that he caught five carp in the last two hours the largest of which was thirty-four inches. Unlike most fishermen I have talked to in the past Mr. Win showed me pictures of his catch on his phone and it was no big fish story, he actually caught a thirty-four incher. On this day he was fishing from shore, but he does also take a Kayak out on this flat water. After a short talk I asked Mr. Win if I could take the below picture and we parted ways. Many others were there on the lake, with flat bottom boats, either out fishing or just on a slow ride on the water. Walking around I could see why Mr. Win and the others had come here, not only for the fishing I thought, but for the peace. Even with a number of people around, it was still quiet and the views of exposed rock mountainsides, topped with trees and soaking in the water were really just outstanding.