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A CREEL OF BROOK TROUT PRETTY BUT TOO MANY & OFFICIAL STATE APRIL, 1934 PUBLICATION ^ANGLER? Vol. 3 No. 4

PUBLISHED MONTHLY Want Good Fishing? hy the OBEY THE LAW Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commissioners

m Eg is COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS Five cents a copy **• 50 cents a year OLIVER M. DEIBLER S3 S3 S3 Commissioner of Fisheries nun ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor Members of Board OLIVER M. DEIBLER, Chairman Greensburg South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. JOHN HAMBERGER Erie

GEORGE GRAY, Illustrator DAN R. SCHNABEL Johnstown S3 S3 S3 LESLIE W. SEYLAR McConnellsburg NOTE EDGAR W. NICHOLSON Philadelphia Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee KENNETH A. REID either by check or money order payable to the Connellsville Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not ac­ ceptable. ROY SMULL Mackeyville y GEORGE E. GILCHRIST PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ Lake Como tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper credit will be given to contributors. H. R. STACKHOUSE Secretary to Board All contributions returned if accompanied by first class postage. C. R. BULLER Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries Pleasant Mount

IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address

Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given PENNSYLVANIA ANGLKR

a great forward stride will have been There is no reason, in my mind, why made in fish conservation. any fisherman, when he sees an instance Violation on a wholesale scale, how­ of wilful violation of the fish laws should ever, is not the only factor that enters hesitate to report the violator immedi­ into the high cost of protection. Petty ately. The man who breaks the law is violation in many sections must be helping to defeat the very purpose for \ANGLER7 checked. It is this type of violation, and which the fishing license is issued-—bet­ much of it is without justifiable cause, terment of Pennsylvania fishing through that causes the expenditure of a con­ stream stocking and protection. Until MARCH, 1934 siderable part of the fisherman's money he is curbed in his practice, we must in protection. Much of it is umvar- work under a handicap in our efforts to ranted, and I believe that a considerable improve fishing. Undoubtedly, viola­ VOL.3 No. 4 percentage of the cases reported are due tion would decrease on our trout waters in large part to thoughtlessness. Cer­ if our anglers reported such cases tainly no true sportsman would wilfully promptly. License buttons are num­ keep trout under the legal size of six bered, and it is comparatively simple to inches, or bass under the size limit of secure the number and report it prompt­ nine inches, for he must realize that in ly to one of our protectors. This co­ so doing he is injuring not only the fu­ operation is vital. Sometimes fishermen ture of his own sport but the future of may hesitate to report such cases be­ EDITORIAL the sport of others. Petty violation of cause they dislike the thought of legal this type, it is evident, is inexcusable. proceedings. By simply reporting the incident, however, they are in no way Opening of the trout season, on April involved and the checkup work is left 16, finds thousands of fishermen on our with the warden. mountain and meadow streams. First day of the season is invariably a gala One of the most significant factors occasion for Pennsylvania anglers. A in the growth of the conservation spirit fine spirit of comradeship, and general with our sportsmen, is a tendency on the Poor Sportsmanship consideration for the other fellow mark part of many trout fishermen to disre­ Menace to Fishing the opening day. Certainly, on this oc­ gard the present size limit of six inches casion, poor sportsmanship has no place on trout, and to take no fish under seven astream, and the majority of our fisher­ or eight inches in length. Then, too, I have said repeatedly, in addressing there is a growing tendency to fish for groups of sportsmen, that the cost of men who invade the trout waters right­ fully resent any display of it. Today, trout with the artificial fly, certainly one Poor sportsmanship is entirely too high of the most effective means for conserv­ in Pennsylvania. Thousands of dollars as never before, the sportsmen are pull­ ing together to achieve a common ob­ ing undersize fish. And finally, senti­ spent annually by the Fish Commission ment is constantly increasing against the in enforcing the Fish Code would, if jective—better fishing and hunting. Tak­ ing of undersize trout, careless tossing fishing of small nursery streams, where available for the hatching and raising even six-inch trout are rare. These are back into the water of fish not legal size, °f fish, greatly increase our present dis­ encouraging omens in the drive for bet­ and the fishing of small nursery streams tribution. In order that a small per­ ter fishing. centage of the fishermen, the group who in which few trout above six inches are "wilfully violate the fish laws, be curbed, to be found, are frowned upon as prac­ It is my hope that this year will mark we are forced to expend each year a tices. It is inevitable that general adop­ a great forward stride in our fish con­ great portion of our income in protec­ tion of the code of good sportsmanship servation program. "With solid support tion. One violator, who takes fish by by the fishermen will most effectively bar from the fishermen, stream improve­ gig or net, destroys enough of the life the violator from our fishing waters. ment on approved waters should be car­ m our streams to furnish fine sport for The fisherman, in a final analysis, is ried vigorously forward. Linked with hundreds of fishermen. He is a menace guardian of his sport. I believe that we enthusiastic support of the fish laws, the to the conservation movement; he repre­ must constantly keep in mind an ideal stream improvement campaign should sents the vandal element that, if un­ of fair play to make his guardianship cause 1934 to go down in Pennsylvania checked, would soon make fishing a for­ most effective. That ideal may be at­ fish conservation annals as a banner year. gotten sport in Pennsylvania. In a true tained only when every angler is a self- To achieve this objective, we need the sense of the word, he is a thief, for his constituted protector of fish life, willing unqualified backing of every licensed booty consists of fish that the sports­ to adhere strictly to the regulations gov­ fisherman. men, through their license money, have erning fishing. Of course, this theo­ placed in the streams. The motto of a retical ideal may never be attained, but vast majority of our sportsmen today is every fisherman who adopts the code of "Crush the Violator." When he has good sportsmanship is bringing that xhcJ&~- been driven from our streams and lakes, much nearer its realization. Commissioner of Fisheries. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLES THE BROWN TROUT HAT amazing fi.su, the brown trout, has, T during its comparatively brief stay in Pennsylvania waters, caused probably more discussion among fishermen than any other introduced species. Condemned on the one band, by anglers who hold the native brook trout on a pedestal, as a cannibal and a de­ stroyer of the brook trout; championed by another group as a flsh of rare fighting qual­ ities and a credit to any stream it inhabits, the status of the brown trout is unique. The fact remains that the brownie is here to stay. It has found in many Pennsylvania waters an ideal home, and during recent years has won a host of friends in the fish­ ing fraternity. Rising in an arc of golden brown to the fly, wary in feeding, and a savage fighter from the moment it is hooked until it is taken, it ranks today as one of Pennsylvania's leading game fishes. Brown trout were first introduced to Penn­ sylvania waters in 1886. Three years earlier, Herr Von Behr, President of the Deutsche Erei Verein, had made the first shipment of Hatchery at Caledonia. Another gift of byter * • * From Apryil till Septembre ye brown trout eggs from Germany to the United eggs was sent by Von Behr to the United troughte lepythe; theune angle to him." States. These eggs were consigned to the States Fish Commission in 1884, and in the Page after page by early writers of prose United States Hatchery at Northville, Michi­ same year, ten thousand eggs were received and poetry who lauded the qualities of this gan. Hatched at Northville, the fry from this from England. Most of the fry from the fine game fish might be quoted. Every phase shipment were planted successfully in the English shipment were planted in waters of of its swift movements, the courageous fight Pere Marquette Kiver in northern Michigan. Long Island. it makes when hooked, and the picturesque In 1883, another shipment from Herr Von When originally introduced to trout streams of the Old World in which it lived Behr was received, and the eggs were streams of the United States, the brown furnished subject matter in abundance for hatched at the United States Fisheries Sta­ trout was popularly termed the Von Behr those who found in the brown trout a flsh of tion at Northville and the New York State trout; later, it became known as the Ger­ rare game possibilities. man brown trout, and finally, brown trout. General Characteristics In Germany it is known as the Bach forelle. In appearance, the brown trout, especially The Loch Leven trout, a species very after it has attained a length of ten inches, closely resembling the German brown trout, is stocky. Head, body, and the adipose fin, first made its appearance in this country that flesh-like projection back of the dorsal from Scotland in 1885. A consignment of or back fin, are marked with numerous red Loch Leven eggs was received in January and black spots. The black spots, circular of that year from Sir James Gibson, Mait- and sometimes X-shaped, frequently have a Iand of the Howietoun Fisheries at Sterling- pale border. On the front of the dorsal fin shire, Scotland. After being repacked at the and the anal fin, the fin just behind the vent, Cold Spring Harbor hatchery in New York, a pale yellowish margin is usually present. they were reshipped to Iowa, Minnesota, and Generally, the black spots are rare beneath Maine, and to a private club in Herkimer the lateral line, most of them being present County, New York. on the upper part of the body of the flsh. The first brown trout eggs to be hatched The body color is determined to a large ex­ by the Fish Commission were from a ship­ tent by food and water conditions. Usually ment consigned to the United States Bureau it is brownish or brownish black. In adult of Fisheries from Germany. These eggs were male brown trout, the jaws are pronounced, received at Corry hatchery in 1886 through and in very old flsh frequently hooked. Tri­ the courtesy of Professor Spencer F. Baird, angular in shape, the vomer (front part of United States Commissioner of Fisheries. the roof of the mouth) has a crosswise series A portion of the fry were planted in Penn­ of strong teeth. Two alternating series of sylvania waters, and some were retained at teeth are present on the shaft of the bone. Corry as brood stock. While the tail of a young brown trout is slightly forked or notched, it is almost A Vaunted Ance«t"y square in flsh over ten inches in length. The beauty and gameness of the brown trout have been praised by European anglers Food and its effect on fish growth is viv­ for more than a thousand years. Writing in idly illustrated in the instance of the brown the fifth century, Ansonius commented trout. Its natural tendency is to develop to strongly of the beauty of this flsh. Izaak great size. Afforded ample forage and range, Walton, patron saint of angling, won it a host it may attain a weight of twelve pounds or of friends. And in 1496, Dame Juliana Ber- over. Three brown trout taken in Pennsyl­ ners, authoress of The Trcatyse of Fyss- vania waters last season exceeded eight hynge, declared her fondness for it in no pounds in weight. The largest, taken on WATER ON PINE CREEK, uncertain language. "The troughte," said Fishing Creek, Clinton County, weighed nine POTTER COUNTY. FAMED the gentle prioress, "for by cause he is a pounds, one ounce, dressed. When Introduced FOR ITS BROWN TROUT to the virgin waters of New Zealand during FISHING right deyntous fysshe and a right fervente PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER l IN PENNSYLVANIA

the latter part of the nineteenth century, the rate, to fish for it successfully requires pa­ make it a practice to stand weil above a rapid growth of the brown trout was amaz- tience and study devoted to any particular pool in which a good trout is known to be, lnS- It is said that by 1900, the weight stream in which it abounds. dropping at short intervals one of the in­ average of trout taken from New Zealand By preference, the brown trout apparently sects on the water. The first three or four nvers approximated 10 pounds. seeks its lair beneath shelving rocks or flies may be disregarded, but often a tiny Just as striking as their rapid growth overhanging banks during the heat of the dimple on the water marks the passing of wll day, moving into the feeding shallows or the fourth or fifth fly as it is sucked beneath ere food is plentiful is the arrest in de­ velopment of brown trout when they are riffles when evening approaches. Large the surface. When the trout is coming Pjanted in waters having a limited food sup- brown trout, in particular, seem to do mcst steadily, the angler baits the hook, and soon W. If dependent chiefly on insect life that of their feeding at night, and in night fishing the battle is on. Artificial shad flies, if good may fall upon the water, which is neces­ the big fellows are often taken. It should life-like imitations, also are effective in tak­ sarily a seasonal food supply, the size be emphasized that brown trout well over ing trout during shad-fly time. average of brown trout from streams having twenty inches do not rise freely to the fly. Fishing for the brown trout in England, it this type of available forage frequently does Evidently, at this stage of their development, is said, has been brought to a fine science. not exceed nine or ten inches. For this rea­ they prefer larger food, and minnows make Fxpert fly fishermen on English streams son, the Fish Commission has classified, as effective bait for them. An exception to this carry with them a complete fly-tying outfit. approved brown trout streams, waters of­ preference for larger forage in big brownies Locating a large fish that is rising, they find fering abundant range and food supply. is found when the so-called shad flies or May the particular fly on the water that it is flies are on the water in Penn's Creek, taking, and then make a life-like imitation Research at the Fish Commission's hatch­ Spring Creek, and other noted central Penn- of the original. Often their casting is lim- eries has revealed that brown trout fry, during the first months of their growth, develop more slowly than do brook trout fry under the same conditions. When the young fish have attained a length of six inches, however, their growth is exceedingly rapid. In 1883, when the brown trout was in­ troduced, low temperature water was be­ lieved essential to the growth of brook trout, and, in consequence, many of the warmer water trout streams were stocked with the Imported trout. Through a constant program of brook trout propagation in Pennsylvania, however, a strain of hatchery brook trout was evolved that will stand water tempera­ tures up to 70 degrees, or slightly above. •This means that both species will thrive in waters of approximately the same tempera­ ture. -During an interval of four years, stocking of brown trout was discontinued. Last year •narked resumption in stocking, and during 1933 over 179,000 brownies, ranging in size from six to twelve inches, were distributed. Habits The brown trout is a wary feeder. Fre­ quently it will not start rising to the fly until A GREAT CATCH OF FIGHTING BROWNIES a short time before dusk, and the rise may not last longer than ten or fifteen minutes. If sylvania brown trout streams. At that time, ited to one fish, until it has definitely quit It is taking the fly, however, it apparently loses some of its instinctive caution, and some giant brownies are taken, for the fe­ feeding or has struck the lure. when an artificial of the right pattern drops male shad fly, heavily laden with eggs, is In fishing Pennsylvania streams for brown to the water, it strikes with a rush. To fish apparently a tempting morsel that even a trout, it is well to locate a pool in which a stream in which brown trout predominate, mammoth brown trout cannot resist. Shad some large trout are known to be and then an angler often may cast for half a day fly time comes to these streams generally in wait until they have started to feed. Often, without a strike. But when the rise starts, late May or earlv June, and lasts for not. a giant brown trout will select as home a the action is so fast that it more than com­ more than ten days. Early morning and pool in which the current has undermined pensates for an afternoon that has been un­ late evening fishing usually produce good an overhanging bank, or a location near a rewarded. This tendency of brown trout in catches. The natural insect, female, is used tangle of brush, logs and tree roots. When feeding is usually well known by anglers in fishing, as it is large enough to impale on hooked, one of its most probable first at­ who fish favorite brown trout waters. Often a small hook. Sometimes, three or four of tempts to break away will be a savage lunge they do not arrive at the fishing grounds the flies are placed on the hook at the same toward the debris, an attempt that unless until nearly dusk, when, experience has time. cheeked carefully, may bring the angler's taught them, the brown trout rise should Shad fly fishing entails considerable study tackle to grief. occur. Of course, to time the rise of a fish on the part of anglers who find during this Matching wits with a cunning brown trout as temperamental as the brownie is impos­ period their red letter days of the entire that has successfully eluded the efforts of sible. At times it may come, as in the in­ trout season. The flies are generally caught fishermen to capture it for a number of years stance of brook trout rises, in the middle of without difficulty early in the morning, on is productive of unusual thrills for the an­ the day. Again, early morning may produce foliage near the shores of the stream. When gler. And in this fighting, hefty trout from the right feeding hour. It may be that the first insects appear on the water, tiny the waters of Europe, Pennsylvania's fol­ weather conditions have a great deal to do swirls are to be observed here and there in­ lowers of the creed of Izaak Walton find a with the feeding of this wary fish. At any dicating feeding trout. Some veteran anglers foe worthy of the best of fishing skill. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER PYMATUNING RESERVOIR By Oliver (VI . Deibler Commissioner of Fisheries

and one-half miles of railroad embankments were raised. The construction work was supervised by Chief Engineer Charles E. Ryder, and George S. Beal, chief of the Bureau of Dams, Department of Forests and Waters. Clearing operations were under the direction of Ralph J. Ferris, field engineer. The reservoir comprises two basins, sepa­ rated by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the State highway to Linesville. The railroad and highway have been located side by side on a raised embankment, which serves as a secondary dam for the body of water known as the upper basin. Now virtually filled, this upper basin, having a somewhat shallow depth, is to be set aside by the Game Com­ mission as migratory bird refuge and wild life sanctuary. Several factors should combine to make Pymatuning an ideal fishing lake. Its waters will have a fairly constant level, maintained by the dam, and provide abundant range for fish. The area flooded will include great masses of brush and other organic matter richly productive in organisms that serve FORESTS AND WATERS PHOTO as a basic food supply. Aquatic vegetation BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF PROPOSED RESERVOIR AND so essential in providing forage and protec­ SURROUNDINGS tion for fish life should also find in the rien black swamp land an ideal source of growth. Primarily, our research to the present time indicates, the reservoir will be most suitable for largemouth bass. The large- VAST new lake, Pymatuning, is now Mercer County line, about one and a half miles above Jamestown. It is of a type mouth, a splendid game fish, finds in dense in formation in northwestern Penn­ underwater forests of aquatic vegetation, A sylvania. To our great army of known as rolled earth embankment, and its total length, including the road and spillway, sunken logs, stumps and brush, a good en­ fishermen, completion of the Pymatuning vironment for growth and increase in num­ Reservoir is of momentous importance. is about 2400 feet. The maximum height is 50 feet. Pymatuning is regarded as one of ber. And since it is an established fact that With a shoreline of TO miles, a total area the growth, not only of bass but other game of 10,420 acres, and a water capacity of the best examples of water conservation in the United States, according to the Depart­ and food fish, is dependent upon the basic 04.275,000 gallons, this giant artificial lake, food supply of small aquatic organisms, it when filled, will be the largest inland body ment of Forests and Waters. Let us compare this new lake with four is probable that mammoth largemouth bass of water in Pennsylvania. Of its total area, will be taken from Pymatuning in years to about 5000 acres, or one-quarter of its acre­ other bodies of water in Pennsylvania and New York. Prior to Pymatuning's construc­ come. Lake Gordon, in Bedford County, age, is in the state of Ohio. The reservoir with a wealth of forage available, has had is located in Crawford County, and its pri­ tion, Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike and Wayne Counties was the largest lake in the the distinction of yielding record largemouth mary objective is to serve as a storage area bass in recent years. Splendid catches of for sufficient water at all seasons of the state. When flooded, it will cover an area nearly three times as large as that of Wallen. these game fish have also been made in Lake year for domestic and industrial use in Wallenpaupack. communities on the Beaver and Shenango paupack, but will contain a water volume rivers. slightly under that retained by Wallen­ paupack. In area it will be 18 times larger Pymatuning is a Delaware Indian word than Conneaut Lake in Crawford County. meaning "The Crooked Mouthed Man's In comparison to Pymatuning's shoreline of Dwelling Place." The name of the Shenango 70 miles, Chautauqua Lake, a famous River, rising in the great Pymatuning summer resort in New York state, has a Swamp, is also of Indian origin, "Chenango," shoreline of 39 miles; the Ashokan Reser­ meaning "Bull Thistle." Covering 10,400 voir, part of New York City's water supply, acres, the swamp now being flooded is lo­ has a shoreline of 40 miles, and Lake Wallen­ cated about 4ft miles south of Lake Erie, paupack, a shoreline of 45 miles. Conneaut and with an elevation of 1000 feet above Lake's shoreline is seven miles. Chautaqua's sea level, is 430 feet higher than Lake Erie. total area is 13,568 acres, the Ashokan area, The following facts concerning the reser­ 8,700 acres, Wallenpaupack, 5,760 acres, and voir should be of interest to fishermen. Its that of Conneaut, 928 acres. tributary streams drain an area of 160 square Clearing the Pymatuning Swamp in prep­ miles. The total length will be 16 miles, aration for flooding was a gigantic under­ average width, 1.6 miles, greatest width, 2.2 taking. Brush and timber in an area of miles, maximum depth, 35 feet, and length almost 8000 acres had to be cut, five miles of shoreline, 70 miles. The main dam spans of State highways w«re relocated, 25 miles of LARGEMOUTH BASS SHOULD the Shenango* River near the Crawford- township roads were submerged, and two THRIVE IN PYMATUNING PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER .".

Game fish, however, are not the only con­ will fish its water. It is therefore essential giant game fish, noted for their tackle-break­ cern of the Board of Fish Commissioners that the fishing be varied, or, in other words, ing habits, have attained a weight of ten fa the stocking of artificially created bodies that catches of sunfish and other panfish pounds. Lurking deep down, too, are wall­ °f water. First of all, the forage fishes must be just as numerous as catches of game eyed pike of breath-taking proportions. And he established. Minnows, of course, come varieties. one of the first things to be observed by under this classification. After the minnows It has been the Pish Commission's policy, anglers who try this popular fishing ground, have become abundant, and with the vast in stocking Pennsylvania waters, to strive is the abundance of food present in the amount of potential food available their always to maintain a suitable balance of shallows near shore. Another example Is growth in number and size should be rapid, nature. Just how well this policy has worked Lake Wallenpaupack which furnished out­ game fish SUch as the bass and wall-eyed out is evident from the splendid fishing standing fishing in eastern Pennsylvania Pike may be introduced. Included in the afforded in Lake Gordon, Bedford County. last year. stocking program for Pymatuning are other Gordon was stocked heavily with minnows, Popular species of fish, including sunfish, sunfish, catfish, suckers, and other species Under the balanced stocking program yellow perch, and catfish. When Pymatuning in addition to the largemouth bass and wall­ planned for Pymatuning, linked as it is with has become, as it assuredly will become, one eyed pike. As a result, in this ideal home, the vast possibilities of abundant food for of the recreational centers of western Penn­ the rate of growth of largemouth bass has fish that will be planted, this lake should sylvania and Ohio, the expert angler who been amazing. Bass weighing seven pounds rank as one of the greatest fishing grounds tries his skill for bass and other game fish, and over have been taken, and it has been on the eastern seaboard. Stocking this year hoys, the fishermen of tomorrow, and others conservatively estimated that some of these will be conducted on eleven tributary streams in the area now being flooded. As the water level rises, the fish planted will work into the main reservoir from these tributaries. While the maximum depth of the reservoir will be 35 feet, ridges and other elevations in the area now being flooded will furnish numerous shallows in the main body of water. From a forage angle, these shallows COMPARISONS are of utmost importance as they provide PYMATUNING RESERVOIR, CHAUTAUQUA LAKE, ASHOKAN RESERVOIR (N.YCITYSUPPLY) minnows, and similar species upon which AND CONNEAUT LAKE game fish prey with an ideal breeding ground and protection. Game fish, it may be ob­ served frequently, invade such shallows in quest of food. The possibilities in this vast new reservoir, from a fish conservation standpoint, are out­ standing. Under intensive stocking and pro­ tection, Pymatuning should prove an answer to the constant demand for more fishing water in western Pennsylvania. Its comple­ tion marks a real stride forward in the better fishing program.

Match This One One evening last trout season, when the May fly or shad fly hatch was on full blast in the Bald Eagle Creek, Tom Mosier, Game Protector in Centre County, had an experience that to date takes rank as the most unique ever reported to the Fish Commission. Standing on a ledge of rock that COMPARATIVE COMPARATIVE dropped abruptly into deep water in AREAS CAPACITIES one of the big pools, Tom told Warden Dave Dahlgren of Philipsburg, he suc­ 1 SQU MILE ceeded in hooking a big brown trout. CONNtAUT Q f BILLION GAl At the moment, the brownies were NCAUT rising everywhere in the pool, little n swirls marking the spots where the big fellows sucked the flies under, golden flashes as the smaller trout cleared the surface.

CHAttTSWOM*; Preoccupied with the trout on his line, Tom suddenly felt a thud on his boot. Glacing downward, he saw to his amazement that a trout of about 17 COMPARATTVK SHORE IJNES inches had risen at a fly and plunged Conn<*a>rt. Lake PYMATV*«*e headfirst into the landing net dangling Chautau<|iia Lake at his side. He tried to do two things .Ashokan Rpswroir at once, hold the trout on the line, I^-m a tuning Reservoir . . . and grab the trout in the landing net, with disastrous results. Slipping off the ledge into water over his head, he lost both fish. Perhaps only brown COURTESY FORESTS AND WATERS trout could be responsible for an ex­ perience like that. 6 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER A WINTER-CAUGHT CARP MARCH STOCKING PROGRAM While suckers are caught frequently in PUSHED midwinter, those other bottom-feeders of our An Obliging Snake Some idea of the trout stocking program Warden Anthony Lech of Shenandoah inland waters, the carp, are rarely taken. during March, in preparation for the season Warden Joe Young of Allentown recently is responsible for this fish yarn. Tt opening, may be gained from the following seems that Ed Tarsa of Mahanoy City, reported the landing of a five-pound carp reports from three of the Fish Commis­ from the lower waters of the Little Lehigh who is an enthusiastic dry fly fisher­ sion's hatcheries. These reports cover only man, was trying his luck on the Le­ during February. The unusual catch was one week. made by Stanley Yohonos of Allentown on high River last season, when he ob­ Brook trout above legal six-inch size were served an eight-inch trout a short February 17. distributed from Pleasant Mount hatchery Eugene Bruder of Allentown figures that to streams in Bradford, Carbon, Lacka­ distance in front of him in the stream. the purchase of a fishing license pays big wanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton and At the same instant a watersnake dividends. Fishing for suckers in the Little Wayne Counties from March 13 to March made a lunge at the trout, capturing it. Lehigh during January and February, Bruder 21. Streams stocked were Millstone Creek, Ed was near enough to the snake caught 300 suckers. Most of bis catches were Bradford County; Big Bear Creek, Aqua- to connect with it in a hearty kick. made in the vicinity of Bogert's Bridge. shicola Creek and Quakake Creek, Carbon The force of the kick snapped the County; Gardner Creek, Lackawanna; trout from its jaws and the fish landed Harvey's Creek, Luzerne; McMichaels Creek, on, the bank of the stream, where CREEL LIMIT ON TROUT RE­ Cherry Creek, East Branch Tobyhanna, and Tarsa picked it up. According to Lech, DUCED TO 20 A DAY Aquashicola Creek, Monroe; Hokendauqua, even Ed's mother hesitated to credit When you try your favorite trout stream Bushkill and Monocaey Creeks, Northamp­ the story. But there you are. It's on the opening day of the season, April 10, ton County, and Lehigh River, Wayne generally that way with fish stories. remember that the Legislature has reduced County. the daily creel limit per fisherman from 25 During the week ending March 24, the trout above legal six-inch size to 20 trout. new Huntsdale trout farm released brook The trout season opens officially on Mon­ of March 26. In Clarion County, Deer Creek trout in streams of Berks, Cumberland, and Toms Run were stocked. Blue Jay day, April 16, as the 15th of April falls on Lebanon, Montgomery and Schuylkill Coun- Creek, Little Hickory Creek, West Branch a Sunday this year. Trout may be legally Blue Jay Creek and Maple Creek in Forest taken after 12:01 A. M. Monday, April 18. County were stocked.

LEHIGH SPORTSMEN HOLD AN OLD MAN'S REQUEST ANNUAL SMOKER When I die I'll turn to worms— The event of the year for sportsmen of That's the halt. Lehigh County is the annual smoker of the In my casket place my rod, Lehigh County Fish and Game Protective There I'll wait. Association. Fostered through the years by Six feet deep is the place for big browns. George Zimmerman, City Controller at Allen­ All my life I've been dying for one seven town, and secretary of the Association, this pounds. affair is looked forward to eagerly by fisher­ DICK KBOMEB. men and hunters in Allentown and vicinity. At the smoker, held in Allentown last month, prizes for the largest game fish DISCOUNTS INJURY TO TROUT taken by members of the Association were IN FREEZE-UP awarded. The largest brown trout taken Warden Horace P. Boyden of Wellsboro, was 22% inches in length, 9% inches in Tioga County, recently reported that from ; girth, and weighed 3 pounds, 3 ounces. It his observation, trout in the famous streams was caught by Edward Stieska, Allentown, of Tioga County were not seriously affected in the Lackawaxen Creek, Wayne County, by the intensely cold weather that froze on a minnow. His prize was a fine trout some of the larger streams on the North reel. Tier to a depth as great as 18 inches. i Other prize fish and prizes were: "I have been told that a statement was Largest smallmouth bass, caught by Fred made recently that our trout streams had Bittner, Allentown; length 19 inches, girth, frozen to the bottom and that we had lost i 10% inches, weight, 3 pounds, 4 ounces; most of our trout. I think that impression < where taken—North Branch, Susquehanna should be corrected. Most of our streams river; lure, stone catfish. Prize, casting reel. are frozen over, even some of the spring 1 Largest pickerel, caught by Edward Hof- brooks. We had weeks of weather when the fert, Allentown. Length 28 inches, girth temperature ranged from a few degrees i 11% inches, weight 4 pounds, 4 ounces; above to 34 degrees below zero. However, ( taken in Lake Wallenpaupack. Prize, com­ I have looked over a lot of our approved plete tackle box. trout streams in this county, and I don't < A yellow perch, 15% inches long, weighing know of one that has been frozen enough < 22 ounces, and caught in Promised Land to injure the trout." l Pond by Thomas Kressler, Cementon, cap­ ED TARSA, MAHANOY CITY, tured the prize in the perch division, a WITH TWO 16-INCH BROWN- A CORRECTION < casting line. IES TAKEN ON DRY FLY In the March issue of PENNSYLVANIA i Second prize in the smallmouth bass divi­ ANGLER, it was erroneously stated that the < sion, a casting reel, was taken by a Lake Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's s Wallenpaupack smallmouth. The fish, 17% ties. In Berks County, Trout Run or Powder Clubs at their meeting in Harrisburg on 1 inches in length, was caught by Nicholas Valley Run was stocked; in Cumberland, February 12 had opposed Sunday fishing. < Smeloff, of West Catasauqua, on a spinner. Bird Run, Silver Spring, Alexandria Springs The Federation did not, however, vote ( A three pound pickerel, measuring 20% Run, Mt. Rook Run, Cockleys Run, Green either for or against Sunday fishing as the i inches, took second prize in the pickerel Springs, Hogestown Run, Mountain Creek sportsmen present felt that sentiment on this t division. It was caught by Harry Eckert, and Big Springs; in Lebanon County, Ham­ issue was so divided that the Federation i Allentown, in Peck's Pond. Eckert's prize mer Creek; in Montgomery, Mill Creek, and should take no action. As a result, the was a steel casting rod and reel. A tackle in Schuylkill County, Deep Creek, Flicker Sunday Fishing Resolution was tabled by i box and minnow pail was the prize for the Creek, Black Creek, and Bear Creek. a vote of 64 to 51. It is hoped that this j third largest pickerel. The fish was caught Tionesta Hatchery, Forest County, reports correction will clear up any misunderstand- ( by Charles George, Allentown, in Peck's distribution of brook trout to streams in ing relative to the Federation's stand on t Pond. * Clarion and Forest Counties during the week Sunday fishing. T PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

MORE BEYOND FISHING YESTERDAYS By C B u I I e r Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries A TRIBUTE TO BROOK TROUT The favoritism in which the charr or brook Y?fHEN the first European settlers landed trout is held by Pennsylvania anglers has ** on the Atlantic coast of North America, endured for generations. In the report of they were amazed at the plenitude of wild the State Commissioners of Fisheries for life and other natural resources. The mag­ 1892-93-94, we find the following comments nitude of this great unexplored area was as­ concerning it. tounding and the idea was at once gained that this supply of nature's gifts to its "No truer words were ever spoken than People was inexhaustible. those uttered by an eminent ichthyologist No thought, whatever, was given to con­ when he declared that 'no higher praise can servation of the wild life. Forests were be given to a salmonoid than to call it a leveled for the building of homes and to pro­ charr!' It came by the name of trout through vide areas for farm purposes. Game was the Pilgrim fathers who, when they first killed to provide food and clothing and the saw it in New England, mistook it for the choice pelts were used as a barter of ex­ same fish they knew in their own Devonshire change for other necessities of life. Fish streams. Had they come from the north of was used as food and as fertilizer on the England or from Scotland and been more newly cleared farm areas. These hardy observing, the error would in all likelihood pioneers of our country were justified in have never been made. But brook trout or taking advantage of all natural gifts as it speckled trout or charr, or whatever name was alone through these gifts that they were may be applied to the fish, it needs no de­ able to stay and withstand the rigor of the scription. There are few anglers who are long, cold winter months. In this respect, not well acquainted with this most beauti­ their minds were at ease as they realized ful and graceful of fishes. It is more eagerly always that there was "more beyond." Like sought for and, by the majority of fresh ancient folk-lore, the slogan "more beyond" water sportsmen in the East, prized more was handed down from one generation to than any other member of the finny tribe, another and as the population increased and while the epicure regards its flesh as un­ modes of living changed from time to time, surpassed for delicacy and richness of flavor. this slogan still remained with the result "Unquestionably, the pure cold water and that a tide of wasteful destruction started the usually picturesque character of the at the Atlantic coast and crept westward. streams in which the brook trout live has Timber was destroyed without a thought something to do with making this flsh a °f its economic relationship to all things general favorite among sportsmen, but un­ living in the same drainage area. Manu­ doubtedly its splendid game qualities and facturing establishments, mining, and oil in­ A GILL-NET AND ITS other inherent good points have done more dustries sprang up and proceeded to empty "SPOILS" than anything else to achieve this end. The their poisonous effluents into the streams merest tyro in the art of fishing who has and rivers without any consideration for the tions who were the means of having created, killed but a few trout, while he may not inhabitants living on the lower regions of within most of our states and within the agree, will forgive the angler who dogmat­ the stream areas. Swamps were drained to federal government, paid agencies to super­ ically declares it to be the gamiest fish that Provide additional farm areas while those vise and plan the restoration and conserva­ swims. interested in such projects were unmindful tion of all forms of wild life. of the damage being done to all living matter Pennsylvania, in its virgin state, was "A well known angler in Pennsylvania in the changed region. richer in natural gifts than many of its sister once declared that to play a speckled trout A few far-seeing citizens realized the states, making a fruitful field for the av­ gave him a higher and keener sense of de­ disastrous results from these activities and alanche of destruction which was carried light than to hook and play a lordly black entered vigorous protests, but they were al­ on until its scarred hillsides and denuded bass. 'Both,' he said, 'make a glorious and ways met with reply that "there is more valleys resembled the war-torn areas of intelligent struggle for life. But there the beyond." This tide of destruction crept west­ France and Belgium. comparison ends. The trout fights like a ward until it reached the Pacific coast and It has been the privilege of almost every trained boxer, the other like a savage. One then it rolled back over the country like a outdoor lover to visit sometime in his life arouses all my admiration and the other my tidal wave as there was no "more beyond." the headwaters of a pure, sparkling stream blood. With one I feel as though I was en­ While destruction of the natural resources gushing out among towering hills or flowing gaged in a friendly contest, with the other of the country has had an economic influence through virgin forests, and be impressed almost as though it was the life of either on almost all industries and this, in turn, with the rugged grandeur of the scene and myself or the bass.' " has affected the welfare of the people in the peacefulness of the surroundings. To almost all walks of life, yet these groups so many these headwaters seem symbolic of an affected have not as yet made any serious infant, who gradually grows greater and Brush that borders a trout stream should steps to conserve what is left or taken any wiser. never be cut. It provides shade and cover drastic action toward restoration. The The association of this, or similar scenes, essential in any good trout stream. sportsmen of the nation, many of whom as compared to the devastated present-day have only the interest of the conservation hills and valleys, may have been the cause of wild life at heart and have nothing finan­ of the inspiration of our citizens to join PLAN FINGERLING DISTRIBU­ cially to gain, must be given credit for chang­ conservation associations until today Penn­ TION ing the sentiment of many of the people sylvania has more organized sportsmen than Fishermen of Westmoreland County and toward conservation and restoration of our any other state in the United States. special wardens attended a meeting In remaining natural resources. The strength, loyalty, and enthusiasm Greensburg on March 2 to formulate plans Just a few pioneer conservationists scat­ shown by these groups at the recent meet­ for distribution of fingerling trout this tered here and there over the country, were ing in Harrisburg was an inspiration to all spring, according to Warden Sam Henderson powerless in their lack of numbers to ac­ conservation officials and because of this we of Greensburg. Stream improvement to in­ complish anything constructive at first; yet know that all members of the Pennsylvania crease the carrying capacity of trout waters these same men were the nucleus of our Board of Fish Commissioners can tackle in the county was also discussed at the present-day powerful sportsmens' organiza- their task with a lighter heart. meeting. •S PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER DAYS ASTREAM A Section Contributed by Readers of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

over for our inspection, and sure enough, it proved to be what I suspected—a young smallmouth. And why we had not caught any while the stranger couldn't keep them BACKYARD BASS from his bait, remains a paradox to this day. By Nicholas R. Casillo "Bass or no bass!" exploded the disgrun­ New Castle tled one, after I told him what the "strange" fish were. "I'm quitting." OR an hour or more we had been lan­ memorable afternoon and evening at Hidden After the fellow's departure I turned to Fguidly hauling in numerous three-inch Lake. Then as a matter of comparison I Bill and gave him my opinion. yellow perch and as languidly tossing them reckoned that the Canadian fish had cost me "If the frequency with which he caught back into the pond. .$109 apiece, and couldn't begin to compare them is any indication, there must be a Bill looked at me and smiled grimly. "So. in size or in thrill-producing qualities with bunch of those little bronzebacks in here. you would insist upon taking our casting those caught ten miles from my front door. Ordinarily, you know, where there're small rods! Throw a plug into the midst of those Across the pond another brother of the fish you will also find larger ones. Guess, sardines and there would be a stampede. angle was likewise engaged in landing small I'll try my day and night minnow for a They're smaller than most of our worms," fish and throwing them back in. By the starter," I added with a lot more confidence he added in disgust. time that we had gained our second wind than I felt. "Well, whose fault is it that we're here'.'" the strange fisher began to display signs of I demanded with some heat. "And besides, exhaustion. Finally, he threw his rod down That worthy cast a scornful look upon me, if you weren't convalescent we'd be some­ on the grassy bank, gave vent to a number grunted and threw a wad of worms into the where where fish are fish." of uiiapprehendable words and tried to seek pond in an attempt to inveigle some unsus­ "That's it, go on—blame it on my ap­ consolation in his pipe. pecting bullhead. pendix." "What are the critters anyway?" he called Quickly assembling my casting rod, I And that explained the entirely ludicrous over, after glaring at our listless motions for moved out to a tiny point of land about situation. With all of our equipment, in­ a number of minutes. twenty feet from my companion and poised cluding complete bait and plug casting out­ "Yellow perch," 1 answered in some sur­ for a cast. Dusk had fallen and the surface fits, plugs galore and three kinds of live prise, wondering if he could have been get­ was barely rippled by a wispy breeze. Two bait, we sat there gloomily catching minia­ ting anything else. black mallards, no doubt living in the vicin­ ture fish in a miniature lake. "Not all of them," was the rejoinder. ity, circled the pond. The roar of traffic on The "lake," I might explain, was exactly "Wait a minute and I'll have one for you," highway No. 1 was clearly audible, while a ten miles from town, one mile from a trunk- he added, snatching up his rod. "It's easier creaky farm wagon trundled its dusty way line highway, two feet from a secondary to catch than to describe one." down the secondary thoroughfare. A bull­ highway and covered an area of about two In a moment lie had one and brought it frog at the far end of the pond boomed away acres. Bill's physician had strictly pre­ scribed a drive of not more than twenty- miles, and anxious to wet a line, after sev­ eral weeks confinement, Bill had selected •"•v -•• v" Hidden Lake; the most exposed, accessible i%*f %~i " ** > and unpromising puddle that I have ever !»'.;.• v,* .... beheld. It is called Bidden Lake for exactly •s£&*- f . . .& '*"tl- • II the same reason that nearly all of the so- •'•j$m,-': <- K • .' -»•>'" • p'X*& *•• called trout lakes that I know of do not have ' '"% : s V^ -• *1 pP"H* tsASp* a trout in them. And never having seen the V 'A > >H Vy •

ENN'S Creek, Spring Creek, the Loyal Psock, Fishing Creek, the Black Moshan­ non, and Young Woman's Creek are streams that conjure up a picture of ideal trout fish­ ing for the anglers of Pennsylvania. In .that section of the state with its northern fringe in upper Lycoming County, extending south­ ward through the mountain country of Clin­ ton, Centre, and Union Counties are trout waters equal in many respects to the great streams of the North Tier. This area boasts some of the largest trout streams in Pennsylvania. For the angler who likes fishing wide shallows and riffles, and who delights in making long accurate casts with the dry fly in reaching rising trout, waters of the calibre of the Loyalsock, Fishing Creek, and Penn's Creek are ideal. These streams are heavy producers of fight­ ing brown trout in their lower reaches, while near the headwaters brook trout hold sway. They are particularly appealing during late May and June when hatches of flies are on the water. Many of the smaller streams in the north central counties are swift-flowing mountain brooks, cutting their way through wilder­ ness ravines choked with brush and laurel. They offer great fishing for the angler who prefers to find his trout fishing in remote mountain country, and who is willing to overcome the handicap of interfering brush In making his easts into those hard-to-reach pools where brilliantly colored brook trout lurk. Typical of these waters are Rapid Run in Union County, some of the larger branches of Young Woman's Creek in Clin­ ton, Garrity Run, Laurel Run, and Mountain Branch, in Centre, and the upper waters of Larry's Creek and the Loyalsock in Ly­ coming County. WHERE GIANT BROWN TROUT LURK IN THE DEEP POOLS, PENN'S CREEK, UNION COUNTY April fly fishing on practically all of the north central streams is necessarily limited In scope. While the first hatches of flies for Clinton County fishing, suggests that it when these streams are generally high, usually appear on the water earlier than is advisable for a fisherman who intends to worms and minnows are relied upon. Penn's is the case with North Tier waters, early fish Young Woman's Creek, Fishing Creek, Creek is at its best during later season when spring finds them generally well above nor­ or other streams in that territory, to stop the shad fly hatch appears. Several years mal levels. In fishing for brown trout, par­ in at a sporting goods store in the vicinity ago, some of the record brown trout of the ticularly the big fellows of Penn's Creek, the and find just what flies are being taken at season from this stream were taken on Loyalsock, and Fishing Creek, early fisher­ the particular time. He stresses a fact weil locusts. men rely largely on minnows and worms as known to fly fishermen, simply that a fly Centre County trout waters, most of them lures. which proved good at a certain time last fed by deep seated limestone springs, hold season may be ineffective this year at the the spotlight with the best trout producers Warden H. J. Bressler of Williamsport identical time. Fly fishermen on more than in the state. Warden Dave Dahlgren of lists the Cahill and the Stone as two of the one occasion have had strikes aplenty on one Philipsburg, in addition to listing famous favorite lures in the fly category on the fly early in the morning of a day astream Spring Creek, Elk Creek, Pine Creek, and Loyalsock. That old favorite, the Royal and found the fish disregarding that par­ South Fork of Beech Creek, ranks the Black Coachman, often is effective later in the sea­ ticular fly in the evening. Of course, it Is Moshannon and Six Mile Run as ace trout son. On the lower waters of Slate Run in advisable to have in the fly book a fair as­ waters in Centre. He emphasized the fact Lycoming County, the brown trout in May sortment of standard flies such as the that later fishing on the Moshannon and Six and June usually respond well to the Cahill. hackles, coachman, stone, cahill, Golden Mile with flies is favored. Dry flies popu­ To designate all of the good flies for fishing Spinner, duns, and gnats during the fly lar with anglers who fish the Moshannon Lycoming waters is out of the question. It season. are the Gordon, Cahill, Queen of the Waters, is advisable, therefore, for any fisherman to When fishing Penn's Creek, White Deer King of the Waters, and the quill flies such have a fairly wide selection of flies in his Creek, Spruce Run, and Weikert Run in as the ginger quill and blue quill. In the book when he tackles these famous streams. Union County, writes Warden Arthur Sny­ wet fly category, the hackles and the coach­ Warden George Spurring of Lock Haven, der of Mifflinburg, a good selection of flies man are good. On Six Mile Run, Dahlgren In commenting on the flies that rank well Is of first importance. Early in the season, says, effective flies are the Cahill, Gordon, PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER II

Flight's Fancy, the male and female Beaver Commission, a mammoth brownie tipping the Kill and the various quills. Natural insect scales at nine pounds, one ounce, dressed. lures such as crickets and grasshoppers also Rising at Tea Springs in East Sugar Val­ are good on this stream at times. ley, Fishing Creek flows through farmland and woodland for a distance of 38 miles, nil Lycoming County Waters of it excellent trout water. The stream The fame of the Loyalsock, Lycoming course runs west from Tea Springs to Ty- County's largest trout stream, is not limited lersville, north from Tylersville to Lamar, to Pennsylvania. Anglers who have fished a distance of eight miles, then east for a it hail from many other states, for it is one distance of eight miles through the Nittany of the largest trout streams on the eastern Valley to its point of juncture with Bald seaboard. Traversing a valley not over one- Eagle Creek. It may be reached over high­ half mile in width, this stream offers fifty way route 220. miles of good fishing water. In the lower In many respects it is like Spring Creek in stream, from Hillsgrove to Montoursville, a Centre County, which is ranked as one of distance of 25 miles, smallmouth bass and the greatest trout streams in the east. Fed brown trout compete for the food supply. by limestone springs having a constant flow, Good roads make it easily accessible at most it is about equally divided between riffles and Penn's Creek in Union and Centre Coun­ points. Highway route 115, leaving route deep pools. Not only is it stocked heavily ties may be reached by train at Weikert, 111 at Montoursville and connecting with with trout, but it offers many natural ad­ Cherry Run, Paddy Mountain, Ingleby, and route 220 at Dushore at the headwaters of vantages from the angle of forage and range. Coburn. By auto, it is easily accessible over the Little Loyalsock, follows the stream Trout taken as a rule are extremely heavy highway routes 45 and 888. Leaving route much of the way. in girth and while brook trout predominate, 45 at Laurelton State Village, follow route In the Little Loyalsock, brook trout fish­ brownies are caught frequently. 888 to Laurelton, Weikert and Cherry Run. ing is excellent. Last year, with resumption Of the larger mountain streams in Penn­ If turning from route 45 at Woodward, take of the brown trout stocking program, the sylvania, Young Woman's Creek holds top the road leading to Coburn, turning to Fish Commission stocked brownies in the rank as a trout producer. Heading in the another route leading to Ingleby. Good fish­ lower stream, that is the section below Hills- famous Black Forest, it flows through moun­ ing is to be found on Penn's Creek either grove, while brook trout were distributed to tain country for a distance of 20 miles to above or below Coburn. the upper waters. its point of juncture with the West Branch Laurel Run, also classified as a brown Lycoming Creek, in its upper waters, also of the Susquehanna River at North Bend. trout stream, is one of the larger tributaries ranks as a good trout stream. It may be It is accessible by auto over highway route of Penn's Creek. Rising in Laurel Park, fished by following highway route 111 from 120, and its headwaters in the Black Forest near Glen Iron, Union County, it parallels Williamsport, turning to route 14 at Trout may be reached from the old Coudersport route 45 through the Seven Mile Narrows Run and following it to Roaring Branch. Pike. and flows through the town of Laurelton. It Young Woman's Creek has two large ranks as a favorite with brown trout fisher­ Streams in Clinton branches, one known as the Right Hand men, and over most of its course is a moun­ Clinton County boasts Young Woman's Branch, the other as the Left Hand Branch. tain stream. To reach it by railroad, take Creek and Fishing Creek, two of the out­ Both branches and the main stream are the Lewisburg and Tyrone Railroad lo standing trout streams in Pennsylvania. heavily stocked with brook trout. Brown Rutherton. By auto it may be reached via From Fishing Creek last season was taken trout also are to be found in its deep pools, Mifflinburg to Laurelton on route 45. the largest brown trout reported to the Fish and nice mixed creels are taken occasionally. Buffalo Creek, from the Willows at Mifflin­ Located about six miles from North Bend burg to its headwaters, also ranks as an ex­ on the Right Hand Branch is a beautiful cellent trout stream. It has several good club maintained by the Renovo Lodge of tributaries, the North Branch, Rapid Run Elks. Accommodations may be had at the and Spruce Run. It can be reached over club for any length of time, and anglers fre­ route 45 via Mifflinburg. The North Branch, quently make it their headquarters in fishing with most of its course in the Bald Eagle the stream. Another fascinating angle to State Forest, can be reached by auto via fishing Young Woman's Creek is an abun­ Mifflinburg and Buffalo Mills. Rapid Run, dance of game in the territory it drains. To one of the best brook trout streams in Union see deer or even bear while fishing is not an County, parallels route 95 over its entire unusual occurrence. While some sections of length, and can be reached by way of Mifflin­ the Branches are brushy, it is possible to burg and Forest Hill. Spruce Run is acces­ fish a fly effectively in many of the pools. sible by way of Mazeppa and Sun Rise Union County Trout Streams Church or School House. Wide variety in trout fishing is afforded Included in the larger trout waters of by the streams in Union County. Penn's Union County is White Deer Creek. Rising Creek, recognized as one of the best known in Centre County, the stream is easily trout streams in the state, has many long reached in most sections by auto from source deep pools and shallows affording abundance to its point of juncture with the West of forage and cover for its fish. It is clas­ Branch of the Susquehanna River at White sified as a brown trout stream under the Deer. Above the White Deer Mountain survey, and thousands of brownies above Water Company dam, brook trout fishing is legal six-inch size have been stocked in it excellent, while below it, the brownies pre­ since the close of last season. In the extreme dominate. In fact, brown trout are caught upper section, for a distance of several miles over the entire length of the stream. To below Penn's Cave, brook trout have been fish White Deer, go to Watsontown on route planted. The outstanding brown trout water 14, then follow route 975 to White Deer extends from Weikert in Union County, to post office. Information relative to the bet­ the Mifflin County line. In the vicinity of ter fishing water may be secured at this the Paddy Mountain tunnel, swift water, point. giant boulders and steep banks characterize Centre County the stream. In addition to brown trout dis­ Centre County, with a list of trout streams tribution by the Fish Commission, the Paddy headed by picturesque Spring Creek, the Mountain Fish and Game Association has Black Moshannon, and Six Mile Run, ranks conducted a splendid stocking program in second to no trout fishing area in the state. Penn's Creek. Last October, the Association Fed by limestone springs, its trout waters released 3,780 brown trout, varying in size are consistent in flow, and offer an ideal from three to six inches, from their trout FLY FISHING IS SPORT SUPREME ON combination of swift water and deep pools FISHING CREEK, CLINTON COUNTY raising ponds at Weikert. for the angler. (Please turn to next page) 19 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

To fish Spring Creek, drive to Bellefonfe, KS3E3& Centre County. The stream, which flows through the heart of the town, may be fol­ lowed upstream by road for a distance of four or five miles to the Fish Commission's stream improvement and trout raising pro­ ject now nearing completion. For the fly fisherman, this beautiful stream, flowing through woodland and meadowland, is ideal. Some of Pennsylvania's finest trout, brook and brown, are caught from it each year. As a trout producer, the Black Moshannon also is a favorite with Centre County fisher­ men. Twenty-six miles long, the Moshannon has its point of juncture with the Big Mosh­ annon Creek just where highway route 53 crosses the larger stream. In the fast water of the lower stream, numerous deep pools are to be found. Of the better tributaries, Rock Run, Myers Run, Halls Run, and Ben- ners' Run afford good fishing. Deep pools predominate on that section of the Moshan­ non from Rock Run to Gordon, and as the stream flows slowly through this section, dry fly fishing for brown trout is particularly effective. Brook trout are taken frequently, but brown trout apparently have found in this stream an ideal home, and exceptional catches of brownies are made. THE LACKAWAXEN IN WAYNE COUNTY The Black Moshannon Is accessible by auto over route 53 from Philipsburg, Centre County, by traveling northeast to the Moshannon Mountain, a distance of about List of Trout Streams Stocked 16 miles. It can also be reached at the Red Bridge or at Gordon by leaving route 53 at Moshannon, turning left at the cross road running west from Snowshoe. Gordon is lo­ During 1933-34 cated about 12 miles above the mouth of the For the information of fishermen, the Creek, Chauncey Run or Chances Run, Mc- stream. The headwaters may be reached following trout streams in the various coun­ Murrays or Magee or Cemetery Run, Nortn over the Rattlesnake Pike from Philipsburg, ties were stocked with trout above legal size Branch Slippery Rock Creek, Little Conno- after a drive of 10 miles to Kepharts Dam. preparatory to the season opening on April 16. quenessing Creek, Silver Creek. The Black Moshannon, incidentally, is a Adams—Toms Creek, Carbaugh Run, Little ICa»i6rto—Big Laurel or Dysart Run, Find- mountain stream. Marsh Creek, Conewago Creek, Conococheague lay, Bakers or Trout Run, South Fork Little Creek, East Branch of Little Antietam Creek. Conemaugh River, Beaverdam Run or Beaver Six Mile Run, a swift mountain stream, Armstrong—Glade Run, Mill Run or Rinker Run, Beaverdam Run or Big Killbuck Run, belies its name, as it really has 12 miles of Run, Hauling Run, North Fork of Pine Bens Creek, Mudlick Run, Hinkston Run, fine fishing water in its course. Hutton Run Creek, Scrubgrass Creek. Rogues Harbor Run, Clearfield Creek, Chest and Corbin Run, its largest tributaries, also Beaver—Big Traverse Creek, Brady Run Creek. provide good fishing. It is accessible from or North Brady Run. . Cameron—Sinnemahoning Portage Creek, various points. Leaving Philipsburg, follow Bedford—Buffalo Creek, Yellow Creek, Sterling Run, Portage Creek or Cowley Run, the Rattlesnake Pike eastward, or from Port Bobs Creek, Deamer or Kinzey Gap Run, Lushbaugh Run, East Branch of Hicks Run, Matilda on route 5, turn right at the top Beaver Creek, Potter Creek, Three Springs Hicks Run, Hunts Run, Wykoff Run, Lick of the mountain and take the C.C.C. road Creek, Sherman Valley Run, Yellow Creek, Island Run, North Creek, Brooks Run, Drift­ into Camp 119 at the headwaters. It can Cove Creek, Deeters Run, Shavers Creek, wood Branch, Clear Creek, Mix Run. be reached from Winburne or Munson on the Cumberland Valley Run or Shobers Creek, Munson Pike, which crosses the stream at Carbon,—Wild Creek, Fawn Run, Pohopoco the mouth. C.C.C. workers recently com­ Raystown Branch Juniata River, Will Creek, Creek, Aquashieola Creek, Mauch Chunk pleted another road that parallels the stream Buffalo Creek. Creek, Stoney Creek, Quakake Creek, Hayes for a distance of between four and five miles. Berks—Pine Creek, West Branch Perkio- Creek, Hickory Run, Big Bear Creek, Hunter This road runs from Camp 119 to the Rattle­ men Creek, Northkill Creek, Trout Run, Creek, Mud Run, Pine Run, Lesley Run, snake Pike. Moselem Creek, Mill Creek, Hays Creek, James Run. Northwest Branch Perkiomen Creek, Indian Centre—Pine Creek, Totters Stream or Of the trout streams in the central coun­ or Indian Corn Creek, Scott Run, Back Laurel Run, South Fork of Beech Creek, ties, it has been possible only to list out­ Creek, Furnace Run or Blue Creek, Rock Spring Creek, Logan Branch, Elk Creek, standing waters in this article. This area or Sawmill Run, Mill Creek, (flows through Rapid Run, Little Fishing Creek, Penns offers so much variety for the trout fisher­ Game Refuge), Rausch Creek, Mill Creek Creek, West Branch Big Run, Mountain man that it is certain during the 1934 sea­ (flows through Sanatarium Property), West Branch, Pine or Sterling Run, Six Mile or son to attract thousands of anglers from all Branch of Pine Creek. Forge Run, Galbraiths Gap Run, White Deer sections of the state. Blair—Bald Eagle Creek, Canoe Creek, Creek, Synagogue Stream, Cherry Run, Mc- Shaw Run, Vanscoyoc Creek, Big Fill or Brides Gap Run, Laurel Run, Big Sandy Woomers Run, Poplar Run or Boles Creek, Run, Wallace Run, Roaring Run or Dry Run, Clover Creek, Sandy Run, Blair Gap Run, Marsh Creek, Fields Run, Yost Run, Wolf Sometimes in fly fishing, a trout is hooked Bells Gap Run, Tipton Run, Piney Creek, Run, Winklebeck Run, Cedar Creek, Cold in the tail or even in the back. Often the Frankstown Branch Juniata River. Stream, Sinking Creek, Black Bear Ruu, cause for this lies in the rise of the trout Bradford—Schroder Creek, Daggetts Creek, Hostler Dam on Half Moon Run, Bald Eagle to the fly. On more than one occasion, trout Mill Stone Creek, Seeley Creek, South Creek. Creek, Poe Creek. playfully come to an artificial, slapping at Bucks—Cooks Creek or Durham Creek, Chester—White Clay Creek, Two Log Run, it with their tails. Tn quick response to the Beaver Run, Tinicum Creek. Birch Run, Valley Creek, Wain Run, Chester rising fish, frequently the hook is set re­ Butler—Little or West Branch of Buffalo Creek, Lyndell Creek, Valley Creek, French sulting in one of these freak catches. Creek, North Branch Bear Creek. Bear Creek. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLKR l:s

Clarion—Buck Creek, Toms Run, Deer Cumberland—Big Springs Run, Oldtown Run, Red Run, Falling Springs, Trout or Creek, Little Toby Creek, Mahles Run, Ryner Run, Mountain Creek, Silver Springs, Bird Birch or Dickey Run. Run, Paint Creek or Licking Creek, Little Run or Kato Run, Green Springs, Hoges- Fulton—Little Aughwick Creek, Brush Coon Creek, Bast Sandy Creek, Little Piney town Run, Cockleys Run, Alexandria Spring Creek, Little Brush Creek, South Brush Creek, Mill Creek or Big Mill Creek, Piney Run or Lines Run, Mountain Rock Run, Creek, Wooden Bridge Creek, Spring Valley Creek. Yellow Breeches Creek, Letort Spring. Run, Nine Mile Creek. Clearfield—Curry Run, South Witmer Run, Dauphin—Clarkg Creek, Rattling Creek, Huntingdon—Laurel Run, Standing Stone Trout Run, Montgomery Creek, Medix Run, West Branch Rattling Creek, East Branch Creek, East Branch Standing Stone Creek, Wilson Run, Beaver Run, Bennetts Branch Rattling Creek, South Fork Powell Creek, Tatman Run, Black Log Creek, ShaVers Sinnemahoning Creek, West Branch Mont­ Stoney Creek. Creek, Saddler Creek, Licking Creek or West gomery Creek, Bell Run, Anderson Creek, Delaware—Ridley Creek. Licking Creek, Little Trough Creek, Barree Mountain Run, Mosquito Creek, Sandy Run, Elk—Bear Creek, Maxwell Run, Big Run, Run. Whiskey Run, Hackenbury Run, Gifford Run, Kersey Run, East Branch Clarion River, Indiana—Little Yellow Creek, South Sawmill Run, Lick Run, Each Branch Ma­ Laurel Run, Trout Run, Medix Run, West Branch Twolick Creek, Little Mahoning honing Creek, Little Sandy or Little Sandy Branch Spring Creek, Hoffman or Nigger Creek, Mudlick Run, Laurel Run, Brush Lick Creek, Montgomery Creek, Moshannon Run, Bogy Run, Vineyard Run, Wilson Run, Creek. Creek, Little Laurel or Beech Run, Bigier South Branch Straight Creek, Bear Run, Jefferson—Laurel Run, Coder Run, North or Hughy Run, Fork Run, Laurel Run, Little Belmuth Run, Wyncoop Run, Island Run, Fork Red Bank Creek, Manners Run, Clear Clearfield Creek, Lick Run, Sugar Camp or Mohan Run, Hunter Run, Hicks Run, Creek, Gathers Run, Callen Run, Rattlesnake Laboard Run. Straight Creek, Mix Run, Big Mill Creek, Run, Little Mill Creek, Little Sandy Creek, Clinton— Big Fishing Creek, Tangascootack West Branch Clarion Creek. Bank Creek, East Branch Mahoning Creek, or Scootack Creek, Right Branch Young Erie—Little Conneautee Creek, Crooked Big Run, Five Mile Run, South Branch of Womans Creek, West Branch Young Womans Creek. Riley Run, Bear Run, South Branch North Fork of Red Bank Creek, Laurel Run, Creek, Chatham Run, Cedar Run, Cooks Run, French Creek, Beaver Run, East Branch Le- Mill Creek, Clear Creek, Camp Run, Horam Lick Run, Big Run, Antis Creek or Rauclis Boeuf Creek, Black Creek or Boyds Run, Run, North Fork Red Bank Creek, Manners Creek, Rattlesnake Run, Backer Run or Trout Run, Thomas Run, Darrow Brook or Run. Baker Run, Long Run, Beaverdam Run, Finn Brook, Hubble Run or Alder Run, Juniata—Lost- Creek, Willow Run, Lick­ Trout Forks or Trout Run, Hammersley Hatch Hollow Run or Alder Run. ing Creek, Liberty Valley Run, Horse Valley Fork, Drury Run, Hyner Run, Cherry Creek, Fayette—Markelton Run, Big Sandy Run, Big Run. Paddy Run, Shingle Branch, Birch Island Creek, Big Meadow Run. Buck Run, Mill Lackawanna—Lehigh River, Roaring Run, Swamp Branch of Big Run, Middle Run, Durbar Creek, Little Sandy Creek, Brook, West Branch of Wallenpaupack, Wil­ Branch of Big Run, Long Run, Bald Eagle Big Sandy Creek. cox Creek, Pond Creek. Canal, Queens Run, Left Hand Branch of Forest—Coon Creek or Big Coon Creek, Lancaster—Little Conestoga Creek, Swarr Young Womans Creek, Livaney Run, Benja­ Spring Creek, Salmon Creek, Beaver Creek, Run, Hammer Creek, Donegal Creek. Glad- min Run, Bald Eagle Creek, Pine Creek. Watson Branch, Hunter Run, Coleman Run, felters Run, Middle Creek, Unicorn Creek or Columbia—West Branch Fishing Creek, Blue Jay Creek, West Branch of Blue Jay McCulleys Creek, Seglog Creek, Rock Run Coles Creek, East Branch Fishing Creek or Creek, Tubbs Run, Prather Run, The Branch or Savsmill Run, Big Chickies Creek, Charles Run, Indian Run. Fishing Creek, Muddy Creek, Climbers Run or Steinman Run, Stewarts Run or Bonemill Run. Lawrence—Taylor Run. Slippery Rock Creek, Big Run, Hottenbaugh Creek, Little Neshannock Creek. Lebanon—Hammer Creek, West Branch Hammer Creek, Evening Branch or Gold Mine Run, Switz Creek, Indiantown Run, East Branch Hammer Creek, Bachman Run, Millback Creek, Big Chickies Creek. Lehigh—Little Lehigh River, Big Trout Run, South Branch of Saucon Creek, Trout Creek, Cedar Creek. Luzerne—Harveys Creek, Nescopeck Creek, Bear Creek, Arnold's Creek, Bolward's Run, Little Shickshinny Creek, Bowman's Creek, Shades Creek, Philips Creek, Maple Creek, Wright Creek, Linesville Creek, Wapwall- open Creek, Meadow Run, Pine Creek, Little Wapwallopen Creek, Stony Run, Lehigh River, Huntingdon Creek, Wapwallopen Creek, Hunlock Creek, Kitchen Creek. Lycoming—Hogland Run, Roaring Brancn, White Deer Hole Creek, Grays Run, Rock Run, Little Pine Creek, Larrys Creek, Muncy Creek, Mill Run, Nippenoise Creek, Spring Creek, Big Run, Lick Run, English Run, LAUREL HILL CREEK IN SOMERSET COUNTY Blockhouse Run, McMurrin Run, Trout Run, Little Bear Creek, Upper Pine Bottom Run, Trout Run, Fourth Gap Creek, Black Hole Grassy Hollow Creek, Lick or Deer Lick or North Salmon Creek, Hunter Run, Johns Creek, Roaring Branch, Pleasant Stream, Run, Mugser Run, Little Fishing Creek, Run, Maple Creek, Otter Creek, East Hick­ West Mill Creek, Plunkett Creek, Wallace Roaring Creek, Fishing Creek. ory Creek, Little Hickory Creek, Ross Run, Run, Lycoming Creek, Slate Run, Loyalsock ^Crawford—Federal Creek, Middle Branch Fork Run, Little Salmon or Indian Doctor Creek. of Sugar Creek, McLaughlin Run, Muddy Creek, East Branch of Millstone Creek, Mill­ UcKean—Marvin Creek, Portage Creek, Creek, East Branch of Muddy Creek, Middle stone or West Branch Millstone Creek, Little Kinzua Creek, Chappel Fork, Fuller Creek, Branch Sugar Creek, Patrick Run, Gravel Coon Creek, West Hickory Creek, West Potato Creek, Two Mile Run, South Brancli Run, North Branch Woodcock Creek, Sterns Branch Caldwell Creek. Kinzua Creek, South Fork of Kinzua Creek, Run, North Branch Middle Branch of Sugar Franklin— Conococheague Creek or East Seven Mile Run, West Branch Tuneneguent Creek, Brannon Run, Kelly Run, Thompson Branch Conococheague Creek, East Branch Creek, North Branch Sugar Creek, Sugar Run, Mosley Run, Negus Run or Westgate Little Antietam Creek, Dennis Creek, Pinola Run, Willow Creek, West Clarion Creek-, Run. Wolf Creek or Run, Woodcock Creek, Run or Roe Run, Trout or Gunters Valley East Branch Tionesta Creek. Li:tic Sugar Creek. Run, Broad or Bear Valley Run, Carbaugh (Please turn to next page) 11 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

Mercer—Little Sandy Creek, West Branch Piney Run, Wills Creek, Laurel Hill Creek, of Wolf Creek, Black Run, Wolf Creek, Whites Creek. Birthday Trout Lackawannock Creek, Probst Run, Big Run, Sullivan—Lewis Creek, West Branch Fish­ Forty years ago, P. E. Decker of Sandy Creek, Deer Creek, Little Neshannock ing Creek, Sullivan Branch, East Branch Athens, Bradford County, determined Creek, West Branch Little Neshannock Fishing Creek, Rock Run, Muncy Creek, to have trout for breakfast on the Creek, Johnson Run, Mill Run, East Branch Rocky Run, Lick Creek, Kettle Creek, Og- morning of April 17, his birthday, until of Wolf Creek. donia Creek, Hogland Run, Lopez Creek, he had passed the 70-year mark. And Mifflin—Treaster Valley Run, Kishaco- with the exception of one year, when Pigeon Creek, Mill Creek, Elk Creek, Glass he was called to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, quillas Creek, West Branch Kishacoquillas Creek, Double Run, Pole Bridge Run, Black Creek, Laurel Run, Havice Creek, Tea Creek, on business, writes Myron Shoemaker, Creek, North Branch Mahoopany Creek, Little warden of Laceyville, Mr. Becker has McKinley Run, Musser Run, Strodes Mill Loyalsock Creek, Loyalsock Creek. Run, Licking Creek, Swift Run, Brookland realized that ambition. Last April 17 Run, Long Meadow Run, Penns Creek. Susquehanna—Gaylord Creek, Starrucca marked the 70th birthday, so he ex­ Creek, Harding Creek, East Branch Lacka­ tended the resolution to include this Monroe—Big Bushkill Creek, Leavitts trout season. Branch, Forest Hill Creek, East Branch wanna River, West Branch Lackawanna Tobyhanna Creek, Buckwa Creek, Mill Creek, River, Tunkhannock Creek, East Branch Practically all trout for the birth­ Tobyhanna Creek, Scott Run, Pensyl Creek, Tunkhannock Creek, Riley Creek, Butler day breakfasts were caught from McMichaels Creek, Pohopoco Creek, Middle Creek, Tunkhannock Creek, Harmony Creek. Shrader Creek in Bradford County and Pleasant Stream, Lycoming County, Creek, Cherry Creek, Dotters Creek, Toby­ Tioga—Kettle Creek, Phoenix Run, Asaph Decker's favorite streams. He is an hanna Creek, Pocono Creek, Aquashicola Run, Big Run, Bailey Creek, Tioga River, enthusiastic conservationist, and when Creek, Lehigh River, Brodheads Creek, Para­ Mill Creek, Elk Run, Fall Brook, Long Run, enough trout for the meal have been dise Creek. Francis Branch, Cedar Run, Pine Creek. taken, immediately returns home. Montgomery—Mill Creek. Union—White Deer Creek, North Branch Many more happy fishing trips for Northampton—Saucon Creek, Indian Creek, those birthday breakfasts, Mr. Decker. Little Martins Creek, Hokendauqua Creek, of Buffalo Creek, White Spring Run, Half Way Run, Spruce Run, Slide Hollow Run, Bushkill Creek, Monocacy Creek, Martins Sheesley Run, Henstep Run, Corl's Run, In fly fishing for trout, try for accuracy Creek. Rapid Run, Buffalo Creek, Beaver Run, Sand Perry—Laurel Run, Liberty Valley Run, first. Extremely long casts are not neces­ Spring Run, Bear Run, Spring Creek, Laurel sary in taking a rising trout if your ap­ Browns or Fowlers Run, Shermans Creek, Run, Weikert Creek. Hustons or Shafers Run, Montour Run, Mc- proach to within casting distance is cautious Cabes Run or Canadas Valley Run. Venango—East Branch Sugar Creek, Hem­ enough. Philadelphia—Wissahickon Creek. lock Creek, Little Sandy Creek, Porky Creek, Pike—Red Rock Creek, Twin Lakes Creek, Mill Creek, Panther Creek, Cherry Run, Pit- Sawkill Creek, Mill Rift Creek, Kellam Creek, hole Creek, East Branch Sandy Creek, Mill Big Bushkill Creek, Dingman Creek, Saw- Creek, Stewarts Run, Lower Two Mile Run, Creek. Shohola Creek, Raymondskill Creek, Upper Two Mile Run, Horse Creek, Little Indian Ladder Creek, Little Bushkill Creek, Scrubgrass Creek, Pithole Creek. Wallenpaupack Creek, East Branch Wallen- Warren—Wilson Run, Jackson Run, Irvine ^f^f Seth Says paupack Creek, Lackawaxen River, Ray­ Run, Thompson Run, Dunn Run, Farnswortu g^^yfc I been a-hearin' some mondskill Creek. Creek, Little Brokenstraw Creek, Coffee j-aT* :yg? argyment down at the Creek, Hemlock Run, Upper Sheriff Creek, ^fflkOffl^lifes^' store about how these Potter—Nelson Run, West Branch of Pine nere colcl snaDS we neo1 Creek, Genesee Fork of Pine Creek, Cross Lower Sheriff Creek, Matthews Run, Mend Run, Satler Run, Ackley Run, Phelps Creek, •tSlviP )$lp Forks Creek, East Branch of Fishing Creek, =* ^ y this winter hurt our Corbet Branch of West Branch of Pine Creek, East Branch of Caldwell Creek, Hosmer Run, East Hickory Creek, Four Mile Creek, Little speckled trout. Now I Little Kettle Creek, South Fork of First Fork ain't figgerin' to be a jedge on this freezin' or Sinnemahoning Creek, West Branch of Brokenstraw Creek, Six Mile Run, Arnot Creek, Ben Jeorge Creek, Tidioute Creek, o' trout runs, but I figger thet there's a Portage Creek, First Fork of Sinnemahoning heap o' nonsense in some of it. Take on Creek, Long Run, Cross Forks Creek, Middle McGuire Run, Perry McGee Run, Tionesta Creek, West Hickory Creek. our run, fer instance. It's a mountain ruu, Branch Genesee River, Fishing Creek, Eleven startin' 'way back in the gap, an' reachin' Mile Creek, Cowanesque River, Trout Run, Wayne—East Branch of Lackawaxen fair size when it comes inter the meadows Nine Mile Run, South Branch Oswayo Creek, River, Dyberry Creek, Middle Creek, South near my place. Genesee River, Cushing Creek, Kettle Creek, Branch Calkins Creek, Starrucca Creek— Well, sir, when I hears this argyment Bailey Run, Sartwell Creek, East Fork of East Branch, South Branch Equinunk Creek, goin' 'round, it didn't jest strike me as right. First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, East Shehawken Creek, Waymart Branch Lacka­ So right after thet bitter cold spell we hed, Branch Portage, West Branch of Genesee waxen River, Big Branch Dyberry Creek, I checked up a little. Found some ice in River, Lyman Branch of Pine Creek, Lud- Crooked Creek, North Branch Calkins Creek, the dead water on some o' the holes, fair dington Branch of Genesee River, Dry Run, Equinunk Creek, Sad Pond Creek, Beaver- thick it was, mebbe ten inches in places. Allegheny River, Pine Creek, Oswayo Creek, dam Creek, Little Equinunk Creek, Calkins But the riffles was clear o' ice, an' a good Kettle Creek, Mill Creek. Creek, Lehigh River, Johnson Creek, Hol- current was runnin' under the ice. Then, lister Creek, Big Branch of Dyberry Creek, Schuylkill—Little Catawissa Creek, Eve­ about a week later, I went up in the gap Mile Brook, Babbittville Creek, Wallenpau­ to look fer some mountain cattle, an' the ning Branch, Black Creek, Pine Creek, Beaver pack Creek, Seventeen Mile Creek, West Creek, Wolf Creek, tributary to West Branch upper run didn't show a sign o' anchor ice. Branch Wallenpaupack Creek, Lackawaxen Thet speaks well fer the eggs o* trout thet Schuylkill River, Wolf Creek, tributary V, River. Mill Creek, Spiese Run, Deep Creek, Sugar spawned last fall. Loaf Run, Bear Creek, Mahoning Creek, Westmoreland—Lpyalhanna Creek, Mill I reckon it ain't jest right to figger a fish Fishing Creek, Flicker Creek, Big Run, Net- Creek, South Fork Mill Creek, Middle Fork as smart as a speckled trout ain't got sense fert Creek, Locust Creek, Rouchs Creek, Mill Creek, North Fork Mill Creek, India enough to care fer itself when water freezes. Kombs Creek, West Branch Fishing Creek, Creek, Roaring Run, Right Branch Furnace They kin manage somehow ter find a place Rattling Run, Tumbling Run. Run, Powder Mill Run, Furnace Run, Bald­ under a bank in some deep hole, an* cold win Run, Shannon Run, Linn Run, Tub Mill mountain water don't freeze so deep as to Snyder—North Branch Mahantango Creek, hamper 'em fer room. Ef there wasn't open Mitchells Run, Trout Run, Kuhn Hooven Run, Jacobs Creek. water on the riffles, mebbe there'd be reason Run, Algler Run, Krepp Gap Run, Swift Run. Wyoming—North Branch Mehoopany fer us to think they'd die fer want o' air. Somerset—South Fork of Benns Creek, Creek, Meshoppen Creek, Mehoopany Creek, Anyways, I'm a-lookin' fer better trout Beaver Dam Run, Drakes Run, Iser Run, Bowman's Creek, West Branch Meshoppen fishin' this year than in a long time. Jest Deeters Run, Breastworks Run, Negro Glade Creek, Riley Creek, Leonard's Creek, Beaver the other day, I saw some dandies in the Run, Flagherty Creek, Piney Run, South Run. run. I'll be a-lettin' the boys know ef I get Fork Benns Creek, B$ush Creek, Jones Mill York—Otter Creek, Orson Creek, Toms thet big feller I saw movin' upstream ter Run, Clear Shade Creek, Whites Creek, Creek, Fishing Creek, Leibs Creek. spawn last fall. Here's wishin' 'em luck an' good fishin'. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLKR 15

What a Catfish! Twin Lakes yielded a catfish last summer that had a head ten inches around, and only one eye, according to Warden Frank Brink of Milford, Pike County. And the strange part of it was that the bullhead, 16 inches long, showed never a sign of having originally had the eye that was miss­ ing. It was caught by Frank Hoek- zesang of Hackettstown, N. J.

Great Catches Made at Night Lake Winola in Wyoming County provided excellent autumn fishing last year, according to Warden Myron Shoemaker of Laceyville. Fishing at night with fly-and-spinner and plug baits, Charles Snyder and Paul Craw­ ford, Tunkhannock anglers, caught 46 small- mouth bass during late September and early October. The smallmouths were of just right EARLY SEASON TROUTING ON WEST BRANCH OF PINE size for providing the thrills that only fight­ CREEK, POTTER COUNTY ing bronzebacks can give, ranging in weight from two to four and one-half pounds. Snyder, who fished flies, had slightly better POTTER COUNTY STREAMS NOT When fishing for big brown trout minnows luck than did his companion who fished plug. HURT are often used. Rather than carry a live Fishing flies for the first time last season, Warden G. Dewey Grant of Galeton, Pot­ bucket, some minnow fishermen salt them Dr. W. O. Smith of Tunkhannock had un­ ter County, who knows the trout waters in and place them in a damp handkerchief or usual luck. He landed two battling small- mouths, each weighing over four pounds. his territory like a book, further backs the piece of cloth. By treating them in this belief that the sub-zero weather did not se­ Taking bass like that on the tiny feathered way the bait fish are kept firm and suitable lures, he told Shoemaker, has made him riously injure approved trout waters in for use behind a swivel. Pennsylvania. Following is his letter, and desert the bait fishing cause. it's good news for anglers planning to in­ vade the great trout streams of the North DISTRIBUTION REPORT, 1933 Tier after the season opens. Following is a report of distribution of fish and frogs to waters in Pennsylvania, "I have received several inquiries about jovering the period, January 1 to December 31, 1933. the effect of the past severe winter on our Species Sij'p Age Number Value trout streams and its probable effect on the If Purchased trout fishing in the coming season. Brook Trout 6" to 12" 17 to 30 months 677,825 $133,997.30 "Although for a period of over six weeks Brook Trout Fry 2" 3 months 147,500 1,452.50 the ice in the streams did not move out or Brown Trout 6" to 12" 11 to 30 months 179,400 67,999.00 thaw any, and at times the thermometer Catfish 2" to 10" 4 mo. to Adult 705,126 34,087.23 registered from 30 to 40 below zero in dif­ Yellow Perch Fry to 10" Fry to Adult 303,190,969 183,775.46 ferent sections of the county, the streams Cisco Fry Fry 27,040,000 5,408.00 did not freeze to the bottom as supposed Minnows 1" to 4" 5 too. to Adult 880,125 14,239.78 by some people. White Fish Fry Fry 5,184,000 1,036.80 "The trout streams rise at the headwaters Pike Perch Fry Fry 40,070,200 13,548.70 from good springs, and all along their course Sunfish 1" to 4" 4 mo. to Adult 2,313,950 91,201.00 are enlarged by many other good springs Blue Pike Fry Fry 99,179,000 19,835.S0 feeding them. Many anglers know where Lake Trout 2" 4 months 80,000 3,200.00 these clear, cold springs refresh them while Black Bass 1" to 7" 3 mo. to Adult 182,932 38,834.98 fishing on a hot day." Frogs 1" to 4" 4 to 12 months 993,400 43,495.00 Pickerel 12" to 15" Adult 8,784 658.80

HE'S JUST A LITTLE FELLER TOTALS 540,833,211 $652,770.35 He's just a little feller, but lie's wishin', That I'd take him right along, when I go fishin'. 'Cause h& has the blood of dad. BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS And I know I will be glad, His heart to brighten. HARRISBURG, PA. SUBSCRIPTION BLANK He's just « little feller, but he's growin\ His little legs just waddle, but he's goin'. Enclosed find fifty cents ($.50) for one year's subscription to PENN­ Out along the stream with me, Just to let him watch and see • SYLVANIA ANGLER. How they 'are bitin'. Name And some day when life is thru. And I pass to a world that's new, (Print Name) It's this I'm wishin': May the God that gave me Jim Street and Number Take me, too, to go with Him Forever fishin'. G. G. HELL City ili PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

HERE \ THERE ', ANGLERDOM

Tioga County's sucker fishermen look for­ ward to good sucker fishing with the breakup Ever Try in the ice on Marsh Creek and other warm This Bait? water streams, according to Warden Horace Joseph G. Armstrong, son of Senator Boyden of Wellsboro. They base their pre­ Armstrong of Allegheny County, dem­ diction on the fact that owing to the extreme onstrated a brand new type of lure cold and ice, suckers did not feed heavily effectively while fishing Kephart's during the winter months. Some yellow Dam, on the Black Moshannon, Centre perch were being taken last month through County, last summer, according to holes in the ice. Warden Dave Dahlgren of Philipsburg. Using huckleberries for bait, he Believe it or not, a 40 pound catfish was succeeded in landing eleven fine yellow caught in Lake Henry, Wayne County, sev­ perch and bluegill sunfish. Expert eral years ago. The giant fish, and of course fishermen using other lures were un­ it was not a bullhead, had been stocked from able to get a strike, according to the Lake Erie. It was landed by Andrew Down­ report. ing of Scranton, and measured 40 inches in length. How catfish grow in Pennsylvania !

Sucker fishermen from Shenandoah and Ice gorges followed by low water seri­ Mahanoy City have been enjoying good sport ously affected sucker fishing on the Upper on Lakewood and Lakeside ponds, according Delaware, a great sucker stream, this spring, to Warden Anthony Lech of Shenandoah. according to Warden Frank Brink of Mil- Joseph Derricott and John Heiser, both of ford. Better luck is anticipated after warm Mahanoy City, each made a nice catch re­ spring rains. cently from these waters. AH of the suckers ranged in length from 10 to 14 inches. Der­ ricott had 14 and Heiser landed 10. Some While fishing in Hayes Creek and the exceptionally large shiners have also been Lehigh River last trout season, four anglers taken from these waters. from Mahanoy City caught 22 fine brown trout. Dr. J. Bonavich, George Miller, Ed Tarsa, and John Booth caught all their fish on dry flies. The coachman, cowdung. and gray hackles yielded most of the strikes. The two largest brownies were caught by Tarsa. Each was 16 inches long and weighed a pound and a half. CORPORAL STUART. STATE POLICE. WITH HIS 5-POUND 6 OZ. BROWN TROUT FROM Raymond Staller of Schuylkill Haven THE SAWKILL. PIKE caught one of the largest pickerel taken from COUNTY Sweet Arrow Lake in Schuylkill County last r Five pickerel, weighing 26 pounds, were season. It measured 2.>y2 inches in length and weighed 3% pounds. caught by Jack Salak, of Waymart. The fish were taken from Lake Ladore, Wayne County, during the autumn. Two suckers having a combined weight of 7% pounds were caught from the Yellow Breeches Creek in Cumberland County by Jacob Long of Carlisle last month, according Finds Bass on Floating Ice to Warden George James of Carlisle. One Observing something that at a dis­ of the big fish weighed 4 pounds, the other tance appeared to be a leaf on a cake 3% pounds. Other excellent catches were of ice following the breakup of ice in also made on central Pennsylvania's great Pine Creek during March, Warden sucker streams. John Stringfellow, Carlisle, Dewey Grant of Galeton investigated caught 16 suckers in a day's fishing from more closely. The "leaf" seemed to the Conodoguinet, Kenneth Fagan, Carlisle, move slightly, and to his amazement, 8 suckers, and Mac Pittinger, 12 and 10 suck­ he found a ten-inch smallmouth bass. ers in two days' fishing. Sherman's Creek Stiff from the cold and apparently in Perry County has also been furnishing still in a somewhat dormant condition, good sucker fishing. On March 13, C. B. the fish weakly slapped with its tail Dunkleberger of Oak Grove caught 14 suck­ the strange craft on which it was float­ ers from this stream. ing downstream. JIMMY JAMES CARLISLE, WITH A 19-INCH BROWN Grant returned it to the stream and TROUT FHOM LETORT When mosquitos are bothersome, a small it promptly disappeared. SPRINGS. CUMBERLAND COUNTY bottle of oil of citronella comes in handy. *'• J$ ""' * v^

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MAIN HATCHERY BUILDING AT CORBY, ERIE COUNTY

Corry Hatchery is devoted entirely to raising brook and brown trout. Trout produced at this hatchery are beautiful­ ly marked, heavy in girth and worthy opponents for an angler's skill. A grove of virgin hardwood and evergreen trees encompasses the hatchery. PAUL L. SWANSON. R . D . NO.2, POLK. PA. Sec. 562, P. L. & R. P-A U. S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 270

When General Grant Fished in Pennsylvania — "Of one of these streams in Elk County a good story is told. A number of years ago some gentlemen built a hut on the banks of the Toby and named it Mineral Shanty. Here they invited and brought General Grant for some hunting and fishing. After a few days' good sport, the nation's great General and President discovered he had been fishing out of season and had, therefore, illegally killed a number of fine trout. Indignantly he threw away his rod and straightway hied himself to the nearest justice of the peace, where he lodged complaint against himself for violating the fish laws. The justice, it is said, was disposed to be lenient towards the distinguished offender, but to his amazement, it is reported. General Grant delivered a short lecture to him for his weak­ ness and insisted on being fined to the full amount and on paying it." From Report of the State Commissioners of Fisheries in 1895