BROWN TROUT NOVEMBER, 1939 TEN CENTS OFFICIAL STATE NOVEMBER. 1939 PUBLICATION 'ANGLER? Vol 8—No. 11

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

by the BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS jfill •

Publication Office: 540 Hamilton Street, Allentown, \^XsH. [o y$0s Penna. Executive and Editorial Offices: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commis­ CHARLES A. FRENCH sioners, Harrisburg, Pa. Commissioner of Fisheries

• MEMBERS OF BOARD Ten cents a copy—50 cents a year CHARLES A. FRENCH, Chairman • Elwood City

ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor MILTON L. PEEK South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. Radnor

• HARRY E. WEBER Philipsburg NOTE Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SAMUEL J. TRTJSCOTT should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either Dalton by check or money order payable to the Common­ wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. EDGAR W. NICHOLSON Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. Philadelphia

• FRED McKEAN PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ New Kensington tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper credit will be given to contributors. H. R. STACKHOUSE All contributions returned if accompanied by first Secretary to Board class postage.

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Entered as second class matter at the Post Office C. R. BULLER of Allentown, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefonte

==*»- IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give old and new addresses Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Vol.8. No. 11 ^ANGLER/ NOVEMBER, 1939

EDITORIAL

Fal Distribution of frout

/^""^vUR field men have just completed a Statewide stream survey of the trout streams in the State and with few exceptions have reported them in abnormally low condition. This naturally will seriously affect the Fall distribu­ tion of trout this year unless we have sufficient rains within the next two or three weeks to bring these streams back to normal.

We are at the present time ready to begin the Fall distribution, but of course, would not sacrifice the wonderful stock of fish which we are holding at our hatcheries and have made arrangements to hold these fish over until next spring unless the much hoped for rainfall arrives. In the event we do not make our regular Fall distribution, our stocking for 1939 will show somewhat of a decrease over last year.

A thorough check-up last week of all our trout hatcheries revealed the fact that we had this year, the greatest production in the entire history of the Fish Commission. Our major hatcheries, Huntsdale in Cumberland County, Rey- noldsdale Hatchery in Bedford County, Pleasant Gap and Spring Creek, Centre County and Corry Hatchery, Erie County, are loaded to capacity at the present time with what C. R. Buller, Chief Fish Culturist, states are the finest trout we have ever produced.

Don't pass up an opportunity to visit one of these hatcheries if you possibly can within the next two or three weeks.

Should we not be able to make this year's distribution, it will mean a tremendous stocking next spring. With the aid of our tank trucks in the distribution, it will be possible to take care of all this stocking in the spring.

Commissioner of Fisheries 2 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

Some Remarks On The Feeding Behavior of Fishes By WILLIAM P. WALTON

HAT experienced angler has not been pull of gravitation! Shades of Izaac Newton, W frequently puzzled and disgusted by where be we a travelling? Further we read the refusal of game fish to be attracted to "The most important factor which decides his lures under conditions which, to him at the fate of your day's fishing is the trend least, seemed most favorable for the sport? of the barometer. Fishing and the glass go Explanations in plenty of this vexatious hand in hand. If the glass is falling, don't mystery have been offered but none of these blame your choice of flies, your casting, your is satisfactory from a scientific point of view. selection of fishing grounds or any one of the hundred and one things (including your so- This galaxy of explanations includes about lunar tables) which may affect your day's everything one could imagine except perhaps sport when the barometer is falling." There's the influence of radio broadcasting which no nothing like the good old alibi to take the one seems as yet to have thought of. curse off! One of the amusing superstitions which is Now keep it in mind that it is alleged in quite prevalent among the older inhabitants the Solunar Tables, that they apply to fish­ of some sections of the country is that astrol­ ing anywhere both in tidal and non-tidal ogical influences govern the feeding of fish. waters and that they apply to all kinds of That is to say, the seasonal changes in the fish everywhere in the United States. With heavenly constellations as expressed by the this background we will proceed to examine signs of the zodiac contain the clue to the the scientific bases of this most astonishing proper time for a successful fishing expedi­ complication of tide and tables, and lunar tion. According to old folk lore each of these schedules. signs is supposed to bear a special relation­ ship to some organ or part of the human First: the tides: anatomy as was formerly illustrated on the It is of course common knowledge derived title pages of patent medicine almanacs. both from experimental and empirical evi­ As my old friend John Fischer, born in dence, that the tides exert a profound effect "When de sign iss in de belb'i den go feeshing" upon the feeding habits and behavior of the mountains of Bohemia but now of that was a pet saying of oid John Fischer. land where fishing is always good, God rest fishes inhabiting tide-water and this is espe­ his soul, used to say: "When de sign iss in cially true of those that inhabit coastal and de belly, den go feeshing". barometer. I have discussed this in the littoral waters. These effects are due how­ ever, not to gravitation as such but to tidal But friend John went fishing whenever he October issue of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER and have little to add to this statement now. currents and their influence on the move­ felt so inclined, which was quite often and ments of the teeming marine life upon which he naively informed me: 'I keep mine bait This theory in brief alleges that increasing 1 fishes subsist in these waters. If there exists X'eesh in de bad tub all vinter yet " Prithee, atmospheric pressure transmitted through the water to the swim bladder of the fish, forces the slightest shred of experimental evidence Brother Piscator, what nobler function hath to show that the pull of gravitation as such a bath tub? the latter to the surface in order "to equalize the pressure of air and water". Being at the exerts the least effect upon even marine fish Another very old and popular belief and I have not been able to discover it. one that has some basis in fact is that the surface the fish then just feeds, out of bore­ direction of the wind governs to an important dom—or something. Second: The fish and its surrounding me­ dium—the water: extent the biting of the fish. One version What is, however, the most elaborate effort of a very ancient rhyme says: of recent years to establish a touchstone for The world in which a fish "lives and moves the universal use of anglers in this respect and has its being", is one vastly different "When the wind's from the north, and one which has been commercialized by from ours in some respects. For instance: Fisherman, go not forth; its author for some years is known as the Should you project your body upward into If the wind's from the east, "Solunar Tables". 0) the air by leaping, it will immediately de­ The fish bite the least; scend with constant acceleration and should Blows the wind from the west, According to its author: "The 24 hours and you perchance alight upon some inappro­ Then fish bite the best; 50 odd minutes which comprise the "day" priate portion of your anatomy, you will "go But the wind from the south, (this evidently is the lunar day which is boomp". Not so with the fish. When he Blows the bait in his mouth." about 50 minutes longer than the solar day) darts upward in quiet waters, he will remain of a fish, are divided into periods of rest and suspended at whatever point he may be, at From the earliest times the light of the periods of activity. For purposes of these the moment when the energy of the propel­ moon, which after all is only the very feebly tables such periods of activity are called ling impulse becomes dissipated. In other reflected light of the sun, has been accused Solunar periods. The word Solunar—a com­ words, he is immune to the effects of the pull of wielding a dire influence over all living bination of the words Solar and Lunar—was of gravitation. The fish being equal in weight things including lovers and fish. Thus the coined in order to deal with the description to the volume of water which he displaces word "lunatic" (no aspersions intended—at of these periods with less confusion. It is therefore in complete equilibrium with his least on the fish) is a relic of the compara­ means—the force resulting from the com­ surrounding medium (the water) and is free tively recently held belief that Luna or the bined gravitational pull of the sun and the to move in any direction in it without be­ moon was responsible for derangement of the moon; in other words the force that causes ing affected by the attraction of gravitation mind commonly known, even in the law, as the tide in the ocean." as we know it. It is only when he leaps from "lunacy". It is then not so remarkable that Although the advertisement for this some­ the water into the air that he encounters this the most beautiful of celestial objects should what amazing document says, "Know in ad­ force and he then falls heavily back into his be accused of depriving the ardent fisherman vance what time to expect the best fishing own element. of many a tight line and well laden creel. on each day of the year", the purchaser will In order to obtain a comparable state of Of comparatively recent origin is a theory be disappointed to learn upon perusal of the equilibrium in the atmosphere, we fill blimps of pseudo-scientific character which has been tables that "a shift of the wind to the east with hydrogen or helium gases and, when published to the effect that the vagaries of will offset completely the effect of the so- equilibrium it attained, the vessel no longer fish behavior in feeding are due principally lunar influence and ruin the day's fishing". responds in the least to the influence of if not solely to the effects of variations in What wonders have we here, Brother Pisca­ gravitation but is free to glide in any direc­ atmospheric pressure as indicated by the tor? The wind cancelling the effect of the tion its operator may choose to direct it. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 3

But to return to the fish in the water; Last and perhaps least: Atmospheric pres­ Although submerged water plants produce through voluntary muscular control of the sure (altitude) as this affects the escape or this free oxygen abundantly while the sun volume of gas in his swim bladder, the fish retention of oxygen in the water, and as it shines, such production ceases at dusk and can remain suspended and motionless in the affects the temperature of the water by in­ these plants then begin to set free another water at any time, at any level he ordinarily crease or decrease of evaporation from its gas, namely, carbon dioxide which although inhabits, regardless of the moon, the sun or surface. necessary to most forms of plant and animal the barometer. The fish is a perfect mechan­ All of these factors, either directly or in­ life, will not alone sustain it. ism in this respect which knows not the In ponds and lakes and especially large attraction of gravitation. directly, exert an influence on the welfare and behavior of the fish, to a greater or less ones, the action of the wind in tossing the From a consideration of these almost self- extent, and many of them are complexly surface waters serves well to supply large evident facts it should be abundantly evident inter-related in their resultant effect on the amounts of free oxygen from the air that is that the so-called Solunar Tables are found­ fish. thus imprisoned in the water. ed upon a fallacy and that they are useless In order to convey to the reader who may There is no doubt that abundant free so far as fresh water fishing is concerned. oxygen serves importantly to activate and Although their author claims that they are not be acquainted with these things a more adequate idea of the complicated play of invigorate all fish life as it enables them to proven by 11 years of "experimentation" the oxydize or burn up their food and thus to details of these investigations are not reveal­ these factors, one upon another, there is pre­ sented herewith a diagram illustrating the convert it into flesh and energy. ed and it is altogether probable that what he manner in which these physical and chem­ In a pond of my acquaintance, extending calls experimentation is merely experience ical factors influence each other. Although over an area of about 40 acres, that is shal­ of himself and other fishermen recorded this be imperfect and incomplete in some low and therefore quite warm in summer, but without consideration of important contrib­ respects, it should serve to convey an ap­ which contains abundant submerged vege­ uting factors. If we accepted the evidence preciation of the many angles which exist tation and many largemouth bass, these fish presented by our senses in lieu of valid scien­ in this question of what causes the seemingly feed actively during daylight hours, when tific experimental evidence we should still mysterious behavior of fishes. they may be seen rising numerously in all believe that the world was flat and that Next in importance to the life-giving sun­ directions. However, these fish do not rise "the sun do move". In such matters as these, at all and cannot be induced to bite before empirical evidence, or that derived from ex­ light in its effects on fish life, is the presence or absence of adequate amounts of dissolved the sun is well risen. Neither will they take perience alone, is likely to be quite mislead­ the lure after sunset. I am inclined to ex­ ing. oxygen in the water. Although the water is a mixture of two parts of hydrogen to one plain this behavior as due to the fact that In spite of a general feeling among anglers of oxygen (HzO) these gases are so chemically during the day when the many plants are that there exists some universal, occult, single combined that the gills, or repiratory sys­ actively producing abundant supplies of force which governs the biting of fishes, if tems, of most fishes cannot absorb directly oxygen the fish are invigorated by it, and we consider the multitude of factors, chem­ from it sufficient oxygen to sustain life. This that in the absence of sunlight in this shal­ ical, physical and psychological, which may fact requires that there be contained in the low, warm pond, the oxygen supply becomes intimately affect fish in this respect such an water additional quantities of this vital gas rapidly depleted and is replaced largely by assumption becomes a matter of extreme im­ as a temporary mechanical mixture and this carbon dioxide, thus causing the fishes to probability if not a mere figment of the im­ is termed free, or dissolved oxygen. (Continued on Page 21) agination. Fishes inhabiting tide waters are subject not only to the ordinary influences affecting fishes in non-tidal waters but also to the cur­ rents caused by the tides, variations in the salinity of the water and to abrupt changes in the temperature of it caused by the flow of the tides. They live therefore under con­ ditions that are not comparable to those prevailing in non-tidal waters. In view of these facts, the following dis­ cussion will be confined entirely to some of the factors that may affect fishes inhabit­ ing non-tidal waters, in order to simplify somewhat a rather involved and technical subject. The interesting folk lore, rule of thumb and empirical theories which we have been pre­ viously discussing, omit from consideration a number of factors which are generally recognized by zoologists and biologists as profoundly influencing the behavior of fresh water fishes. These are as follows: First. The variation, daily and periodic, in the content of dissolved oxygen in en­ vironmental waters. Second: The effects of variation in tem­ perature of such waters both on the meta­ bolism or life processes of the fish as well as their effect on the escape or retention of dissolved oxygen in the waters. Third. The amounts of sunlight that fall upon the waters and the effect of this on the water plants in their production of oxy­ gen and carbon dioxide which in turn affect all animal and plant life contained in such Waters. Fourth: The degree of transparency or turbidity of waters as this affects the growth and abundance of water plants as well as the activities of game fish in such waters. 4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER HUNTSDALE HATCHERY By C. R. BULLER, Chief Fish Culturist

when studying propositions, did not reveal their purpose to land owner. In July, 1932, a site having most of the assets, was located on the headwaters of the Yellow Breeches Creek, Penn Township, Cumberland County, near the village of Huntsdale. An option was taken and the purchase made in September, 1932. The geographic location is very favorable from the standpoint of the fish distribution, as it is near many outstanding trout and bass waters. The soil is of a nature that builds water-tight pond banks. The fall or drop in elevation from the upper end of the property to the lower sec­ tion is not as much as is desired but the other favorable factors offset this objection. The spring water supply, while of a very peculiar nature, is abundant. During the most severe drought period, since the prop­ erty has been acquired, the combined mini­ mum flow of the spring did not fall below 5,000 gallons per minute. Irishtown Gap Run, which heads in the mountain south of the village of Huntsdale, flows through the hatchery property, and has Now hatchery building at Huntsdale. sufficient flowage to provide the right kind of water for the warm water fish pond de­ velopment. HE older established State hatcheries Those in charge of the task of locating Geographically, the site comprises a most likely sites for the construction of a State T were originally located and constructed peculiar phenomenon. The top soil, to a Hatchery were confronted with numerous for the purpose of hatching fish eggs and the depth of four to eight feet, consists of rubble problems. The Board was desirous of locat­ planting of the fish at a very early stage of sandstone; underlying this is a strata of lime­ ing and building a development adaptable development. Fish Hatchery work, where stone. Through the sandstone permeate for growing of trout, as well as warm water the crop is planted, or disposed of when very numerous springs. All of these springs are small, requires but very little pond space fish species, such as black bass, bream, cat- fisn and others. For the trout work, this assumed to be deep seated. Regardless of and a comparatively small water supply. The rain-storms or floods, they never become work is more or less seasonal and the finan­ required a site where a large dependable flow of spring water of outstanding quality turbid, being so clear that objects can be cial investment relatively small, as compared seen as plainly in the water, almost, as in to a Fish Farm, where the crops are grown could be had. For the warm water fish development, it required a water supply of the air. The spring consists of six groups, all in the plant until they are sufficiently large originating within an area of seven acres. to be caught and legally retained by the high summer temperature and low winter angler. temperature, preferably to be taken from a In most sections of the country, all deep stream having no possibility of ever being seated springs are inclined to have a uni­ It has long been the policy of the Board polluted by industrial waste or from other form water temperature. At Huntsdale where of Fish Commissioners to centralize produc­ sources. the different groups of springs all bubble tion at a few major plants, in preference to forth in such a small area, they vary greatly creating many small establishments. This The topography of the land was to be such in this respect. For example, Group No. 1, facilitates supervision and eliminates much that there would be ample fall between the has a temperature of 57.2 deg. F., Group No. costly equipment. Hence the building of all pools, in order to provide aeration of the 2, 53.6 deg. F, Group No. 3, 59.0 deg. F., Group the fish cultural stations has been along water for the fish and also to permit econom­ No. 4, 59.0 deg. P., Group No. 5, 51.8 deg. F., very permanent lines—constructed to last for ical draining of each separate area. and Group No. 6, 57.2 deg. F. many years. The character of the soil had to be such It is not uncommon to find springs that at The constantly increasing demand, by the that it would permit economical pond con­ their sources will not support fish life. This struction, and if possible, the location should anglers, for more fish and larger fish for is generally caused by a deficiency in oxygen, be in a section having an abundance of suit­ stocking the public waters, was rapidly or a very high content of carbon dioxide. able water for stocking purposes not already placing a burden on the hatcheries far be­ As the water flows from the spring, down the near an established hatchery. This was yond their ability to meet. Due largely to stream over rocks and other objects, it soon thought to be an admirable feature as a absorbs oxygen and liberates carbon dioxide the foresight of those in charge of fisheries location in proximity to the water to be work in Pennsylvania when the early hatch­ and other gas, making it ideal water for stocked greatly reduces fish transportation aquatic life. eries were established, most of them were costs. located where ample water, of a suitable For various reasons, it is desirable to locate quality, was available, and when it became Of course, it was realized that few, if any, the hatcheries for trout culture at or near necessary to change the program from merely places were available having all of these the source of water supply. Fish Culturists hatching fish e"ggs, and stocking fry, to the favorable characteristics. Many sites were in­ know the oxygen content of water suitable growing of thousands of large fish, most of vestigated and rejected for various reasons. for this purpose, and are somewhat familiar the plants were economically changed or All of the work of analyzing the water in the with the tolerance limit of carbon dioxide, redesigned to meet this need. But it soon selection of likely locations had to be covered but know little about the other chemical became evident that in order to keep pace with secrecy, as it is a general custom to contents of water, as influencing the well- with the needs of the public waters for fish, greatly advance the price of land desired by being of trout in hatchery ponds and hatch­ increased facilities in the way of new hatch­ any public agency. And in order to avoid ing troughs. The unknown influence of the eries were necessary. this, in but a few instances, the investigators, characteristics of waters probably plays a 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 5 big part in the great variance on the holding capacity of different waters for fish. Again some waters can be used many times without any loss in quality, while other supplies can only be passed through one of two ponds before it has lost its value for fish cultural work. While the property was under con­ sideration as a hatchery site many chemical analysis of the water was taken, and the laboratory tests showed it to be suitable for trout culture, with the result that on option was taken on the land, comprising the dif­ ferent groups of springs, and sufficient land, for the construction of a comparatively large fish farm. While all indications were that the water was suitable, those in charge realized that unknown factors had to be considered, and because of the variations in temperature of the springs, believed that they were confront­ ing a situation different from any other hatchery water that they had ever been privileged to study. It was believed that the only safe way to test the water before spend­ ing the sportsmen's money for a property that might not be suitable, was to construct temporary pools and hold fish in them for a New pond construction at upper end of project, above road. number of months, and make careful obser­ vation on the results. Such pools were built adjacent to each group of springs, and the well in the water, combined from all the water, particularly those found in limestone first fish brought to the plant on August 23, springs, at the lower end of the project. It regions, change from time to time. All the 1932. The results, as a whole, were very was also learned that the nearer the fish experiments had been conducted during a disappointing. were held to the source of Springs Nos. 1, 3, comparatively dry season. The fish held in the water supplied from 4 and 6, the greater the mortality. Heavy rains might change the condition Springs Nos. 2 and 5 did very well. Those In other words, the greater distance the and again make the water undesirable in held in Springs Nos. 1, 3 and 4, had an water was permitted to flow, before being spite of the work of the aerating devices. abnormally high mortality, while those held used, the better it became. This led those in Luckily, in the month of January, 1933, in the water coming from Spring No. 6 all charge to assume that proper aeration might weather conditions changed with heavy rain died within a few weeks. solve the problem. fall and the rapid melting of the snow. The The first fish were brought from the Temporary aerators were installed at the high water period showed no detrimental Pleasant Mount Hatchery, which is supplied source of all the springs. This made a vast effect on the fish crop. with freestone water. It was first thought improvement, and no further difficulty was From the results of these experiments, it that the loss may have been due to the had with the fish held in the water after it was definitely known that trout could be extreme change from freestone water to had passed over the aerating devices, which grown successfully, if the water was given water of the limestone character. In order break the water into fine particles and ex­ the proper aeration before being used. pose it to the air. to check on this, fish were brought from all Just what gas or gases the areation of the the different hatcheries and the results were Still, those responsible for the construction of the hatchery were not satisfied as to the water is liberating is still not known, and about the same. The water from the springs scientists, connected with the Board of Fish united before leaving the property, and it suitability of the water, as it is generally known that the chemical contents of spring Commissioners, are still working to find this was found that the fish did exceptionally unknown factor. In most instances, the hatchery waters are aerated to increase the dissolved oxygen and decrease the carbon dioxide. Insofar as the waters from the Huntsdale spring are con­ cerned, this is not the case, as the carbon dioxide runs almost uniform, and well below the tolerance limit for fish. The oxygen varies from seventy-eight and one-tenth per cent to sixty-nine and nine-tenths per cent saturation. Hydrogen Sulphide Gas is found in some spring water, and the lethal dose for brook trout is said to be .86 P.P.M. Naturally, the investigator searched for traces of this gas. None has been found to date, and the pres­ ence of Hydrogen Sulphide Gas is usually accompanied by a low oxygen content, while these springs showed no deficiency of oxygen. While this research work was being con­ ducted, thought was also being given to the suitability of a portion of the water for egg hatching purposes. A fish hatchery that can­ not develop and hatch its own eggs is some1 what handicapped. The springs having a temperature above 52 deg. F., were eliminated, because water, Center view of the Huntsdale fish farm. (Continued on Page 18) 6 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER LATE AUTUMN FISHING Notes on Fishing for Game Fish during October and November By ALEX P. SWEIGART

fish were taken, those cold water small- mouths proved themselves later autumn fish of the first water. Penn's Creek receives much of its water from mountain and meadow spring fed trout streams, a factor undoubtedly contributing to the activity of its bass until later in autumn. An incident that occurred a number of years ago on the Conodoguinet Creek at a point where Big Spring, a famous central Pennsylvania trout stream, limestone in character, enters has caused us to ponder the possibility of some of our bass not entering into the usual dormant period in the winter. A sucker fisherman, trying his luck on Jan­ uary 1 in a deep pool where the trout stream entered, caught a smallmouth bass. Accord­ ing to Warden George James of Carlisle who reported the unusual catch, this fish was in fine fettle and gave a mighty good account Sharing- honors with walleyed pike as a good bet for late fall fishing: is the eastern chain pickerel. of itself. It is characteristic of Big Spring and other limestone spring fed streams in HILE it is generally agreed that Sep­ water, we assumed that the fish had sought Cumberland County that water temperature W tember ranks as one of the best months areas close to the shoreline for the warming fluctuates but slightly during the entire year. for taking smallmouth and largemouth bass effect available. Under these conditions, we In the higher winter temperature of such in streams and lakes of Pennsylvania, there have never been able to induce a basking water, quite possibly smallmouth bass might smallmouth to strike at our artificials. not stiffen into dormancy as is the case in can be little doubt that artificial lure fishing streams in which the temperature may drop for bass during October and November has The type of stream in which the small­ to the thirties or below during the winter definite limitations. Fortunately for the die­ mouth bass occurs seems a final determining months. hard bait caster, however, these later autumn factor as to its activity in later autumn. months may be counted upon to furnish some Tuscarora Creek in Juniata County and On the chance that water temperature splendid sport with the wall-eyed pike or Sherman's Creek in Perry County are streams fluctuations do have strong bearing on the Susquehanna salmon and the Eastern chain that during the heat of the summer frequent­ striking tendencies of bass during October pickerel. The following notes and observa­ ly attain a temperature in excess of 85 de­ and November, it might be a good idea to tions on this tail-end of the season fishing grees Fahrenheit. On September 27 this year. plan plugging trips at the tail-end of the should help to demonstrate, if nothing else, Sherman's Creek carried a bottom tempera­ just how much uncertainity and hit-or-miss ture reading of 62 degrees F. as against a luck enters into the picture. reading made on September 1 of 83 degrees. In common with a number of light lure Plugging on this occasion yielded one strike, bait casters here in the central part of the that from a 15 inch pickerel which was re­ state, we have come to regard late autumn leased. No feeding activity on the part of fishing for smallmouth bass in most of our the bass known to be in the stretch of water rock bottom streams as having a mighty big fished was observed. Schools of silver shiners question mark attached. Perhaps if enough were well grouped and in the open water facts are gathered together by those who hate of deeper flats as contrasted to the occasions to relinquish the feel of the short rod in during the earlier part of the season when their quest for the gamest battler of the these forage fish were scattered in shallow inland waters, the smallmouth bass, we'll back bays and eddies. Incidentally, in pass­ start to figure some answer to taking his ing, the action of forage fishes serves as a lordship on artificials later in the season. The mighty good key for the plug fisherman in plug fisherman who follows his sport right forecasting the day's sport. Scattered min­ down to the deadline is in an advantageous now schools, we have found, have often in­ position to add his observations on the prob­ dicated bass and other game fish on the alert lem and the ANGLER will appreciate re­ for food, hence in a receptive mood for ceiving them. artificials offered. Several factors seem to have direct bearing In contrast to the extremely sharp fluctua­ on the activity of the bass during later tions in temperature in Tuscarora and Sher­ autumn. First, we believe, is water tempera­ man's Creek, Penn's Creek in Union County ture. With the coming of cool nights and serves as an excellent example. This stream later one or two heavy frosts, the tempera­ annually yields some fine smallmouth bass, ture in most warm water streams plummets inclined somewhat to slimness but packing downward at an amazing rate. This sudden plenty of well-conditioned wallop in their fluctuation in temperature is certain, we be­ strikes. When we say that brown trout and lieve, to have a sharp effect in hastening the bass occur in the same pools in a certain dormant tendency in smallmouth bass. Time section of Penn's Creek, some conception of and again, during October, while fishing the fairly constant water temperature during deeper flats, we have surprised smallmouths the year is to be had. Three years ago, in A good late season bet for walleyed pike is the lying in water so shallow that their dorsal late October, light lure casting in that section Upper Delaware River. Here is Durling Whitaker fins seemed to fringe the surface. Since, on above Glen Iron yielded fine sport with the of niishkill. Tike County, with a 30% inch, 8% pound walleye taken in the Delaware this year. these occasions, sunlight was strong on the gamey smallmouth bass and, while no big It had a girth of 18 inches. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER T

permitting him to fish his lures deep, and if fishermen put it, ranks as a deadly method the bass are strictly off-strike, he has the in taking these fish. consolation of a good chance to tie into As for artificial lures for late fall use, pickerel or wall-eyed pike of noble propor­ wobbling and straight running plugs, such, tions. For that reason, it seems a wise course as those described in the September issue,, to follow by choosing waters in which one as well as spoons, rank high. To this com­ or both of these species as well as bass bination, one of the best casting lures we- occur. have ever used in taking pickerel should be- Late Autumn Aces added. It is the Al Foss pork rind lure, a: single hook device with fore propellor. The fighting qualities of chain pickerel and Bottled pork rind, attached to this little lure,, wall-eyed pike have long proved a source of the head of which comes in white, red and' argument among fishermen. Granting that white, black and white, and green and white- neither has the flashing, hard battling quali­ finishes, makes it a particularly appealing; ties of the smallmouth bass, sizable pickerel pickerel bait. Occasionally in fishing it, if" and wall-eyes are to be reckoned as most too long a strip of pork is used, pickerel will desirable game fish on light tackle, the strike short, failing to connect with the hook. former through its swiftness in the strike and Under this condition, reducing the length of ensuing battle, the latter because of its sullen, the pork rind has been found to work well. heavy resistance. Pickerel taken in November seem to put Chilling of the water in late season appears up a much better scrap than they do during to definitely increase the aggressiveness of the summer. It is well to remember that the pickerel. It will be found generally that their slender jaws are easily torn and, after- these fish have now, in common with the hooking a good fish, keep a tight line. Our A lake in the Poconos, in the heart of the pickerel bass, entered deeper pools and pockets. Here stream pickerel in this section are keen country, yielded this great catch of pickerel to Joe again, deep and rather slow retrieving of the Iiarmerd and Cy Campbell of the State Department jumpers and a little slack is all they need, of Agriculture this year. The flsh ranged in length casting lure seems to be called for. Many 3 during one of these aerial displays, to throw- from 19 to 24 /& inches and had a total weight of pickerel are also taken on minnows at this the lure. 18}4 pounds. A golden spoon turned the trick. time, fished close to bottom in deeper holes and pockets. The old time "pike fishin' " rig The pickerel as well as the wall-eyed pike- used by veteran trailers with their long cane spawn in early spring and apparently de­ season with this factor in mind. Offhand, we poles has probably in the passing of the years velopment of the eggs in the female fish are inclined to believe that spring-fed accounted for more pickerel than any other with the approach of winter has something- streams and lakes will offer better late outfit. Basically simple in design, the rig to do with making them more aggressive. autumn fishing for smallmouth and large- consists of a strong wire about 6 inches in At least two hunters of our acquaintance- mouth bass. length, attached to the line by a swivel. The carry their casting rods with them during Prior to entering dormancy, the bass feed small loop at the end of the wire is inserted the small game season. They have found heavily, laying up a surplus of fat and tissue through the mouth of a good sized chub or that combining gunning and casting makes upon which to draw during the winter shiner and run back through the anal opening an ideal sportsman's day afield. Give it a months. There seems to be a definite ten­ of the bait fish. A double hook is then try sometime when you happen to be hunting dency on the part of the smallmouth bass attached through the loop, the hook pulled near good pickerel water. to seek out deep pools with the coming of forward into the body of the fish so that the Considerable space in this publication has the first frost or two, and we have observed two barbs lie upward, one on each side of been devoted in the past to the sport to be- little if any surface activity during late the minnow. The bait fish should be slightly had in taking wall-eyed pike on casting lures. October and November. The problem in curved on this rig so that, on being drawn A sinking type of plug that can be worked Plugging then seems to center about getting through the water, it twirls about through slowly near bottom (we like the wobbling the lure close to bottom and retrieving at an the medium of the swivel. "Plouting with a type for this work) will be found to yield extremely slow pace, as slow in fact as that minnie on a wire" as some old time pickerel (Continued on Page 20) employed in plugging for wall-eyed pike during the summer months. Even then, it has been our experience that bass strikes Were the exception rather than the rule. This is when the sinking type of wobbling Plug, such as the Heddon Midget River Runt, appears at an advantage, although the chances are strong that live bait such as the spotted leopard frog and minnow will out- score all types of artificials by a heavy margin. Definitely, in late fall fishing for bass, the live bait fisherman has the advant­ age. , It has been noted that, as dormancy ap­ proaches, the smallmouth bass of our rock bottom streams become increasingly sluggish and even in fishing live bait, the lure must be close to bottom and easily accessible to 1 attract a strike. The stiffening up process is most interesting to observe and when it has Progressed to the final phases before dorm- > anoy, the chances of strikes from small- mouths are practically nullified, even on live bait. All of which leads us to the inevitable conclusion that late autumn bass fishing, especially with artificial lures, is strictly a gamble. For the fisherman who doesn't mind hands numbed by cold on chill November days, however, one consolation is offered. Annoying weeds have generally moved out, The walleyed pike ranks as a chill water, late autumn ace for the game fisherman. 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER GOING FISHING By ELLA E. SOCHER

EARLY every fishing magazine that we article about a spinner plug. These articles thing like that. Then it is dig in the garden N have around here always tells about are reread again so they won't be left in the patch or just inside the edge of mother's where the big ones were caught, how the stream when they are not biting and it is not flower bed for worms, and, if the spade takes weather was so and so, the water was high known what to do to make them strike. up a bigger clump with some petunias in it, or low, and what a big battle there was land­ By Wednesday evening everything is high. they just put it back again with a little dirt ing them, etc. But as for me, I think that A list is made out by Dad, Ray and Donnie. around it and hope mother doesn't find out going or getting ready to fish has a thrill all Here is one that is a standard for these three until they are well started on the trip. Then its own. fishermen. It rests in state, at present, in the the neighbor's lawn looks inviting and one- first drawer of the desk. half hour after that they are a couple of At our home there is more excitement get­ squares away with about three or four volun­ ting ready to go than there is catching a big One gallon jar for gasoline for the gas teers added. one or even losing the biggest one. stove, one tent, umbrella type with a sewed-in Take last bass season for instance—my Dad floor, also tent poles, stakes and ropes, 3 By this time things are happening in the and two of my brothers, one twelve years blankets, one mattress cover to hold V2 bale house also. Dad is down in the cellar. The and the other nine decided to leave on Friday of straw bought up the river, 3 knives, 3 work bench, the wash bench, and a couple of evening at five bells (Dad is a volunteer fire­ spoons, 3 forks, 3 cups, one skillet, one butcher shelves allotted to fruit jars are filled with man and all his meeting notices state that knife, one coffee pot, one hatchet, one lan­ paint cans—white, red, black and green the meeting is called for eight bells and so tern, 4 towels, cake of soap, and a thermos enamel paint, a brush in each can. The plugs that is what he uses instead of o'clock). jug. are all going to be retouched, he says, and Monday evening at dinner they start talking Now comes the grub, which is a big item hung by the hooks on a line strung across it up. By Tuesday evening all their reels with our fishermen as they tell me the fish the cellar from corner to corner. Be sure he get taken apart and there are oil spots on may not be biting so they always go pre­ warns, not to open the windows so no dust mother's new wallpaper. Lines are stretched pared anyway. So the "Feed Bag" list is put blows in to spoil the finish. Oh, yes, plugs from one room to another and we have four out for the shopper: if varnished have to be clear varnished, as rooms and a hall on the first floor. They take One IB. coffee, one qt. jar sugar, 4 small Mother and I found out to our dismay after the old lines off and use them for some kind cans cream, 3 IB. bacon, 2 doz. eggs, one lb. we had made a special trip to Pittsburgh to of a filler. Then a new line is put on, Donnie onions, Yi pk. potatoes cooked with jackets on buy some. "Do not go down in the cellar, holds the spool with a pencil through the at home, 2 rings of liver pudding to fry with let everything as it is, you might get snagged center. The old line that they are not going the potatoes, 2 cans celery soup, 2 cans on one of these hooks," warns Dad. I wonder to use should be thrown away, but instead chicken and noodle soup, 2 cans baked beans, where all those plugs and what-nots are it is hid some place; in one of the buffet 2 cans beef stew, 2 cans corn beef, 4 loaves going to find a place in the tackle boxes. One drawers or behind a row of books in the bread, one box cracker meal and can Crisco plug is especially battered and nicked, the bookcase. There is no more room in the just in case the fish are hitting good, one salt hooks are sharp and we remark why not tackle boxes what with every kind of a gad­ and one pepper shaker, one jar of butter and discard that dirty looking one? "You have get ever shown in a fishing magazine. All 3 dozen paper plates, a boon to any camp others that look much better than that one." their pet fishing articles are dug up from all dish-washer. "Why I caught a sixteen inch bass and miss­ the dark nooks in the house—the ones that Then by Thursday the boys, Donnie and ed a couple of them on that one. The mem­ tell what to do when the water is high and Raymond, go out in the woods with a special ories alone on that one give it a place in clear or maybe the water is muddy and high; box made of wood to get moss; not just any my tackle box." So we say no more and leave or perhaps this noted fisherman had a swell kind, this has to be spergum moss or some- Dad in the basement. My two brothers are back by this time and ask Mother may they stay up late to catch night crawlers with Dad. "How late?" asks Mother. Dad yells up from the cellar "Eleven-thirty. Mr. Walzer told me he would sprinkle his lawn good to bring out the crawlers." "Oh, no! Up until eleven-thirty Thursday night and going away fishing Friday night! You boys go to bed and get a good rest," says Mother. But someone has to hold the light for Dad and the box for the crawlers must be carried so off they go for the night. Mother says there is enough in the tackle boxes to catch fish without staying up all night to catch worms. I think those plugs catch more fishermen than they do fish (just between you and me.) But the boys claim that rock bass and big hornie chubs like nothing better than a nice juicy night crawl­ er, Ugh! Back home again at twelve-thirty and then there is a sandwich and stomping around the house. They must look at the crawlers under the kitchen light, which is the brightest. Mother calls down the stairs, "Do not forget to wash your hands before you fellows eat anything. Anyway you should not eat before going to bed. Just take a glass of milk." "O. K.", they answer, but Dad already has View from the camp, Upper Allegheny River, Tidioate District. sandwiches made for all three and so they 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9

fishing do not wear them "so why us? A or comes tell him or them we are going to coverall suit is better, you don't have to get camp at the same place, and if they want to dressed in the morning?" come up to bring some blankets and we will Dad comes home at four o'clock, he has the fix a place in the lean to." But the "com­ machine all gassed and oiled up. By this time pany" usually sleep in their car and eat at the boys have started to take out the things the table as an umbrella tent will only sleep that get tied on or squeezed in between four adults if one starts at the door and the fenders and the hood. Raymond puts the crawls to his sleeping place. Dad says they luggage carrier on the running board and im­ do that lots of times. mediately the wading boots, water jug, lan­ Raymond asks Dad, "Hadn't we better get tern, bag with the tent pegs and ropes are the jack and the changing tools from under stored here. The food is put inside a fifty the back seat?" Dad's hat just about raises up pound lard can bought at the grocery store three inches—what if they had a flat out on for ten cents. There is also a luggage carrier the road and had to unpack about one-half of fitted up on the back bumper; it gets its the camping equipment alongside of the road share of the load. Blankets are folded up on to get at the jack and other equipment need­ the back seat to sit on. The pillow slips ed to change a tube? That happened on one (laundry bags which will be filled with trip of Dad's. That taken care of they are straw) are put with the mattress cover. The ready to start again with lots of good-byes 1929 flivver is finally packed. I am sorry that to the neighbors thrown in. •I did not take a picture of it packed. Mother says it always reminds her of a rag man To get to Route 8 which is one of the that used to come around Pittsburgh with his routes they use going up to the Allegheny bulging wagon pulled by a skinny old horse. River where they fish, after leaving the house they travel up one block, down left one block Dad and the boys are in seventh heaven. and left again one block. They are gone not Dinner is ready and they sit down to eat. more than five minutes when Mother and I Their usually hearty appetites seem to hear loud thumps on the porch. "What's desert them and the boys merely pick at wrong?" we ask. "Oh, I forgot to put the their food. Mother coaxes them to eat; she worms in the car. I thought it would be best thinks they should have at least one good to leave them in the shade under the back meal to help tide them over until they come porch. They weren't in plain sight and I back Sunday night. But nobody can eat so guess that's why I forgot them." It was Mother packs a box of sandwiches and fruit Dad's voice. But what did Dad say to the to eat on the road. Dad keeps glancing at boys? "You fellows are some fishermen! the clock, wanting to get away as soon as Going fishing and forgetting the bait." But possible. He is afraid someone may have personally I've heard of other fishermen appropriated their favorite camping spot. An doing the same thing! ideal spot—right handy to the pump that the man put in for his campers, lots of nice shade Dad always calls the first trip the "Boys' trees, and a swell pool right near the tent. Fishing Trip." When he takes them on a Dad keeps mumbling to himself "four hours fishing trip he always stays near them, as the to get there, one-half hour to put up the tent current is swift away up the river and he is satisfied to give them two full days of just Donald and Raymond. Sure they caught fish— and get everything in shape; maybe I can rock bass and chubs. squeeze in a little fishing just to see how the fishing and swimming. There is one camping fish are biting." trip, then two other trips up the river when Now comes the big moment—they are they stay at a farm house. Before bass season, eat them chuckling at the joke on mother. ready to start. Mother and I get two or more it is fishing at Butler Dam for blue gills, and They troop off to bed. Dad is just about kisses as they feel like giving the world perch and a few sunnies. When the boys have played out and the boys are too excited to away. Dad walks around the car two times, had their three trips Dad goes fishing with go to sleep so they have to be threatened shakes the car front and back, gets in the the men. with no fishing trip before they settle down driver's seat to make sure he can get a clear On Sunday evening they come home, sun­ to sleep. view in the rear-view mirror. He gets out burned, tired and hungry. "Oh, Boy! Did we Dad leaves for work early Friday morning, again, yells up the steps—"If so and so calls (Continued on Page 19) the boys are ready to come down stairs, but Mother makes them stay in their room until she can get herself in the right mood for what is coming. This is not an ordinary trip but the first fishing trip of the year! Downstairs they come, all ready for business. Dad has left a big sheet of paper with the orders all written down. After breakfast which is a hurry-up affair even though they are not leaving until five o'clock in the afternoon, they begin. The first article on the list is tent. They get the tent. Put a check after the tent and so on all down along the line to the last item on the list. They start to put the things in the hall, then in the living room, and by the time the last item is check­ ed and double-checked, Mother and I have a little aisle to walk from one room to an­ other and we wonder how in the world Dad is going to get it all stored on the gasoline horse as he calls the machine, and if he does get it packed where are they going to have room to sit in it. The boys' overalls, sneakers, shirts, bathing trunks are all packed in an old barracks bag. They override Mother's suggestion that they take pajamas by insist­ ing that the other kids up there that go Ready to go back home. 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER PICKEREL PLEASURE By CLAYTON L. PETERS

T appears that no other game fish is held I in less esteem by our Pennsylvania anglers than the pickerel. Usually after hearing barber shop and tackle store discussions concerning this fish commonly called every SIX FLY ROb LUR9S POR PICKEREL name imaginable from grass pike to snake eye we are apt to think of him as a pretty low fellow. However, we find that there are those who have learned to appreciate Esox Reticulatis as a good game fighting fish and excelled for food by few of our fresh water fishes. The very streamlined appearance of the pickerel is suggestive of speed and action, and when they are in a feeding mood their strike is savage and swift. During a recent discussion by a group of fishermen I heard the statement that pickerel are just plain dumb, will strike at anything tossed to them and are too easily caught. I knew immedi­ ately that the inventor of these remarks had not spent much time fishing for or studying the habits of pickerel. Esox is a moody fellow and does often go on a feeding orgy, but apparently lies for days without taking food or even showing interest in the choicest offerings. During these periods of inactivity the streams seem absolutely devoid of this specie. Very often when this occurs the smaller fish can be taken but the big fellows refuse to strike. Several seasons ago we took several large pickerel from the Ellendale Forge Dam in Stony Creek, Dauphin County. These fish were not always to be found lying in the shallows waiting for a chance to grab our plugs, as some fellows would have you be­ lieve. Pickerel will change their feeding tactics more than either the bass or trout. At times they will lurk in submerged brush, weeds, or among sunken logs, and again they will cruise over open flats in search of min­ nows. The largest fish we took from the dam was caught in deep open water, and I am sure that those who criticise the pickerel as a game fish would have changed their mind had they witnessed the scrap that fellow staged before being brought to net. He leaped clear of the water, shaking his head like a furious tiger, but the tiny lure held. He tried to tangle the line in the lily pads but to no avail, and when finally brought back into the open water evaded the net on several attempts before being finally sub­ dued. True enough we have caught pickerel that refused to fight, but one of 18 or 20 inches usually gives a pretty good account seen this little plug bring success when noth­ on each side of the quill when the assembly of his prowess as a fighter. ing else in our tackle box would bring re­ is put into place. sults. This plug or quill minnow as we call While the casting rod and plug is a deadly When bending this triangle the hooks pre­ it can be easily made by the average angler. ferably size 10 must be slid into place and device for these fish, much more sport is to The body of the plug as illustrated at "A" be had by the use of the fly rod and small the wire crossed and secured by a turn or is made from a large goose quill. A section two at point c-3 and finally extended to point plugs or streamer flies. of quill is cut to measure about 2Yz inches The tension of a fly rod with the weight c-4, where the ring is formed at the head. in length. This is thoroughly cleansed and a Slide the hook assembly into the quill with of a good sized pickerel to bring out the slot cut lengthwise half the length of the rod action is iar more exciting than could the end c-1 extending through the rear of the entire body. This is to accommodate the fin quill. Now attach the rear hook and draw possibly be achieved by the use of the short "B" and the hook rigging as illustrated at stiff casting rod. the wire up tight into the quill. Before "C". In making the hook rigging start at inserting the fin tamp tin foil and chipped Small plugs have been used successfully point c-1 and c-3 so that the wire extends lead into the body with a small stick, packing with the fly rod during recent years and in %-inch through the end of the quill. At c-3 it as firmly as possible. Colored foil will the accompanying illustration, Figure 1, I the wire is bent to a 45° angle forming the add to the appearance. Slip the fin into place have pictured one of the deadliest fly rod triangle for the hook support. The base of and add more foil. Wrappings of silk thread plugs I have ever found for pickerel. I have this triangle must be long enough to protrude (Continued on Page 22) 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 11

Question: I understand that a short term limit, 10. Both dates inclusive in the above fishing license for non-residents is available in seasons. Pennsylvania. Hozv long a period do they cover For that section of the Delaware River be­ and what is the fee attached?—V. J. tween Pennsylvania and New York, the fol­ Answer: The "Tourist Fishing License" is lowing open seasons, size and creel limits valid only for three consecutive days. They prevail: Smallmouth or largemouth bass, may be secured by non-resident citizens, 12 July 1 to November 30, not less than 10 inches years old or over, for a fee of one dollar in length, number permitted in one day of fifty cents ($1.50) together with the issuing combined species, 15. Rock bass, July 1 to Them rains we had back in September agents fee of ten cents ($.10) if secured November 30, not less than 6 inches in length, shure wuz mitey needed here in this neck through him. Include three cent stamp for number permitted taken in one day, un­ o' the woods. Our cricks an' runs wuz so lo return postage when applying to him by limited. Brook, brown, rainbow, steelhead thet mitey leetle water wuz agoin' over sum mail. This license entitles the licensee to and red throat trout, April 15 to August 31; o' the riffels. Atter thet week o' wet wether, fish in any waters of this Commonwealth, or size limit, 6 inches; number permitted in one they cum up aboomin' but jest ter show how in the waters bounding or adjacent thereto, day of the combined species, 25. Pike perch dry the ground wuz, they dropt most turrible which includes the Delaware River and Lake or wall-eyed pike: May 10 to March 1, next fast an' a week later wuz rite back like Erie. ensuing; size not less than 12 inches, creel before. Jest the same, I figger we oughter limit, one day, 15. Pickerel, May 1 in any be gittin' some fall rains an' I hope we hev year to March 1 of ensuing year, size limit enuf so the cricks won't be so lo cum cold not less than 12 inches, creel limit, one day, wether thet they mite freeze ter the bottom. Question: What are the open seasons for 15. Both dates inclusive in the above seasons. Thet low water ain't all on the bad side, game fish on the Delaware River? Size limits though. Reckon I never seed so durned many and creel limits?—R. N, P. weeds an' green slime in the crick. Semes Answer: For that section of the Delaware Question: What are the protected species of like thet helped the food supply, for I seen River above and below Trenton Falls, the game fish that are native to Pennsylvania?— more minnies this fall than I hev in a long following open season, size and creel limits /. H. R. time back. Looks like our bass kin hev a fare prevail: Brook trout or any form of trout, Answer: The charr or brook trout, the chance fer a cumback when the feed gits April 15 to July 31; size limit, not less than Eastern chain pickerel and the muskellunge. more plenty. six inches; creel limit (one day) combined Considerable argument, pro and con, exists Hed a lot o' fun sucker fishin' t'other day. species, 20. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, relative to the status of the smallmouth bass Ketched four dandies, two o' them 15 inches, June 15 to December 1, not less than nine in this respect. While it is definitely known an' they shure hev firmed up nice since the inches in length, number permitted to be that this fish did not exist in waters east of water got cooler. Rite now I'm sayin' thet taken in one day, 10. Rock bass, calico bass, the Allegheny Mountains prior to its intro­ suckers ketched in fall an 'early winter is white bass and crappie, June 15 to December duction, old reports of the Board would in­ jest ez sweet an' tasty fish when they're 1, not less than 6 inches in size; number per­ dicate that it was taken in good numbers in fried nice an' brown ez a feller kin put in mitted in one day, rock bass, 20; calico and pioneer days in the vicinity of Erie. Since his mouth. crappie bass, combined species, 20. Pike the smallmouth is also known to have been We got 1 medder run nearby thet held up perch, wall-eyed pike or Susquehanna sal­ native to the Ohio watershed, it is possible better'n most uf our other cricks durin' the mon: Open season, June 15 to December 1; that it may have occurred in early times in dry spell. It's a limestone fed run thet rises size limit, 12 inches or over, creel limit for the Allegheny River, although we have no one day, 10. Pike, open season, June 15 to back o' Cy Crum's place an' goes only mebbe a definite record of its having been taken from mile afore it jines the big crick. Got a lot December 1, minimum size limit 12 inches, that stream. The range of the muskellunge creel limit, one day, 10. Pickerel, June 15 to o' watercress in it, an' durned ef the brookies has always been limited to a few waters in thet cum frum it ez fur back ez I kin rekal- December 1, size limit, 12 inches, daily creel Northwestern Pennsylvania. lect ain't the purtiest colored I ever seed. Rite thru the hot weather, thet run didn't go down none but our mountin cricks shure took a orful beatin'. I'm sayin' rite now a YORK WALTONIANS STOCK FISH The chapter placed approximately 10,000 feller kain't jedge how gude a trout run is IN LAKE of the fish in Kiwanis Lake. Several thousand by how big it is. Thet leetle run hez more tadpoles were also placed there. The York feed in bugs an' what you call shrimps an' Haven Game and Fish Association assisted crabs fer its trout then enny run in this York chapter No. 67, Izaak Walton League by placing a large number of the fish in the neck o' the woods. You never seed sech fat of America, distributed approximately 15,000 Big Conewago creek. The hatchery is in an' helthy lookin' brookies in yer life ez they sunfish and perch and nearly 10,000 tadpoles charge of Paul Kraft, Spring Grove. Those take frum thet run thet a feller cude rite when they harvested the annual crop from assisting in the removal and distribution easy step acrost. their fish hatchery at Spring Grove. This were David A. Garver, Dr. George A. Meyers, was the first crop of fish taken from this O. H. Shepp and York Haven members, Harry hatchery, which was placed in operation last W. Stark, J. H. Coffman and a crew of P. H. year, when the P. H. Glatfelter company made Glatfelter company workers. A great war leaves the country with three it available to the York chapter. The fish Signs forbidding wading and swimming in armies—an army of cripples, an army of ranged up to three inches in length and were Kiwanis Lake have been erected there by the mourners, and an army of thieves.—German in unusually vigorous condition. board of health. Proverb. 12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

DROUGHT REDUCED DELAWARE THE FALL FISH STREAMS Down this way, Delaware County, the By Special Warden Karl D. Rhoads creeks are the lowest that I have ever seen them, wrote Robert E. Gambol of Media, ISHING in early spring with dry and wet During the spawning season the male fish during the summer. The bottom is covered F flies for fall-fish in my estimation affords is highly colored, its head, fins and underside with a green growth, algae, I believe, even fishing that compares to trout or bass fishing. are a bright orange. They are very active up to and sometimes including the riffles. during this period. They collect hundreds To date we have not caught many bass, only Semotilus caporalis, commonly called fall- of small pebbles and work them on a heap fish, which is the largest of our Pennsylvania two small ones, about 10 inches in length, where they are going to spawn. These heaps which were released. minnow family is not receiving the credit it are from 2% to 3 feet in diameter and eight rightly deserves as a game fish and its never (8) to ten (10) inches high, shaped like a Made a checkup on catches on opening day ending desire to rise for flies. This species cone. I think these fish should be protected of the bass season, the results of which fol­ has been known to attain a length of twenty at this time of the year to perpetuate the low: Springton dam, 5 bass, all over 17 (20) inches, but usually runs from twelve sport as long as possible. I also feel that inches, 3 of these being taken on plugs. Crum (12) to fifteen (15) inches and with 15 inches there should be a size limit set on these fall- Creek dam, none, (honest to goodness, not of silvery fighting fish on the end of a 3%- fish of at least ten (10) inches. one) fish was taken and no strikes were had ounce nine (9) foot bamboo rod, you have on live bait. Bromwall's Lake, none. Ridley The fall-fish was'practically -extinct a few plenty of sport. Creek and Darby Creek were muddy. Octo- years ago but it is staging an excellent come­ raro Creek, very few bass taken. Saw one Fall-fish are usually found in swift water back and widely gaining popularity with the smallmouth about 17 inches in length. and in eddies, but I find they also harbor in fly fisherman. We should be sportsmen enough deep holes and along shady banks especially to release the small ones so that we can enjoy Why no fish? I know it was during the on a sultry summer day. Here you will see this sport in future years. full of the moon but cannot understand the them rising for bugs and flies. As the weather becomes warmer the fall- lack of strikes at Crum Creek. I live at the I find that the following patterns tied on fish take the dry fly more readily and for top of the hill and get down there at least a number fourteen (14) hook, fished dry, this fishing I use a three and one-half C&Vz) once a day to try to checkup on catches. As bring the best results: The grey hackle, ounce split bamboo nine (9) foot rod, fitted a general rule you can stand on the bridge brown hackle, and exceptionally good, a grey with an H.C.H. double tapered line and I and see bass swimming around, along with hackle with a yellow body and red tail (one use a nine (9) foot leader. the carp but very few fish were seen during of my own patterns). I usually fish the During July and August the fall-fish in the past three weeks by anyone. Have not Manatawny Creek between Pine Forge and this section of the stream feed on a small seen many carp working around nor did I Pottstown. and find here they will strike a green larva which falls from the trees and see them spawning as they did last year. grey fly more consistently than any other floats on the surface. When the fall-fish are We had no rain down here from the latter pattern. On the other hand while fishing the feeding in these larva they very seldom part of June to the last of July. French Creek they will take brown or white strike any other pattern fly so I wrapped Trout fishing was rather poor here on the flies in preference to the grey. My theory is some green silk on a fourteen (14) hook and that the forage and the environment of the opening day and for two or three days there­ streams differ to cause this conventional used just enough grey hackle to keep it afloat after due to the fact that it was so cold. Most upset. and it worked. I caught several nice fish on of the fish caught were taken from deep this bug during a larva hatch. holes as apparently none were to be found I always use a dry fly tied on a number The fall-fish travels in schools having from in the riffles. fourteen (14) hook and if the silver caporalis eight (8) to twenty (20) fish in a school. I White Clay Creek furnished some good fish will not rise (which is seldom) I resort to a find it advisable when fishing a school of between bridges 55 and 57, mostly brown 1/0 spinner and a number ten (10) wet fly these wary fins to be very quiet because trout. Some darn nice rainbows were taken using the same pattern as the dry flies, the they will be feeding and you can see the from the Octoraro Creek above Pine Grove. brown hackle, grey hackle and the grey and rings appear on the surface but if you acci­ yellow hackle. dentally slip on a rock or make any disturb­ Before trout season opened, plenty of ance in the water they will be gone. If you suckers were taken, and I caught two very To my knowledge the fall-fish is one of the come upon a school of these fish remember to large fall-fish. The first was 13% inches first fish that will take a fly in early spring. approach within casting distance as quietly long and weighed 14 ounces, and the second I have caught them on a spinner and wet fly as possible and then wait until they resume was 14% inches in length and weighed one as early as March and they strike exception­ feeding and the rings on the surface re­ pound 3 ounces. They were in fine condition ally hard at this time of the year. I remem­ appear. Then go to town and fish as hard and I thought when I first hooked them that ber last year, according to my fishing diary, as you would in your pet trout stream. I am they were bass as they were taken in Crum on March 4, 1938, I had a most severe case of sure you will have as much sport as you Creek. fishing fever and with our back door only a could hope to have. block away from the creek I yearned to try Personally I can say the fall-fish has given some of the many new pattern flies which me many hours of enjoyable sport and I THE WORD TO THE LIVING I had tied during the long winter evenings. know he can do the same for you if you I went up to the attic and got my nine (9) give him an even break. foot five (5) ounce bamboo rod which I use It isn't enough to say in our hearts for plugs, spinners and wet flies and went That we like a man for his ways. down to the creek. Using a "D" line I tied It isn't enough that we fill our minds on a six (6) foot leader and attached a 1/0 With paeans of silent praise. spinner and a new type grey fly which had Nor is it enough that we honor a man, to be christened. I made several casts with­ As our confidence upward mounts— out any success. The water was plenty cold It's going right up to the man himself and the air uncomfortably chilly.. Suddenly And telling him so, that counts. there was a strike. I set the hook and the line cut water. I knew from the tactics it If a man does a work you really admire, was a fall-fish, because they usually start Don't leave a kind word unsaid upstream whenliooked and I have seen them In fear that to do so might make him vain, break water when taken on light tackle but And cause him to "lose his head." I suppose the water was too cold for any i* *:> But reach out your hand and tell him, aerial activities. When I finally landed the "Well Done!" fish it proved to be a fall-fish about eleven And see how his gratitude swells. (11) inches long. I caught seven (7) that It isn't the flowers we strew on the grave, afternoon ranging from ten (10) to fourteen It's the word to the living that tells. This fine catch of fallflsh was made by Paul Reddis (14) inches. of Enhrata, Lancaster County. —Anon. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 13 TOWARD THE CONSERVATION OF OUR STREAMS AND WATERS

By Darlington R. Kulp President, Pennsylvania Division, Izaak Walton League of America.

HERE are a great many people who that applies them. When laws are unpopular, T believe that all that is necessary to correct or if people are indifferent to their applica­ a wrong or right an improper condition is tion, they are worse than useless in that to enact legislation dealing with the problem. they only too frequently block methods of The fallacy of such logic can readily be procedure which would in reality accomplish observed in the irrefutable fact that from desired objectives. time immemorial we have had laws, social It is not my intention to condemn the new and economic as well as moral—if we must Pure Stream Law of Pennsylvania though it make these distinctions—that have condemn­ may be inadequate in many details. It is at ed anti-social forms of conduct, and provided least a step in the right direction. Nor do I penalties to punish those who may have want to as much as suggest that we should not disregarded them. have Federal legislation pertaining to the It is time that we should be governed welfare of our waters. I want to emphasize by the truth, that laws in themselves are the fact that legislation is not enough. Pure impotent. The Ten Commandments did not streams on our statute books is one thing eliminate stealing, killing, adultery and per­ while pure streams in our fields and moun­ jury,—else the problems of crime would have tains is quite another. The man who made been solved long ago. On our statute books, the remark that the new Pure Streams Law we have many laws purporting to make men of Pennsylvania has left absolutely protected free and equal but we all know that these the remaining 15,000 miles of our clean rights cannot be conferred by high sounding streams is to be commended for his optimism phrases, even though they be uttered by the and enthusiasm but criticised for his lack of gods themselves. Laws in themselves are insight and accuracy of expression. This is impotent, we repeat for the sake of emphasis. not the observation of one who has looked at His first musky. Wally Walters, 8 years old, of Sewickley, proudly displays a 34 inch muskellxinge At the best they can do little more than the problem of pollution from the vantage weighing 9% pounds and taken in Edinboro I,ake, give us a sense of direction and define the ground of experience in the field, but rather Erie County. The musky struck a spoon for Wally while his father handled the oars on the boat. The boundaries within which we are permitted that of the arm chair and the cloister. We lad played the fish nearly to a finish and his dad to act without being penalized. Strictly haven't any factual evidence to show that our then took over and ended the battle. speaking, there is no such thing as a good streams are any cleaner or more secure from law or a bad law in that morality depends pollution today than they were before June upon activity. In that laws can only function 22, 1937. This is not the fault of the Act, for of water are very limited in their function- by the intertia that men give to them, their as I stated before, laws are impotent in them­ ings. I have an excellent example of this goodness or badness depends upon the in­ selves, but due to our unwillingness to do in mind which will illustrate what I mean. tellectual and moral character of the man the tasks that are expected of us. With this Not so many miles from my home there is in mind, I venture to submit the following a stream which is nothing more than a flood plan of action for the conservation of our stream. Early in the spring, trout will find streams and waters. It is not new and it is their way into its channels, but when the not academic. It has, in part at least, been snows have gone and the flood waters have tried and produced commendable results. been carried away, the trout naturally dis­ appear because of the topography of the We must recognize that to conserve a land through which the channel of the stream stream is to do something more than keep it runs. There were some enthusiastic but mis­ free from pollution. This means that we informed sportsmen who thought that this must apply the principles of conservation in could be made a trout stream. Much money conserving our waters as well as our other was spent on the project which could have natural resources. Conservation is positive been thrown down a sewer to a better and purposeful. Its problem is one of effi­ advantage. Originally it was an ideal stream cient development and wise utilization, and for trout fishing, but the inroads of civiliza­ the conservation of our streams depends upon tion, i. e., creating of farm lands, removal our ability to develop to the fullest capacity of forests, construction of modern highways, the potential powers of a stream or body etc., have completely altered the environment of water as it is related to its specific purpose, of the stream, to the extent that its use has so as to provide the greatest possible good changed completely. It still serves a purpose, for the greatest number of people. The con­ but its purpose is determined by its environ­ servation of our streams differs primarily ment, and in this case it is a flood stream from the conservation of our other natural and nothing more. resources in that their utilization is deter­ mined largely by their location, and by It must also be recognized that the utiliza­ predetermined conditions over which human tion of our stream for one purpose may control is extremely limited. Just as soon limit or even destroy its use for other pur­ as we talk about conservation, the question poses which in themselves may be legitimate comes up, "Conservation for what?" It is and wholesome. We do not want bathers just at this point that we are apt to take splashing about in the reservoirs that supply a narrow minded attitude of the problem us with drinking water, even though con­ before us, and make blunders that are costly trolled fishing may be engaged in without and destructive of our purpose. We proceed any harm whatsoever. We do not want our to determine its use from our own individual city watersheds turned into bungalow com­ desires rather than from the point of view munities, though they may be used for hunt­ of the stream, if you will permit this per­ ing and fishing to the mutual advantage of all parties concerned. We have no objection This big wateisnuke was caught in Grassy Pond, sonification. Waters may be used for many Luzerne County, on a live minnow while stillfishing, purposes, but individual streams and bodies (Continued on Page 20) according to G. V. Roulin. 11 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER WHY NOT A "FLIVVER" FLY ROD OUTFIT? By E. L. KING

S worm and minnow fishing a sporting Does the term sporting mean merely self- urchin, suffering with a severe attack of I way to take trout? Is the speckled Prince indulgence and amusement or does it indicate green apple tummyache, would have if thrust Charming of Pennsylvania's game fishes giving the fish a fair chance also? Does it into a prize ring to do battle with a heavy­ always taken in a manner as befits an aristo­ mean pitting one's wits against the natural weight champion of the world. Likely the crat of the finny kingdom? instinct of self-preservation on the part of sick boy would have the better chance—the In presenting this article, the writer wishes the fish, or does it imply filling the creel in champ would refuse to hit. But few fisher­ to stress the point, doubly emphasize it if the handiest manner possible? men refuse to yank. you will, that the opinions are not intended If sporting is to be construed as merely On the other hand, there is no denying as a criticism of any angler's method of tak­ amusing the genus homo, then any old sort that Old Mother Nature has been lavish in ing fish. of fishing procedure should suffice, merely recuperative gifts to her children, and sans so long as it pleases the participant. the human element a cruelly hooked trout This article is intended solely as a contrast still has a chance to live—sometimes—if prop­ But gigging, netting, shooting fish is hardly between two widely diverging forms of ang­ erly handled. Unfortunately the biggest considered sporting, yet these methods prob­ ling as viewed in retrospect after many years hurdle is the white man's tendency toward ably amused the persons with a predilection on the streams. careless destruction, mostly thoughtlessly and thereto in bygone years. The confirmed worm and minnow addict unintentional it is true. If sporting means giving the fish a fair will doubtless insist the use of live bait is How often do we see helpless undersize break, an even chance—say for example, as just as sporting as the flyman's method; oth­ fish lifted bodily from the water and dangled given to our professional fighters in the ers less set in their way and just a bit in mid-air, twisting, squirming, kicking life squared circle, our race horses on the big dubious may sometimes wistfully wish for a away on the hook, so that bystanders may time tracks, our baseball teams with un­ flyman's outfit and an instructor to take a view the victim. Then with the hook im­ biased umpires, then we are beginning to get fling at this thing called fly fishing. bedded still deeper by the struggle, the victim on rather thin ice. In most instances, the dyed-in-the-wool is grasped in dry hands and the barbed sliver bait fisherman has never employed flies; or if In worm fishing as practiced by most fish­ torn from the quivering flesh. The fish is he did so, usually he did not continue long ermen, the trout has little or no chance of then given an underhand sling back into the enough to become proficient. The angler, surviving the ordeal once hooked, and that stream, only to slip away and die. regardless of size. The very nature of the who once masters the comparatively easy in­ Fishermen should NOT be permitted to practice, the proficient, professional, success­ tricacies of fly casting, seldom, if ever, re­ visit streams unless properly equipped to ful manner, is to let the fish have the bait turns to bait. release fish. The fish code should be amend­ long enough to swallow it, then "turn on the The exclusive flyman, and his number is ed to 'provide stiff penalties even to the re­ heat". increasing daily, frequently may be just a bit vocation of license to such anglers as are disdainful concerning the sporting angle of At the first rough jerk of the angler's rod, not equipped, ON THE PERSON, with scis­ worm and minnow fishing; likely doubly so a steel barbed hook, frequently a No. 6, is sors or a cutting tool to snip gut or pliers to of the latter. Ordinarily he is rather a toler­ driven right plumb through the victim's clip hooks. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING ant good-natured fellow and not out endeav­ vitals. ANGLERS NOT PROPERLY EQUIPPED oring to pick a quarrel with others not shar­ Ponder a moment. An excited anxious 175 CAN NOT AND DO NOT SAFELY RE­ ing his opinion. His views are best empha­ pound man, armed with rod and line, pitting LEASE FISH, HOWEVER GOOD THEIR sized by a growing refusal to employ bait himself against an 8 or 12 inch trout, and INTENT MAY BE IN THAT RESPECT. under any and all conditions—regardless of the latter's vital organs being rasped and Lamentable in the extreme, the technique creel content—and ever increasing alarm slewed to shreds with a biting barbed cut­ of bait fishing gives the angler little oppor­ over forage conditions. ting sliver of steel, razor sharp. tunity to enjoy the thrill of a running, fight­ Now just what does the term sporting Ordinarily in bait fishing the poor trout has ing fish. With the sickened fish hooked so imply anyway? just about as much chance as a barefoot cruelly there is little or no chance to escape, the ultimate is a foregone conclusion. Land­ ing nets are unnecessary. In many instances fish up to 12 inches in length are heaved high up into the air and far back on the bank with one mighty yank. Ridiculous it is true, but one can actually witness this drama re-enacted time after time on many smaller trout streams, especially during the first few weeks of the season. Anglers indulging in such practices are not exactly to be censured or condemned—rather a lot of sincere sympathy is rightfully their due. These brothers of the fraternity are wasting their heritage and not tasting the full measure of the holiday on the stream, and the God-given privilege of fishing—sim• ply fishing. They are not experiencing the thrill of a fly placed just right. Lost too is that sense of satisfied artistry derived in out­ witting a wily old rainbow, brookie or brown with a fluffy bit of tasteless, useless feather or hair; unknown to them is the whippy snap of the dancing bamboo and that never- to-be forgotten spine tingling anxiety as to whether or not the 3, 4 or 5-X tippet will hold. Another vitally important and distressing condition especially associated with the use The fl.vrod accounted for these two fine North Branch of the Susiiuehisnna snmUmouth bass during; the of bait is the alarming forage situation in present season, according- to Myron XV. Shoemaker, Warden at Laceyville. They weig'hed 3 and 3Mi pounds respectively. both bass and trout waters. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

moderation in size or the good sportsmanship fly rod conscious. Perhaps what we need is of the victor in the joust. a "flivver" fly outfit, a good practical low- And the flyman seldom hooks a fish hard. cost beginner's assembly, balanced and com­ Many of the hooks are almost microscopic plete, ready to fish even down to the leader. in themselves. Most of the trout are hooked Let the skeptic start out in moderation with­ lightly, sometimes only on an infinitesimal out too great an investment—let him learn shred thinner than the tiny hook itself. The the thrills he has been missing without too hook is never in the stomach, never in the many pocketbook pangs. gills, and only once in a blue moon so deep Let us get the fellow started if we can. as the tongue. Mostly only the extreme lips He'll start with his low-cost outfit, but we and the corners of the mouth are involved. all know where it will end. Just like the With the proper equipment, a 10-cent hook rest of us, his mind will be rambling about extractor, a small fish may be readily re­ among the snappiest thing in rods in a year leased, quite frequently without removing or so; he'll have the latest new-fangled reel, the victim from the water. With limitations and he'll talk like a veteran, for hours on the same holds true for a larger fish, and end, about tapered lines, long tapers, short each year more and more fly pursuits are tapers, torpedo heads, etc. releasing larger and larger fish, fishing for Approach the lad with the bait can at his the fun only and not for the table. side in the right manner, and likely he'll be Pennsylvania needs more flymen. The time a rabid dry fly purist in a year or two, has come when some practical method should probably cleaning up local casting tourna­ be considered with a view of encouraging ments where he was only a wistful spectator present bait fishermen to switch to artificials. before. And his poor ever-suffering wife Merely telling anglers fly fishing is more will hear that wild exulting boast: "I get 'em sporting or more fun will not suffice. Fly with flies or not at all", and will wonder fishing is like golf; it grows on you. Once exceedingly at the vagaries of the masculine you get to the point where a prize-winning intellect, especially a fly fishing masculine A No. 14 Blue Quill fl.v lured this 18 Inch brown intellect. trout to the strike for Henry DuBroux of DuBois. rainbow, brown or brookie are spurned un­ It was taken in Kettle Creek in July. less taken on a fly, then the angler is getting The proposition should not be so hard. somewhere. He'll not rob any more bass or Organized sportsmen have licked harder trout of shiner dinners; he'll not rake some assignments. First reputable manufacturers Millions upon millions of minnows are still poor harmless 6-inch baby from tail to gill and jobbers might be encouraged to assemble destroyed yearly in pursuit of bass, and the with a No. 6 worm laden steel razor. a practical, balanced, low-cost beginner's out­ constantly increasing use of bait fish on trout The problem is hardly one to be entirely fit to be sold in one unit at the most reason­ streams is only adding fuel to the flame. solved by legislative action, at least not at able possible price. The assembly should be Then, too, some anglers thoughtlessly insist the present. Rather it is a process of educa­ approved and endorsed by organized fishing upon digging for worms on the banks of tion and pride. The converts should be clubs, and then local tackle dealers sold on streams. Such action can only anger the far­ the idea of stocking the outfit. Farseeing local recruited from the ranks of middle aged and mer and distress the conservationist; it means outfitters and dealers should greet the plan younger fishermen, and especially the kids erosion to the farmer and silt on spawning enthusiastically; likewise the manufacturers. who are coming along each year to follow us. and feeding beds to the latter, either con­ Think what a couple hundred thousand more What fisherman has not seen a youngster's dition almost certain to destroy fish life. fly fishermen would mean in future business. pleading eyes, sometimes so eloquent as to (Please turn Page) Each minnow destroyed likely robs a bass almost speak, gazing at the oldster's flashing or trout of a meal. The practice can not bamboo rod and gaudy flies. That kid should continue many moons longer—uncurbed. One be our convert and conservationist, our guard­ can not expect to go into the stream and ian of future good fishing, and he'd learn fly rob the fish of his food—and then return to casting in a jiffy, but all too often with a break­ catch him too. Likely we are sure to kill ing heart he turns to worms. Worms, worms, him some way or other—it is time to choose worms, he hates 'em. Many adults are beyond whether we would rather starve him to converting, but the kid isn't, merely make death, have him fall victim to predatory hun­ an outfit available at a price not beyond his ters in his weakness or frantic overtime reach or the pocketbook of some doting search for food or catch him ourselves. grandparent. Now let us examine the flyman's method. One of the proudest moments of my fishing First, he does not rob any fish of food, nor life occurred on Newville's Big Spring last does he disturb stream bottoms or banks in season. Standing hip-deep in water, fishing quest of bait. dry flies upstream, was my little nine-year- old daughter. Working downstream, using The constant action necessary in fly casting wets, came a kindly old fellow, eyes twink­ offers a keen sense of exhilaration in itself. ling as he asked: "What are you fishing, There is a lot of fun even when fish are little girl? Flies?" With a scornful tilt of not taken, no tiresome waiting, no feeling of her snooty little nose, proud as only a nine- futile doing nothing. The skill and precision year-old can be, the kiddie replies: "I never of a well placed fly may be likened to the use no dang worms! I USE flies!" thrill of the expert shot on the golf course or dexterity with the cue on the billiard table. And that's not all the story—only nine, And one never knows but what the next and when a little fourth grade girl can raise case, the next swirl, the next sunken log trout with dries, a grown man should not may bring that life-long quest, the all-time fear to try the same. big one. Many fellows willing to give fly casting a Now let us examine the flyman further. fling are scared off on account of big stories His light tackle does not permit the "horsing" with regard to the cost of equipment. Maybe of fish—even tho a fish should infrequently organized fishermen can do something about be hard hooked, the lightness of the leader that. The "flivver" made America gasoline dictates careful handling, handling not likely conscious. Now everyone has a car or two. to gouge, rip and rake tender tissues, hand­ It should be a lot easier to put a fly rod in ling not likely to cause any permanent in­ every fisherman's hand. jury should the victim be fortunate enough Perhaps it would not be too difficult a A fine catch of smallnio'.ith lrtss scored on the fly- rod. The writer's daughter, who handles the flyrod to break away or be released on account of task for sportsmen's clubs to make America with skill, displays the catch. 16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

The fish, the fisherman, the manufacturer, SUCCESS OF TIOGA OUTING in the mountains and you can always get a the retailer, all should benefit exceedingly. SENSATIONAL breeze. The crowd began to arrive early. And say what you will, from any angle, By 11:30 the various sports events were going fly fishing is more sporting, more humane. During the past summer, the Tioga County full blast. The Running Deer, Small Bore It offers more action, greater expectancy, Rifle, Fly Casting and Horseshoe pitching bigger thrills and is a decidedly pleasant Consolidated Sportsmen held their first Out­ ing and Field Day at Bradley Wales Park were open all day. At 2:00 P. M. those present pastime regardless of whether fish are hitting witnessed a fast soft ball game between or not. There is no hunting for bait; the on the West Side of Pine Creek Gorge. We think the park deserves space in this article Westfleld and an All Star team picked from angler is ready to go into action at a mo­ the Crooked, Marsh Creek League. The West- ment's notice, anywhere, anytime. And for a brief description. It is located on the west rim road about one-half way between field boys proved too fast for the All Stars contrary to general opinion, the cost is de­ defeating them 12 to 6. cidedly moderate. Blackwell and Ansonia or about 12 miles from each place. The Park served as a Following the ball game Fox chase was By putting aside 25c a week for one year, farm home for many years for the family of next in order. Six dogs were entered in this a neophyte at present can accumulate a sum Bradley Wales. During the lumbering days event. The dogs were auctioned off for first, sufficient to buy an outfit that will prove the old switchback from Tiadaghton to Lee- second and third place and the chase took efficient, pleasant to use and catch a lot of tonia ran directly through the farm. It is place, on the opposite side of a deep gulley fish. By degrees and at will, he may then high above and just back of Tiadaghton, the from the crowd so that all present were able replace it with more expensive and delicately Eastern edge being on the rim of the Canyon to watch the dogs over the entire course. balanced equipment likely to last year after and furnishing a wonderful lookout. The Fourteen dogs were entered in the Coon year. farm was purchased two or three years ago chase which was over nearly the same by W. L. Bailey of Wellsboro and is used course. By the time the Coon chase was as a summer camp and hunting camp. Mr. over the sun was creeping down toward the FROM LEHIGH ANGLER Bailey, an enthusiastic sportsman, gave the Dear Editor: county organization the use of the park for western horizon and there were still 98 gate "All of your stories are from successful their outing. As there are several hundred prizes to be awarded. The first of these fishermen; well, here is from one that is acres of level and rolling ground, mostly was a $10.00 check donated by the Elkland not. Although an embryo sportsman my cleared, it is an ideal spot for this type of Leather Company, Elkland, Penna. The methods have been considerably improved outing. At the winter meeting of the Sports­ other prizes, ranging from flash lights to oil, and yet the actual results since last spring men, held in Wellsboro, the idea of an out­ gasoline, groceries and what have you, ended have been relatively poorer than ever be­ ing was brought up and later committees up with a six week old pig, donated by Joe fore. I believe others have experienced such were appointed to carry out the idea. The and Harry Davis, Little Marsh, Penna. Mer­ results also. One thing that could help our Tioga county organization is only three years chants from every town in the county took fishing game along in the eyes of fishermen old and had only a vague idea of what to part in the donation of the various prizes. like myself would be the large scale intro­ do. A chairman was appointed for each in­ The prizes for the sports events were car­ duction of bream and perch. The small dividual event, this man to work up his own ried away as follows: High total points all pygmy sunnies seem to be all over by the event and appoint his own help. events went to George W. Cross, Hammersley thousands". Fork. Running Deer first prize, Mr. Outman; A Pennsylvania Angler booster, The day of the outing came in clear and second place tie between K. Monks and L. Richard Bogert. bright. Warm? Yes, but the park is high Johnson. Small bore rifle, Fred Dunham, Wellsboro; fly casting, first, J. Harvey, Ham­ mersley Fork; second, T. E. Evans, Mansfield. Horseshoe pitching, first, Harry H. Root, Wellsboro; second, Elmer Smith, Mansfield. Fox chase, first dog, J. L. Kernan, Hornell, New York; second dog, L. E. Cloos, Middle- bury Center; third dog, Clyde McEvan, Bloss- burg. Coon chase, first dog, Foster Mase, Liberty; second dog, J. L. Kernan, Hornell, New York; third dog, J. B. Ross, State Game Supervisor, Williamsport, Penna. The committee in charge met later in Wells­ boro and at that time it was found that over 2,000 people had attended the outing. The committee in charge were Herbert Flook, chairman, President Mansfield Sports­ men's Association; W. S. Stafford, President, Morris Rod and Gun Club; Robert Wilson, President, Long Run Fish and Game Club; Milan R. Butler, President, Asaph Rod and Gun Club; M. S. Dartt, President, Nessmuk Rod and Gun Club, Wellsboro; Thomas Kamiski, President, Hillside Rod and Gun Club, Blossburg; Herbert Button, President, Littlemash Rod and Gun Club; Ernest Cham­ berlain, President, Sullivan Rod and Gun Club, Mainsburg; Homer D. Austin, President, Pine Creek Sportsmen's Association, Gaines; Fred Wilson, President, Big Elm Rod and Gun Club, Millerton; R. D. Leonard, Presi­ dent, Tioga Rod and Gun Club; Leslie Wood, Game Protector, Wellsboro; Hugh Baker, Game Refuge Keeper, Asaph; Clair Rexford, Forester, Gaines; Bert Earl, Deputy Game Protector, Cody Roby, President, Tioga County Consolidated Sportsmen's Club, and L. S. Moshier, Wellsboro, Publicity Chair­ man.

Wanton George Cross of Hammersley Fork mid Special Warden W. Seid of Westport with a catch of Tioga County Consolidated Sportsmen were trout they confiscated. Albert A. JLutz of Milrebiirg Has prosecuted for having in possession 53 trout organized in 1937 with only six clubs. At the In closed season, fine $530: illegal device. $20; having 43 trout over limit. $+30, a total fine of $980 and costs. William Berg of Milesburg was fined a total of $45 and costs on counts of illegal device and no present time there are 11 olubs in the organi­ zation with about 1500 members. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER n

OHIO CASTERS SCORE AT PITTSBURGH MEET All of the casting championships at the Pennsylvania state tournament held by the Pittsburgh Casting Club at Carnegie Lake, Highland Park, were taken by out-of-town casters. The only Pittsburgh casters to win second places were C. W. Ward, veteran ace, and George Lippert. Clyde Marshall, East Liverpool, Ohio, cap­ tured first place in the dry fly accuracy event with George Hall, Struthers, Ohio, cap­ turing the %-ounce plug accuracy event and finishing second in the %-ounce plug event. Marshall won the dry fly event with a 96 per cent score with Lippert taking second place with 95 per cent. In the distance fly event P. Angelo, Columbus, was the winner with a cast of 126 feet while John Peterson, Zanesville, Ohio, was second with one of 116 feet. The wet fly accuracy event went to Dr. R. J. Merrill, Columbus, with 99 per cent and second place to Marshall with a 99 per cent A catch of Allegheny Kiver smalimouth bass made at Eagle Bock by Frank Xoung and Cy Terchlck score, Merrill winning the event on a re­ on July 2. Note the splendid girth of the largest flsh. cast. The %-ounce plug accuracy event went to House or School, on November 6. The pro­ Hall on a 96 per cent score with C. W. Ward SAFETY ZONE SIGNS TO BE gram then will consist of a running lecture taking second with a 95 per cent score. In DISTRIBUTED with motion pictures by Randolph Thompson, the %-ounce event Howard Adrian, East lecturer of the Pennsylvania Game Com­ Liverpool, was the winner with a 97 per cent The sixth regular monthly meeting of the mission. score with Hall taking second honors with Hempfield Farmers' and Sportsmen's Asso­ a 95 per cent score. ciation was held at the Landisville Fire House on October 2, with nearly 300 members and guests present. NEW CLUB FORMED AT SHICKSHINNY W. J. Staley, President of the organization, was in charge of the meeting and reported About twenty sportsmen from Shickshinny WORK OF CHESTER SPORTSMEN that 1,000 Safety Zone signs had been re­ met at Fred E. Smith's office, and organized LAUDED ceived by the association. a Hunting and Fishing Club. The name of the club is, "Five Mountain Hunting and "Hats off" to Ezra Morrison, William Peo­ For the benefit of the Farmer and Land­ Fishing Club." ples, Clarence Sheeler and others of the owner who may be interested in erecting Coatesville Anglers' Club for the fine job these Safety Zone signs; they can be secured The following officers were elected to serve they are doing in stocking our streams, writes from the following persons in each respective for the coming year: Fred Smith, President; an "appreciative Coatesville angler". district: Harry Hoffman, Jr., Rohrerstown; Scott Kline, Vice President; E. H. Thomp­ Robert Enterline, Salunga; Daniel Will, son, Secretary; and Willard Thompson, Treas­ "A few years ago there was scarcely a fish urer. of any kind in the streams, but when the Chicques; Scott Nissley, Bamford; Fred Long, trout season opened this year the same Landisville; Milton Martzall, Mechanicsville; The purpose of the club is to create better Floyd Zerphy, East Petersburg; Leonard sportsmanship, apply to the State for game streams were well supplied with flsh, and, at Keck, Mountville; Alvin Greider, Centerville- least one place on Buck Run, a half dozen and fish to stock in our local woods and Oyster Point; C. G. Spangler, Ironville; and streams. To establish reforestration projects Coatesvillians had their quota of ten trout Arthur Mort, Silver Spring. before seven o'clock. Not just ordinary fish, wherever suitable. To assist the Game, Fish, but fine trout ten to twelve inches in length It was suggested to have the siren of each Forests and Waters Departments of Pennsyl­ and the most delicious and edible fish that Fire House sound at 9:00 A. M. of the first vania; bring about more friendly relations day of the small game hunting season in the between landowners, tenants and sportsmen. swim. The improvement and purification of our "It has been hard work going up to the Hempfield area. This was put in the hands of the Directors of the Zones in which Fire streams, assist in reforestration, and to con­ fish hatchery every day for the last few years trol vermin. to feed these trout and rear them. It was Houses have been built and it is expected hard work to interest the State and federal that they will cooperate with the association All wishing to join are requested to meet hatcheries in our streams, and it has been in this matter. with the club at the next meeting at the hard work for Fish Warden Pyle to see that Speakers for the evening were Alan Wiker, Firemen's Club rooms over the A. & P. store. the streams were properly protected after the President of the Lancaster County Federated fish were planted. But the efforts of all Sportsmen; Milton Dietrich, deputy game these people have resulted in giving this warden; Mervin Murray, deputy game war­ OUTLINER JAILED section the finest and sportiest kind of fish­ den; William Kopp, Secretary of the Lancas­ ing, and our hats are off to all these good ter County Fish and Game Association; Lyle Banks Klase, who resides along the Juniata people who have brought this happier con­ Simmons, Secretary of the Columbia Fish River in Milford township, between Mifflin dition about. and Game Association; Raymond Stetler, and Port Royal, served a twenty-seven day "It is up to the people of Coatesville to get trustee of the Fair Play Hunting Club, while sentence in the Juniata County jail as the back of the Anglers' Club and see that they the principal speaker on the program was result of illegal fishing operations. He was are supplied with funds to feed the fish they John M. Haverstick, Lancaster County game arrested by C. V. Long, of East Waterford, are rearing, and it is up to the Coatesville protector, who talked on the pheasant dam­ Fish Warden, for using "set lines," illegal people to show their appreciation of the age situation. devices, in the river near the Klase home. efforts of these various sportsmen associations Harry M. Reed then showed seven different At the hearing before Robert B. Parker, Jr.. in Chester County as well as the State Fish reels of sound motion pictures of interest to Justice of the Peace at Mifflintown, Klase Commission and Federal Fish Commission, sportsmen. Floyd Zerphy, Zone Director of was sentenced to pay a fine and the costs of who have all contributed so much to restock the East Petersburg area, invited the group the case. Unable to pay the fine he was our streams." to meet either at the East Petersburg Fire remanded to jail. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER HUNTSDALE HATCHERY

ponds, grading, etc., has cost the Board of Fish Commissioners, as of September 30, 1939, $57,906.32. The balance has been assum­ ed by the Works Progress Administration. It will be noted that the creation of the Huntsdale Hatchery was done in a series of developments. First, twenty-eight ponds were built and tried out. After these proved suc­ cessful, additional ones were constructed, and the 20 acres now under construction were not seriously considered until the total of 153 ponds had proven themselves. At the present time, the possibility for future enlargement appears to be almost unlimited, but no work will be done to enlarge the plant beyond the present plans until the area now under de­ velopment has been completed and given a thorough trial. The plot on the upper end of the property consists of areas designed expressly for the growing of warm water fish, such as black bass, bream, catfish and minnows. The water supply comes from Irishtown Gap Run, a small mountain stream, supplemented by a large spring. This water is conducted through two large ponds of a combined area of approximately four acres. These two New pom) construction at lower section of hatchery, showing section ns yet undeveloped. ponds are used for holding brood fish, and to bring the summer temperature of the water to a point favorable for the rapid (Continued from Page 5) defect, the aerators were built similar to a growth of this species of fish. After passing with a temperature higher than 52 deg. F., series of steps, the length being in propor­ through these pools the water is conducted hatches the eggs prematurely, resulting in tion to the spring flowage. The aerator at through a series of nineteen smaller ones, weak and undesirable fish. Spring No. 5, Spring No. 4, is approximately 100 feet long, that will be used as nurseries for the baby because of its favorable temperature and and the water passes in a thin veil over a fish. Adjacent to these ponds is the daphnia location, was chosen for the water supply series of three steps. unit, consisting of ten concrete beds, where for egg hatching purposes, and a temporary One admirable feature of the plant is that the necessary live food for the baby fish building was constructed for this purpose. the upper section of the hatchery pool is fed will be cultivated. The balance of the pools The trout eggs were obtained in November, by three independent sources of water sup­ can be fed direct from the spring water 1933, and hatched out in the latter part of ply. The upper sections of hatcheries are supply if they are being used for trout work, December, 1933. The results were most grati­ always used for the baby fish. Baby fish are or the water control is so arranged that the fying and the returns have been very favor­ more susceptible to disease than the older tempered water from the warm water fish area can be diverted through over one-half able each year since. ones, and preventative measures, for the con­ of them. In other words the water courses trol of disease, are always practiced. The From these experiments, sufficient knowl­ are so arranged that with the exception of a three separate sources of supply segregate edge of the characteristics of the water was part of the plant, any pond or any group of the Huntsdale plant in three independent had to warrant the start of the permanent ponds can be supplied with cool spring water construction work. The building of the first units. If disease occurs in one section, there if they are being used for trout or supplied series of ponds, along permanent lines, is little danger of it entering the other areas with warm water if it is desired to use them started on February 18, 1933. provided proper caution is taken. for growing warm water fish. With the exception of confining the springs The first work, along permanent lines, was and the construction of twenty-eight per­ to confine the water in the various groups The hatching building that was placed in of springs. The water from Springs Nos. 1 manent ponds, the work of building the plant, service last winter is a one story building, and 2 was conducted in such a manner as to has been carried on under the Works Prog­ Quaker Meeting House type of architecture, feed the same series of ponds. Springs Nos. ress Administration. This agency started constructed of native limestone, with metal 3 and 4 were used to supply a separate section work on September 20, 1937, and to date doors and windows, and a cement asbestos of the hatchery. Spring No. 6 was led into have completed 153 ponds and the hatchery shingle roof. The building is 120 feet long Irishtown Gap Run, and used for an indepen­ building. This development was laid out on and 33 feet 8 inches wide, consisting of an dent series of pools. Spring No. 5 was con­ a tract of land comprising 44 acres. The office, tank room and aquarium room. The ducted through the hatchery building. building of the ponds required the moving tank room is designed for the handling of of approximately 85,000 cubic yards of earth trout only. In construction it is a new de­ Another problem that caused considerable and the pouring of 2000 yards of concrete, parture from the conventional type, chiefly anxiety was the increased head that had to and 31,000 square yards of fine grading. because all tanks and troughs are of metal be placed on the Spring, in order to give the Because of the outstanding result obtained construction. At the present time the necessary areation. It was found that an with the fish grown on this development, the aquarium room is being used as headquar­ average of two feet could be placed on each Board recently purchased 20 additional acres ters for the construction crew, but this winter group. For every foot that the head was of land, and the Works Progress Administra­ it is the program to install a series of glass increased, above the two feet, water flow tion have started to construct this area into tanks, where native Pennsylvania fishes and diminished approximately twenty-five per additional fish growing pools, and when other forms of aquatic life, will be on display. cent Placing a'•pressure on the mouth of completed will add forty-two additional The twenty acres recently acquired will, limestone springs is always accompanied ponds to the present number, making a total when completed, comprise forty-two addi­ with risk, as the water course is apt to seek of one hundred and ninety-five. In order tional ponds of various sizes, together with a new channel, thus drying up the original to develop the 20 acres it will require the another hatching building, designed to handle spring site. This was also feared and the moving of 13,325 cubic yards of earth, and both warm water fish and trout, and to serve elevation was left at the two feet level. This the use of 940 cubic yards of concrete, and as a shipping building where the fish will be elevation was not very great for aeration 9,000 square yards of fine grading. To date sorted, counted and weighed before starting purposes, and in order to overcome this the construction of the building and the 153 on their journey to the public fishing waters. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 19

On October 5th, ground was broken for these projects will depend wholly upon the the construction of a fish food storage and individual groups that will be designated as GOING FISHING feed grinding building. The construction sponsoring each necessary portion of the pro­ (Continued from Page 9) will be of the same architectural design as jects. Any group failing to promptly and catch some big fish! Is that a long ride home!" the hatching building, will have cold storage efficiently enact their allotted part to the All the camping equipment is unloaded in the with facilities to keep fifty tons of fish food, ninth degree will seriously affect the entire hall, living room and even the dining room. and an ice making machine, the product of program, which must be completed and in We'll put everything away tomorrow they which is used in transporting fish. The operation by June 1st. promise, and away to bed with the three of grinding room facilities are capable of pre­ Following is listed the work necessary and them. So Mother and I start putting things paring a ton of food an hour. Architects away that very night, because they have are now working on the plans of a building the organizations assigned for the carrying out of each project. promised before. By that time they are set­ to be used as a garage, store house and work tled in bed with groans—fishing all day Sun­ shop, and it is the intent of the Board to TOURIST FREE INFORMATION BOOTH— day and a four hour drive home, Boy! Are construct this building in 1940. Plans are Design and plans for the booth prepared we tired! But Monday evening it begins all also in the making for the landscaping and by Jack Mohney of the Old Town Sports­ over again with—Say, fellows, I just heard beautifying of the grounds, including the men's Association. reconstruction of the Superintendent's resi­ of a peachy place to fish. Lots of bass and dence, with the thought that in a few years Material necessary for the construction of not very far from here! the Huntsdale Fish Farm will not only be the building, costing approximately $150.00 Oh, surely! They've taken me fishing. one of the largest fish producing stations, to $200.00 furnished by the Clearfield Cham­ Squeezed me in the back seat of the car and but also one of the outstanding show places ber of Commerce. told me what a swell camper I was. But I in the country. Obtaining of the site for the building with think they were referring to my work around All of the Board's hatcheries are open to the necessary permission of the local and the gas stove more than my plugging or cast­ the public seven days of the week, between county authorities — Arranged by Harold ing. So I think preparing and planning a the hours of 7:30 A. M. and 5:00 P. M., and Boulton of the Sportsmen's Association. fishing trip has as much thrill and excite­ you are cordially invited to visit Huntsdale Erection of the building and the fixing of ment as sleeping in a tent with mosquitoes and watch it grow and develop into an insti­ the approaches—Clearfield fire companies, or getting up at five in the morning to fish tution that the sportsmen and general public suggested supervisor—William Ryan. in the chill grey mist. can point to with pride in years to come. The village where the hatchery is located is Landscaping and decorating the site with suitable evergreens and shrubbery—Mr. Wm. on a State Highway reached South off of FRAZER TOWNSHIP SPORTSMEN Route 11, between Carlisle and Shippens- F. Dague, District Forester. burg. Painting of the necessary signs for the ELECT booth and for various parts of the town, announcing the existence of the booth. President Otto DeQuinze and Treasurer Tom Frederick were reelected to office for OLD TOWN SPORTSMEN BACK Erection and placing of the signs at strat­ the sixth consecutive term at the annual elec­ egic points—J. B. T. THREE PROJECTS tion of Frazer Township Sportsmen's Club, Interior decoration of the booth—Senior it was announced. Early this spring the Old Town Sports­ Art Group. Other officers elected for the 1939-40 term men's Association felt the need of promoting Staffing of the booth—Junior Woman's include: Martin Korim, Vice President; Phil several worth while projects for the better- Club, all Clearfield Boy Scout Troops, Amar­ Dorn, Secretary; John Williams, Assistant men was appointed and at the request of anth. Secretary; Dale Wells, County Federation the sportsmen, a meeting of this committee Furnishing the booth and surroundings Delegate; William Pater, County Federation with a committee on Parks and Recreation with suitable furniture, etc.—C. D. of A., Alternate, and Leon Hue and Frank Pater, of the Clearfield Chamber of Commerce was O. E. S. and the Senior Woman's Club. Directors. held. The sportsmen proposed eight different projects, seven of which were approved by the Chamber of Commerce committee. These projects were very broad in their scope and Life is much like learning to skate. We Everything that is worth while has a fence it was decided to drive for the completion go somewhat where we choose, but mainly around it—but always there is a gate and a and successful staging of three of these pro­ where the skates take us. key. jects this year. The three projects decided upon were: 1—Erect and maintain a TOURISTS FREE INFORMATION BOOTH; 2—Stage a NA­ TURE APPRECIATION WEEK during the week that the laurel blossoms were at their height; 3—Construction of NATURE TRAILS. The sportsmen and Chamber of Commerce realized that the successful staging of these projects would require a tremendous lot of support and decided that they would enlist the cooperation of all the civic organizations in Clearfield. In order to enlist this neces­ sary cooperation, letters were mailed to all organizations asking that they appoint sev­ eral representatives to act in behalf of their organization. The results of these letters are very evident from the almost 100% response, which played an important part in having the general committee procede with the detailed plans for these projects listed above. In making plans for the projects the gen­ eral committee has listed all of the work that will be necessary and segregated it so that is can be carried out by the various groups that have signified their willingness "to cooperate. The successful completion of Trout nursery ponds with aerators from springs in background. Upper end of hat«he>*y. 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

detected at once, the opportunity is gone to LATE AUTUMN FISHING Toward The Conservation of correct the condition by apprehending the (Continued from Page 7) Our Streams and Waters offender. It is not the stream that is labeled keen sport during this, the last month of the as a polluted stream that causes us the warm water game fish season in Pennsyl­ (Continued from Page 13) greatest anxiety but rather the relatively vania. to the use of our streams for the development clean stream that has potential sources of of hydrolic power and for other commercial pollution. Therefore it is imperative that While plugging for wall-eyes has been purposes as long as such uses are within this committee knows the location of bottling found a most satisfactory method in taking reason, and we are willing to abide by con­ works, dairies, and bungalow areas as well these fish, we must concede the edge in late ditions which may interfere with our sport as industries, municipalities without disposal fall fishing, however, to the trolling rig, the in that sportsmen, no more than other groups, plants, and institutions. It must also recog­ have a monopoly on the use of our water nize that soil erosion is far more detrimental resources. We do object, however, to limita­ to the welfare of our streams than any other tions which result from unwise and purpos- factor, and so cooperate with those agencies less control. I am referring in particular to that are dealing with soil conservation. a policy on the part of the Game Commission The work of such a committee may sound that has tended to prevent fishermen from like a man's job. It is, but it is by no means using the waters that pass through their as difficult as it sounds. Such work is fascin­ game refuges. This is absurd, and sportsmen ating, and it is astounding to observe the should rise up in revolt against such control results that it attains. Practically in every of our streams on the part of state officials community we have a hunting and fishing because, it is not only unsound, but charged club, a sportsman organization, or some kind with social objections that will result in of a conservation group dedicated to the con­ much harm if continued. These illustrations servation of our streams. Let them organize are merely suggestive, but they are sufficient a committee along effective lines and our to make us realize that one important prob­ streams will soon become social and economic lem in the conservation of our streams is to assets rather than liabilities. determine their use, and then apply such policies and restraints as shall guard the To the application of sound conservation primary purposes of the waters in question. principles and the working of an active com­ You will find that many people will be mittee I would suggest the application of benefited by your efforts, and that there will sound common sense in our program of develop a strong motivating influence for stream conservation. The ultimate success of the conservation of our streams on the part our efforts will depend far more upon the of the general public which will create an strategy we adopt, and the tact we show, than opinion against polluters stronger than any in law enforcements or any tirades we may mandate, because they will realize that their let fall upon the polluter. I know of in­ interests are being vitally effected. stances where corporations have more than conformed with legal requirements in avert­ In addition to the application of sound ing and abating pollution, and yet the un- conservation principles we must have in forseen has happened to thwart the very Courtesy—Allentown Morning: Call every community in the state a committee purposes for which they made substantial Ray Hess of Fullerton with his 27*^ inch walleyed that is vitally interested in the welfare of our pike taken in the Delaware River this year. It investments and followed the most competent ^tipped the seales at 6 pounds even. streams and that is forever on the job. This engineering advice available. I know of committee should have a knowledge of the one stream that was polluted because of Pure Streams Act and know how to proceed sabotage. This was not generally known to spinner and nightcrawler combination. This with prosecutions. One evening I was stand­ the public, nor even to the man who owned type of lure was illustrated and described ing on the bank of a stream which was full the plant from which the pollution was by Charles M. Wetzel in his splendid article of dead fish that had been killed by careless­ emited. I know of a case that resulted from on wall-eyed pike and pickerel fishing ap­ ness. With me were some city officials; they the carelessness of an individual worker. pearing the October issue of this magazine. were indignant at the sight that confronted And I also know of cases of pollution that are There's mighty fine appeal to tail-end of them, and violently disposed toward the unavoidable because of man's inability to the season fishing. It has atmosphere, mist Sanitary Water Board for its indecision in cope with them. It doesn't require any rising from lake and stream, frosty mornings dealing with the situation at hand. I said unusual gifts of insight or mentality to see with the air carrying just the tang which to the man, "Why don't you instruct your thousands of dead fish floating down a appeals most to the sportsman. For those of city solicitor to proceed against the offender. stream, but it does require something above us who hate to put away the casting rod for You have the right according to Act No. 394?" the average to maintain one's poise of mind its long winter sojourn and then count the This is not all that was said, but here was a and temper at such a sight so that something days until the opening of next bass, pickerel man who did not know that he had within of a constructive nature can be done to and wall-eyed pike season, November offers his own hands a solution for the problem prevent it from happening again. I have real prospects of some fine action astream. that he was facing. There should be at least invariably found that those who have been Tight lines. one member on this committee that would responsible for such destruction of life have know how to take samples of polluted water, been much distressed and penitent. Generally and be equipped with the necessary materials they have been only too anxious to make DYNAMITERS JAILED for collecting such. In a recent case of pol­ amends and pay for the damage that has lution it was only due to the careful collect­ been done. But how many times have they Catching trout by dynamiting proved to ing of samples that led to the correcting of been the victim of circumstances over which be' a profitless adventure for two men from the condition. This committee should have the Clearfield region who were given 100 they had no control Suppose you do prose­ a thorough knowledge of the streams in its cute and get a conviction, what have you days in jail when arraigned before a justice community. It should know where the of the peace. accomplished under such conditions ? Here sewage disposal plants are located; it should prosecution becomes persecution and accom­ The two men Ralph Baney, 31 and William know the exact spot where each storm sewer plishes nothing of permanent value. Some Keeler, 39, were arrested by motor police empties its contents into the stream; it should of us have found that there is such a thing from the Clearfield patrol. Police testified know what institutions and industries, if as cooperative relationship between those that the two men dynamited a hole at Middle there are any, that are connected up with who may have been guilty of polluting Lick Run in Goshen township and scooped the storm sewers that do not empty into streams and those of us who are interested up "four or more" fish. the disposal plant and it should know what in keeping them clean; and that to get agencies to contact in times of emergency. together with open minds on such problems Some of our worst cases of pollution happen when they present themselves, in the spirit There is nothing that costs so little and at the most unexpected places and at times of sportsmanship, will accomplish far more goes so far as courtesy. when we are least aware of it. Unless it is in the conservation of our streams than re- 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 21 sorting to the instruments that legislation has placed at our disposal. Such a program is not by any means con­ clusive, for as we proceed with our work, new problems will present themselves, many of which will be purely local that require a kind of solution that is not to be found in books. However, I do feel, and most decidedly so, that any program which tends to conserve our streams and waters must proceed along such lines as suggested above. It definitely places the responsibility where it belongs— with us and not some government agency. I have found that when we do our part, state agencies are placed in such a position that they cannot do anything but act. Believe me, I have ample evidence to substantiate this statement.

Fishing Creek in Columbia county pro­ duced a mighty fine largemouth bass for Philip Knouse of Bloomsburg, RFD 1, this season, according to a report received from Warden Harry Carl of Elysburg. This bass, 20% inches in length, had a weight of 5 pounds 8 ounces. Tourists' Free Information Booth of the Old Town Sportsmen's Association of Clearfield County.

Warren county had some mighty fine Some Remarks on the Feeding Behavior of Fishes brown trout in its waters as far back as 1911, according to a report received from (Continued from Page 3) water in many lakes and ponds reach their Warden R. C. Bailey of Youngsville. During lose their vigor and become quiescent until highest temperatures of the year, and as free oxygen escapes rapidly from warm water, the that year, J. D. Upton of Garland, caught a the return of the sun. 24 inch brown trout in Hosmer Run that supplies of it then may reach a low level. It is a fact recognized by science, that in tipped the scales at 4Y4 pounds. At this time, too, such waters become fur­ some ponds which are overgrown thickly ther depleted of their oxygen through the with vegetation, so large an excess of carbon death and decay of huge quantities of minute dioxide may have accumulated during the plant and animal life, the plankton, which night as to endanger fish life before morning. had been multiplying since spring. Their This danger is especially likely to occur in oxidation, or decay, consumes much oxygen late summer when the temperature of the and generates in its place volumes of car­ water becomes high and it bears a large bonic acid gas, the same gas that "gets up amount of decaying organic matter. your nose", when you drink a bottle of pop, It is known that the different species of and which though very necessary to both fish vary considerably in their oxygen re­ plant and animal life will not alone sustain quirements and fishes of the Salmon family them and in fact may act as a poison when seem to head the list in this respect. These present too abundantly. requirements are stated by Dr. Paul Need- 2 At such times a green scum or bloom ham ( ) to be approximately 7 parts per mil­ usually appears on the surface of the water, lion for fingerling brown trout, and they died which is known to biologists as "the plank­ when the oxygen content dropped to 3 parts ton scum" but the country people sometimes per million with the water temperature at say that the "pond is working". 64°F. During this period, which may last for At the opposite end of the list of oxygen several weeks, the game fish usually re­ requirements we find such fishes as the cat­ fuse to rise or strike probably because the fish and the German carp which are notorious depletion of their oxygen supply robs them as being able to survive in oxygen-poor both of appetite and the energy required for muddy ditches and puddles where even a such activity. It seems quite likely also that tadpole would have hard going. That the this condition is the true explanation of the respiratory and nervous systems of these sluggishness of muscallonge and similar fish very diverse fishes are quite different is which are popularly supposed to "get sore obvious and it would be folly to expect them teeth" at this period. to respond equally to similar physical stimuli During very hot, dry summers, when or influences as regards feeding habits. streams become unusually low they not The different species of fish also respond rarely reach a similar state of oxygen de­ to variations in temperature of the water in pletion and carbon dioxide abundance. At quite different ways. For instance, accord­ such times, the shells of live mussels taken ing to Dr. Needham "when the temperature from these streams may appear pitted and of the water reaches 75 °F., the brown trout corroded by the carbonic acid contained in cease feeding and sink to the bottom where the surrounding silt and water. The sad part they remain motionless". But such a tem­ of this is that this condition is likely to occur perature is merely stimulating to the large- at height of the popular vacation season mouth bass and even the smallmouth may while fishing is a most preferred sport. There C. E. Miller, sports editor of the "Record-Argus , Greenville, kindly sent the ANGLER this fine photo remain active and happy in water at 80°F., is, however, no known cure for this sad state of a youthful angler and the fine walleyed pike he if this is well aerated. of affairs and the angler is lucky who can caught In the Big Shenango River this season. Andy Macko of Shenango landed the fish, a 25 inch During the late summer, usually in August find another body of water not thus afflicted. pike weighing 5Vz pounds and one of the finest taken in the northern states, the surface layers of (Please turn Page) this year. 22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

Now I would not leave with anyone, who has done me the compliment of reading this somewhat extended discourse, the thought that I believe all of the vagaries of fish be­ havior in this respect are due to physical and chemical causes—far from it. It is in­ deed very probable that many of these daily or hourly changes in their behavior are the result of psychological whims or reactions on their part. The psychology of fishes is a field but slightly investigated and one very difficult of exploration, but it is evident from the little that has been learned, that fish have considerably more "mind" than has been gen­ erally believed. In spite of the attempts of one school of scientists to persuade us to re­ gard fishes as mere senseless machines, it has been shown that they possess memory and are able to profit by experience. According to Professor F. B. Sumner, (s) of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and a keen student of the psychology of fishes; "It is common sense, rather than scien­ tific experiment which leads us to believe SOUDERTON MAN RAISES WORMS that the fish is not a mere unconscious mech­ PICKEREL PLEASURE Raising earthworms can be developed into anism * * * * the psychological responses of (Continued from Page 10) fishes seem to be closely similar to those a first rate business, according to William F. Musselman of Souderton, who writes. are placed at the points designated in Figure known to hold between these same stimuli 1, to further secure the assembled plug and and our own perceptions of them. On any I am in the earthworm business. In this the head is filled with plastic wood. Give theory we must grant the existence of some section, night-crawlers are mostly in de­ the plug a coat of varnish and allow ample sort of organic memories or "engrams" re­ mand. Have made some very nice shipments time to dry, then paint the back dark olive corded in the nervous systems of the fishes". to date. Not being physically strong and green. The underside is not painted in order Any angler who frequents a hard fished incapable of doing hard work due to severe to allow the foil to show through the semi- stream and who observes the behavior of the attacks of rheumatism, it struck me in 1934 that our many fishermen in this section transparent body. Eyes may be painted at fish in it will not fail to believe these state­ the head and a red stripe painted along the ments. needed a place where they could obtain bait with which to fish at any time. entire length of the body, giving the little When, in the course of the years, complete plug a finished appearance. biological, ecological and psychological studies One day I rigged up an electrical device to coax the worms to the surface of the In Figures 2, 3, and 4 various types of spin­ of each particular species of our principal ners that are especially attractive to pickerel game fishes have been completed and com­ ground. Finding this a success, I began to keep a stock on hand and told the fishermen are shown. The propeller type shown in pared, it may then become possible to derive Figure 2 can be purchased in plain and and construct a tenable theory to explain I had worms for sale. Now I have established a very nice business. luminous finishes. They are very attractive their now mysterious behavior. When this and will take fish quite consistently. occurs, however, much of the present charm I always have one box of breeders, thereby of angling will have departed. raising my own stock. Several years ago I ran across a twin spin­ ner, quite long and narrow that approached In the meantime, it is to be expected that the willow leaf pattern. This spinner attract­ fisherman's calendars and Solunar Tables, ed the attention of fish but there seemed compounded though they be of fiction, folk to be something lacking. I made one of the lore and flapdoodle, will continue to attract same pattern of copper and found that it and intrigue two-legged suckers. improved the qualities a great deal. It is Defiance noticeable that the tackle shops do not stock copper spiners but I am convinced that they I am a fish and don't you wish do not arouse the suspicion of fish nearly as My actions you might solve? quickly as the brighter silver or nickel ones. The moon and sun are merely fun For me, as they revolve. Figure 5 is one of the late patterns em­ ploying the rubber "Hula skirt" as it is And I will bite when feeling right, called. This device imparts plenty of action When things are to my taste; and sure does coax some of the big fellows When I decline, haul in your line, from deep pools. Your fishing's only waste. Figure 6 is an old standby, made in heavy I glide with ease where e're I please, weights for casting rod use and in the smaller Despite old Gravitation, sizes for the fly rod. I made several of these Dense atmosphere I do not fear, spoons of heavy sheet copper and painted Pooh-pooh! your desperation. the outside in contrasting red and yellow stripes. A strip of rubber "pork rind" attach­ ed to the trailing double hook adds to its 1 Solunar Tables. Forecast of daily feeding" times of fresh and salt water fish for the season of 1939. attractiveness. J. A. Knight. Orange, N. J. All these lures like many others will take 2 Trout stream conditions that determine their pro­ ductivity and suggestions for stream and lake man­ fish at times, but for real pickerel pleasure agement. Paul R. Needham. Ph.D., Comstock Publish­ try the fly rod and light lure and I am sure ing Co.. Ithaca. N. Y., 1939. you will hold these splendid fish in higher 3 Human Psychology and Some Things That Pishes Do. Scientific Monthly, Sept. 1939, pp. 245-255. esteem.

And now they're telling about a Scotch­ Twenty years ago we finished fighting to man who ate an apple every day, except for make the world safe for democracy. Now the two weeks the doctor was away on vaca­ we're worrying about how to make it bomb­ tion. proof. 1939 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 23

COPY OF STATEMENT AS FILED WITH BIG WALLEYED PIKE TAKEN IN LEBANON ANGLERS SCORE CATCHES ALLENTOWN POST OFFICE BEDFORD They're still talking in Lebanon County about that monster bass which Bob Heverling October 6, 1939 What looked at first sight like a baby x caught at Strack's Dam. The fish tipped the Statement of the ownership, management, whale, but turned out to be a 29 k -inch wall­ eyed pike, was being exhibited by Charles scales at four and a half pounds and stretched circulation, etc., required by the Act of Con­ the tape 22 inches. gress of August 24, 1912, of Pennsylvania H. Lloyd in Bedford recently. Heverling's nearest rival, John Zidak, Angler, published at Allentown, Pennsylvania The big walleye, one of the largest game hooked into a three and a quarter pound for November, 1939. fish taken in Bedford County waters this year, weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces. Lloyd largemouth earlier in the season at the Water Before me, a notary public in and for the caught it near Felton's Dam, in the Raystown Works dam. State and county aforesaid, personally ap­ branch. He brought it close to the shore Andy Allwein, with a 13y2-inch crappie peared Alex P. Sweigart, who, having been three times before finally landing it. bass to his credit, is showing the way in that duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the editor of the Pennsylvania This is the largest pike taken in these division of the contest. It was caught at Angler, and that the following is, to the best waters in several years. It is believed the Light's dam. of his knowledge and belief, a true statement record is held by Walter Evans, who took An 18%-inch pike (which in this section of the ownership, management (and if a daily a pike weighing almost 10 pounds, about 10 of the country are actually pickerel) is the paper, the circulation), etc., of the aforesaid years ago. best effort recorded this far. Howard F. publication for the date shown in the above Hummel reeled the fish in from the waters caption, required by the Act of August 24, TROLLING YIELDS FINE WALL-EYE of Stoever's dam. 1912, embodied in section 411, Postal Laws The Susquehanna River, near Peachbottom, Earl Tischler of Pittston caught a 26% -inch and Regulations, printed on the reverse side produced an all time contest record for blue wall-eyed pike while fishing in the Susque­ of this form, to wit: gill sunfish as Robert Fitzer beached a 9%- hanna River at Falls, at a point directly in inch sunny. 1. That the names and addresses of the front of Roy Knowles' "Willow Grove" cot­ publisher and editor are: Publisher, Com­ tage. November 30, the last day of bass season monwealth of Pennsylvania, Board of Fish He was trolling with a "June Bug" spinner marks the end of the contest, so there's still Commissioners, Harrisburg, Penna.; Editor, at the time. The fish weighed 4 pounds, 14 plenty of time to better the above marks. Alex P. Sweigart, Harrisburg, Penna. ounces. John Devlin, Jr., of Pittston, was his A similar contest is being sponsored by the 2. That the owner is: (If owned by a cor­ companion. "R" Field and Stream Association. poration, its name and address must be stated Lebanon County anglers showed up splen­ and also immediately thereunder the names didly at the annual Harrisburg casting com­ and addresses of stockholders owning or BIG SNAPPING TURTLES CAUGHT BY petition held at Italian Lake in Harrisburg. holding one per cent or more of total amount TRAPPING Russell Skinner, well known Palmyra of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the Wrote W. H. Fairchild, ardent conserva­ sportsman, came through with top honors in names and addresses of the individual owners tionist of Freeland, Pa.: the fly casting for distance with a score of must be given. If owned by a firm, company I have been reading with interest the 86 feet, 8 inches, as a fellow townsman, or other unincorporated concern, its name various articles from time to time* in Penn­ James Smith, captured runner-up honors by and address, as well as those of each individ­ sylvania Angler and other publications with virtue of a 72 foot, 4 inch heave. ual member, must be given.) Commonwealth reference to fish predators, and note that of Pennsylvania, Board of Fish Commission­ Skinner also emerged victorious in the wet our Fish Commission puts the watersnake ers, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. fly accuracy event in which Smith also fin­ first on the list. I can agree with this in ished second. 3. That the known bondholders, mort­ reference to streams but must disagree when H. B. Wagner, Jr., of Lebanon, was second gagees, and other security holders owning or it comes to river and lakes where most of in the dry fly accuracy contest. holding 1 per cent or more of total amount our bass fishing is done. I contend that the of bonds, mortgages, or other securities are: snapping turtle is No. 1 fish destroyer. (If there are none, so state.) None. After reading in OUTDOORS of the war Nobody succeeds in a big way except by 4. That the two paragraphs next above, on snapping turtles, I placed an order for a risking failures. giving the names of the owners, stockholders, turtle trap and after seven days had caught and security holders, if any, contain not only 17 turtles, weighing from 8 to 25 pounds in the list of stockholders and security holders our lake of about 50 acres. Am convinced We knew this would happen! A lady called as they appear upon the books of the com­ that this same condition exists on many other up the police and wanted to borrow their pany but also, in cases where the stockholders lakes and ponds. lie-detector, to use on her husband. or security holder appears upon the books of the company as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the name of the person or corporation for whom such trustee is acting, is given; also that the said two paragraphs contain statements embracing affidavit's full knowledge and belief as to the circumstances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders who do not appear upon the books of the company as trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that of a bona fide owner; and this affidavit has no reason to believe that any other person, association, or corporation has any interest direct or indirect in the said stock, bonds or other securities than as so stated by him. Signed: Alex P. Sweigart. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of October, 1939. Signed: George B. Kirsch, [Seal] Notary Public. My Commission expires March 9, 1943.

No man can ever become a failure without Three snapping turtles weighing from 18 to 24 pounds. They were taken in a lake near Freeland by his own consent.—KVP. W. H. Fairchild of Freeland. 24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER NOVEMBER

A HERE ND THERE 'N ANGLERDOM

"A few words regarding smallmouth bass Ever hear of vegetarian bass? If you "Fish and Feel Young" is a slogan of Mrs. fishing in the Upper Delaware River", writes haven't, the following report from James Rebecca Edwards of South Sterling, Pa. Special Warden Charles E. Biddlecombe of W. Miller of Gardners, Pa., may well be Ninety years old, her favorite sport is trout Berkshire Heights, Pa. "The number of bass pasted into the fishing notebook under "Un­ fishing. During the 1938 trout season, her caught this year has not been as great as in usual Catches". He writes: "I happened to largest fish was a 19-inch brown trout, while former years, but size has been much larger. be fishing Brown's dam near my home last this year, the top trout taken measured 18 In thirty years of fishing this stream I have week for carp. My bait was white canned inches in length. not caught or seen caught as many large bass sweet corn which seemed appealing to most as I have observed this season. A resident of creek fish as food.. Before leaving the spot, I had caught two smallmouth black bass New Jersey, at Belvidere, caught one weigh­ A fine catch of smallmouth bass was taken ing over 6 pounds and I know of one near measuring 12 and 13 inches respectively. Cat­ fish apparently liked this bait, too, for I in the Susquehanna River at New Buffalo, Easton and one at Portland weighing over Perry County, recently by R. S. Chilton of 5 pounds. I have caught two bass over 4 caught three of these during the interval of time elapsed in taking the bass. At different New Buffalo. Five smallmouths from 11 to pounds, five between 3 and 3% pounds and 15 inches in length comprised the catch. perhaps 25 over two pounds. One Sunday I times I have caught catfish on sweet corn while fishing for carp. These other species caught 10 bass ranging in length from 12% of fish would observe the bait lying on the to 17% inches (four of this lot over 14 bottom of the creek, snatch it up and make Noted for the heavy girth and splendid inches). Live bait seems to predominate in away with it much as bait fish do." condition of the largemouth bass it produced making catches with a very small number each year, Lake Gordon in Bedford County of bass caught in this river on artificial bait. has long ranked as a plug fisherman's pet. My favorite live bait are the crayfish and In checking reports received from Warden lamprey eel. Helgramites have not produced From Dave Fisher of Hummels' Wharf, Harry Moore on catches in the lake, we find this year as in former years. Wall-eyed pike comes the following report: "Sam Wildt of the following: Charles Steelberg, of McKees- have not started to bite as yet; we have much Selinsgrove caught a 12-pound carp at Shady port, caught a 4% pound bigmouth, lure better fishing in October. With the best part Nook in the Susquehanna River and another used, plug; James Hudleson, Wilkinsburg, of the season coming, I look for some very broke his line for him. Had a nice catch scored with two largemouth on plug, one large bass and pike to be caught in this of other species. Fishing in general seems weighing 4%, the other 5% pounds. Fine famous bass stream. Tell the readers of the good in this area." bass in any fisherman's language. ANGLER to come and enjoy some of this good fishing. You can refer anyone anxious for a good day's sport to me, if you wish, and I can tell him where he would be most likely to have good luck. There is room here for droves of fishermen, with plenty of nice places to camp or park their cars. Above all, if they fish the right way, they will stand an even chance of catching some nice fish.

One of the nicest catches of pickerel re­ ported to date this season was that scored by Joe Larmerd and Cy Campbell of the State Department of Agriculture in Pocono Lake, Wayne County. Casting spoon yielded a creel of five pickerel, ranging in length from 19 to 24% inches and having a total weight of 18y4 pounds.

Lloyd Pierson of Springville went Martin one better during the bass season, however, according to a report from V. B. Corle of Montrose. While fishing in Little Elk Lake in August, Lloyd scored a double on large- mouth bass with his plug, taking two on one cast, each of which weighed 2y4 pounds.

Susquehanna County this year has been pro­ ducing some giant eels, Corle reports. Arthur Nye of Montrose, fishing in Heart Lake in August, caught an eel 42 inches long that Mrs. Robert Frantz of Allentown with a splendid catch of largemouth bass and pickerel, scored in Peck's tipped the scales at 8Yt pounds. Pond, Pike County, during the present season. The pickerel ranjred in lenffth from 18 to 22% inches and the bass from 14% to lfi% inches. Reynoldsdale Hatchery in Bedford County is one of the major flsh farms operated by the Board of Fish Commissioners. It produces trout and warm water species of fishes. Shown here is the main hatchery building, with concrete nursery ponds in the foreground. WoWudaU 9 deal CONSERVATION EDUCATION