WATER SNAKE WITH SUCKER

AUGUST, 1937 & **'2>/ OFFICIAL STATE AUGUST, 1937 PUBLICATION * AN G LE R7 Vol. 6—No. 8

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

by the BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH /3»^ COMMISSIONERS

i i i fU CHARLES A. FRENCH Ten cents a copy — 50 cents a year Commissioner of Fisheries MEMBERS OF BOARD t 1 i CHARLES A. FRENCH, Chairman Ellwood City ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor MILTON L. PEEK South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. HARRY E. WEBER Philipsburg SAMUEL J. TRUSCOTT Dalton FRANK J. PENTRACK Johnstown NOTE Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER EDGAR W. NICHOLSON should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either Philadelphia by check or money order payable to the Common­ KENNETH A. REID wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. Connellsville Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. FRED McKEAN New Kensington H. R. STACKHOUSE Secretary to Board PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper credit will be given to contributors. All contributions returned if accompanied by first C. R. BULLER class postage. Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefonte *

«?p— =\Y?~> IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give both old and new addresses Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Vol. 6 No. 8 4tS jfflfe. *Y/ AUGUST, 1937 ^ANGLER^ss\: EDITORIAL

CONTROL THE WATERSNAKE

URING the past five years, the Fish Commission has advocated a campaign in D which the sportsmen of Pennsylvania were central figures, namely—a campaign to control the number of watersnakes present on our fishing waters. That this drive for watersnake control has resulted in a definite reduction in number of these preda­ tors there is little reason to doubt. On many of our better known trout and bass waters, it may be said without exaggeration, the watersnake has been reduced in number most satisfactorily. We have stressed, in urging this reduction, the fact that no intent to exterminate or bring to the point of extermination this reptile was held. On the other hand, the advisability of reducing the watersnake population to a point where it will no longer prove a menace to the fisherman's sport on our heavily fished waters has not been seriously questioned. When water levels become so low on many of our trout and bass streams, as they did during the past five summers, a dense watersnake population is capable of most serious inroads on the number of trout and other species. Active from early spring until the first heavy frosts of autumn, this predator is capable of consuming large quantities of aquatic life during the season. As in other years, the Fish Commission will award medals to boys or girls under 18 years old who qualify for one of these medals by submitting the tails of 10 or more watersnakes. Each snake must be over 12 inches in length. To secure a medal, it is necessary to submit these tails as evidence to an officer of a local sportsmen's association or to a Fish Warden or Game Warden. Last year, approximately 500 of these medals were awarded. August is an ideal month in which to do your part in reducing the number of water­ snakes on a favorite fishing stream. The female watersnake, prior to birth of her young (usually 15 to 40 in a litter, born alive), apparently becomes quite sluggish and seems to spend a great deal of time among weeds and grass near the shoreline. While the snake blends well with surrounding cover, it is not particularly difficult to spot it and kill it. In the past, the chief argument in favor of the watersnake has been that, when fish life was most plentiful in our streams, great numbers of these reptiles existed. That argument, however, has lost much of its force under modern conditions. Our mileage of fishing waters has been drastically reduced by stream pollution, and for every angler on the streams thirty years ago, probably 50 are trying their luck today. This year, Sunday fishing has served to further increase, to an amazing extent, the num­ ber of anglers trying the streams and lakes in Pennsylvania. Naturally, it is necessary for those entrusted with the task of providing enough fish for this great army of fish­ ermen to stress conservation methods which may prove of assistance. To my mind, watersnake control is highly important from a fish conservation stand­ point, and the splendid cooperation of our sportsmen in thinning down the number of these destructive reptiles has been most encouraging to the Board. C. A. FRENCH Commissioner of Fisheries 2 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER STREAM IMPROVEMENT IN BERKS COUNTY By JOHN D. ROTHERMEL

Boom cover

T_T ERE in Berks County, we more or ance, we strive to make it appear as na­ consideration in all improvement work, but -*- •*• less favor the fish in our improve­ tural as possible. The accompanying pic­ it is also necessary to consider the sports­ ment work. While as much water as is ture shows one of our boom covers, approx­ man. No doubt, some fishermen are satis­ practicable is made fishable for the angler imately 8'x20' with brush securely fastened fied as long as they catch fish, but the to cast the fly, our first consideration is to it to make it appear natural. Other pic­ real angler enjoys his surroundings just the fish. By that I mean refuges that are tures show different improvements. as much, yes more, than he enjoys killing safe for the fish, besides food, cover, tem­ Stream improvement has become a neces­ fish. perature, current, etc. To provide a more sity, yet with it have come evils. Perhaps In building covers more consideration suitable environment for the fish is upper­ the worst fault with a great deal of stream should be given to making them appear most in our minds. Anything that would improvement work, is the artificial appear­ natural. Nature left branches on the trees detract from the value of the stream, as ance it gives the stream. Certainly, the she dropped in the stream for cover, and far as fish life is concerned, is not con­ environment for fish should be our first who can say that they were not better

sidered, not even to help the angler catch fish. In the improved streams we have in­ creased the fishable water at least a few hundred per cent, yet, one must be an able caster, for there are trees, bushes, logs with branches, and what not to test the skill and patience of the angler. While most improvement work is bound to have somewhat of an artificial appear- The writer demonstrates depth in a pool below one of those Berks County dams PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 3 cover than some of the sawed plank covers in better condition for spawning and to that now mar the scenery on some streams. withstand the hardships of winter. This, Again, where small tributaries enter the to me, is important; for fish that have been stream nature never riprapped them, for in the stream for several months are much various reasons, yet we find this being better than hatchery fish. Understand, I done. When she planted trees along the realize that we must resort to artificial stream or in the forests nature scattered stocking, due to the intensity of fishing, them, never put them in straight rows; and right here I might add, thanks to our again she had, as always, many reasons. fish commission for the considerable num­ These are just a few objections that I have ber of fish they raise and liberate each noticed while looking over various stream year. Without the fish they stock, our improvement projects. Those who supervise sport would indeed, be worse than poor. this work can easily remedy these disad­ Credit is also due to the W.P.A. and Mr. vantages. R. S. Sullenberger, of Lancaster, for the- Some may think from the above state­ co-operation they have given the sports­ ments that I am opposed to stream im­ men in furthering stream improvement provement. On the contrary, I fully be­ work. lieve in stream improvement, have advo­ I believe, "If you want better fishing im­ cated it, worked at it, and supervised this prove the environment," is a slogan worthy type of work for quite awhile. of consideration by all sportsmen. Here in Berks County the Izaak Walton Let's improve all our water that is pos­ League to further improve the fishing in sible, giving a little thought to keeping the future is doing quite a bit of artificial the streams looking natural, thereby im­ feeding in the streams. While this may proving the water for both fish and fish­ make the fish harder to catch, it puts them ermen.

native birds and their habits and to be able GLEANINGS to recognize them by their songs. It is the latter part of March and my By HAROLD M. BROWNING thoughts run to fishing, "Past," "Present" and "Future." "Past," the highlights of some previous expedition, "Present," condi­ OR you fellows who like to still fish Another good way is to attach a red trout tioning my tackle for the coming trout sea­ Fbut spurn the lowly worm, have you fly to the spoon, or just use a live bait from son, "Future," planning and catching big ever tried bass bugs for Perch? If not, you 1" to lMs" long and troll or cast. fish here and there long before the season sure have missed some real fishing. When fishing from a canoe alone, no opens. The truth is, oftentimes the best The bass bug, by the way, is one stage doubt you have had some bad moments in fishing trips are those taking place right of what we call the darning needle. the middle of a pond, with the wind catch­ at home, talking them over with our ing hold of the bow, which naturally rides friends. Scranton sporting goods dealers have high, and pushing you around in circles certainly gone to plenty of expense in of­ which it will do unless you can master the There is such a thing as over stocking fering to fishermen wonderful prizes for art of paddling from the center. However, the largest fish of the various game species. a lake or stream, meaning more fish are by putting a heavy weight of stones in the put in a given area than can be supported Such generosity should be appreciated and bow this trouble will be eliminated. their stores be patronized. in that area. It doesn't sound possible but it's a fact. Have you got some whoppers to relate? When you take a walk through the for­ Why not write them up and send them in. ests, do you just walk to a given point or What does a fishing trip mean to you? After all, you know this magazine is until you're tired, and then come back? If Does it mean going out and fishing all day printed for your benefit and pleasure. So you do, a great deal more enjoyment can long merely to obtain your limit, or, does if you have any pictures or articles which be gotten from such a walk if you go pre­ it mean the slow methodical fishing of you think are interesting, don't hesitate to pared to make it somewhat of an adven-' various pools, pauses along the way to send them in. However, please enclose a ture. Take your notebook, jot down the enjoy the scenery and solitude, a little fire stamped, self-addressed envelope if you peculiar or unusual things you come in on which to make your lunch, a rest and Want the pictures returned or if you re­ contact with. Note how many different spe­ a quiet smoke? Those are the things that quest a personal answer to any question. cies of birds you see, pause often and stand make a day's fishing more enjoyable and or sit perfectly still and perhaps you will give you a feeling of peace with the world Now that trout season has opened and be able to witness a drama or tragedy of and physical well being. Such a day bet­ for those of us to whom such fishing is too the forests, maybe the love making of a ter prepares you for tackling life's prob­ strenuous, yet still fishing is too monoto­ pair of partridge, or a battle for life be­ lems. nous, we needn't sit back and twiddle our tween a snake and a wood mouse, etc. Half thumbs until July 1st to enjoy some real the beauties of a jaunt in the woods are Do you preach, teach and practice con­ sport by fishing for perch in the following lost through haste. A camera is a wonder­ way: servation of our natural resources? As ful accessory to such a trip, in that such individuals, a great deal of good can be Personally I prefer a canoe because it's events are recorded for you in pictures and easier handling, but a rowboat will do. done towards this end if we would all do in future years these events can be lived our part. .. Take your fly rod and attach a very small over and over again. •double or single spoon- with a single hook attached. Put on a piece of worm and cast. Don't be a fish hog, be satisfied with a The results at this time of year will as­ It is a fine thing to know the native fair catch. Be a good sport in every sense tound you. 14" to 17" perch are common. trees by their leaves and bark, also the of the word. 4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER //l WHY" A CHILDREN'S FISHING POOL OR POND By C. JOEL YOUNG

OUTH education in all the various lilies. These serve as shade, protection, and mented by tens of thousands of smaller sun- Y phases of outdoor conservation should cover for the fish life in the warmer weather fish, suckers, catfish, perch, and minnows be, along with other matters, one of the and as it becomes colder the lily tubs are taken from the sectional drying Jordan highest ideals of any sportsmen's organiza­ removed and the water surface for skating creek, Lehigh County. With such a stocking tion. With this principle in mind George is in no way impaired. in the pool, along with another shipment of Zimmerman, secretary of the Lehigh Coun­ Following the decision as to location and large fish this year from the Pennsylvania ty Pish and Game Protective Association; suitable ground preparation, the next item Fish Commission, the opening proved most Ernest E. Ashley, superintendent of parks to be considered was the drawing up a set successful. There is no expense, as some for the city of Allentown, and the writer of special rules to govern fishing in the are led to believe, on the part of the tax­ delved into a project which has now shown pond so as to give the greatest number of payers of the city of Allentown for the its second year of fruition. boys and girls the real benefit of extended placement of fish into the pond for the en­ The thought of a children's fishing pond fishing. In compiling the regulations, great­ joyment of the youngsters. in a metropolitan area may at the onset est consideration was given the children so seem quite easy but as progress was made, If success could be measured by the num­ that along with enjoying the sport of ang­ ber of boys and girls who merely enjoyed apparent stumbling blocks became more ling they should also realize the utter value evident. Most essential was the location, the opening day for both years we may of fish conservation. rightly consider our work a huge success. trying to have it as centrally placed as P possible. Here Allentown was rather fortu­ Among some of the major regulations On the first Saturday of June, 1936, the o imposed were: late Walter Laskowski, former vice presi­ nate for the Federal CWA had constructed Ci an ice skating pond some three acres in area dent of the Lehigh County Fish and Game 1. All fishing was to be restricted to un­ Protective Association, made an actual count along Cedar creek within the city itself. licensed fishermen, that is, boys and girls This, although its purpose was most useful, of 529 children on the pond at one time. This fi under the age of 16. year counts by Harvey Neff, Secretary of V served only as a recreational facility during 2. No assistance in angling on the part the colder months of the year. the Pioneer Fish and Game Association, and * of parents, other relation, or persons past Barton Snyder, active sportsmen of the S Summer time found the Union Terrace the licensing age. pond of little use. Swimming was out of Lehigh County Association, totaled 541. d the question because, and here was the 3. Limit the daily catch to 5 fish, either These figures do not include the boys and a greatest boost for the children's fishing pool, of one specie or in the combine. girls who arrived and left at various times I the water at no place is more than three 4. Fishing is only permissible on Satur­ during the day and we can now safely esti­ feet deep. The shallowness of the pond days, from 10 o'clock in the morning until mate that approximately 700 future fisher­ proved the greatest attribute to a safe place 4 o'clock in the afternoon during the month men enjoyed the first day of both seasons for children to fish since, as was often ex­ of June. July and August, school vacation at Union Terrace pond. It is only quite nat­ pressed, parents could now feel safe when months, extend the fishing to Wednesdays ural that following days are not as crowded their boys or girls went fishing at the Ter­ and Saturdays with the same hours of as the first but sights of 75 to 100 boys and race. angling. Labor Day marks the closing of girls fishing at one time are by no means the pool each fishing season. uncommon. Since the pond has been used exclusively throughout the summer months for a chil­ Opened last year, following a very lib­ Patrol work, more properly called in­ dren's fishing haven, Mr. Ashley has super­ eral stocking of large sunfish, catfish and structional work, is made by sportsman vol­ vised the placing of removable tubs in which perch by the Pennsylvania Board of Fish unteers, special wardens, and the city park are planted assorted varieties of water Commissioners, the plantings were aug­ police who have willingly cooperated in

Photos courtesy Allentown Morning Call Scenes at opening of Children's Fishing Project this year. At extreme left, Donald Hontz, 4, the youngest participant. Extreme right, Jacqueline Walton, who tried her luck with pieces of string. Center, inset, left to right, E. Ernest Ashley, the writer and George Zimmerman. Center, top, group photo. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 5

2. It has provided a relatively safe place for fishing. Because of its scant depth, averaging two and one-half feet, children who might accidently fall into the water are comparatively safe from drowning. Along with this, the pool is constantly be­ ing patrolled and should a falling mishap occur, attendants or other able assistants are close at hand. 3 Boys or girls who have a liking to go fishing and have no older persons to take them can fulfill their youthful desires in the clean sport. Rather than sneaking off by themselves or receiving warped in­ taking it a fishing paradise for children structions from some ruthless sportsmen, 4. For the boy in the city it proved a only. With very few exceptions little trouble the young and receptive mind is open to place where, under proper supervision, he *s experienced through other persons seek­ outdoor education from far better sources. could experience the childish thrill of lur­ ing to take advantage of the fishing at The child who, with a father like himself ing, landing, and displaying a real fish the youth fishing project. or herself, enjoys fishing and shares an taken by himself. A day on the pond will Very often the question has been asked, older person's worthy fellowship is very surely thrill even the hardest fisherman as "Why go to all this trouble in order to fortunate but the lad or lass without such he observes the method, tackle, equipment Provide a children's fishing pool?" To this, a companion is the one to be considered. and expressions of youthful glee by the one may answer by enumerating the ac­ youngsters a" they go about their early companying major ideals. stages of fishing. 1. It should serve to educate the young 5. Surprising though it may seem, there fisherman and fisherwoman in fish conser­ appears to be an increasing number of vation. This is being brought about by the young girls who along with the boys enjoy reduced creel limit of five (5) fish per day. the privileges of the project. Times are Such a ruling not only instills a sporting when the ratio of girls is as 1 is to 3 of desire for a lesser number of fish but the boys with higher tendencies of a 50 to also tends to provide an extended period 50 basis. I do not know whether this may for angling for others who follow the sport. be the general average all over the state 'If you would catch more fish, kill less," but locally it would most certainly show ls indeed a worth while slogan which has that girls are only a trifle behind the boys °een backed by the Pennsylvania Board of in the" matter on this peaceful sport of Pish Commissioners for some time. angling.

speaker and described the hatcheries of the TIOGA SPORTSMEN SCHUYLKILL SPORTSMEN AT state, their operation and other interesting STAGE BIG MEET FIELD DAY RALLY facts about them. Randolph Thompson, educational lecturer The third annual quarterly meeting of the Upwards of 800 sportsmen attended the for the State Game Commission was on hand •Tioga county Consolidated Sportsmen's As­ annual summer convention of the Schuylkill and projected several reels of outdoor films sociation was held at Little Marsh, Chatham County Sportsmen's Association held at for those who attended. He also gave a Township on the 23rd day of July, Friday, Miller's Hollow in Ringtown Valley on July splendid talk on game. w ith the local Little Marsh Rod and Gun 18, as guests of the Shenandoah Fish & Game Warden John Lohmann of Schuyl­ Club acting as hosts. Game Protective Association. kill Haven and Fish Warden Anthony Lech This club recently purchased a clubhouse, Charles A. French, Commissioner of Fish­ of Cressona explained new hunting and fish­ ^hich was equipped to handle the crowd. A eries, told the group that 300,000 bass will ing laws to the sportsmen assembled. Uew trap has been purchased and set up be released in Pennsylvania streams and D y an expert from Elmira, New York, ponds this year for the benefit of state ^hich from its location and choice of anglers. GAME COMMISSIONER Sround gave the trap shooters a chance to Many of the sportsmen were accompanied LANDS NICE TROUT Uiake an excellent score. by their families, who spent the day in the Hon. Sam Castner of Williamsport, mem­ Trap shooting started in the morning at picnic grounds surrounding the new club­ ber of the Game Commission, made a fine 10:00 o'clock. Lunches could be bought on house of the local organization. Advantage catch of brook trout in Kettle Creek on *he grounds during the day. Arms compa­ of the opportunity to fish in Little Cata- June 8, according to word received from nies had their representatives there to wissa Creek, which flows through the Warden George Cross of Hammersley Fork, shoot. A free supper was served at the grounds, was taken by a number of sports­ Clinton county. The brookies in his catch, men. clubhouse at 5:00 P. M. all beautifully marked and ranging in length A short business meeting was held for all Dr. A. M. Miller of St. Clair, president of from 8 to 12 inches, were taken on the dry Members at 4:00 P. M., when new problems the county association, conducted the busi­ fly. °r controversial questions were discussed. ness session which was brief. Question­ Soth Game Protector Leslie Wood and Fish naires which had been sent to the various Warden Leland Cloos were present to co­ clubs of the county group asking how much Sergeant O'Neil came upon downhearted operate with the sportsmen. game they had bought and stocked were re­ Smith contemplating suicide from the Invitation was extended to all member turned. An incomplete list revealed that 176 Brooklyn Bridge. clubs and their members. Any other sports­ crates of rabbits and many ringneck pheas­ "Before you commit this act," said the men, who attended, found ^a hearty wel­ ants had been released, while a number of sergeant, "talk it over for fifteen minutes come. the clubs had bought grain and other feeds with me." to place in the woods during the winter Whereupon the two strolled over to a There was a dance, free to all members months. ar>d their families or friends at the Keeney- bench and conversed for fifteen minutes. *ttle I.O.O.F. Hall, beginning at 9:00 P. M. Alex Sweigart, Editor of the PENNSYL­ Presently they both walked back to the "illiam Brothers furnished the music. VANIA ANGLER, was in attendance as a bridge and jumped over together. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SUSQUEHANNA CARP FISHING

By PETER P. PATRICOSKI

Fishing scene at a favorite carp pool on the Susquehanna

E'RE talking in terms of carp by the of the three species at Hoover's Landing, scattered reports of carp over 25 inches in W thousands in Mount Carmel these and Hoover's Island, located approximately length. The combined daily catches varied days. Of course, you ANGLER readers have three miles south of Selinsgrove, Snyder from 150 to 700 carp. The total catch of already heard Mount Carmel referred to as county, at a point where the combined wa­ carp recorded during the fall and spring the carp fishing capitol of Pennsylvania, ters of Penn's Creek and Middle Creek flow fishing was 20,650 fish of the three species. and believe you me, the reputation has been into the Susquehanna. Carp caught in the autumn of '36 were upheld in grand fashion this year. The old The carp fishing circus started when a practically all taken on dough bait and Susquehanna has been producing for fol­ rumor drifted in that an individual, one day some corn, while of the fish taken this lowers of this branch of the angling sport in mid-September, had taken fifty carp. It spring, approximately 60 per cent were as it never did before. was the only thing necessary to bring hun­ landed on dough bait, the rest on worms. During the periods of fairly high water dreds of fishermen from all over the region Until 1935, very little was known of the on the big river last autumn and this spring, to this newly discovered carp fishermen's carp, his nature, habits and life history. fishermen of eastern and central Pennsyl­ paradise. As soon as we had word of it, During the past three years, however, fish­ vania enjoyed phenomenal fishing for carp fishing possibilities at this spot were in­ ermen of Pennsylvania learned many of the vestigated by members of the Mount Carmel carp's secrets. This, in the opinion of the Fish and Game Protective Association. They verified its authenticity, returning to Mount Carmel with catches of carp ranging in number from 12 to 46 in one day. News of these later catches spread like wildfire, bringing carp fishermen from all sections within 100 miles radius and within a few days, fishing space and parking space was not available at this location, causing many anglers to locate elsewhere. Catches ranging from 6 carp to 70 carp a day were reported during the early autumn, but the fishermen kept well within the law, retaining not more than the legal limit of 50 daily. In size the fish ranged mostly from 6 to 18 inches and in weight to about 4 pounds. Catches were chiefly scale carp, with some silver and leather- backs being taken. During March, April and May of this year, catches in this vicinity were some­ what lighter than those made last fall. Nevertheless, these are worthy of mention, as individual catches of from 3 to 40 carp in a day were common. Hoover's Landing and the Island have always provided good fishing for game species such as the bass and wall-eyed pike, in addition to furnish­ ing an abundance of carp in all sizes, rang­ ing in length from 6 inches to 36 inches. Thomas Patricoslci, 5 years old, with his However, this peculiar season seemed to fur­ catch of carp nish mostly small carp with very few and PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER writer, is responsible largely for the almost unbelievable catches and records made dur­ THE CARP PROBLEM ing recent years. Thousands of carp, rang­ ing in weight from 20 to 28 pounds and By DR. THOS. E. WINECOFF measuring over 30 inches in length, have F the editor of the PENNSYLVANIA some sixty to seventy years ago, when the I ANGLER gives this article space, it craze went almost all over the country to will probably be only as a kindly personal raise carp for human food. courtesy. And many of the thousands who I Finding—like the rest of the country— dare hope will remember me as addressing what a delusion and a snare the carp was their sportsmen's clubs in the six years I as a food fish, the interested parties then was with the Game Commission will no stocked the lake with small-mouth bass. doubt conclude that age has affected what­ After a few years, the good bass fishing ever judgment I may ever have had, and there got bruited about, and from that day others will call me a plain d d fool and up to the last I heard of it, in spite of let it go at that. being "fished to death," the lake "simply But I have given the carp question much swarmed" with bass—their sole food being thought and a lot of observation, in differ­ the small carp, plus a few deep-water craw­ ent parts of the country, through many fish. years, and it has led me to the rather posi­ My brother-in-law, down in North Caro­ tive conclusion that the problem with the lina, stocked a very small artificial lake carp is not how to get rid of them, but how with both the large-mouth bass and carp to get enough of them. I should, for curios­ some fifteen years ago or more; and for ity, like to hear of a place where there is many years now the public have fished this good bass fishing without a bountiful sup­ little lake harder than any waters I know ply of carp there also. of. I asked him last summer if he had any The greatest small-mouth fishing I have bass left, after all that fishing, and he told ever seen or heard of was in a long and me that apparently there were just as many narrow but deep little lake in the Puget bass in the lake as ever. And again the Sound country that was stocked with carp (Continued on Page 18)

Stanley Patricoski (in wheel-chair), expert carp fish­ erman, approves the work of his nephew, Thomas been taken from Pennsylvania waters dur­ ing the past few years. The thrill in landing one of these river monsters is well worth experiencing, and I believe that carp fishing, as a sport, is win­ ning recruits perhaps more rapidly than is any other form of angling at the present time. Many fishing tackle dealers through­ out the state are featuring carp baits and tackle and, in some sections, shortage of this type of merchandise has been experi­ enced. Believe it or not, in carp fishing centers of Pennsylvania, an angler is not recog­ nized as a first class fisherman until he lands successfully a carp measuring over 30 inches in length. We regard this as a teal test in proving fishing ability. A leath- erback of this size will give any angler something to worry about before it is taken—in boat or ashore.

LANDS BIG BROOKIES With ten brook trout in his creel, each over twelve inches, Edward McCarthy, Har- risburg, returned home to report ideal trout fishing conditions along Kettle Creek, Pot­ ter County. McCarthy was fishing at the headwaters of the stream, near Germania. The stream was in a semi-flood stage and slightly dis­ colored, he said, but bottom feeding was good, and a spinner usually brought results. He reports that the mild Winter produced a super-abundance of insects, and fish feed­ Photo by La Mar Mwnbar ing should be good this Summer. Unusual frontal view of head of carp 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER JUST A DRY FLY NUT By GEORGE HARVEY (Sketches by the Writer)

At work on a hobby

AVE you ever had your Uncle Jim or all became members of that great order of should be one of the single action type and H that next door neighbor tell over and "Dry Fly Fisherman." should be heavy enough so that with the over again what he thought the best method First of all, let's discuss the proper kind line would weigh about one and one-half of taking trout was? Well, if you have, of tackle. On the market today, one can times the weight of the rod. To fish the don't class him as just another bore; he's pick up a fairly decent fly rod, one with dry fly properly, one should use tapered merely suffering from an affliction that, plenty of backbone, at a fairly reasonable leaders. The length of the leader, to me, is sooner or later, affects every fisherman who price, usually between ten to twenty dol­ one of the most important parts of a fly has cast a lure upon the waters and hoped lars. If you haven't a rod of this type, go fisherman's equipment. I strongly recom­ for a return. Every fisherman has at least to your sporting goods dealer and have him mend using as long a leader as you can one theory as to the best method of taking help you select a rod. For the beginner, I handle and of good quality. A good all trout that he will defend to the end. When would suggest a rod weighing approxi­ round leader and one that will suit most I first started to fly fish, I used nothing mately five ounces. Then select a line that Pennsylvania waters Will be about nine feet but wet flies. One day, I was just a kid at your rod will handle well. An HDH double long tapered to 3x or 4x. the time, an old timer finally persuaded me tapered line would be about right for a rod Many dry fly fisherman prefer a fly that to try a dry fly. Well, to make a long story of this class, or a D level line is also suit­ is heavily dressed. By that I mean a fly short, when I caught my first fish on that able, but be sure that the line is heavy that has a lot of hackle. Personally, I prefer dry fly, I was the happiest barefoot kid in enough to bring out the action of your rod. a fly that is not heavily dressed, and, if the State of Pennsylvania. I'll defend dry The reel, in so far as I am concerned, good, clear, stiff hackles are used, the fly fly fishing against all comers. Even though I did take many trout and enjoyed fishing the wet fly before that ^rrsp eventful initiation, from that day to this I like to be considered a dry fly fisherman. For the beginner, dry fly fishing is the easiest method in so far as taking trout on flies is concerned. It is really hard to con­ vince the bait fisherman that this is true, but, once started, he'll sure regret the time and sport that he has been missing. All my old fishing pals were bait fisher­ men. It was difficult to convince them that they were missing a great sport, but no fisherman can stand to have someone fish over water that has proved unfruitful to him and see someone else take a creel of trout out of that same water on a dry fly without doing something about it. At first. when I offered my old bait fisherman pals dry flies, they refused, but after I had con­ verted the first one to the dry fly, the rest Cx.U M.-.C--*7 soon fell in line. Gradually, one by one, they Dressing too heavy on this dry PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9

& ~$£ without any drag. Many times, a slight drag on the fly will put a trout down for hours. Another important point that is usually disregarded by beginners is picking the fly up from the water before it has floated down to or beyond the point where the fisherman is standing. Many times I have had trout follow the fly downstream and take it almost at my feet. If you are not satisfied with the cast you have made, don't immediately pick up the fly, but let it float down as I have suggested above. More fish are put down by making too many casts than by any other single thing. Another item that is disregarded, not only by beginners but also by fly fishermen who have been at the game for years, is that, to fish a dry fly successfully, the leader must be sunk. This is especially true when fishing clear and low water or when

.?>«-:•- fishing sluggish water. A leader floating on r,v.m ~c*7 the surface casts a shadow on the bottom Properly dressed fly that looks like a large hemp rope. Many are the trout that I have seen scurry away will ride just as well as a fly with the coming more convinced that the size of the when a leader that was floating passed heavier hackles and seems to me to be more fly is more important than is the color and over them. I know that they saw not me effective. When selecting your flies, look the pattern. In the past five years, I have but just the shadow of the leader. The next them over carefully and pick out flies with very seldom used many flies dressed on time you are out fishing on a clear, sunny good stiff hackles. A half dozen flies that hooks larger than number fourteen. How­ day, just let your leader float and notice have the above characteristics are worth a ever, there are times when the larger pat- the shadow it casts on the stream bed. Then couple dozen flies that are dressed with sink your leader and notice the difference. soft hackles. For those who are unac­ You will probably have trouble getting your quainted with the different types of hackles leader to sink so here are a few hints on used on flies, the accompanying sketch will how to keep it under. Until you catch your be of value in distinguishing between a first trout, try rubbing your leader with any good hackle and a poor one. laundry soap that does not float, or better I have been fishing the dry fly for the still put some in your leader box. If you past fifteen years, and every year I am be- ' m'/y. (Continued on page 17) IB

wGVM--M / Ideal hackle on this fly

terns are effective, but for most of the sea­ son, flies dressed on numbers 14, 16, and 18 hooks have proved to be the most success­ ful. There are times when trout are very selective and then you must have flies that closely resemble the natural insect, but such times are usually few and far between. F believe that I can truthfully say that ninety per cent of my fishing is done with not more than six or eight patterns, and I have fished most of the good trout waters of Pennsylvania. There is only one correct way to fish the dry fly, and that is upstream. The fly is cast upstream and is allowed to float down naturally with the current. One of the most important points and one that most begin­ ners will fail to notice is the direction in which the currents and eddies are flowing. To avoid an unnatural drag on your fly, you must have the line, leader, and fly all floating at the same rate, of speed. To ac­ complish this, you must first make a study of the water which you are going to fish r. Ml. U -t^-77. and then get in the best position for cast­ Poor hackle ing your fly so that it will float naturally Excellent hackle 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

VITREUM OF THE DEPTHS Is the Wall-Eyed Pike Staging a Comeback in Pennsylvania Waters?

By ALEX P. SWEIGART

HE little casting lure settled gradually one cannot say conclusively, but, we may and prominent jaws armed with needle Tafter the cast to a rock ledge shoreline mention in passing, floods, the hardiness of sharp fangs, are suggestive of the pike fam­ in a deep pool in the lower Juniata River, the fry of this species and a general better­ ily, while the strong shapely fins, the front and very slowly I started the retrieve. A ment of environmental conditions as possible dorsal being spiney rayed, suggest the few slight bumps as it wobbled through the contributing factors. One thing is certain: perch. From some angles under water, the depths indicated that it was down in wall­ we have been receiving many reports of prominent eyes, glassy in appearance when eye range. A steady rain was falling on this wall-eye catches from the field this year. the fish is taken from the water, may have afternoon, the Fifth of July, and I was not This may be in part attributable to a wider semblance to little balls of fire. Its colora­ particularly hopeful of a strike. Certainly, knowledge of successful methods of fishing tion varies somewhat, according to environ­ I was unprepared for the event that fol­ for the species, but since trolling methods ment. Usually, however, the ground color is lowed. that annually account for the bulk of wall­ dark olive, finely mottled with brassy oblique eyed pike taken have been general knowl­ lines. As the lure emerged into shallow water, edge with fishermen for years, factors favor­ I noted behind it, and coming swiftly, a ing a natural increase in number should be Habits long graceful fish. The plug was not more considered. distant than 10 feet from the rod tip when, While the pike perch is notably a lake with a savage twisting turn, the fish struck History and Description fish, the readiness with which it adapted viciously from the side. Firmly hooked, the itself to streams in Pennsylvania having wall-eye lunged for deep water, stripping Available records indicate that the pike rocky ledges and pebbly mixed with sandy the handles of the casting reel from my perch (fishermen prefer to call it under this bottom would indicate that the natural fingers. Then began a see-saw battle that name, suggesting as it does certain charac­ range of this species can be increased lasted for 10 minutes. True, there was not teristics of the pike, and also its relation­ notably. in its fight for freedom, the maddened ship to the perch family) was first intro­ Spawning time for the species usually breaks from the surface that might have duced to the Chemung River, tributary to comes in early spring, late March or early characterized the fight of a smallmouthed the North Branch of the Susquehanna, April. Just what takes place at spawning bass of equal weight but in steady purpose­ about 1812. It is said that a Jesuit priest time is not definitely known. However, it ful fashion, this fish bored into the depths and an Englishman that year transferred, is established that these fish do not pair off of the pool. Finally I ran it, a pike perch by wagon probably, a few adult pike perch for spawning as do the sunfish, but congre­ 23 inches in length and weighing 4 pounds from a New York lake to the Chemung. gate in shoal water in groups. After spawn­ 4 ounces, into the shallow shelfing of a tiny Few annals in fish planting are so amazing ing, the fish desert the eggs. The fry are island nearby. Taken on the light casting as the rapid increase of these fish, spread­ exceedingly hardy little fish and consider­ rod, this wall-eyed had given a most admir­ ing as they did over the Susquehanna water­ able success has attended stocking them able account of itself. shed down to the brackish waters of Chesa­ while in this stage. peake Bay in a comparatively short time. That the wall-eyed pike, Stizostedion Apparently, the adult fish prefer water So abundant did they become in this stream of moderate depth, and very often many of Vitreum, otherwise known here in Pennsyl­ that they very soon were referred to as Sus­ vania as pike-perch, Susquehanna salmon, the favored pools are marked by swift ed­ quehanna salmon, a name by which they dies. Clean gravel and pebble bottom, as jack salmon, and yellow bass, is becoming are still commonly known in Pennsylvania. more plentiful in many of our streams and well as sections of streams having rocky lakes, we have reason to believe. Just what In appearance, the pike perch is striking. ledges, seem to be favored by the pike factors may be responsible for this increase, Its slender, somewhat spindle-shaped body perch. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 11

Have Floods Helped the Wall-Eyed Pike? characterized by rock and pebble bottom, Wayne counties, the Upper Allegheny River, an ideal haunt for the wall-eyed pike. French Creek and Conneaut Lake in North­ Last spring, I was talking to an old eel- western Pennsylvania. rack fisherman on the Juniata. During the Stocking And what is the record pike perch report­ previous fall, he said, he observed an amaz­ ed to the ANGLER ? May I refer our read­ ing increase in the number of young wall­ Stocking of this species by the Board of ers to Frank Seas of Easton. While trolling eyed pike which became trapped. He care­ Fish Commissioners has been an important with a lamprey eel and spinner combination fully released them, of course, but this con­ factor in bringing back the pike perch. The on the Upper Delaware River in 1934, Frank dition had not been apparent in other years. eggs and milt can be readily stripped from hooked and landed a wall-eyed pike measur­ The action of the flood water during the the adult fish, and placed on hatching bat­ teries at the different hatcheries, hatched ing 34 inches in length, having a girth of disastrous flood of 1936 apparently varied 18% inches and weighing 13 pounds 8 in the streams affected. In the high-banked successfully. The young are exceedingly cannibalistic, rivalling, in this respect, their ounces. It was caught in Zimmerman's Juniata, the rush of the water seemingly Eddy. had a much greater scouring effect on the competitors for the food supply of the in­ bottom than did the flood in the wider land waters, the black bass. This cannibal­ Slow trolling or casting and retrieving istic tendency makes it necessary to stock deep for wall-eyed pike is a thrilling sport reaches of the lower Susquehanna. Obser­ T vation on the Juniata this year indicated many of the young pike perch while the ' for any angler, and with an increase in the that this flushing of the stream has def­ are still in the fry stage. Frequently, at the species now very much in evidence, Penn­ initely scoured the bed, exposing long hatcheries, it has been observed that the sylvania fishermen apparently are in for reaches of pebble and rock bottom. The ten­ tiny fish may form a string 5 or 6 inches some fine sport this year. Autumn months, dency of the pike to flourish in streams with in length, each seeking to swallow its fel­ in particular, are great for wall-eyes. Give this type of bottom is well known, and it is low of equal size, and succeeding to thr it a try some time. just possible that, when the food supply has point of taking the tail of other tiny fish in again been built up to its former status, its mouth. this stream may prove to be one of the out­ Fortunately, in planting the fry of this WADERS BEWARE! standing pike perch fishing grounds in the species, the young are exceedingly hardy. The Delaware County Chapter of the state. Some vegetation has been observed If they manage to escape schools of min­ Izaak Walton League apparently started and restoration of this vital factor should nows when first planted, they apparently something when they introduced 10 pairs do much to hasten the return of the stream attain length rapidly in suitable waters and of largemouth bass as brood fish to their to its former status as a game fish forage form an important addition to the wall-eye new rearing pond in Glen Providence Park Producer. population in these areas. Last year, the on the outskirts of Media. Without doubt, the flood took an exceed­ Fish Commission stocked 12,477,448 pike The bass were on the nests and every­ ingly heavy toll on the food in this stream. perch, ranging in size from fry to adult. thing was going lovely when a park author­ Smallmouthed bass so far observed this sea­ Listed as outstanding waters for this spe­ ity gave Waltonian Phil Piatt a hurry call son seem to run racey. A 22% inch small- cies at the present time are the Juniata on the 'phone. It seems that a lad was wad­ mouth caught on opening day weighed four River and its Raystown Branch, the North ing or something like that and his foot and one-half pounds, which would indicate Branch of the Susquehanna River and the came rather close to a bass over its nest. that this fish was considerably under nor­ main Susquehanna, the Upper Delaware The fish struck so viciously that it drew mal, weight to length considered. On the River, Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and blood. other hand, those wall-eyes that I have ob­ served so far seem to be fairly normal fish, from the angle of weight to length. The Juniata is fortunate in having a rich source for food, which can work into the main stream, in its tributaries such as Cocolamus Creek, Big and Little Buffalo Creeks in Perry county, the Tuscarora Creek, Lost Creek and other smaller streams in Juniata county. Carp, too, are fairly plentiful in this stream and should serve to considerable ex­ tent in tiding over the game fish population while the food supply is being restored.

Lake Wall-Eyes Is there any body of water in Pennsyl­ vania where the wall-eyed pike is definitely increasing more rapidly than are other game fish species? Apparently we have an answer in beautiful Lake Carey in Wyom­ ing county. Accompanied by Warden Russell Womelsdorf, a visit to this lake proved most informative. In talking to Luther Kniffen of Wilkes-Barre, a veteran angler skillful With fly rod and casting rod who has fished this lake for years, I was told that grep numbers of wall-eyed pike around 10 inches in length were being taken. Later that night, several of these young fish struck the trolling lures, and every indication at the present time seems to point to an out­ standing increase in the species. While some largemouth bass and pickerel are also being taken, a preponderance of catches seems to rest with the wall-eyed pike. Probably one very vital factor in this increase of the pike rests in the flow way adjoining the dam. Without doubt, this flow way provides ideal spawning ground for the pike perch and Two fine wall-eyed pile, 26 and 24 inches in length, fatten on casfing lure by William R. other game species. The lake generally is Kirkpafrick of Souderton 12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER FISH WARDENS ASSISTED BY TROOPER NAB BOOT­ BOARD MEMBER LEGGERS APPOINTED Announcement was made recently Charged with the possession and trans­ by the Governor's office of the ap­ portation of untaxed alcohol, three men, two pointment of Frank J. Pentrack, of them residents of Scranton, and the third Johnstown outdoorsman, to the Board of Throop, were arrested June 4, at Hamlin, of Fish Commissioners. Mr. Pentrack by State Trooper Edward Leh, of the Hones- was named by Governor George H. dale substation, and Fish Wardens John Earle to succeed Dan R. Schnabel, Schadt, of Wayne county, Frank Brink of Johnstown, veteran Board member Pike county, and Keith Harter of Lacka­ who had served for fourteen years in that capacity, and whose term expired wanna county. on July 3. The prisoners who were lodged in the Commissioner Pentrack is a mem­ Wayne county jail at Honesdale, were Louis ber of the Johnstown School Board, Constantini, Rocco Chickilla and Stanley and engaged in the undertaking and Wisnesky, alias Stanley Wayne. embalming business. He is a member Assigned to check up possible illegal fish of the Executive Board of the Greater catches, the trooper and the wardens were Johnstown Boy Scout Council, and stopping cars at Hamlin Corners, when Con­ served for two years as president of stantini approached in his auto. The officers the Cambria County Coon Hunters' A feller kin larn a heap what a man's stopped him and in going through the ma­ Association, in addition to serving a like ef he takes him afishin'. Now, I ain't chine, they found forty-three, five-gallon similar period as secretary of the sayin' thet us boys thet fishes is sproutin' cans of alcohol. Allegheny Mountain Skeet League. wings er ennything like thet, but danged About an hour later, the officer stopped He is actively interested in sports­ ef I ever seed more'n a couple thet wasn't the car in which Chickilla and Wisnesky men's affairs, being president of the the salt o' the earth. Course, us fishermen were riding. In this car were found twenty- Johnstown Rifle Club and a member looks at things powerful much alike so five, five-gallon cans of alcohol. of the Johnstown Rod and Gun Club, mebbe I'm sorter sot in my ways ter say it. Central City Sportsmen, Cairnbrook The three prisoners were turned over to Sportsmen, Hollidaysburg Consoli­ Well, round erbout two weeks back, Jeb officers of the Federal alcohol taxing unit, dated Sportsmen, Indiana County Evans hed a feller astayin' on with him fer and to the State Liquor Control Board. Game and Fish Association and South a bit o' fishin', so Jeb says ter me, Jerry, This arrest was quite a surprise to the Hill Sportsmen (Pittsburgh). let's us go over ter the pike pond an' mebbe Fish Wardens and the Trooper. ketch some. Now, I been afishin' with Jeb fer a long time back an' they ain't a better feller nowheres. So we gits our cane poles tergether, rigs up the lines with swivels and double hooks, ketches us some powerful nice minnies erbout 4 ter 6 inches long, an' heds fer the pond. This feller ain't ever fished fer pike this way, so we showed him right off, after we gits ter the pond, the trick o' puttin' the rig in them there lilly pad pockets where pike hangs out. He ketched on quick, an' then the fun started. Jeb hooks a good pike, every bit o' 24 inches an' was aplayin' thet fish jest right when along comes this feller an' throws right in over his line. Greedy ain't no word fer it, jest as ef they wasn't lots o' other water ter be fished. Ennyhow, them lines gits all tangled up, an' you know how with them easy tore jaws a pike kin git off. Thet happened right sudden. Jeb he don't say a thing, jest keeps on fishin'. It was like thet all mornin'. One o' us ud be fishin' a likely plout, when along ud come this feller, shovin' right past splashin' around an' makin' a tarnation of a fuss. I never seed sech goin' on afore an' I hope I never see it agin. Jeb an' me ketched some pike, an' when he didn't which ain't no wonder, he cussed out the place fer fair. It jest spoiled our fishin' trip an' on the way home, I figgered Jeb o' course ud have ter keep quiet, %z the feller was his company, but I sure did give thet feller a piece o' my mind. An' thet's what I mean when I say thet a feller kin be jedged by how he acts out fishin'. A good sport, seein' the other feller's angle, fits right inter happy fishin'. A feller thet ain't a good sport kin spoil a fishin' trip quicker'n a wink. Huntingdon sportsmen are gunning for his kind. A common watersnalce PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 13 HUNTINGDON SPORTSMEN SPONSOR SNAKE SNAKES SNAKES CAMPAIGN Writes Howard Shilling of Huntingdon: ATTENTION BOYS and GIRLS The watersnake is the worst of the sev­ eral classes of natural predators that take 18 YEARS OR UNDER a daily toll from our stock of game and food fish. It is a proven fact that a water- The Huntingdon County Game Fish & Forestry Association will Pay a snake will kill more fish per year than any fisherman. Most fisherman you talk with bounty of 5c for each water snake you kill during the months of July, will give testimony to the ability of the August and September. watersnake to capture and kill fish. The watersnake not only preys on small min­ Only the head of the snake need to be turned in for bounty payment. nows and food fish; he is also capable of catching game fish and especially in the For particulars inquire. smaller streams, that hold trout, he is most destructive to this class of game fish. It is evident that any movement aimed ingdon County Game, Fish and Forestry to reduce the number of watersnakes will COMPLETE LIST OF Association members will, no doubt, be assist in the production of a maximum sup­ among the many to take to local streams BOOKS ON STATE ply of fish. It is for this reason that the in an effort to hook one of those big ones. Huntingdon County Game, Pish and For­ Students and lovers of nature, as well The prizes offered this year by the Asso­ as those thousands of Pennsylvanians who estry Association has sponsored a drive ciation are as follows: would know more about their native State, against these predators during the past two find on the shelves of the Bureau of Pub­ years and will conduct a like campaign this First Day Entries: lications, at Harrisburg, scores of inter­ summer. The Association's effort during the esting and instructive books. These publica­ two previous contests has accounted for the 1. Bass (longest) Fly Casting Line. tions are easily available to those who are destruction of over 1000 watersnakes. 2. Pike or Salmon (longest) Fly Casting interested, many of them being supplied "Bill" Harlin, chairman of the Contest Line. without any charge, while others are Committee, announces the 1937 watersnake merely priced at cost of printing. campaign, as follows: Season Entries: The Common Trees and Shrubs of Penn­ sylvania, by George S. Perry, is one of the 1. Contest opens July 1st and will close 1. Bass (longest) Split-bamboo Fly Rod. books that is much in demand by people Sept. 30th, both dates inclusive. 2. Pike or Pickerel (longest) Split-bam­ wishing to know more about the Pennsyl­ 2. All boys and girls in the county boo Fly Rod. vania outdoors. It contains a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age or under are technical terms and can easily be under­ eligible to participate. 3. Walleyed Pike, commonly called Sal­ stood by anyone. Then there are books on mon (longest) Split-bamboo Fly Rod. Pennsylvania caves, the 1936 Flood, stream 3. Snakes must be turned in to author­ flow maps and records, a bulletin relating ized checkers not later than midnight, The rules governing this Contest are: to the State Forests, the State Tree of Sept.'30th. Only members having paid current year's Pennsylvania, books illustrating and de­ 4. Head from snake is all that will be dues are eligible to compete. No member scribing mammals, fish and game, geologi­ cal booklets and maps, road maps and required by checkers as evidence of the kill. can enter any one fish for more than one books on every phase of education. These The Association will pay a bounty of five prize. However, a fish caught on the first books are prepared by department heads (5) cents on each watersnake head turned day need not be entered in first day com­ and experts and are therefore authorita­ in and in addition will award the following petition but may be entered for the season tive. Many of them are profusely illus­ prize. Prizes: trated. To the boy or girl killing the greatest The winners of the rods in the trout sea­ Among the larger books might be men­ number of watersnakes: son contest cannot compete for rods in this tioned the State Industrial Directory, cov­ contest but may compete for any other ering every county and every industry. The 1st prize; Telescope Rod complete with prizes offered. Also, winners of first day 1935-1936 Pennsylvania Manual undoubt­ Level Wind Reel. prizes cannot compete for season prizes. edly contains more general information 2nd prize; Scout Knife. about Pennsylvania than any other book All fish entered must be caught in Hunt­ published, and it should be in every library. 3rd prize; Flash Light. ingdon or adjacent counties and no fish,, Pennsylvanians are urged to write to the Authorized checkers for this contest are: taken from private reserves is eligible for Bureau of Publications, Harrisburg, and Sam Price, Shade Gap; Homer Wear, entry. ask for a list of State Publications—it will Orbisonia; Rolla Goodman, Mill Creek; R. All fish entered must be measured in be­ be sent without charge and it lists more L. Brumbaugh, Marklesburg; L. M. Green, fore being dressed and first day entries than 500 books, pamphlets and bulletins on Cassville; H. W. Jackson, McAlevys Fort, must be registered before midnight at any almost every conceivable subject. R. D.; W. H. Miller, McAlevys Fort; Sidney of the designated checkers. I. Mogle, Spruce Creek; Manbecks Store, Petersburg; Groves Drug Store; Alexan­ Don't forget the Length is what counts! Ask your checker to forward your entry at KETTLE CATCHES FAIR dria. In Huntingdon, snakes may be Warden George Cross reports that catches checked in at Millers, Corcelius or Good­ once to W. O. Harlin, Huntingdon, Pa. The checkers for this contest are as follows: on Kettle Creek so far this season have mans Hardware Stores or at I. O. Weaver's been fair. Largest bass taken to his knowl­ store in Smithfield. Dr. H. R. Grove, Alexandria; R. L. Brum­ edge was a 19-inch smallmouth caught on a Announce Fishing Contest baugh, Marklesburg; Manbeck's Store, grasshopper by M. L. Pittengill of Renovo. Tomorrow (July 1) marks the opening of Petersburg; Sidney I. Mogle, Spruce Creek; It weighed 3 pounds. Frank Calahan of another season for the fishermen and if the Homer Wear, Orbisonia; Marks Restaurant, Driftwood caught nine smallmouthed bass ''weather man" permits, it will be a sad day Corcelius Hardware Company, Miller Hard­ from 10 to 12 inches in length on July 3. for the unwary fish that has strayed too far ware Company in Huntingdon or I. O. Ervin Dempsey of Driftwood scored with 6 from home. A large number of the Hunt- Weavers Store in Smithfield. smallmouths of similar size. 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER MY DADDY TIES SOME FLIES PRODUCTION OF SPAWN IS By DAWN BISHOP, Age 13 BELOW NORMAL

My daddy read an article And home right soon, my Daddy came, Half-Billion Eggs Produced During In the Angler of Pa. A much disgusted man, Written by Mr. Wetzel, And says "I'll tie some better flies, Annual Run of Wall-Eyed Pike Oh, what a sorry day, I think perhaps I can." That he ever was allowed to write, The annual spring spawning run of wall­ Elementary Fly Tying, or how to tie a fly Oh things at home are crazy, eyed pike on Saginaw Bay yielded more For my daddy read and right away And mother sits and cries, than 500,000,000 eggs for use in the Michi­ He said "I'm going to try." With feathers scattered o'er the house gan state fish hatcheries. The run this year Since Daddy's tying flies, wasn't as productive as in some seasons An outfit then for tying flies, Fish hooks laying on the rugs past, but the quality of the eggs taken may My daddy soon did get, Wax upon the floor, off-set the slight reduction in quantity. Its price I dare not mention here, And bits of string and crewel wool, From the half billion eggs taken it is ex­ 'Twas plenty you can bet. Are hid behind the door. pected that from 150 to 250 million fry will And straightaway he started in be produced. The bulk of the fry will be To try and tie a fly, Mother had some Ostrich Plumes, planted in Saginaw Bay where the eggs I heard him whisper to himself Upon her Easter hat; were taken and the balance will be shipped "Why this will be a pie." And now they are an awful mess, to various parts of the state for stocking My Daddy seen to that. inland waters. "Oh Weber, Mills, and Paul H. Young, He cut the herl from off the quill The eggs of the wall-eyed pike are very I'll put them in the shade, And made it into flies. small, numbering approximately 125,000 to And boy will they be jealous Now Mother won't forgive that trick a quart. This figure has been accepted as When they see flies I've made." Until the day she dies. the official basis for counting eggs as it But Alas, Alack, my poor old dad, has been checked and re-checked over a His chicks he counts too soon, Our rooster looks quite ragged, period of years and found to be very For all the flies that he has made, No feathers on his neck, accurate. I think were hatched too soon. His tail is gone, his wings likewise, Saginaw Bay is often pointed to by men He is a total wreck. favoring artificial propagation as an exam­ A hook within the vise he put, And every time he sees my Dad, ple of what can be done by aiding nature Now here's the saddest part, With many a squawk and cackle, in artificially hatching the eggs of fish and For his fingers were so clumsy He hies himself to the tallest tree, returning them to their native waters. The That bad language soon did start. To try and save his hackles. Bay continues to rank as one of the most Oh blanky blank and dashy dash, productive bodies of fresh water in the This blank hackle won't lie down, Our two black Cocker Spaniels, country in spite of the fact that it is fished And dashy dash and blanky blank, Each donates his share, intensively with all types of gear.—The All words that were not Nouns. For Dad has got a hundred flies, Great Lakes Journal. Made from out their hair. But Daddy dear did persevere, Their coats are getting very thin And soon of course he made, Where the fur is cut away, CATCHES LARGE EEL Some flies he called "McGinty's," But Daddy says "Why that's all right They were just the proper shade. It'll grow back in some day." Mrs. John Hulsizer, Milton, caught an Then to the stream he wends his way, eel that measured 33 inches in length and seven inches in diameter while fishing in Where trout are known to lurk There's nothing safe around our home To cast his flies and try them out, the Susquehanna River south of Milton on Since Daddy got the craze. June 2. And see if they will work. Mother and I just go around, We're simply in a daze; He cast his flies upon the stream, Waiting to see what next he'll find The fish took one good look, His flies and bugs to make. Five trout died of heart disease, Ma's set of furs? Our canary bird? The others left the brook. Who knows just what he'll take? BOLTS AT 100 DAYS SENTENCE Recaptured after a dash from the squire's defendants admitted procuring the fish, office where he and four others were said which included 20 largemouth bass, from to have admitted to possession of 30 illegal the Nesbitt Pond, also known as Lake fish, Stanley Kazokas, 661 North Street, Catalpa. Luzerne, who stated 10 of the fish were his, All five defendants were said to have ad­ was committed to Luzerne County Jail for mitted the charge, and fines and costs were 100 days when arraigned recently before being discussed when Kazokas made his Justice of the Peace William H. Roberts of dash for freedom. On leaving the office, he Kingston. turned north on Wyoming Avenue when he Four others, charged with possession of was noticed by George Krug, 232 Chestnut five fish each, were committed for 50 days, Street, who gave chase. 10 days for each fish. Capturing the escaped prisoner, Krug re­ With Kazokas when he was arrested at turned him to the office where the hearing 7:30 the previous night near Luzerne, were was resumed. Anthony Kazokas, 766 North Street; Joseph In further discussion of the case it was Zurinski, 794 North Street, Frank Kane, brought out that only three of the defend­ 824 North Street, all of Luzerne, and ants had fishing licenses. George Sevonis, 96 Chestnut Street, Swoyer- A sixth of the group was released when ville, Penna. he stated he had no connection with the Arrests were made by Fish Warden Rus­ catching of the illegal fish. sell J. Womelsdorf, Kingston, and Private Fish Warden Womelsdorf said the man, Bob Donaldson of Washington (Pa.) with 16-inch K. M. Werst of Troop B, State Police. Both whose name could not be obtained, would small-mouthed bass taken on fly and spinner in officers were reported to have testified the be investigated. the Allegheny river near Kinqua PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

size), Dunbar Creek; rainbow trout (legal TROUT STOCKED DURING JUNE size), Dunbar Creek; fingerling brook trout, Buck Run, Fulton Run, Clay Run, Lt. Back Stocking of brook, brown and rainbow brown trout, Baker Run, Mountain Run, Creek or Trout Run, Neals Run; fingerling trout, legal size and fingerling, featured the Lt. Laurel Run; fingerling rainbow trout, rainbow trout, Mill Run, Lt. Sandy Creek, distribution from the hatcheries during Laurel Run, Sanders Run, Lix Br., Moun­ Jonathan Run, Rassler Run, Beaver Run, June. Included in the stocking program tain Run. Laurel Run, Clay Run, Popolar Run. were 19,362 brook trout, 6 to 9 inches in Clinton County—brook trout (legal size), Forest County —• fingerling brook trout, length, 12,980 brown trout, 8 to 12 inches, Kettle Creek; fingerling brook trout, Lower Tubbs Run, Ross Run, Lt. Hickory Creek, and 4,840 rainbow trout, 8 to 18 inches in Three Run, Henry Run, Pine Run, Rocky Fork Run, Morrison Mill Run, Lt. Salmon length. Fingerling brook trout planted Run, Grape Run, Gottschall Run, Sand Creek, N. Br. Salmon Creek, W. Br. Blue totaled 292,315, fingerling brown trout Spring Run, Fishing Creek, Cold Fork Jay Creek; fingerling brown trout, Maple 264,450 and fingerling rainbow trout Run, R. Br. Queens Run, Walters Run, Creek; fingerling rainbow trout, Gilfoyle 158,750. Trout Run, Beaverdam. Run, Rocky Run, Strait Run, Wolf Run, Following were waters stocked during Columbia County—fingerling brook trout, Lt. Hickory Creek. the month in the various counties: Coles Creek, West Creek. Franklin County—fingerling brook trout, Adams County—brook trout (legal size), Crawford County — brook trout (legal Falling Springs Creek, Conococheague Conewago Creek; fingerling brook trout, size), McLaughlin Run; fingerling brown Creek or E. Br. Conococheague Creek, Fall­ Billings Creek; fingerling brown trout, trout, Marsh run, E. Br. Sugar Creek, ing Springs, Hess Run, Sprenkles Run, Conewago Creek, Carbaugh Run, Marsh Emerson Run, Mooney Run, Hummer Run; Cascade Run, Foremans Run; fingerling Creek; fingerling rainbow trout, Conewago fingerling rainbow trout, Navy Run, Fed­ rainbow trout, Dennis Run, Conococheague Creek, Marsh Creek. eral Run, Muddy Creek. Creek, Falling Spring Run, Wilson Run, Beaver County—brown trout (legal size), Cumberland County — fingerling brown Snooks Run, Shroods Run, Hover Run, Big Traverse Creek; rainbow trout (legal trout, Lutz Run, Cold Spring Run Nos. 1 Snively Run, Red Run, Barnharts Run, W. size), Brady's Run. and 2, Cedar Run, Cockleys Run, Dykeman Br. Antietem Creek, Numnery Run, Funks Bedford County — brown trout (legal Run, Three Springs, Letort Springs, Boil­ Run. size), Yellow Creek, Cumberland Valley ing Springs, Silver Spring, Trindle Spring; Fulton County —• fingerling brook trout, Run or Shovers Creek; fingerling brook fingerling rainbow trout, Cold Spring Run, Wooden Bridge Creek; fingerling brown trout, Maple Run; fingerling brown trout, Letort Spring Run, Oldtown Run, Toms trout, Roaring Run, Spring Run; finger­ Yellow Creek, Beaver Creek, E. Br. Side­ Run, Green Spring Run, Dykeman Run. ling rainbow trout, Big Cove Creek. ling Hill Creek; fingerling rainbow trout, Dauphin County — brook trout (legal Huntingdon County — fingerling brown Potter Creek, Imlertown Run, Pleasant Val­ size) Stony Creek. trout, Nossville Br. ley Run, Kauffman Run, Openheimer Run. Elk County—fingerling brook trout, Bear Indiana County — brown trout (legal Berks County — fingerling brook trout, Pen Run; fingerling brown trout, Nearing size), Yellow Creek; fingerling brook trout, Lt. Lehigh River. Run, Rocky Run, Johnson Run, Wellen- Big Run, Martin Run, Gilhouser Run; Blair County—brook trout (legal size), dorf Run, Finland Run, Big Bear Run, fingerling brown trout, Rose Run, Lt. Yel­ Bobs Creek. Lt. Bear Run, Laurel Run, Kersey Run, low Creek; fingerling rainbow trout, Laurel Bucks County—brook trout (legal size), E. Br. Clarion River, Driftwood Br. Sinne- Run, Lt. Yellow Creek. Cooks Creek or Durhams Creek; rainbow mahoning Creek, Clear Creek, Sawdust Jefferson County—fingerling brook trout, trout (legal size), Mill Creek, Pine Creek. Creek, Hell Fire Creek, Upper Br. Drift­ Hamilton Run, Lost Run, Burket Run, Butler County—brook trout (legal size), wood Br., Sand Lick, Water Tank Creek, Clover Run, Lost Run, Stoney Run, Seaton Lt. Connoquenessing Creek, Thorn Creek. Crooked Creek, Upper Clarion River, Run, Williams Run, Smith Run, Frederick Cameron County—fingerling brook trout, Straight Creek, 71 Creek, Five Mile Run, Run, Camp Run, McKee Run, Barnet Run, Bed Run, Salt Run, Four Mile Creek, Seven Mile Run, Seif Run, Powers Run, Clear Run, Sandy Creek, Pease Run, Canoe Run, Hunts Run, Fishing Creek, Big Run, Seelye Run, Sand Lake Run, Clutch Run; fingerling brown trout, Mill May Hollow Run, Waldo Run, Crooked Run, Spring Run; fingerling rainbow trout, Wel- Dam Creek. Bobby Run, Driftwood Br., Johns Run, lendorf Run, Finland Run, Crooked Creek, Juniata County — fingerling brown trout, Cooks Run, Elk Run, Clear Creek, Portage Big Bear Run, Lt. Bear Run, Laurel Run, Willow Run. Creek, Snodgrass Creek, Bar Hill Brook, Sand Lick Run, Water Tank Run, Saw Lancaster County—fingerling brook trout, McKinnon Br.; fingerling brown trout, Dust Run, Kersey Run, Wolf Lick Run, Sicklock Run, Poplar Run, Shaub Run, Hicks Run; fingerling rainbow trout, Hicks E. Br. Clarion River, Crooked Creek, Eshelmans Run, Nickle Mine Run, Martins Bun. Straight Creek, Burns Run, Horeshoe Bend, Creek, Unnamed, Furnace Creek, Shrite Carbon County—fingerling brown trout, Falls Shanty Run. Run, Stauffer or Longs Run, Fitters Run, Swamp Creek, Robinson Creek, Lake Fayette County — brown trout (legal (Continued on Page 19) Harvey Outlet, Quakake Creek, Mauch Chunk Creek, Dennison Creek, Bitners Creek, Bull Run, James Run, Strauss Val­ ley Creek, Smiths Run, Kitty Run, Rehrig Bun, Saw Mill Run, Bulls Run, Panther Creek, Saw Mill Creek, Keiper Run, Silk Mill Creek. Centre County—fingerling brook trout, Cold Stream, Hutton Run, Lt. Fishing Creek or Green Valley Run; fingerling brown trout, Lt. Fishing Creek, S. Fork Beech Creek. Chester County—fingerling brook trout, Pocopson Run, Tannery Run, Saw Run, Taylor Run, Birch Run, Beaver Creek, Copes Run, Webb Mill Run, Indian Spring Run, Johnson's Run, Buck Run, Valley Creek, Thompson Run, Lt. Elk Run, Keil- holtz Creek, Pattons Run, Hoods Run. Clarion County—brook trout (legal size), Toms Run, Deer Creek; rainbow trout (legal size), Toms Run; fingerling brown trout, Big Piney Creek, Mill Creek, Big Mill Creek, Lt. Piney Creek. Clearfield County—fingerling brook trout, Lt. Sandy Run, Beaver Run; fingerling Wing deflector under construction in a Lancaster County trout stream 16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER timers as one of the outstanding stars of ALLEGHENY CATCHES PERSISTENCE REWARDED his day, told his audience that he played Writes Erne Murtorff of Port Matilda, professional ball for a period of seventeen Writes Warden R. C. Bailey, Youngsville, E.D., an ardent feminine angler: years, retiring in 1901. "The unusual thing concerning early season fishing for bass on "One evening last June I was fishing on in my career if there was one," said the the Upper Allegheny River: Spring Creek. The trout began to work speaker, "is the fact that I was the only "The streams here were a little too high shortly after four o'clock. They were jump­ left-handed catcher to make the grade in for good bass fishing on the opening day ing everywhere. I tried about twenty flies the major leagues. Many tried but none but a few good catches were made. Not but didn't get a strike. Later in the evening were retained for any length of time in the many anglers out on the first and second I discovered a large black fly napping on catchers' position." He compared present days but on Saturday and Sunday there the grass and a few floating by. I thought day conditions and salaries in the great were more fishermen and campers along the my black gnat or ant might work but I national game with conditions of forty Allegheny River than in any year since I failed to get a raise. years ago and encouraged the boys to de­ have been patrolling. "I went home and made three black velop and practise a true sense of sports­ "Tony Badoli, Pittsburgh, and Eugene humdinger flies. The next evening I went manship. After his talk to the boys, they Collavo, Bridgeville, were the only two to to the Fisherman's Paradise. I like to fish all gave him a hearty applause. report limit catches. Badoli took his on a the rocky stream there. I tied a humdinger At this time the boys were each handed a plug at Johnson's Eddy and Collavo used a on a nine-foot tapered leader and cast fly at Crosses' Eddy. Harry McQuiston, across the stream. My fly landed on an over­ paper bag with chewing gum, candy, cara­ mels and a ticket with a number on each Sharon, Pa., a 22 inch, 4% pound small- hanging blade of grass and dropped off into mouth at Thompsons Eddy; A. Garlow, the water, floated back of a large rock and ticket which entitled them to the free prize contest drawing given by the club. The club North Bessemer, 4 nice bass, one 17 inch, what a 'thrill.' A trout simply leaped at 3 pounds; Roy Freeborough, Youngsville, 7 the fly. I hooked him and snap went my had 86 prizes that were given out to the lucky number holders. Prizes consisted of bass at General Irvine Bridge on Sunday leader. I lost the fish, fly and eighteen morning; Chas. Fairbanks, Turtle Creek, 4 inches of leader. I tied another on and cameras, watches, scout axes, scout knives, baseballs, bats, baseball caps, baseball nice bass, one 17 inches, at Big Bend; De- waited about ten minutes then cast again, witt Short, 22 inch wall-eyed pike at Big again, and again. Had a strike and hooked gloves, complete fishing outfits and all dif­ ferent kinds of fishing tackle. Bend (Mr. Short lives at Kane); Louis Er- him. Snap went the leader, fish and fly gone. rington, Broughton, 28 inch, 5% pound I staggered over to the bank and sat down. After the prize contest a minstrel show musky, Tuttletown Eddy. Great drops of perspiration stood on my was put across by the boy scout cubs of "We also checked a large number of bass brow. I sat for a half hour or more wonder­ Perkasie and received much applause. ranging from 13 to 16 inches in length and ing if it was my fault or if the leader was At this time Harry Z. Cole, Fish Warden very few under 10 inches." too fine. I tied my last humdinger on and from Norristown, was introduced to the with fear and trembling I got up, cast boys. Mr. Cole gave the boys a very inter­ once, got a strike, I hooked him. Something esting talk on fishing and how to take care BIG JUNIATA BASS seemed to say steady now; a great calm of our streams and destroy water snakes. He showed them different pictures of fish, Ed Bailie of Lewistown scored with a big came over me. I held him and how he did smallmouthed bass while fishing minnows fight. Finally I got him across the stream what kind they were and when and where to catch them. in the Juniata River near the Mifflin county and almost to my feet when a gentleman seat on July 6, according to a report re­ appeared and netted him for me. A lovely We now came to a part of much interest ceived from Warden C. V. Long of East seventeen inch trout weighing two pounds. to all—three reels of moving pictures that Waterford, Juniata county. His catch meas­ He had my three black flies in his jaw. were taken by the entertainment commit­ ured 22 inches in length and weighed 4 "What a reward for patience and per­ tee and were shown by Skipper Francis pounds 3 ounces. sistence." Kemmerer of our local Sea Scouts. After the moving pictures, refreshments To date this season, George Runkel, Port were served. The evening was well spent Royal newspaper editor, has taken 18 nice bass on plugs and live bait. They ranged in OBSERVE BOYS NIGHT and most of the boys are waiting for boys' night of the Branch Valley Fish, Game and length from 10 to 17% inches. A 19-inch The regular meeting of the Branch Val­ Forestry Associations next year. smallmouthed bass was reported taken from ley Fish, Game and Forestry Association C. H. Mumbauer, Pomeroy's dam on Tuscarora Creek by an was held on Tuesday evening, April 6, 1937, Chairman of Entertainment angler using stone catfish for bait, but Long with President Dr. W. W. Bonney, presiding. Committee. could not secure the name of the fisherman The reading of minutes were o-ked and making the catch. were followed by the Committee reports. Game committee reported 116 cock pheas­ WESTMORELAND COUNTY ants and 204 cottontail rabbits were re­ leased within the last month. SPORTSMEN PLAN FIFTH Forestry committee reported that all of the willow trees were planted that were ANNUAL PICNIC received from Fish Warden Cole. On August 28th all roads will lead to Fish committee reported that a survey Idlewild Park (on route 30 between Ligon- was made on different streams to transplant ier and Greensburg) in Westmoreland fish from the club's private hatchery. county where a gala time is anticipated by N. O. Fretz, gave a report from the the sportsmen from Westmoreland and sur­ county Federation meeting held in Doyles- rounding counties. town on April 6th. Membership committee The events listed for the day are:—coon had 34 members for the club bringing a trials, rifle (bench and prone), pistol, and total membership up to 318 members for trap shooting, dog show, sports for young 1937. and old; plug and fly casting for amateurs At this time the meeting was turned over as well as professionals; a real fishing con­ to the entertainment committee and the test for prizes. Mr. McDonald, the Idlewild boys of our town and surrounding commu­ Park Manager, promises a $25 cash prize nities. The boys included in this meeting for each of the Great Northern Pike caught. were from 6 to 16 years of age including Gate prizes, drawing of $100 cash prizes three troops of Boy Scouts—Sea Scouts and for Westmoreland-Allegheny Trout Nurs­ Cubs and Legion Juniors, totaling 265 boys ery. Dr. C. E. Boyer of Johnstown will prob­ in all. ably speak and show motion pictures of an Jack Clemmens, first speaker of the eve­ Alaska Hunting Expedition. ning was introduced by President Bonney. This announcement will serve as an in­ Mr. Clemmens, former star catcher with vitation to all sportsmen of Pennsylvania Tom Ratchtord, Hollidaysburg with 3-pound brown the Phillies who will be remembered by old- to attend and enjoy the day. trout taken in Penn's creek on fly PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 17

too long to strike. Another is having too much slack line on the water. You should BIRD-EATING FROG always take in the line with your free hand Writes Shirley C. Hulse of Bedford: as it floats down with the current. Keep Here's one for you: the rod at about a forty-five degree or I got a nice mess of bullfrogs Sat­ more angle to the water so that when you urday and the biggest of the lot was strike there is not too much tension. Many about a No. 11—I've always under­ are the trout that are turned over that stood that frog sizes run the same as would be in your creel if you had only re­ shoes. When I cut his head off pre­ membered to keep the tip of your rod up paratory to the skinning operation high when striking, and many are the trout the cutting didn't go so well and there that sulk to the bottom of the stream with seemed to be something black and a fly and a portion of your leader in their tough sticking out of his gullet. I got mouths for the same reason. hold of this with the pliers and dragged out a young redwing black­ I know that by making this next state­ bird. The bird was quite fully feath­ ment I am going to have some opposition ered and looked about of a size to or disagreement from many fishermen, but, have ventured or fallen out of the nest. nevertheless, I believe that I am right. I got these frogs in a millpond where Many claim that fish can't hear, but I there are plenty of cat-tails and lots "know that they are sensitive to vibration. of water birds about. From the way You may talk all you want to and make all the bird came out of the frog it might the noise you want while you are not in the appear that it was just the reverse of stream, but I believe that if you can fish what had happened in the first place a stream without wading you will take —the frog probably grabbed his meal more trout. Of course, this is sometimes impossible, and on .sandy or silty bottoms ol by one wing tip and kept on swallow­ Donald Hons, 9, of Berwick with l /2 inch brown ing till he had downed everything but I don't think that it makes much difference, trout he caught last season the other wing tip. I have read—or but on gravel or rocky bottomed strean beds where the stones are easily loosened heard—that a bullfrog will grab about ; anything that comes his way but this while wading, I th nk it makes a lot of dis­ MORE CARP CATCHES happens to be the first time I ever turbance that the trout notice. I know that it has put down many trout for me. I have The following report comes from Warden actually knew of one having gotten W. E. Wounderly, of Reading: away with a whole bird. approached a pool from the lower end where a rip left the pool and have kicked "I wish to advise you that since the mid­ loose small boulders and have seen trout dle of May to the end of June there have sixty or seventy feet above stop rising im­ been thousands of carp caught in the Onte­ mediately. This has occurred not just a few launee Lake. On Saturdays, Sundays and JUST A DRY FLY NUT times but many times, and I attribute the holidays we averaged from three to four (Continued from page 9) reason for this to the vibration caused by hundred fishermen, most of these fishermen don't happen any soap along, try rubbing- the loose stones grating together. used light tackle fishing for carp. Berks some sediment from the stream bottom or county surely is going wild on carp fish­ some damp soil on your leader. However, And now, if you are not yet too bored ing. They all tell me they enjoy eating after you have taken one trout your trou­ or too busy arguing, just a few more words them, but they must be done up in the ble in so far as keeping your leader sunk about a selection of flies for that fishing proper manner. will be over. Just rub your leader with trip you are going to take. I would suggest "On July 1, the opening of the bass sea­ some of the slime from the trout. If this that the beginner first try using bi-visibles son, we averaged about 700 fishermen on won't keep your leader under, nothing else because they are easy to float and are easy Ontelaunee Lake who were fishing for all will. to make settle lightly to the surface of the species of warm water fishes. The majority water. I have found gravs and browns to The one thing that is fascinating about fished for bass and on a conservative esti­ be the most successful. For most Pennsyl­ mate I have reasons to believe that there dry fly fishing is that you can see your fly vania waters, I would suggest the following: at all times. To see a trout strike, or break were 500 bass taken out of Ontelaunee Lake the surface, is enough to set the nerves of Cahills (both light and dark) on the opening day. The average length was 10 V to 12 y inches, mostly large- any fisherman a tingling, but to set the Ginger Quill 2 2 hook is the thing that so many fishermen mouth. fail to do. If you do not set the hook the Pink Lady "Every day since the opening of the sea­ second the trout strikes, nine times out of Newville Midge son we are averaging between 250 and 300 ten you will miss him. A common error Cow Dung fishermen." that so many fishermen make is waiting Pale Evening Dun Gordon Quill Gray Quill with white wings. Although this list may seem rather small, I have found it to be sufficient for all ordi­ nary purposes. Good luck on your next trip, and may you also become a dry fly addict. Diagram No. I shows a poor dry fly hackle with a lot of down on the fibers. Diagram No. II shows an ideal dry-fly hackle almost clear or free from down. Diagram No. Ill—Front view of dry fly with poor hackle. Diagram No. IV—Front view of dry fly with ideal hackle. Diagram No. V—Dry fly dressed very heavy (not a good fly in my estimation). Diagram No. VI—A properly dressed dry Catch of bass, 12 to l6'/2 inches, made on Alle Poor hackle dry fly fly. gheny river by Richard Grace of Warren 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

THE CARP PROBLEM (Concluded from Page 7) only food possible for the bass was the young carp. I have had no experience with the north fork of the Susquehanna where it crosses our northern counties, but I have been told by reliable authorities that even in the northwestern states that stretch of the river is referred to as the best small-mouth fishing in America. And our own people who have fished it say the water is "simply full" of carp. Everybody, surely, knows that the carp feeds chiefly on vegetable food that the bass Question: Does Pennsylvania artificially smaller in diameter than the D size desig­ propagate pickerel?—E. H. G. will not touch. And the loud claims that nating the central section of the line. Level "the carp eats up the bass spawn" is worse Answer: Of the inland water game line sizes run backward on the alphabet, than twaddle, it is inexcusable ignorance. fishes, the eastern chain pickerel ranks as an F line, for instance, being much smaller With the well-known habit of the male an outstanding cannibal. The Board of Fish in diameter than a C line. Proper weight Commissioners does not propagate this spe­ bass to watch over and protect the nest, in lines for fly fishing is most important in I'd like to see a carp eat the spawn, even cies artificially, owing in part to this ten­ casting, and for best results, lines of suit­ if he had the appetite!! A friend of mine dency when the fish are held in limited able weight should be fitted to the individ­ who is a valued observer of wildlife, not pond areas, in part to the voracity with ual rod. only because he is truthful, but still more which it takes live forage, and because Question: For bass fishing with the fly because he sees things accurately, tells me most pond space available is utilized in rod would you recommend a tapered of one day watching a bass over a nest in the production of wall-eyed pike and black line?—F. H. the Conodoguinet. After a bit a large carp bass of the two species. However, each Answer: In fly fishing for bass, many came floundering through the vegetable year when some of the ponds are drawn fishermen use successfully a level line of growth, probably without even seeing the I down at the Pleasant Mount hatchery, a weight sufficient to bring out the proper nest. But in a split second the bass was limited number of pickerel, usually rang­ action in the rod. Usually, if such a line is making the scales fly, and the carp was get­ ing in length from 12 to 15 inches, are used on, say, a rod with fairly stiff back­ ting away at top speed. captured. These fish are then released in bone and having a weight of 6 ounces, it I have no slightest information as to the suitable waters. is more than likely that a C level size views of any member of the Board of Fish Question: Does the state issue maps by would be about the ticket. Proper line Commissioners on the subject. But I do counties or otherwise, showing streams weight in this type of fishing, particularly know that one does not have to bore a hole and ponds and the species most fished for if the increasingly popular floating bugs through their skulls to get an idea inside, in same?—G. A. McA. are used, is most essential and is governed and I am personally venturing to "gamble" Answer: Maps of this particular type to a large extent by the weight and action that in less than ten years they will be are not issued. However, there is a very of the rod. Some expert fly fishermen pre­ hatching carp and stocking the bass streams good state stream map available. This may fer tapered lines for more delicate presen­ with them for bass food. And—as usual—• be secured by sending twenty-five cents tation of the lure, while the so-called air­ other states will be following Pennsylvania's ($.25), check or money order, to the Bu­ flow lines are also becoming popular. lead. reau of Publications, 10th and Market Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Question: Where can I get a book or LACKAWANNA CATCHES pamphlet on how to improve condition of On the first day of July, the opening of I searched approximately 40 cars, and a trout stream?—W. A. L. bass and pickerel, I searched cars at Ell's counted 195 pickerel, 190 bass, 429 sunfish Answer: A very practical and splendid Corners, assisted by Game Protectors Mr. and bluegills, and 139 perch. treatise on trout stream improvement, Orr and Mr. Bailer, of Thornhurst: also The largest pickerel measured 19% "Methods for the Improvement of Michi­ Special Wardens, Mr. Harold Newcomb inches, two measured 19% inches, and one gan Trout Streams" has been prepared and Mr. William Fichter, writes Warden 17 inches. These came from Promised for the Michigan Department of Conserva­ Keith Harter of Dalton, Lackawanna Land, Lake Wallenpaupack, and lakes near tion by Carl L. Hubbs, John R. Greeley county. Gouldsboro. and Clarence M. Tarzwell of the Institute For Fisheries' Research, University of Michigan. Information concerning the se­ curing of this bulletin may be had by writing to the Institute at Ann Arbor, Michigan. While many of the devices have been planned expressly for the low banked trout streams of Michigan, a number of these should be found adaptable for use in our high banked streams of Pennsylvania. Question: Does the fish department is­ sue a biennial report, and if so, where can I get one?—R. H. P. Answer: Biennial reports of the Board of Fish Commissioners may be obtained from the Bureau of Publications, 10th and Market .Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The charge for a report is twenty-five cents. Question: What is the meaning in re­ gard to fly lines for fishing of the various letters as HDH, etc.?—C. Y. Answer: The sizes of fly lines are des­ ignated by letters. An HDH double-tapered line, for example, means that such a line Wardens with nets confiscated on Susquehanna river. Seated, Warden Russ Womelsdorf of Kingston. at the terminal points is an H size, much Standing, left, Warden A. S. Snyder; right, Warden Harry Carl PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 19 TROUT STOCKED DURING JUNE (Continued from Page 15) Snip Run, Long Run, Walnut Run, Stohler Run, Martins Run, Jennings Run, Un­ named, Rohers Run, Indian Run, Sullivan Run, Bull Run, Bell Run, Trout Run, Rock Run, Unnamed, Cedar Run, Unnamed, Sil­ ver Spring Creek, Woodstock Creek, Lt. Beaver Creek, Spring Creek; fingerling brown trout, Fishing Creek, Chickies Creek. Lawrence County — brook trout (legal size), Big Run, Taylor Run. Lebanon County — brown trout (legal size), Evening Br. Lehigh County—brook trout (legal size), Big Trout Run, Cedar Creek; brown trout (legal size), Lt. Lehigh River; fingerling brook trout, Swope Creek, Doctors Creek, Trout Run, Ontelaunce Creek, Bowers Creek, Lt. Lehigh River; fingerling brown trout, Swabain Creek, Catasaqua Creek, Lt. Lehigh River, Trout Run, Spring Creek, Sefings Spring, Locust Run, Ontelaunce Creek. Lycoming County—fingerling brook trout, Bam Run, Joe Gray Run, Headwaters Run, Sugar Camp Run, Black Creek, Larry Run, Work is now under way In creating a fishing ground for muslties at Drake's Mills, Crawford County. Mash Run, Jack Horse Creek, Roaring Drake Brothers milling concern turned this water over to the fish commission for the project Horse Creek, West Mill Creek, Hoaglands Run, Buckhorn Br., Texas Creek, Block Creek, McMurrin Run, Ramsey Run, Salt Brook, Panther Brook, Mile Brook, Kimble Run, Lick Run, Painter Run, Four Mile Run, Phillips Run, Barr Bottom, Cherry Brook, Sand Spring Brook, Beuhler Brook, Run, Stephenhouse Run, Painter Run, Hills Run, Trout Run, Browns Run, Spring Kellan Brook, Gifford Brook. Creek, Norris Brook. Creek; fingerling brown trout, Long or Potter County—brook trout (legal size), Union County — fingerling brook trout, Cool Run, Murry Run, Fisher Hollow, Pack Dodge Run, Cushing Creek or Brookland Stoney Run, Chamber Run, Kelly Run, Horse Creek, Fourth Gap Run, Lt. Pine Br., Nine Mile Run; fingerling brook trout, Beaver Run, Cedar Run, Black Run, Spruce Creek, Trout Run, Roaring Run. Lt. Br. Dingmans Run, Nine Mile Run, Run, Old Gap Run. Losey Run, Buckseller Run, Cabin Hollow, Venango County — brook trout (legal McKean County — rainbow trout (legal Ludington Creek, R. Br. Dingmans Run; size), Upper Two Mile Run, Middle Br. size), Pond at Kushequa on Kinzua Creek; fingerling brown trout, Muddy Brook, Cot­ Sugar Creek; fingerling brown trout, E. Br. fingerling brook trout, Colegrove Brook, ton Brook; fingerling rainbow trout, Grid- Sugar Creek, Cauvel Run, Slate Run, Wolf Robbins Brook, Lasher Brook or Brewer ley Run, Reese Run, Nelson Run, L. Br. Br., Camp Run, Lower Two Mile, Olinder Run, Boyer Brook, Seven Mile Creek, Five Fishing Creek, R. Br. Fishing Creek. Run, Cherry Run, Kane Run, Cherry Tree Mile Creek, Smith Run, Havens Brook; Schuylkill County — brown trout (legal Run, Weikle Run, Cornplanter Run, Grif- fingerling brown trout, Langmade Brook, size), Gold Mine Run, Evening Br., W. Br. feth Run, Weikel Run. Windfall Creek, Willow Creek, Watermill Fishing Creek; rainbow trout (legal size), Warren County—brook trout (legal size), Creek, Five Mile Creek, Mudlick Creek, Mud Run Dam. Farnsworth Creek; fingerling brook trout, Chappel Forks; fingerling rainbow trout, Somerset County — fingerling rainbow Irvins Run, Farnsworth Creek, Dutchmans E. Br. Tionesta Creek, Chappel Forks, trout, Cub Run, Pine Run, Left Fork Piney Run, State Line Run, Cornplanter Run, Large Run, Cicely Run, Lt. Smokey Run, Creek, Wells Creek, Spook Run, Cranberry Hodge Run, Jay Buck Run, Middle Creek, County Line Run. Run, Elklick Creek, Lt. Piney Run, Skunk Slater Run, Hedgehog Run, W. Br. Tionesta Mercer County — brown trout (legal Run, Sandy Run, Shaffer Run, Blue Hole Creek, Jones Run; fingerling rainbow trout, size) Deer Creek. Run, Pletcher Run. Big Hickory Creek. Mifflin County—brook trout (legal size), Sullivan County—fingerling brook trout, Wyoming County—fingerling brook trout, Kishacoquillas Creek. West Br., East Br. Sugar Hollow Brook, Mehoopany Creek, Monroe County — brown trout (legal Tioga County — fingerling brook trout, Millers Brook, Whites Brook. size), Paradise Creek'; rainbow trout (legal Lt. Slate Run, Long Run, Strait Run, Asaph York County — fingerling brook trout, size), Weir Lake; fingerling brook trout, Run, Elk Run, Phoenix Run, Schanbacker Frost Creek, W. Br. Creek. Middle Br., Cranberry Run, Sambo Creek, Mickel Run, Pensyl Creek, Scotrun Creek, Pocono Creek, Mountain Run, Sand Spring Creek. BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS Montgomery County — fingerling brook HARRISBURG, PA. trout, Duga Creek, Pine Swamp Run, N. W. Br. French Creek, N. Br. French Creek, SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Baptismal Run, Hopewell Run, W. Br. French Creek, Church Run. Enclosed find fifty cents ($.50) for one year's subscription to PENNSYLVANIA Northampton County—brook trout (legal ANGLER. size), Martins Creek; brown trout (legal size), Bushkill Creek; fingerling brook (£• Nam trout, Catasauqua Creek, Indian Creek, Bertaches Creek, Deep Creek. (Print Name) Perry County — fingerling brown trout, Horse Valley Run. Pike County — fingerling brook trout, Deep Brook, Commins Brook, Mill Rift City Brook, Boyds or Quinns Brook, Vander Mark Brook, Ash Run, Lords Brook, Taylor 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

A HERE HD THERE '„ AHGLERDOM

Just how big will horned dace grow? head catfish from 8 to 12 inches in length Mr. E. R. Stout and his son Gerald of That question comes to mind with this re­ in the lake. Eleven nice brook trout, from Wilkes-Barre, together caught a total of 25 port of an unusual catch in Yellow Breeches 7 to 10 inches in length, were taken by nice brook trout, in Arnolds Creek, on the Creek, Cumberland county, by Chris Bru- John McCloskey of Pottersdale in Three opening day. baker of Carlisle. According to Warden Runs. George James, a horned dace was taken by During the afternoon and evening on the Brubaker on April 20 that measured 18 opening day of bass season, July 1, 1937, inches in length. The following reports on catches and fishing conditions in Luzerne county and together with a group of Special Wardens surrounding territory have been reported and a Highway Patrolman, I secured the Cumberland county waters have other by Warden Russell Womelsdorf of Kings­ following accurate data while making a grounds for fishing distinction, according to ton— careful check on fishermen as they were another report from Warden James. While returning home after the day's fishing. fishing in Laurel Dam on Mountain Creek, On the opening day, April 15th, Leo Norman Bretz caught three bluegill sunfish Armbuster of Wilkes-Barre was headed for We checked on a total of 325 fishermen of nearly uniform size, and what sunfish home, at 7 A. M. with the limit of nice and following is the total numbers of dif­ they were. One of them tipped the scales brook trout, which he had caught in Arn­ ferent species of fish they had caught and at one and one-half pounds. Looks like an­ olds Creek, Luzerne County. had in their possession: other fishing record for a grand fishing and 124 smallmouth bass. 108 yellow perch. hunting county. 69 largemouth bass. Thomas O'Toole of Nanticoke caught 12 174 catfish. 69 wall-eyed pike. 190 sunfish. Warden Charles Wensel of Clarion comes nice brook trout, in Arnolds Creek, on the 202 pickerel. along with a report of three dandy brown opening day. 88 fallfish. trout from Maple Creek in Forest county. 116 rock bass. 6 carp. These fish were caught by Dave Paddock Curtis Anderson of Dallas, caught 14 According to these fishermen the ma­ and Bill McElhattan. The largest of the brook and 1 brown trout in Bowmans and jority of these fish were taken from the trio measured 21 inches and weighed 3y2 Harvey Creeks, on the opening day. They North Branch of the Susquehanna River, pounds, runner-up was 19 inches weighing ranged from 7 to 14 inches in length. Lake Carey, Hart Lake and Tuscarora Lake. 2% pounds, and the third, 17 inches, weighed one and one-quarter pounds. Joseph Chrzan of Nanticoke, in three I spent several hours, during the morn­ Special Warden Harry Baumgardner of successive trips to Kitchen Creek and ing of the first day, on Harveys Lake and Lewistown reports a fine catch of bass by Maple Run, Luzerne County, during the observed several hundred fishermen trying two ardent Lewistown anglers, Nattie Com­ month of April, caught a total of 39 brook their luck for all species. All available boats fort and Charley Kistle. They scored with and 3 brown trout, ranging from 7 to 12 there were in use and there was much de­ 14 fighting smallmouths from the Juniata inches in length. mand for more. River near Lewistown on the first day of bass season. Casey Yocum of Lewistown, Baumgardner reports, did himself proud while fishing a small plug for the big brown trout in Pishing Creek, Clinton county, landing a brownie measuring 20 inches.

Trout, perch and bullhead catfish were taken in good numbers by fishermen in the Centre county fishing grounds during May and June, writes Warden Dave Dahlgren of Philipsburg. Twelve trout from 8 to 13 inches in length were taken in Black Moshannon Creek by John Martin of Bae- ciara. Ottle Johnson, Houtzdale, scored with 7 rainbow trout in the Moshannon, from 8 to 11 inches in length. J. 0. Young, Reeds- ville, scored with a rainbow 22% inches in length and weighing 4 pounds in Spring •?'* Creek, also landing three browns from 12 to 18 inches in length. Nine trout from 9 i\ to 15 inches in length were taken by Lester Kerstetter of Coburn in Pine Creek. August Maguesson of Morrisdale caught 15 browns •. and rainbows from 8 to 16 inches in length in the Black Moshannon. A 14 inch yellow perch was taken in Moshannon Lake near Philipsburg by Theodore Law, Philipsburg. J. F. Kephart of Philipsburg caught 16 bull­ Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Armstrong of Cheswick with catch of bass made in Thompson's Eddy, Allegheny river on plug, largest smallmouth 20 inches, 4!/2 pounds London Sporting and Oramatio News: "Did you order those sardines ?' "No, dear." "Well, don't." Sec. 562, P. L. & R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 270

Would You Help Your Bass Fishing?

Don't Waste Live Bait...

Take Just Enough Minnows or Stone Catfish For A Day's Sport

20 Lively Baitfish Will Provide More Thrills Than 50 Weakened By Crowding In A Bait Bucket