Pennsylvania A UGUST 1985/80$ ANGLER £tone State'8 Official Fishing Magazine regard for the consequences. Thus, it is belongs to the phylum Chordata, which Straight includes animals that are bilaterally important that agencies such as the Fish Commission consider the entire ecosystem, symmetrical with a dorsal tubular central which is the major ecological unit whose nervous system, gill slits at some time in Talk structure is related to species diversity. development, and an internal skeleton. Agriculture and forestry are concentrating This phylum has a number of classes, more on monoculture, or single species including boney fishes, amphibians, and THE USE OF WORDS ecosystems, in spite of the difficulties and reptiles. In the past, there was a justifiably dangers that attend oversimplified The statement made had to do common complaint that scientists and ecosystems which lack the diversity of with snakes and included the word federal government employees use a species. "amphibians," so the definition of an language that is very difficult for the When the Fish Commission defends amphibian is perhaps necessary. These general public to understand. The colleges mud bugs (dragonfly nymphs), and when specimens have moist, glandular skin; and universities and, in fact, peer pressure we fight to prevent eroded hillsides and without external scales; usually with two have caused most scientists and some silt-clogged streams and lakes and the pairs of limbs; a three-chambered heart; federal government employees to drop scarcity of water, we do so for the benefit respiration by gills, lungs, lining of mouth many of the "buzz" words, and speak to of all mankind, which depends on more cavity, or skin; eggs usually laid in water; and with the public in comprehensible knowledge about the ecosystem than we and larvae usually aquatic in terms. now possess. Pennsylvania. These include mud puppies How often have we heard someone say, We also believe that it is important for or water dogs, hellbenders, many different "I am in favor of the ecology"? That's used those who mold policy to have a more salamanders and newts, toads, and several fairly commonly, and, speaking in all basic understanding of terms that are used species of frogs. frankness, does a disservice to the and how those creatures for whom the Our rattlesnake is not one of these, but resources and the people. The word terms are used are important in the whole it does fall under the class Reptilia or "ecology" comes from the Greek oikos, system of living in an interrelated reptiles, which includes turtles, terrapins, meaning "household" or "home" or "place community. tortoises, lizards, and snakes. to live"; thus, "ecology" (ogy means "study Recently, an expression related to These specimens have a dry but horny of") deals with the organism and its place the eastern timber rattlesnake was skin, usually with scales or scutes, and the to live. Basically this is the organism's used : "It is not an animal, it is an limbs when present are four. There are environment, so that ecology might very amphibian, reptile in that respect." over 6,000 species worldwide. To well be called environmental biology. That Just a simple lesson in the use of distinguish snakes from the other reptiles, word, "environment, "like a sin, covers a biological terms would include the they are divided into a number of orders, multitude of things. For one thing, the dividing of all living creatures into two and the important one in this case is environment includes the surroundings of kingdoms: the plant kingdom (plantae or Serpentes. The family we are looking for is the living creature, and those surroundings flora) and the animal kingdom Crotalidae. Thus, we finally come to the can be modified by the plant or animal (animalia/fauna). Because we are subject on hand, the eastern timber itself. primarily concerned with the animal rattlesnake, or Crotalus horridus. To Man, for the first time, has become the kingdom, it is important to know some of distinguish this animal from other types of dominant organism, changing the earth the basic terms used in describing animals. rattlesnakes such as the canebreak, the and its vegetation almost at will, with little The primary divisions of the animal specific name of the species is Crotalus kingdom are the phyla. Although phyla horridus horridus. are sometimes divided into subphyla, all Sorry about the use of well-proven, are made up of classes. Classes are groups respected textbooks, but given our of orders, and orders contain one family responsibility to protect, conserve, and or more. Families are divided into genera, enhance the quality and diversity of the and in each genus there is one or more resources of this Commonwealth, species. Let's take the animalia, of which including not only the fishery resource but there are some 22 phyla. The most reptiles and amphibians, we wanted to get important of these—that is, those with the this one on the books. It follows that in most estimated number of species, are the that pursuit, habitat protection and Arthropoda and the Chordata. conservation of the entire ecosystem are Arthropoda include many classes, the most necessary cogs in that wheel. including Arachnids (spiders and Crustacea The public and especially the media like crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, etc). quite often use words that they don't The greatest number of any living animals understand, and quite often give distorted are the class Insecta, and there are over viewpoints as if they were facts. Misuse of 800,000 of those. But getting to our main some commonly used words is misleading subject of the eastern timber rattlesnake, it and defeats the purposes of dialogue.

Ralph W. Abele Executive Director Pennsylvania Fish Commission <52L£BJ2. ad- OrUx^ tr Pennsylvania AUGUST 1985 VOL. 54NO. 8 ANGLEPennsylvania R The Keystone State's Official Fishing Magazine ^:

Summer Freestone Trout Fishing by Harry W. Murray Special tactics can help you score more in summer on freestoners Lake Arthur's Lunker Bass by Thad Bukowski Talk about up-and-coming waterways, about 20 percent of all large- mouth bass Angler's Awards are from Lake Arthur fish 8 The Fallfish — A Second Look by Jim Gronaw Fallfish are hard fighters and easy to catch. Who could turn that down? 12 Planning and Management of Small Ponds for Fishing by Robert B. Hesser Here's more than everything you need to know about these pint-sized pools 13 K.I.S.S. by An Michaels Cozy up to these ideas and you could make more fishing time for yourself and increase your catches 20 Go Deep for Summer Sunfish by Bill fgnizio Spring's easy pickin's are gone, but these ideas can help you dredge up platter-sized slabs even during the dog days 21 Choosing that New Rod by H. H. Redline Graphite, boron, glass, or a composite? These facts help you choose a rod that really meets your needs 24 Pennsylvania's Second Fish-for-Free Day 26 County Features—Philadelphia County by Sally A. Lipp and Delaware County by Mike Oreski 27

Straight Talk 2 Anglers Currents 18 Anglers Notebook 18 Notes from the Streams 19

The Cover This month's front cover, photographed by David P. Krupa, shows a Chest Creek trout that the author fooled in the Clearfield County portion of the stream. For complete details on how to fool trout in another unique habitat, see page 4. PENNSYLVANIA BOATING FISH COMMISSION ADVISORY BOARD Ross J. Huhn, Clayton Buchanan, President Robert L. Martin Chairman Saltsburg Bellefonte Pittsburgh Marilyn A. Black, Theodore T. Metzger, Jr. David Coe Vice President Johnstown State College Meadville Joan R. Plumly Helen B. Lange Walter F. Gibbs Jenkintown Sharpsville TitusviHe Jerome E. Southerton Leon Lyon Choosing rods page 24 Leonard A. Green Honesdale Bellefonte Carlisle J. Wayne Yorks Edward J. Rogowski Staff Calvin J. Kern Benton Holland Whitehall EDITOR / Art Michaels POSTMASTER: Send 3579 forms to Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA GRAPHICS / Ted Walke 17105-1673. Pennsylvania Angler (ISSN0031-434X), ©1985, is published monthly. Second class postage paid at Harrisburg, PA. Subscription rates: one year, $5; three years, $14; single copies are 80 cents each. PHOTOGRAPHER / Russ Gettig For subscription and change of address, contact Angler Circulation, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. CIRCULATION / Eleanor Mutch Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Address all other correspondence to: The Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be STAFF ASSISTANT / Jayne Povleski accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Submissions are handled with care, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or safety of submissions in its possession or in transit. The authors' views, ideas, and advice expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official position of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission or its staff. «• iff

i «

_, • <«*

^r- by Harry W. 'Murray i i • photos by the author

any of Pennsylvania's best freestone streams have good populations of wild, reproducing M trout, which is ample proof of their ability to adapt to tough summer conditions. By careful study and observation, you can adjust your fishing style to them and have some of the finest, most rewarding angling of the entire season. There are few freebies at this time of year; success is a reflection of your abilities to analyze the job at hand and select the appropriate tactics. A reasonable approach to soh ing the problems of summer trout angling would first be to examine the natural food which is available to the fish, then see how they handle it, and lastly, determine the appropriate means of cashing in. the current on both the leader and the fly. Now, by By mid-summer, the thick hatches of large aquatic insects dropping down to a finer tippet and a smaller dry fly, which such as the Quill Gordons (Epeoruspleuralis) and March would present an entirely different silhouette to the trout, Browns (Stenonema vicarium) are gone. In addition, a few you stack the deck in your favor. smaller flies put in an appearance and the trout feed readily Several flies are effective in this change-of-pace game, but on them. the one which has been more effective for me is an Adams in sizes 20 and 22. You know where the fish is; you can see Sulfurs him coming, but easy does it. He is not going to smash this Although many limestone spring creek anglers are well little Adams the way he would clobber that bouncy sulfur. aware of the late scattered hatches of sulfurs (Ephemerella He is going to suck it under gently. Try not to take it out of dorothea), few freestone trout fishermen are aware of the his mouth before he really has it. significance of this little beauty. An orange-bodied dry This same Adams in a size 14 and 16 is also an excellent sulfur pattern in size 18 does an excellent job of matching pattern for many scattered late emerging dark summer these late sulfurs, as well as a few other mayflies that appear caddis and mayflies. Some of these caddises have tan and in July and August. olive bodies, and there is nothing wrong with carrying exact This fly has a built-in advantage that makes it well-suited imitations, but often trout will take an Adams quite well. to the low summer streams. It is very light and bouncy. If you have ever experimented with Ed Hewitt's Neversink Terrestrials Skater, you know the response a dry fly skated over the Although you hear less about the importance of home of an otherwise wary trout can bring. Often, it terrestrial insects in mountain streams and large freestoners Produces a smashing strike that would put the meanest bass in the valley floor than on limestone streams, they are to shame. At the very least, the trout often pulls up under it nonetheless worthy of your attention. and examines it closely. This last act has given both flies the Last summer, 1 fished a little mountain stream on the reputation as outstanding "searching patterns." insistence of an angling friend who had gone to great These flies often help you find some outstanding fish lengths describing the many beautiful brookies and quite quite easily. After showing a trout the same fly on two or large rainbows in this stream. 1 decided to examine the three more casts, if he has not taken it, you still have an bottom sides of a few stream rocks to see which insects excellent chance of fooling him because you know exactly these trout were accustomed to seeing. A quite lengthy where he is. Furthermore, after running this over him a few search convinced me that this stream held less aquatic insect times, you should have an excellent feel for the action of life than any trout stream I had ever seen. I was quite August 1985 discouraged, and wondered if 1 had been "had." good, and although I've never tried them, one big, tough I had driven quite a distance to reach this stream, and brown trout which refused our offerings all last August decided to go ahead and fish it anyway. must have agreed with him. This fish had come to know the 1 knotted a size 16 cricket onto my 5x leader and started flies in my vest better than I did. Finally, I tossed a size 22 fishing. I wasn't out of sight of my car when I landed what black ant at him, but my accuracy was bad and the fly fell turned out to be the largest native brookie 1 caught all year. four feet on my side of the trout. As I waited for it to drift Much to my amazement this fine fishing went on all day. by him so that I could make another cast, he swam over to That night I called my friend, partly to thank him for the it and sucked it in as if he had been waiting all summer good tip on this stream, but mostly to get his opinion on for it. ' how this small stream with apparently so little food could t i i produce the size trout it held. He had a one-word answer— m/i terrestrials. Then he went on to explain that day in and day out all summer long these trout can be seen gorging JSS (MPfKi *»W'^ Black Ant themselves on the abundant ants, beetles, and assorted insects that the thick tree canopy above the stream provides them.

Spotting trout I was so surprised, I almost forgot to strike. How he even Had I been more observant, 1 may have had even a better saw that small, dry ant at that distance I didn't know, day. Spotting the trout on these freestoners is a tremendous because he had been holding in water only about 18 inches help, and is much easier than most anglers realize. Many of deep under the edge of a log. I'm sure that to reach his huge size he normally fed in a more efficient manner, so maybe that day he just wanted something that "tasted good." Along with the black ant, consider the cinnamon ant and the black Crowe beetle, all in size 14 through 22—the cinnamon ant, partly as a change-of-pace fly, and partly to duplicate the naturals of mid-summer. The Crowe beetle comes into its own because it can quite easily pass for literally hundreds of land-born insects that find their way into our streams. An angling friend catches a lot of rainbows that occasionally move up into little feeders from stocked waters downstream. When cleaning these fish, he carefully checks to see what they have been eating. Whatever else he finds in their stomaches, there are almost always some insects which these streams are not overly blessed with readily available could be generally referred to as beetles and which would trout food, so a lot of the fish stay out on feeding stations be well-matched with a black Crowe beetle. as long as the water temperatures are favorable. In glancing back through 22 years of stream notes on mountain Large-stream strategies streams, the warmest water temperature I have ever There is another tactic that is worth trying on some of recorded is 68 degrees. This means that all day is dinner the large special-regulation freestone streams. By summer, time for the trout, and unless the streams all but go dry, many anglers are fishing dries exclusively, and because they will act accordingly. these trout are often fished over several times a day, they This idea is a great help in trying to see the trout, because knowing they are on feeding stations lets you eliminate most of the pool in your search. By focusing your attention on these feeding stations, using polarized sunglasses, and keeping the sun on your back, you can spot many trout before making your presentation. When you have determined the trout's exact location, by seeing either him or his rise form, you should move in slowly and stay low. Remember, he's out there to feed, and he will if you don't spook him. If several drifts of the have come to know almost as many surface imitations as standard size fly you are using fail to bring a strike, taper you do. A well-presented small nymph often produces a your leader down to 6x and try again with a number 20 or solid strike from some of these tough trout. Many streams 22 black ant. have good populations of nymphs in various shades of brown. For this reason, I like the Sawyer pheasant tail Black ant nymph and the Ephemerella nymph, both in sizes 14 to 22. For many years the black ant has been one of my If you want to consider pure numbers of aquatic insects favorite flies, but each summer I encountered a few available to the trout throughout the summer, the midges situations in which they outperformed even my greatest would come out way ahead of anything else. These come in expectations. One friend said this was because they tasted a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and delving

6 Pennsylvania Angler fly illustrations — Rose BogoH deeply into the entomology of these insects can be for both of these locations is a 4-weight floating line either fascinating in itself, but it is not an absolute must for taking in double taper or weight forward. summer trout on small flies. Most anglers prefer leaders of about 9 feet long tapered I like to carry black, olive, and tan midge dries from sizes to 5x to 8x depending on fly size. Slightly longer leaders are 20 to 26 to cover a variety of needs. At special times 1 think occasionally useful on larger streams, but be careful using trout can be color-selective, but more importantly it gives one so long that you rob yourself of the necessary fly line me a little more confidence in what I'm doing if I know I'm weight to load your rod properly. matching the naturals. Don't be afraid to go down to a 7x I always use the lightest reel I can find that holds the tippet for midging trout. This is not like blindly fishing to proper line and backing. Naturally, you need one with the unseen trout when you can't see the fish and half the time capacity for very light drag settings, and 1 usually set this as can't see the fly. Here you can see the trout, or riseform, light as possible, thinking I am in better control this way. and the fly; all you have to do is to keep from breaking the If you are willing to be observant and adjust your angling fish off on the strike. Even if you do lose a fish, it is better style to suit the demands of summer, you will find this trout than not getting the strike at all, and hopefully the fishing every bit as exciting, and even more rewarding, than experience can be chalked up to on-the-job training. at other times. ["PA") A few freestoners have fishable trico hatches, and the tactics here are much like those used in midge fishing. Often, if the hatch is thick enough, there will be several fish working within sight. For example, if 1 am working on a particularly tough trout that insists on outsmarting me, experience has taught that I'm better off working on one of those others and come back later to that first fish. I have seen many of these head-to-head confrontations go on for almost an hour, and end with the angler stomping madly away, talking to himself, with the fish still out there sucking in the naturals at an embarrassing rate. Tackle Tackle for summer freestone trouting should be carefully selected with delicacy, accuracy, and protection of light leader tippets in mind. On large streams, where there is little problem of overhanging limbs, rods of 8 or 9 feet are best. The small mountain streams are much more efficiently fished with rods that are 7 feet to 7'/2 feet long. My favorite August 1985 4?**

v

v. * Lake Arthur's Lunker Bass by Thad Bukowski

ubble-like ripples spread behind Arthur in Butler County's Moraine category, but Jerry even beat me there." us as the electric motor slowly State Park produced twice as many Galida's largest bass last year was a 5- Bpushed the bass boat, sneaking citation largemouth bass as any other pound, 10-ounce fish, and Jerry's it to the edge of the weedbeds in the lake in the Commonwealth. went 6 pounds, 3 ounces. north bay near the dam. By late 1984, the numbers and sizes "If they aren't here, we'll have to give assumed unusually inviting viewing. Tactics up," sighed Wyndle Watson, outdoor Not only were there bass big, but hefty Generally, Galida fishes for the lunk­ editor of the Pittsburgh Press, as he channel cats, walleye, muskies, north­ ers two ways: with a Texas-rigged 6- softly dropped a small spinner into an erns, and even slab crappies had been inch plastic worm, or at night on the opening beyond the green patch. My recorded. surface. The Texas rig includes a bullet spoon, with its small pork bait dangling, The channel cats are reaching 14 slip sinker running up the line and a size soon wiggled invitingly atop the weed pounds, walleye nearing 10, large­ 1 /0 or larger worm hook, threading the mass. 1 cranked rapidly. Suddenly, the mouth nudging seven, and muskies are worm head and then barely embedded water boiled. "Missed!" I said in a in the 30s. in the plastic worm near the midsection hushed but tense tone. "This is a big-fish lake," explains so that it slides over brush and out- "They're here," I added, but by the John Galida, an expert Lake Arthur croppings without snagging. time the brief words came out, Wyndle angler. "It has a bountiful alewife and After an outing in a boat with Galida, was fast onto a splashing green 3- golden shiner population as gamefish you quickly recognize that he knows the pounder. I soon matched it with a twin, food, and maybe anglers don't get the lake intimately. John used his bass but then the fishing shut off. We had to bass and others until they get hefty. boat, a depth recorder, and a floating be content for the day. We had been "Actually, 1 expect many more cita­ marker during a fishing stint to spot scouting for lunkers at Lake Arthur, tion fish for 1985," he confides. "We're nine different areas of underwater brush, but had barely made the grade on this bound to send in more reports next structure, sunken roadways, hidden try. year—I know it!" Galida supports his treetops, and strip mine outcroppings. Our trip occurred after the late- statement with his fishing experience. At each, he tossed out the marker, summer news broke last year about Galida and his fishing buddy, Jerry moved 15 to 20 yards upwind, sank an Lake Arthur's whoppers. Many fisher­ Swidzinski, have each caught over 100 anchor, and then had us methodically men were delighted when the Fish largemouth bass over three pounds cast the areas with jigs and plastic Commission announced by late season during the past year. worms. We caught fish at all but two of in 1984 that its records showed Lake "I landed at least 10 in the 5-pound the spots. """w-«.

photo by the author August 1985 Moraine State Park John moves the worm very slowly with old inundated farm ponds, sunken with an occasionaly flick, sometimes gravel and macadam roads, bridge resting it on the bottom, and always abutments, an old railroad bed, strip- giving a good heave if he detects a bite. mine holes and their nearby dirt piles, "Nighttime you need to imitate the and a deep stream bed meandering Lunker Lowdown movement of alewives feeding on plank­ through the Muddy Creek arm and ton to get the really big bass," he main lake. Five superb, extensive bays In 1984, 129 anglers received Senior reports. "The lunkers are taken on in three directions end in good weedy Angler's Awards for largemouth bass. musky-sized Jitterbugs or on Devil's areas and some stickups. The minimum size is 5 pounds. Of those Horses, lures that imitate the swishing The main body of the lake includes a 129, 26, or about 20 percent, were sounds of the alewive schools. The section of old Rt. 422 before it had to be caught in Lake Arthur. A shiner fooled darker the night, the better," he also reconstructed directly along the south eight hawgs, Jitterbugs took five, and suggests. shore, which now includes a large plastic worms accounted for four. The causeway, crossing a bay. The depth remaining award winners caught their Lake features range of the main lake, which extends bass on a variety of crankbaits and jigs. The lake has produced a stunning for four miles, is from 15 to nearly 30 For complete details on the Fish number of other big fish in 1984. The feet deep. Adding the arms makes the Commission's Angler Award Program, expansive 3,225-acre lake is an ideal lake length more than seven miles. contact: Publications Section, Pennsyl­ waterway of varying fish habitats. It is Route 528 crosses the eastern third of vania Fish Commission, P.O. Box shaped like a hand, with a long palm. A the lake where a second large causeway 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. In­ fisherman might think in terms of depth has been built. Muskies prowl here and clude a business-sized self-addressed, as quickly dropping from one foot to are caught both from trolling boats and stamped envelope with requests. five, nine, 15, and deeper, down to 30. by minnow fishermen from the shore­ The bottom is irregular in many places lines. One of the better boat and

10 Pennsylvania Angler parking accesses is here. Situated at the western edge of the south shore day use area at Bear Run is the main boat and Lake Arthur Area Facilities trailer access. This large center accom­ modates numerous sailboat activities Sporting goods stores, bait shops on weekends, too. • Galida's Sporting Goods, Rt. 422, Prospect, PA, 412-865-2178 A rental boat spot is also located • O'Donnell's Sports Supply, Rt. 19, Portersville, PA, 412-368-3418 along the shore of this day use area, • Moraine Fishing & Camping Supply, Rt. 528, Prospect, PA, where added activity includes picnick­ 412-865-9318 ing, swimming, and sailboating. Boat limits of 10 hp prevail. A fishing pier for Motels within about 8 miles of Lake Arthur the handicapped is also in the area. • McKee's Motel, 930 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001, Across the lake along the wilderness- 412-865-2272 type north shore is the Davis Hollow • Lake Arthur Motel, 970 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001, seasonal boat marina, Watts Bay sail­ 412-865-9564 boat marina, a restaurant, 7-mile bi­ • Eldorado Motel, Butler Road, Rt. 422, New Castle, PA 16101, cycle trail, and Lakeview day use area 412-654-6525 with a large swimming beach, group • Shenango Motel, 2615 New Butler Road, Rt. 422, New Castle, PA tenting facilities, and an amphitheater. 16101,412-654-1683 There are no individual camping facil­ • Dixie Inn Motel, R.D. 1, Portersville, PA 16052, 412-368-8620 ities within the park, but information about nearby private camping spots is Restaurants near the lake area available at the park headquarters • Lakeshore Restaurant, on north shore of Lake Arthur building just off Rt. 422 at the main • Garden Gate Smorgasbord Restaurant, Rt. 422, Prospect, PA Pleasant Valley day use entrance along • Kopper Kettle, Rt. 422, Portersville, PA the south shore. • Brown's Restaurant, R.D. 2, Portersville, PA Three huge, inviting bays extend • Eppinger's Restaurant, Rt. 19, Portersville, PA from the Rt. 528 access eastward. Fishermen often cast the shorelines Private camp grounds near Moraine State Park from boats using weedless lures in the more remote shallow grass beds. • Lake Arthur Family Campground, RD 4, Slippery Rock, PA The bays are called Muddy, Swamp 16057,412-794-9901 and Shannon. Swamp includes a con­ • Cooper's Lake Campground, RD 2, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, siderable amount of sanctuary water 412-368-8710 for both fish and waterfowl. There are • Campers Paradise, RD 6, Box 118, New Castle, PA 16101, three boat accesses off Rt. 528 ap­ 412-368-3766 proaching the bays and at least five • Rose Point Campground, RD 6, Box 85, New Castle, PA 16101, more around the rest of the lake 412-924-2415 shoreline. • Bear Run Campground, RD 1, Portersville, PA 16051, 412-368-3564 Lures This information is provided by the author. Galida reports that for trolling, deep- running crankbaits are most effective in fishes near the grass beds or near weeds, inches and 17,500 that were from three Model A types or Hot-N-Tots. The and he's also taken a half-dozen legal to six inches. former take more bass and the latter muskies on Rapalas in the same places Because the lake is shallow, has more walleye. Chartreuse crab is an in the past few years. He also pops the significant open-water area, and an out­ effective color pattern. Channel cats are surface for bass with a fly rod and he standing alewive forage base, it has also caught on live and dead minnows, has good action using a bumble bee been designated for experimental plant­ crawlers, and crawdads, while muskies, pattern or a green popper with yellow ings of a white bass-striped bass hybrid. walleye, and northern pike prefer various hackle tails. A stocking of 10,000 one-inch finger­ large swimming lures, spinners, and According to a 1981 Fish Commis­ lings was made in late summer of 1984, minnows. sion study, biologists think that anglers and additional stockings are planned In plastic worms, motor oil and black have hardly dented fish populations. for 1985 and 1986. The hybrids thrive grape are considered best. Good-sized One surprise has been that purebred like whites in warm waters but grow like crappies began to take tiny jigs and muskies are growing perhaps even stripers, and it may be interesting to twisters in clear or red-and-white pat­ more rapidly than hybrids. Late in note whether 20- to 30-pounders of this terns late last year. 1984, a stocking of 6,000 purebred species will also be added to the other One angler who fishes the lake's fingerlings of 6 to 8 inches was made as Lake Arthur lunkers. 23 shorelines on both sides of the Rt. 422 well as a stocking of 10,000 fingerling For their assistance in preparing this Causeway reports that he catches plenty channel cats. There were also two material, the author gratefully thanks °f big bass while wading, using Rapalas stockings in late 1984 of fingerling Gene Scobel, Butler County waterways and black plastic worms during the day walleye to perk up that population. conservation officer, and Ron Lee, area and black Jitterbugs after dark. He They included 5,000 of six to seven fisheries manager. August 1985 11 beauty contests, either, and as far as The Fallfish table fare goes, they could never hope to compete with crappies or channel cats. Only during early spring, during the sucker runs, are fallfish taken and consumed by some anglers. At that time, their flesh, though boney, is firm and fair-flavored. But the fallfish deserves a second look. One of its redeeming qualities is its size. Although in the minnow family, fallfish grow to 15 inches and some individuals attain much larger propor­ tions. Even in small creeks, 15-inchers are common. On ultralight fly and spinning gear, this translates to bonafide sport, which suggests another attribute of the species—its fighting ability. There has been more than one occasion when a good-sized fallfish nailed my offering with surprising force, then proceeded to jump, wallow, and streak off on a sizzling run. Such actions are usually characteristic of bass, trout, or pike. Surely no mere "rough fish" could give a good account of itself. But for those who don't know, wearing down a big fallfish in a small creek can be challenging. Locating and catching fallfish is simple. They prefer the same basic stream hangouts as do trout and bass. Undercuts, rock ledges, eddies, or deep pools are all likely to harbor them. However, mid-stream riffles attract them, too. Lure selection is not terribly impor­ tant in fooling these fish. Small minnow imitators such as floating Rebels (1-1/2 inches) or spinners (size 0 and 2) get their attention. So will M ister Twisters, had second-guessed it to be. Wallowing marabou jigs (size 1/8-ounce to 1/32- by Jim Gronaw at my feet was a fallfish nearly 18 inches ounce) and small crankbaits. long. Unhooking the critter, I watched Effective fallfishing does not require as it slowly finned its way back to the hatch-matching, line-mending, and was sure I'd made the perfect undercut. other complications associated with the cast as my spinner landed scant Since that escapade on York County's more desirable species. These fish are I inches from the tree roots that Conewago Creek several years ago, I not terribly picky and will usually dangled into the shadowy undercut. have learned to live with the dis­ attack anything that plops in front of Immediately, I felt a strike, and a heavy appointment of incidental fallfish en­ them. Although some anglers may scoff fish streaked off on a line-peeling run counters. Sure, I was upset when my big at the simplicity of catching them, 1 that tested both my ultralight gear and bass turned in to an overgrown minnow enjoy taking nice-sized fish from small my fish-playing skills. This is it, I just as it came to net. But further streams on light tackle. thought, this is the smallmouth I thoughts on these critters have enabled I am sure that the fallfish will never wanted. The fish broke the surface me to accept these fish for what they attain gamefish status among Common­ downstream and 1 caught just a glimpse are. wealth anglers. Too often, they have of it, enough of a view to know it was a At a glance, the fallfish doesn't seem misled trout and bass anglers into dandy. to have much going for it. You won't thinking they were into an exceptional As I worked the fish in closer, my hear anglers rapping about how their fish of the desirable species. Too often, heart sank with disappointment. It last fallfish tournament turned out. Nor they have been cursed and tossed back wasn't that big stream bronzeback 1 had are tactics for these fish discussed in with a splash. It's time we gave the envisioned, or even a channel cat that I hushed secrecy. They wouldn't win fallfish a second look. iHJ 12 Pennsylvania Angler ...... •^afcji..

aiming a Management o Small Ponds for by Robert B. Hesser photos by Russ Gettig

Much of what has been written about "a body of water usually smaller than a what factors to consider in planning a ponds deals specifically with farm ponds, lake." Pond size may indeed be a matter new pond. There are some basic prem­ but little has been written on proper of semantics, but we agree with the ises, however, which apply to both, planning, use, and mangement of ponds dictionary that ponds are small bodies depending on the priorities established in general. There are still thousands of of water of less than 5 acres. for a pond. farm ponds in Pennsylvania, but ponds But two things seem certain with are now more frequently included in virtually any pond with reasonably Use planning, management development concepts for condomin­ good water quality: fish will be found Many pond owners have only one or iums, subdivisions, golf courses, and there sooner or later, from whatever the two uses in mind when they purchase or vacation homes. Their purposes include source; and these fish will have the construct a pond. They soon find other aesthetics, fishing, boating, human and potential to provide a valuable source attractive uses, but may not have given livestock water supply, fire protection, of recreation and food in an era of enough thought to use compatability. waterfowl management, fish rearing, increasing need for both. Small ponds rarely can accommodate swimming, skating, and many others. It is one thing to manage an existing more than four or five compatible uses. One dictionary defines pond simply as pond, but quite another to determine All these factors point to the need for August 1985 13 use planning before the purchase or irrigation requires a greater inflow than should contain a reliable clean spring construction of a pond. one for most other purposes, including source or a small, unpolluted, perma­ Every pond owner eventually recog­ fishing. Therefore, some general guide­ nently flowing stream. nizes that a pond requires more atten­ lines must be heeded. tion than originally thought. Many It is desirable to have a permanent Quality problems arise each year. What should flow through any pond. Anyone familiar The term "quality" is frequently be done with all the algae and other with a stagnant pond that receives only misused to indicate superiority of a aquatic plants that interfere with the surface runoff can appreciate this idea. certain entity, such as a "quality fishery." intended uses? What can one do about Such ponds usually become the reposi­ The problem is that one person's leeches and snapping turtles'? What tory for anything that is leached or concept of quality may not coincide species offish should be stocked? What flushed from their watersheds, in­ with that of his neighbor. Therefore, we can be done with stunted bluegills? cluding agricultural fertilizers and need to discuss the degree of water These and other concerns indicate that manure, household and pet wastes, quality and to what extent water of a a pond is a dynamic system and grass clippings, sediment, and a host of certain quality can support fish and demands management the same as any other nuisance constituents. They fre­ aquatic life. other facility. Where, then, does one quently have reduced pool size, heavy Water, whether static in a pond or begin this management process? aquatic plant growth, and poor fish flowing in a stream, contains certain populations. dissolved inorganic and organic com­ Water supply On the other hand, too much flow pounds with elements that are the It is difficult to think of a single pond through a pond can lead to such building blocks for all aquatic organ­ use that does not benefit from good- problems as rapid filling with sediment, isms. Chemical analyses can be used to quality water. Certainly adequate poor pond life balance, and widely indicate how much of each constituent quantity is also essential. Therefore, fluctuating water levels. is present. Two ponds of similar physi­ whether the pond is new or has existed The maximum size of a pond's cal characteristics may produce two for some time, the quality and quantity watershed should not exceed 25 acres of entiftly different fish populations. The of the water supply is of paramount drainage area for every acre of pond in difference can probably be explained in importance. farmland, or 50 to 1 in a forested terms of the water quality constituents Obviously, a pond that was built for watershed. Ideally these watersheds measured. Some of these constituents are pH, alkalinity, acidity, and various nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Water is no different from land in that it provides a certain growing capability or degree of fertility for producing a crop of plants and animals, which biologists call biomass. An ideal pond water source should be moderately alkaline, and contain moderate amounts of dissolved inorgan­ ic and organic compounds. Most fresh­ water fish populations live in waters having a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. Ideal total alkalinity and hardness levels should be at least 20 to 50 milligrams per liter. All pond owners should have some of the basic chemical parameters analyzed periodically and have a work­ ing knowledge of what the results mean. Well over 9,000 ponds under 5 acres have been constructed in Pennsylvania under the technical supervision of the United States Soil Conservation Ser­ vice. This agency has provided such things as planning, design, and soil testing as a free public service. Many of these services are still available. Because of the proven skills, programs, and publications such as Agricultural Hand­ book 590, Ponds-Planning, Design, Construction, this agency remains the primary source of help on this subject. For this reason, we will not directly address these topics and recommend

14 Pennsylvania Angler that this agency be contacted when a larity, can be stocked and reared in the On the other hand, if a pond is well- new pond is planned or structural pond. The problem is that few ponds in shaded and has a reliable source of problems with an existing one are Pennsylvania are suitable for trout high-quality cold water and adequate encountered. reproduction and year-round mainte­ physical features, including depths of Species to stock nance. The primary reason is that most more than 15 feet, one may wish to try One of the most frequently asked ponds become warmer than 70°F., some trout fingerlings and see what questions is, "What species of fish which is generally accepted as the happens. Before stocking, a quick com­ should 1 stock in my pond?" 1 n the back maximum tolerance level for trout. parison of species should be made. of many questioners' minds is the hope Other reasons usually relate to un­ Brook trout require cooler water, are with them, and they will seldom ever be reliable flow or poor habitat. easier to catch, but don't grow as large August 1985 15 or live as long as rainbows or browns. average Pennsylvania small pond owner dant and stunted because: Rainbows are hardy, fast-growing, who doesn't have the inclination, time, • There were not enough large bass longer-lived, and usually are fairly easy or money necessary for more complex to control them. By large bass we mean to catch. Brown trout are more difficult management. fish over at least 12 inches that can to catch, are hardy, can withstand Few fisheries biologists deny that the successfully eat 2-year-old bluegills of warmer water, have good longevity, largemouth bass-bluegill combination at least 3 inches. These large bass were and grow to large sizes. Large brown in small ponds is difficult to beat if probably harvested. trout also tend to prey on other small managed properly. • No additional bass have ever been fish, including trout fingerlings. Stocking of both species should be stocked. A pond that is suitable for trout made from hatchery stocks rather than • There was not enough bluegill should be managed only for them. If it from incidental catches from some harvest. is an existing pond, drain it and remove favorite water, so that misidentification • There may have been too much all other fish species. Then make your and introduction of unwanted species aquatic vegetation present to keep the species selection and plan to stock 500- can be avoided. sight-feeding bass from finding the 600 fall fingerlings per acre or 1,500 to Stocking numbers and timing of small bluegills. 1,800 smaller spring fingerlings per stockings is not a cut-and-dried pro­ • The overabundant bluegills ate the acre, which are available from a number cedure. However, fingerlings of both bass eggs and fry off the redds as rapidly of commercial hatcheries. species are only available in late sum­ as they were produced, effectively stop­ By the way, the Pennsylvania Fish mer or early fall. For initial stockings, ping bass reproduction. They did so Commission cannot provide coldwater largemouth bass should be stocked the against a superior foe simply through or warmwater fish for any private pond. first year at the rate of approximately their own overwhelming numbers. However, the Commission can help by 100 per acre, and bluegill the second • The bluegills became stunted be­ providing a current list of commercial year at approximately 400 per acre. cause of a limited food supply. hatcheries. This list is available from the Only largemouth fingerlings should be Remedy Commission Bureau of Administrative added in the future as needed. Don't permit bass smaller than 15 Services, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, inches to be harvested in the future. PA 17105-1673. Management theory Permit only one trophy over 15 inches One other management alternative The management theory for this to be killed per person per year, or con­ involving trout is to consider stocking species combination is that bluegills sider even a more stringent restriction. catchable or legal-sized trout each produce great numbers of young and Encourage the harvest of bluegills. spring in your pond while the water thrive because they eat a wide variety of Obtain a permit and treat overabun­ temperatures remain below 65° F. food items, including insects, fish eggs, dant vegetation with an appropriate, There must be sufficient interest in this larvae, and in some cases, small min­ approved aquatic herbicide. nows. The largemouth also eats a type of fishery, which is frequently Stock large bass fingerlings annually variety of organisms when it is small, called "put-and-take" fishing, so that a at the rate of 50-100 per acre until a but soon develops a taste for large prey reasonable return in terms of recrea­ satisfactory population is re-established. tional fishing is assured for the money such as other fish, crayfish, and frogs. Remove stunted bluegills by any spent. Such a fishery will not signifi­ These two species complement each legal means until a reasonable number cantly interfere with warmwater fishes other in small, warm waters for which remains. because the trout theoretically should other sport fishes are not well-suited. not be present long enough to compete The bluegills provide forage for the Results with them, and predation on stocked largemouths and fun and good food for • More large bass become available trout by other fishes such as large bass the angler, and the largemouths keep for catch-and-release fishing. would not likely be a major problem the bluegill population in check and • More trophy bass over 15 inches because of the large numbers of avail­ provide good sport fishing. become available for harvest. able forage fish such as small bluegills. This all sounds ideal, but sometimes • Most importantly, more effective the bluegills multiply too fast and do predation of bluegills occurs. Warmwater species not reach a worthwhile size to harvest. • Bluegills become larger because Frequently, many warmwater species This is probably the most frequently there are less of them to compete for have been advocated by commercial occurring problem in small pond fishery available food. fish growers and others for small pond management. If one looks more closely In general, a well-designed pond stocking and management. Species such at such a pond, many related problems having a good reliable and clean water as northern pike, walleye, smallmouth begin to surface. The bass become less supply will produce, on its own, all the bass, channel catfish, brown bullheads, abundant, there is little bass spawning fish food organisms necessary for de­ crappies, and yellow perch are recom­ success, and only a few large bass veloping a well-balanced fish popula­ mended in combination with a forage remain. Assuming our original premise tion. Therefore, artificial feeding is species like golden shiner or fathead that water quality and quantity are neither necessary nor desirable. If condi­ minnow. Unfortunately, none of these adequate, we need to investigate other tions are such that artificial diet must be species has been as successful in small factors to identify the problem. fed to your pond fishes, a problem ponds as the popular largemouth bass- probably exists which is not in the best bluegill combination. For this reason Diagnosis interests of either the fish or the pond we do not recommend them to the Bluegills probably become more abun­ owner. 16 Perms ylvania A ngler board. Providing riprapping along the forage for the predators, and so the shoreline with large to medium-sized story goes up the food chain. The stone also helps. ultimate purpose is to stimulate the Aquatic plants. Including algae, these production of fish by producing more can become serious problems to the food, starting with the basic elements. pond owner. Various control methods In the South, where higher air and can be used, including mechanical water temperatures and longer growing means such as raking and other physi­ seasons prevail, fertilization works well. cal removal techniques, partial pond In fact, the plankton become so dense drawdown over winter, and chemical that light transmission is sufficiently control through the use of aquatic reduced to stop the growth of rooted herbicides. nuisance plants. The most desirable methods of aqua­ Fertilization of ponds in northern tic plant control, as far as the biological states has in general not been successful welfare of the pond is concerned, are because of the lower prevailing air and good physical design features, and water temperatures and shorter growing mechanical and drawdown techniques, seasons. In fact, it is likely to stimulate all of which are widely used. growth in the very plants you wish to On the other hand, chemical control, eliminate because the desired phyto­ Other problems which should be considered as a last plankton levels cannot be attained Anytime water is impounded, various resort, is an acceptable method of quickly enough. unwelcome aquatic organisms begin to aquatic vegetation control if U.S. En­ Our recommendation is to forget appear as if by magic. Various insects, vironmental Protection Agency approved pond fertilization unless you have ideal plants, fishes, snapping turtles, and products are used and an appropriate conditions and sufficient knowledge of such organisms as leeches and water state permit, good for one calendar the matter to make it work. snakes have various ways of populating year, is obtained. Permits must be Fish kills can decimate the fish the impoundment. So just as a field if obtained for the use of these materials populations in small ponds. Kills can left uncultivated returns to forest, a new in any water, public or private, in occur from pollution, pesticides, (in­ pond habitat eventually contains those Pennsylvania. Appropriate application cluding improper use of aquatic herbi­ organisms found in most other area forms can be obtained from both the cides), and thick ice and snow cover, ponds. It's up to the pond manager to Pennsylvania Fish Commission and De­ which causes dieoff of aquatic plants take a hard look at which of these partment of Environmental Resources. and depletes dissolved oxygen levels. organisms are pests and which may One controversial method of aquatic Most of these problems can be pre­ require remedial measures. plant control that is frequently ad­ vented by careful control of pollutants Water snakes and snapping turtles. vocated, mostly by out-of-state fish and careful use of pesticides to control These animals are seldom desirable to a producers who sell fish, is the introduc­ aquatic plants. pond owner, but neither poses a threat tion of the fish known as the white amur Fish diseases and parasites. These to him or anything in the pond. or grass carp. This fish has been problems can kill fish. They can also Obviously, both have the capability of imported from Asia as a quick fix to rid make the fish unattractive for con­ being nasty and can inflict painful bites, ponds and lakes of unwanted plants. sumption, but usually do not make but the best thing to do is learn to live Although much research has been them unsafe if properly cooked. There with them, and they will seldom even be conducted in other states on this spe­ are virtually no practical ways of noticed. cies, there remain too many unanswered treating or controlling diseases or para­ Leeches. Some species of leeches can questions regarding its potential effect sites in the wild, except the common- be found in virtually any open stream or on our present fisheries. This fact, plus sense ones of controlling pollution and pond. But if the pond does not have the difficult experiences with other other environmental conditions which water quality problems and has a good exotics like carp, starlings, English cause stress. A stressed fish is always fish population, leeches seldom cause sparrows, and the gypsy moth in this more susceptible to both diseases and any significant problem. There really country have led the Pennsylvania Fish parasites. isn't a safe, easy way to eliminate them. Commission and a majority of the Finally, for additional help on these The best control involves preventive other states to ban the importation and and other pond problems, the pond measures such as ensuring good water possession of this species. owner should not hesitate to contact the quality, avoiding accumulations of or­ Pond fertilization has also been Pennsylvania Fish Commission for guid­ ganic debris in the pond, and producing advocated by some as a method of ance. We are limited in our ability to as good a fish population as possible, controlling plant vegetation. Actually, offer direct assistance to private pond because fish prey on them. the concept of pond fertilization was owners, but we are always willing to Muskrats. These can pose a difficult developed in the South for the purpose discuss problems and offer advice for problem for earthern pond embank­ of producing phytoplankton (micro­ these valuable small fisheries. 1 p*j ments through their burrowing. The scopic plants), which in turn are fed on best insurance against such damage is a by zooplankton (microscopic animals). properly designed pond with a wide The zooplankton are then fed on by Robert B. Hesser is the Commission embankment top and sufficient free­ small fishes, and small fishes provide fishery resources biologist. August 1985 17 ANGLERS CURRENTS planning trips, camping, and white water. A Commonwealth map is New Publication included in the book, with each for Canoeists canoeable waterway clearly marked. Paddle Pennsylvania is available for Paddle Pennsylvania is the title of a $1 each postpaid. Checks or money new 36-page booklet that contains orders should be made payable to section-by-section detailed Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and descriptions of some 18 Pennsylvania orders should be sent to: Paddle waterways. The publication also Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1673, contains information on canoe safety, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. .^C.B©^'Pffr

The low water conditions of mid­ o summer make for crystal clear water and very spooky trout. Use extra long leaders Dedicated to the sound conser vation of our aquatic resources of about 9 to 12 feet with long, fine 1 tippets. To avoid breakage, use a light, the protection and managemef of the state's diversified fisheries, long rod for extra shock absorbency on and to the ideals of safe boatir^ the strike. and optimum boating opportunl ties Summer storms often mean lightning, EXECUTIVE OFFICE so be particularly careful when fishing Ralph W. Abele, Grasshoppers and crickets are excellent Executive Director with graphite rods. They conduct Howard T. Hardie, electricity and are more dangerous to use summer baits. To use them without killing Administrative Assistant in the rain than rods of other materials. them, use fine wire soldered to a long Dennis T. Guise, shank hook to hold the bait in place. Chief Counsel Some manufacturers even indicate this Ross E. Starner warning on their graphite models. Often, two wires are best to hold the bait Comptroller in two spots on the hook. BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATE' Summer largemouth bass often feed at SERVICES 717-657-4522 night rather than during the day. For Bright tail colors on a worm—the so- Paul F. O'Brien, called fire tail worms—are great for bass, Director some super thrills, fish a big surface-sized Allison J. Mayhew, Personnel musky lure at night. Black is the best color but can attract too many short strikes John Hoffman, Real Estate because it shows up against the night sky. from panfish. For panfish-choked waters, Glen Reed, Federal Aid o plain worms are often best for bass to Mary Stine, Licensing Fish go deep in the summer, and prevent panfish strikes. BUREAU OF FISHERIES vertical jigging with a structure spoon is AND ENGINEERING One of the best baits for carp is carp 814-359-5100 often the best way to get big bass. Use Edward R. Miller, P.E. short rod movements to avoid pulling the dough, and one of the best carp doughs is Assistant Executive Director spoon away from the bass. fruit-flavored doughballs. The formula for Delano Graff, Fisheries strawberry flavored carp dough includes Eugene Smith, Construction & Maintenance . one cup of corn meal, one packet of K. Ronald Weis, gelatin flavoring, and boiling water. Boil Architectural & Engineering the water, add the corn starch, and mix k and add the flavored gelatin. Let it cool BUREAU OF WATERWAYS and form it into a ball. 717-657-4538 Gene Sporl, Assistant Executive Director When fishing a fly with a sinking line, Edward W. Manhart, use very short leaders of about 2 to 3 feet Law Enforcement , long. The short leaders keep the fly down Virgil Chambers, Boating Educati" OFFICE OF INFORMATION as the line sinks, rather than allowing it to 717-657-4518 float high, as it can with a long leader. Michael J. Bickler, Director Larry Shaffer, Publications Stephen B. Ulsh, Education Lois Howard, Media Relations o Dave Wolf, Adopt-a-Stream Coordinator

18 Pennsylvan ia A ngler k Bad day at the river about an upcoming preseason trout Last spring, assistant supervisor Gary stocking, and when walking up to his Moore and I were patrolling the Susque­ house, his border collie introduced itself hanna River, and we stopped to talk to by biting me on the back of my right leg. a couple that had just returned from Now I know why sheep have all that Mouthing the bait fishing. The conversation revealed that wool. It's not to make clothing. It's One afternoon I decided to go to the they were not having the best of days. because if they didn't, they'd have black catch-and-release area on the Yellow While launching the boat, he got the and blue marks and puncture wounds Breeches Creek. After sitting on the truck stuck and had to spend consider­ from the collie's teeth on their hind­ bank for several minutes, I noticed a fly able time getting it out. On the river, his quarters, as I do.—Leslie J. Haas, fisherman just upstream from where I wife had a fish on her line, so he left his WCO, Greene County was sitting. He wasn't much different rod to help land her fish. While helping from any other fly fisherman that I've her, a fish hit his bait and took the rod "Well, in that case" seen, except that about every third or over the side. After having had enough Shortly after starting my first day of fourth cast he would take something of this, they decided to give up for the preseason patrol of 1985,1 encountered out of his mouth, put it on his fly, and day. Upon returning to shore, he three individuals fishing in Lake Lux­ then ease it into the water. At first I backed the trailer into the boat, putting embourg, an approved trout water. thought he was using bubblegum or a dent in it. He said, "1 know the rest of Since trout season hadn't yet opened, I maybe a pinch of Skoal. Slowly the the year will be great because every­ approached these people and requested fisherman worked his way to an area thing happened today that could go that they pack up their equipment and where I've made many prosecutions wrong."—Larry Boor, WCO, Cumber­ leave. One young man apologized say­ during the past several years. Position­ land County ing he wasn't aware that fishing wasn't ing myself above him and slightly to the allowed. I pointed out that "no fishing" one side, 1 then saw he was using corn. I Biting remarks signs had been posted throughout the asked him if he realized that using bait It wasn't long after my assignment to area, and that the regulation was listed was prohibited here. To answer me, he Greene County when I learned that the in the summary book, provided with spit out a mouthful of corn and then county leads the state in sheep rafsing the purchase of the fishing license. looked at me sheepishly and said no. He and wool production, a fact of which its Another of the group then spoke up, wasn't able to convince me that he knew residents are proud. It took a while "But we don't have licenses." What else better, so I cited him on the spot.— longer to learn that the county has the could I say except, "Well, in that case,"? Robert C. Houser, Jr., DWCO, Cum­ meanest border collie in the state, too. I —James E. Wagner, WCO, southern berland County had to contact a local sheep farmer Lancaster County

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Please photocopy this form if you don't wish to cut your magazine. August 1985 19 vest. I also look for knives and other tools that serve as many functions as possible, and 1 use lure-holding bars attached to my boat's gunwale, on K.I.S.S. which I've mounted a 24-inch ruler. In this way, I apply the K.l.S.S. maxim by Art Michaels by getting more service out of less K.l.S.S. means "keep it simple, For trying a new waterway, the equipment. stupid!" It's a formula and a reminder K.l.S.S. principle means studying The same rules apply to matters of that works in a lot of areas. I've hydrographic (contour) maps. I don't 5 safety. Good safety sense requires simplified much of my fishing own a graph or chart recorder, so this anchoring from the boat bow in according to this tenet, my angling homework is particularly helpful for moving water, so I had line guides time has increased, and 1 catch more finding good spots quickly. riveted to the inside of the gunwale of fish. Here are some ideas on how you The Fish Commission has a my aluminum boat, leading from the can make K.l.S.S. work for you. guidesheet available on where to get stern to the bow, where another line Take a close look at your tackle maps of all kinds. To get this list, send guide is attached to the bow top. I run I storage and organization. Is it easy a business-sized stamped, self- the anchor line through the bow guide to get to and to put away, while addressed envelope with requests to: and then through the gunwale guides you're fishing and when you're not? Publications Section, Pennsylvania to the stern, where I usually sit. For example, I used to lug around Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, This simple, inexpensive system lets three giant tackle boxes until dragging Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. me control the anchor line at the them all over a waterway became the Rating high on the K.l.S.S. list is touch of a hand and heed the bow main event on my fishing stints. 3gearing up properly. Even when I anchoring safety tenet. My boat is a Then I thought about K.l.S.S. The fish for a variety of species, I bring 12-footer, but if you have a 14-footer first restructuring I accomplished was only two rods—a duo selected among or a larger craft, you may want to to leave the big tackle crates at home a 5|/2-foot ultralight spinning rod, a consider a device like an Anchormate and use several smaller ones, like the light-action 6'/2-foot spinning rod, an (about $30) or an Anchormate II Piano Magnums, Fenwick drawer 8-foot fly rod for 6-weight line, an 8/2- (about $48). For my boat, I just used boxes, and Rebel mini lure boxes. In foot fly rod for 8-weight line, and a the hardware ($6) that's sold one of these boxes I store all my 5!/:-foot light-power baitcasting rod. separately for these devices. worms and jigs, in another go all the That's it, and only two per trip get Actually, any device that meets the crankbaits, and in still another go a the nod. Sure, if I think 1 could have K.l.S.S. standards is worth the variety of spinnerbaits and buzzers. used another tackle setup better that 1 money, but in this case, applying the Another adjustment I made left at home, I bring it along another K.l.S.S. principle meant using only included keeping a small lure box time, and something else gets left the hardware, so K.l.S.S. means filled with an assortment of tackle for back, though. Remember, the idea is saving money, too. fishing my favorite waterways. In this to keep things simple for greater Another part of K.l.S.S. requires way, I take with me only what 1 know efficiency. This idea works best when 6 the best use of time. Like everyone I'll need on a fishing trip for a specific you fish with more than one else. I wish I had more time to fish, species or angling condition. For companion in your boat, if that's how but the fact is. 1 don't, so making the instance, when I went shad fishing last you ply the waters. most of that precious time is spring, I brought a small box of items practically the whole ballgame. In this that fit in my pocket. Nothing case, K.l.S.S. means choosing the best cluttered the boat or took away from times to be on the water. Call ahead fishing time. The box contained darts, to local tackle and bait shops, flicker spinners, some splitshot, pliers consider your past fishing luck at your (for my boat), and assorted other favorite spots, and then make items. Why drag a shopping cart full decisions on when to be there. Don't of crankbaits to a shad fishing foray? decide just to "go fishing." Go when Keeping it simple also pays off your information sources suggest when I hit a few lakes for bass and you'll have the fastest action. K.l.S.S. panfish. Only the gear I know I want means making every moment count. and need is taken, and it saves me a Finally, you have to adapt K.l.S.S. lot of time and effort. ideas to your boat, tackle, and fishing K.l.S.S. also means selecting a few preferences. Don't be reluctant to 2 hotspots at lakes I'm familiar with, experiment. If your fishing life has and after careful map study and local been complicated, you may think inquiry, choosing a few spots on a you'll lose something by practicing the new waterway. It means hitting the K.l.S.S. means doubling up the K.l.S.S. principle. Still, give it a try. lake with a plan of where to fish and 4 duties for items of tackle, too. For and you may discover as 1 did that what to try for—no wasted effort, and instance, the law requires a PFD in simplifying is better. Applying the more time for having my line in the the boat, so I wear a type 111 that K.l.S.S. principle helped me kiss water. doubles as a four-pocketed fishing wasted time and empty creels goodby. 20 Pennsylvania Angler GO SUMMER SUNFISH by Bill Ignizio

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"Jim"- .1 here are two important reasons Deep water and structure to fish for sunfish. First, they If the shallows are empty of fish, it is T make delicious table fare, and time to head toward deeper locales. Not secondly, these flat-bodied little scrap­ all deep water holds fish, however. To pers put up a fight that is all out of be successful, you'll have to find the proportion with their size. It's been said right kind of deep water haunts. that if a bluegill grew as large as a bass, The logical question is: "What makes you'd need a baseball bat to subdue the a certain expanse of deep water better feisty fish. than another?" Basically, look for deep Still, many Pennsylvania anglers water that contains some sort of ignore sunfish during summer months. structure. As the weather warms and turns Sunfish are often found near under­ muggy, most anglers' spirits drop to an water humps, channels, rock piles, and all-time low. They find it uncomfort­ any type of bottom feature that is able and difficult to catch good different. A point of land extending out numbers of sunfish consistently. into an area of flat lake bottom is Many doggedly stick with the same different and will be more likely to hold tactics that proved successful earlier in sunfish than the featureless terrain the season. When these anglers are no nearby. longer able to score, their confusion It is obvious that a depth finder is a was first filled. In other words, these mounts. What in the world happens to plus with this type of deep water fishing. crafty fishermen were taking sunfish summer sunfish? Where do they go? You will be able to pinpoint underwater (along with some nice bass) from the Will they still bite? The answers to these features quickly using a flasher or basements of long-gone homes. questions are, in order: They're still in graph. This is not to say that the angler Not all impoundments have building the lake. They often go deep. And, yes, without a depth finder will necessarily foundations you can fish. However, they will bite. be unsuccessful. I have known a num­ many man-made impoundments con­ A major problem associated with ber of veteran anglers who routinely tain such features as old roadbeds, summer sunfishing is that it can be an fish deep water structure with good railroad tracks, submerged bridges, and uncomfortable task, at best. A blazing results, but most of these fishermen even building rubble. Wherever you sun coupled with a proliferaton of pesty have spent many years probing their find such features, fish them thorough­ bugs makes conditions decidedly favorite lakes for sunfish. Some even ly. There are also natural fish-holders, unpleasant. dragged anchors over the lake bottom such as sunken islands, underwater I have known many fishermen who to locate fish-holding features. points, and depressions. All can hold set out to take summer fish without One impoundment I often fish was a sunfish. preparing adequately. These hapless puzzle to me for a long time. I knew a Other fishermen who bump into deep anglers took no liquid refreshment or few fishermen who regularly took large water sunfish fail to take advantage of insect repellent with them. Some even numbers of summer sunfish from these their good fortune. One individual 1 tried to make it through the day without waters, but I rarely did well there. When was fishing with recently landed a hefty a hat or sunglasses. As you might I asked where they caught their fish, the pumpkinseed while we were fishing for suspect, most of these ill-prepared only answer I got was that the fish were perch. Although he was pleased with fishermen left the lake sooner than they in the "holes." the catch, he quickly upped anchor to expected. I spent weeks looking for depres­ fish a different area. He seemed to Armed with all the necessities for a sions, channels, and any other spot that forget (or perhaps he didn't realize) that successful hot-weather outing, you can could be called a "hole." Finally, a sunfish are a schooling species. Where concentrate on taking sunfish. But sympathetic fisherman elaborated. He you find one, you will most likely catch using the same patterns that resulted in told me that "holes," in this particular others. spring fish often fail in summer months. case, meant old house foundations that Despite this, I must admit that 1 usually were flooded when the impoundment begin seeking tepid water sunfish in the shallows. The reason is simply because they are easier to catch in shallow "M IK .nltij siMl i,i!.ilu water. Mi Slip bobbers Live baits Fishing for deep water sunfish is not There are several types of live bait always easy. When working shallow that work well for sunfish. For pump- water, casting a bobber and bait is kinseeds and bluegills, I have found simple, but when you try to toss out 8 or insect larvae to be a great producer. 9 feet of line trailing under a float, the Wax worms, mousies, and maggots are chore becomes much more difficult. It especially good. Warmouths and green is possible, though, to cast several feet sunfish also relish larval enticers, and of line beneath your bobber by using a can handle larger baits such as earth­ sliding float, so if you intend to fish worms and redworms with no difficulty. deep water, you should purchase and When fishing live bait in deep water, use a slip bobber. I use a relatively stiff rod. This surprises If sunfish are holding near the lake some anglers who feel whippy rods are bottom, it is possible to fish effectively the order of the day when fishing using a slip sinker rig, too. Attach an sunfish. My chances of hooking fish are egg slip sinker above a snap. On the far much greater with a stiff 6-foot rod, end of the snap tie on three or four feet especially on long casts. Limber little of 4-pound-test or 6-pound-test clear 5-foot rods aren't always equal to the monofilament line. Between the snap task. A too-stiff rod makes it more Both spincast and spinning outfits and the hook, affix a small cork float. difficult to cast lightweight offerings. are good tools to use in the search for This float keeps the bait off the lake To get increased distance when casting deep water sunfish. It is possible, bottom and makes it less likely to snag. little lures, allow a foot or so of line to however, to use a fly rod for this extend from the rod tip instead of purpose. Some deep water fly rodders Jigs cranking the bait up snugly. This will continue to fish a floating fly line by The outside edge of deep-water allow you to throw the lure a longer tying on a 9-foot or 10-foot mono­ weeds is an area that often harbors nice distance. filament leader. A panfish spoon pro­ sunfish. A bobber-and-bait setup works vides the necessary weight to get the well, or you could fish a tiny spinnerbait Hooks bait down to the fish. The slowly or jig. Although some fishermen find it A common problem associated with sinking bait may trigger strikes from hard to believe, sunfish regularly hit taking sunfish (whether in the summer sunfish that might otherwise be re­ artificial lures. A small jig (1/16-ounce or at any other time of year) deals with luctant to feed. Another way to fish or 1 / 32 ounce) is a very effective lure for hooks. Many fishermen try to "get by" deeper water using a fly rod is to use a these small-mouthed fish. I usually with oversized hooks. A size 10 hook is sinking fly line. For those who feel the affix a twisty tail grub to the jig for about as large as I ever use for bluegills long rod offers the most enjoyable extra allure. Be forewarned! Not all and pumpkinseeds. In some cases, I method for taking sunfish, these twisty tails twist very well as they are even drop down to a size 12 hook. A methods offer the fly rod enthusiast a worked through the water. Some just good rule of thumb is to fish the productive way to catch the good- flap foolishly as you retrieve the bait. smallest hook you possibly can; it will tasting fish. Small Mister Twister tails and Dot's greatly increase your hooking ratio. Although spring's easy pickin's are Jiggly Jigs are two types of grub tails I've known fishermen who have no longer with us, summer offers the that wiggle enticingly, encouraging sun­ stumbled across deep water bluegills versatile fisherman an opportunity to fish strikes. accidentally. A friend of mine was catch plenty of deep water sunfish. When casting a small jig or spinner­ fishing for walleye using big night- Don't let summer's heat wilt your bait to the edge of deep-water weeds, crawlers for bait. He was more than a spirits—get out and enjoy some of the allow the lure plenty of time to sink little surprised to find that a large hot sunfishing action that August can before retrieving the bait. Some fisher­ sunfish engulfed his bait. He slowly and men like to use spinnerbaits and jigs to methodically fished the spot and took locate fish. Once a sunfish is caught, over a dozen hefty bluegills from that they anchor and work the area thor­ area. |p*j oughly with a bobber and live bait. Choosing New Rod by H. H. Redline

efore you buy a new rod, con­ other. A graphite rod is actually a blend or another. One of the common prob­ sider a few facts about rod of graphite with fiberglass. Graphite is lems most people have with crankbaits Bmaterials, and how they are used therefore at its best when combined is lost fish. "You hook 'em, but you in the blank. Think about blank construc­ with fiberglass. can't hold 'em," says Harold Allen, a tion and the specific properties of the Boron, with its excellent sensitivity well-known pro and expert bass fisher­ materials. You certainly don't want a and rugged strength-to-weight charac­ man who taught seminars recently in soft-action fiberglass rod for worm or teristics, may be the best choice where several Pennsylvania cities. jig fishing, or an ultra-stiff boron stick brute strength is needed, as in flippin' Harold has found that a softer rod with super response for chucking plugs. and jig-and-pig fishing. Boron is also at helps average anglers land more of the These ideas can help you get the most its best when used in conjunction with bass they hook by cushioning the for your money. other fibers, such as fiberglass and sudden changes in pressure more ef­ First, look at the materials. Fiber­ graphite. fectively. Rich Tauber, another experi­ glass has been around a long time, and enced pro, echoed the same sentiments. it has come a long way from those solid Rod finish "The softer action works as a shock shafts back in the 1940s you could bend Mandrel tapers are important, too, absorber," says Rich. "It softens the into a circle. Hollow, tapered fiberglass as are the actual construction tech­ acrobatics of the bass and cushions shafts are still useful in Pennsylvania niques. A mandrel is the core mold of sudden movements the angler makes, fishing. Improvements in resins and the finished rod blank. The rod should preventing tear-outs." fibers have led to the creation of many incorporate fibers running continuously Harold also points out that "almost different fiberglass materials. through the length of the shaft for everyone went to graphite for its sensi­ sensitivity as well as around the rod for tivity and lightning-fast response, which Fiberglass hoop strength. doesn't always cut the mustard in Fiberglass is strong and relatively Look for woven "scrim," which fur­ crankin'. You often need the slower light, but not as light or sensitive as ther strengthen the finished blank. This response of glass to land your bass." graphite. Graphite, with its superior scrim is the last application of fibers on For wormin' and jig and pig action, sensitivity, rapid dampening, and lighter the blank; it's the outside layer. If it's the pros agree on graphite, but not 100 weight, may well be the best all-around well-built, you can actually see a spiral­ percent graphite. There's got to be some fiber for rod building. But beware! like pattern on the rod, unless it's been glass for strength and for softening the There are many kinds of graphite. Look sanded off. Resins must penetrate every abrupt response of graphite, as well as for the best—high-modulos aerospace- fiber, fusing them together with the preventing graphite fibers from shear­ grade graphite. The term high-modulos graphite into a continuous tapered ing against one another. Boron, with its refers to the strength-to-weight ratio of shaft with sophisticated action. That superior strength, may be your choice if the graphite. The best graphite rods are action can be altered by changing the you catch a lot of big fish or pitch heavy built from single graphite strands of one taper and adding or changing either lures consistantly. diameter, the basis of a light, strong resin, or graphite or boron. rod. The finish on a rod should be clear so Panfishing rod that you can see the actual fibers. If you enjoy panfish as much as I do, Graphite, boron Beware of painted rods; they could choose a medium-action graphite spin­ The recovery of graphite shafts after cover up flaws. Be especially careful of ning rod. Many panfish such as crap- loading has certain advantages and "graphite" rods that are painted. There pies are light biters, and the superior disadvantages, depending on the fishing is no standard for how much graphite is sensitivity of good graphite pays off by application. Used alone, though, graph­ in a "graphite" rod. allowing you to feel the most subtle ite can lead to complications. For strike. If you go ultralight, you'll cut example, graphite fibers bend less easily Crankbait rods down on the versatility of the rod. I than the resins used to bond them. So if One special application of materials have no use for ultralight rods that a rod were actually 100 percent graph­ is in a rod for crankbait fishing. Almost force you to play a fish until it's nearly ite, the fibers would shear through each everyone uses crankbaits to one degree dead before you land it. 24 Pennsylvania Angler I Ci >s.

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One of my favorite methods of length casts accurately, and the one- Joe Reynolds fishing the lower Susquehanna, near piece graphite construction telegraphs Boron rods and composite rods of glass my home, is jigging. You can fish a jig the strike instantly. It handles baits and graphite let bass anglers fish plastic slowly and deep, you can fish it on the from 1 /16-ounce through 3/ 8-ounce. It worm rigs and jig 'n pig successfully. drop, and you can swim it. I use soft- is probably the most versatile rod I This Lake A rthur bass was fooled with plastic grubs with the lead heads. By own. such a rod. varying the weight of the head to the Fly rods can be made of these same size of the grub, I can fish slow or fast, materials. My favorite wet fly rod is a depending on conditions. gold-colored fiberglass, but it doesn't In early spring, for instance, crappies handle dry flies as well as my graphite. are the primary target. Crappies like a In any fly rod over 8 feet, graphite and More Specifics slow-moving bait and are usually deep boron really come into their own, in quiet eddies, so walleye will often be especially in rods for 6-weight or heavier Readers may want to check out two with them. Although walleye some­ lines. The amazing lightness of a 9-foot other articles on specific rod recom­ times really slam a bait, they are often fly rod for 8-weight or 9-weight line mendations. Look at "A Kinzua River very light biters, similar to crappies. prevents you from getting a sore arm Rod," by Mike Bleech, on page 17 of For this kind of fishing, slow and when you spend a day on the water the February 1984 Angler, and "An deep, you can't beat graphite. My chasing bass. Ultralight Spinning Stick," by Art favorite river rod is a medium-action All in all, shop carefully. Remember Michaels, on page 11 of the August spinning model that's five feet, three how you're going to use the rod, and 1983 Angler. inches long. The comparatively short beware of "bargains." August 1985 25 Pennsylvania Fish-for-Fi June 1 was a day of fishing fun. And while thunderstorms drenched much of the state Friday night, most areas were greeted by blue skies when the sun rose on Pennsylvania's second annual Fish- for-Free Day. The Fish Commission held fishing seminars at sites across the state where residents and nonresidents alike had the opportunity to learn about fish and fish­ ing. Many of them learned first-hand how to rig for different species such as panfish, and some even got to taste the fruits of their labor as Commission per­ sonnel put on filleting and cooking dem­ onstrations at a number of sites. The exact number of individuals par­ ticipating in Fish-for-Free Day is hard to judge because not just the seminar sites were open to angling without a license, but all the Commonwealth's public waters were available to would-be anglers. It would be conservative to say, however, that thousands of anglers ven­ tured out on that Saturday to sample the great fishing opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer. Reports from the field indicated that turnouts at some of the sites numbered in the hundreds, but even more pleasing to the Commission was the large number of anglers who took a nonangling friend or relative along for a day on the water.

The City of Chester Boat Ramp, PlC' tared here, was one of 41 Fish-for-Free Day sites, where hands-on fishing >n' / j] ' struction was offered by Fish ComrniS' sion personnel in conjunction with lot- "'' 1 sportsmen 's groups. i - Russ Gettig 26 Pennsylvania Angler Puss Gettig li Philadelphia and Delaware Counties

Wissahickon Creek " Philadelphia County This creek, flowing for about 4.2 miles through Fairmont Park, has some of the most scenic areas in all of Philadelphia. A path alongside the creek provides easy by Sally A. Lipp access to almost all areas. Starting at the Montgomery County line and fishing downstream, the more favored hiladelphia's two stocked trout streams, the spots include: Harper's Meadow, located between Wissahickon and Pennypack creeks, offer \2VJ miles Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road; the Covered Pof rainbow trout and brown trout fishing. Bridge area, which can be reached by walking downstream Warmwater fish species are found in Tacony Creek, Cobb's from Bells Mill Road, or upstream from Wises Mill Road; Creek, Darby Creek, Hollender Creek, and in the Devil's Pool and Valley Green Canoe Club Dam, accessible impoundments of the Tinicum National Environmental from Livezey Lane; Monastery Road and Kitchen's Land Center and Franklin D. Roosevelt Park. The Schuylkill and areas, found upstream from the Walnut Lane bridge; the Delaware rivers present additional fishing opportunities for Blue Stone Bridge; and downstream from the Walnut Lane the boating angler. Bridge. Along Lincoln Drive, parking and access is limited, August 1985 27 '' '• • +JlM!'^ H •':£*!§&* 't%

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I his picturesque view is a pari of/than Run, Delaware ( ountv. where some 2,400 trout were stocked in luSS.

so the fisherman who enjoys walking should do well. A creek twice—first near Solly Avenue, then near Cresco word of caution: some areas along the creek have very steep Avenue; Welsh Road, at Rowland Avenue; and Frankford banks. Avenue and Torresdale Avenue, with good parking areas An added bonus when the trout stop biting are the with access to the creek. Carp, suckers, chubs, and sunfish, carp, catfish, suckers, and occasional smallmouth occasionally largemouth bass are caught in the Pennypack, or largemouth bass. Reports come in once in a while about in addition to trout. Worms, salmon eggs, cheese, corn, and muskellunge being caught near the Schuylkill River. spinners are the best fish-catchers. Worms, minnows, corn, cheese, salmon eggs, and size 2 spinners take fish in the Wissahickon. Tacony Creek Encompassed by Tacony Creek Park, the creek is Pennypack Creek characterized by fluctuating water levels. Tacony Creek A welcomed addition to the trout stocking list for originates in Montgomery County, flows into Frankford Philadelphians, Pennypack Creek is fishable for about 8.3 Creek, and eventually empties into the Delaware River. miles within the city limits. The creek lies within the Good access is limited to Adams Avenue, Roosevelt Blvd., boundaries of the Pennypack Valley Park, and like the and Whittaker Avenue. Fishermen take minnows there, and Wissahickon, it has a path along the entire length. There is suckers and carp are fooled with corn, bread, and an abundance of wildlife in the park, and the Pennypack doughballs. Environmental Center is located on Verree Road at Pennypack Creek, offering fishermen a little diversion. Cobb's Creek There are many spots to fish on the Pennypack. Here are In some areas, Cobb's Creek serves as the line between some of the more popular ones: Pine Road, just across the Delaware and Philadelphia counties. It flows into Darby Montgomery County line in Philadelphia; Verree Road, Creek and then into the Delaware River. Although very next to the Environmental Center; Krewstown Road, also little fishing is done on Cobb's Creek, fishermen called Ninety Foot Bridge; Winchester Avenue, which has occasionally take sunfish on worms and bread. Woodland several accesses; Holme Avenue, a favorite spot, but Avenue seems to be the spot, but Cobb's Creek Park parking can be difficult; Rhawn Street, which crosses the shouldn't be overlooked. 28 Pennsylvania Angler snapping turtles are caught, too. Nightcrawlers, worms, minnows, dough baits, and cheese are the best baits. Be sure to check posters here for special regulations. Schuylkill River In the Schuylkill you'll find trout (near the mouth of the Wissahickon), muskellunge, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, carp, suckers, catfish, white perch, crappies, and walleye. The Schuylkill River downstream from Miquon to the confluence of the Wissahickon Creek is shared by Montgomery County on the west and Philadelphia on the east. The Shawmont area is the favored spot upstream from Flat Rock Dam and is particularly good for smallmouth bass and crappies on nightcrawlers and minnows. Flat Rock Dam can be fished from both sides of the river, so this spot is often crowded. Suckers and eels are prevented from traveling farther upstream by the dam, and as a result, this section holds a nice catchable population. Spring is the best time for this action. Size 1 and 2 spinners, Rapala and Rebel 2-inch or 3-inch plugs, and plastic worms fool most of the bass here, and just about everything else is caught on worms and minnows, fished from bobbers and off the bottom. The Manayunk Canal, located alongside the Schuylkill River just downstream from Flat Rock Dam, is also a popular fishing area. The river from Wissahickon Creek to the Falls Bridge area can be fished from either the East or West River drives. At the Philadelphia Art Museum, on the east side of the river, fishing pressure is very heavy, but catches are consistently good. The river below Fairmount Dam is tidal and access is limited. Boat fishermen note: from Flat Rock Dam downstream to the Girard Avenue Bridge, motorboat engines are restricted to no more than 10 horsepower. From the Girard Avenue Bridge downstream to Fairmount Dam, all boats except scullers and attendant boats are prohibited. Also, a fish ladder is in place at the Darby Creek Fairmount Dam, and fishing is prohibited within 100 feet Found in the southwest corner of Philadelphia, it offers of the fish passage facility. both canoeing and fishing. The Tinicum National Environmental Center has provided a canoe launch area, Delaware River and fishermen are welcome, provided all park rules and Access to the river is limited for shore fishermen. Still, regulations are followed. Carp, catfish, suckers, and sunfish the Linden Avenue Access is owned by the City of are caught in this tidal creek. Philadelphia and is used heavily by boaters and fishermen. Catfish, sunfish, and crappies are caught from the access Hollender Creek area. Pennypack Avenue is an especially favorite spot for Located in Franklin D. Roosevelt Park in south many Philadelphia fishermen. Carp, white perch, catfish, Philadelphia, this small creek feeds Meadow Lake. It is crappies, suckers, and striped bass (early in the morning) generally passed over as a fishing hotspot, but large carp, have been taken. Worms, minnows, spinners, and spoons catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass are caught during the are used. summer and fall. Worms are good bait here. The Pennypack Creek area can be fished only by boat, but boaters should beware of sandbars. Princeton Avenue Meadow Lake is the site of the new Fish Commission access ramp, which Also known as Canoe Lake, this waterway is in Franklin opened last year. At Unruh Street, fishermen must park D. Roosevelt Park (League Island Park) in south and walk. This spot is used by many anglers specializing in Philadelphia, with entrances to the park from Pattison catfish, using garlic beef cubes, shrimp, and stink baits. Avenue. There's lots of activity here, especially in the Farther downstream, shoreline access is restricted, and summer. The main attractions are carp, catfish, and sunfish. fishing is mostly confined to boats. Finally, the Delaware River is tidal up to about Trenton Tinicum National Environmental Center Falls, so boaters need to keep an eye on tidal changes and This center is formerly called the Tinicum Wildlife wakes from commercial vessels. Refuge in southwest Philadelphia, bordering on Delaware County. Fishing is permitted in the impoundment, and Sally A. Lipp is the waterways conservation officer of the carp, catfish, suckers, and sunfish are harvested. Many Philadelphia district. August 1985 29 The Delaware and Philadelphia counties portion of the Delaware stiver is tidal. For good fishing •etion, a moving tide is often best because fish feed them. Check tide times in local tackle shops, and try your luck two hours on either side of high tide.

to Darby Creek, a distance of about 5 miles. A landmark is the Boeing-Vertol plant at the mouth of Darby Creek. Head into Darby Creek and the lagoon entrance is directly Delaware County across from Marrows Marina. Both the river and the lagoon contain tiger muskies, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, yellow and white by Mike Oreshi perch, panfish, and catfish. The best baits for the muskies are large minnow-type imitators, such as Rebels, Rapalas, Delaware County, located in the southeast corner of the and Swim Whizzes. Live bait is also good—use a 4-inch or Commonwealth, is bordered in part by the state of 5-inch minnow or sucker. The best action is late October Delaware, the Delaware River and estuary, and into December. Philadelphia. This small county offers to the avid angler For the smallmouth and largemouth bass, diving nearly all of Pennsylvania's freshwater gamefishes. The crankbaits in quarter-ounce sizes and light colors are good, Delaware River and estuary carries a bonus for the angler, as are spoons, size 1 and 2 spinners, and 6-inch plastic too, with the striped bass and anadromous American shad. worms in grape, black, motor oil, and red. Spring and fall are the best times to fool the bass. Delaware River and estuary You must have a current Pennsylvania fishing license There's a new boat ramp at the Commodore Barry when fishing in the Delaware River and estuary from Bridge. From the north, take U.S. Route 13 south into Claymont, Delaware, northward, if you fish from the Chester, and turn right onto Flower Street. From here, it's Pennsylvania side or if you possess fish in Pennsylvania. a half-mile drive to the bridge and the access. You must have a New Jersey license if you fish from the You can get to good shore fishing by taking Route 420 Jersey side or possess fish there. south to 1-95. The Tinicum Environmental Center Lagoon parking lot is on the south side of Route 420, near the 1-95 Springton Reservoir southbound entrance ramp. A walk-in path provides access This 391-acre impoundment is restricted to shore fishing to the lagoon for fishing. only, but angling is permitted on both shorelines from the Boat fishing on the Delaware River begins at the state Bishop Hollow Road bridge to Crum Creek, a distance of line and extends upriver for 12 miles along the Delaware about a half-mile. It is owned by the Philadelphia County boundary. Boat fishermen can run upriver to Suburban Water Company, and is located off Route 252 in Trenton Falls. Newtown Square. Fishing is permitted from sunrise to The Tinicum Lagoon can be reached by boat by heading sunset. The parking lot opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. upriver from the Commodore Barry boat ramp in Chester Beginning with the first signs of spring and as each

30 Pennsylvania Angler species season progresses, anglers look for the tiger Ridley Creek muskies, smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout, panfish Enter Ridley Creek State Park off Route 3 in Edgemont (perch, crappies, and bluegills), channel catfish, and eels. Township. The stocked area begins at Colonial Plantation Spring and fall runs of crappies are the biggest drawing (three-level parking lot—good landmark). From Route 3 in card at Springton. Light tackle, the smallest lures, or small Newtown Square, turn left onto Bishop Hollow Road, baits are the key. Plastic action-tailed lures of 1/32-ounce which leads to the delayed-harvest fly-fishing-only area at and 1 / 16-ounce are best. The colors most used are black Sycamore Mills. From Route 252 in Newtown Square, turn and yellow. Minnows are a killer when the crappie run is in left onto Gradyville Road past Springton Reservoir into full swing. Use minnows of 1 Vi to 2 inches. Ridley Creek State Park. Wet your line near the first Trout fishing is available only during the regular season. bridge. No trout may be in possession during the extended season. Ridley is divided into three major fishing sections. Small spinners and small minnows are best, but don't From the Colonial Plantation to above the falls at overlook worms fished from a bobber. Sycamore Mills Road is good baitfishing. From below the In 1981, Springton Reservoir had the state's largemouth falls one mile downstream to Dismal Run is delayed- bass record. Also in 1981, 1,000 tiger muskies and 29,000 harvest fly-fishing-only. Dismal Run downstream to channel catfish were planted by the Fish Commission. Brookhaven Road is baitfishing territory. Legal-sized catches have been recorded since mid-1984. As with all trout waters in the county, bait is best. The introduction of tiger muskies in Springton has on However, most used are salmon eggs, worms, corn, and occasion driven the bass fishermen to their wits end, minnows. Minnows should not be over 2'/2 inches long. The because the muskies are fooled by the same offerings that smaller the better. take bass. The tigers in Springton will also take fast-moving Spinners are good trout takers, too. Use nothing over lures, such as a Swim Whizz or the large Rebels and 1/8-ounce, and the best results are with 1/ 16-ounce and Rapalas. 1 /24-ounce, which includes sizes 0 and 1. Colors for Lures to use for bass include size 2 spinners, quarter- spinners are black, blue-slate, yellow, white, and pale green. ounce spinnerbaits, and live baits (minnows, suckers, and On Ridley Creek's delayed-harvest fly-fishing-only area, nightcrawlers). Plastic worms of 6 to 8 inches fool the bass, the Muddler Minnow is productive from mid-April to late and the best colors for artificials are black, grape (purple), May. Also, early in the season, nymphs and wet flies take yellow, and red and white. their share of trout. Dry flies, depending on temperatures, Bass tishermen must decide whether to use a snon wuc take trout from mid-June on. Early morning and late leader, knowing that it will kill the action of any bass lure evening is the rule. The Wooly Worm in black and brown, to some degree. But when that bass turns out to be a and other bivisibles are good flies at this time, too. musky, the odds are on the angler's side. Regardless of the streamer, nymph, wet fly, or dry fly You'll find additional largemouth and smallmouth bass you choose, Ridley's trout favor the darker shades—blacks, action in 5 miles of Brandywine Creek. Spring and fall are browns, and the in-betweens. [PA] the best times. Mike Oreski is an information representative in the Fish Darby Creek Commission Volunteer f&E Corps. The author wishes to From Route 320 go west on Bryn Mawr Avenue and thank Mike Kauffman, area fisheries manager, and O. Lee turn right onto Darby-Paoli road (LR23040) to the Sawmill Tilton, Delaware County waterways conservation officer, Road bridge. Darby Creek is stocked here upstream for for their assistance in preparing this article. 3/4-mile and downstream from this bridge to Route 3. Ultralight spinning gear is best here. Tight quarters Trout Stocking in prevents using fly rod gear. Two-pound-test or four-pound- test line is good with size 0 and 1 spinners. Eggs, corn, and Delaware and Philadelphia Counties worms are also good bets here. In 1985, more than 80,000 trout were stocked in Little Darby Creek Delaware and Philadelphia counties waterways in This waterway enters Darby Creek 50 yards upstream inseason and preseason plantings. Here' > where you'll from the Sawmill Road bridge. The Little Darby is tight find the best action in each county, with the number of quarters for the angler, and light tackle is a must. fish stocked. These two streams, Darby Creek and the Little Darby, are all or partly in Radnor Township. Parking for them is Philadelphia County' available in Radnor Township's Skunk Hollow Park off Pennypack Creek 25,400 Darby-Paoli Road. Wissahickon Creek 14,700 Chester Creek Delaware County To get to the West Branch of Chester Creek, from Route Chester Creek 9,100 1 take Route 261 south. Stocking begins at Brook and West Branch Chester Creek 3,200 Bodley roads downstream to the firehouse on Aston Mills Darby Creek 9,800 Road. Ultralight tackle and worms, eggs, and minnows are Ithan Creek 2,400 the best gear, and you'll find good fishing here in April, Ridley Creek 15,700 May, and June. August 1985 31 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Directory

EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND ENGINEERING Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director 717-657-4515 Edward R. Miller, P.E., Assistant Executive Director 814-359-5152 Chief Counsel, Dennis T. Guise 717-657-4545 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823 Administrative Assistant, Howard T. Hardie 717-657-4517 Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator 717-657-45461 Comptroller, Ross E. Starner 717-787-3105 Dennis Ricker, Administrative Officer 814-359-5161 [ Robert Hesser, Fishery Resource Biologist 814-359-51581 OFFICE OF INFORMATION Michael J. Bickler, Director 717-657-4518 Education, Stephen B. Ulsh 717-657-4519 CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE DIVISION Broadcasting, Larry Shaffer 717-657-4519 Eugene Smith, Chief 814-359-51281 Media Relations, Lois Howard 717-657-4518 Adopt-A-Stream, Dave Wolf 717-657-4519 PA Angler/Boat PA Editor, Art Michaels 717-657-45201 ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING DIVISION PA Angler/Boat PA Circulation, Eleanor Mutch 717-657-4521 K. Ronald Wels, Chief 814-359-5127 |

BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION (State Headquarters) FISHERIES DIVISION Paul F. O'Brien, Director 717-657-4522 Delano Graff, Chief 814-359-5154 I Personnel & Employment, Allison J. Mayhew 717-657-4528 I Trout Production Section, Ken Corl, Chief 814-359-5143 Budget Analyst, Donna Grey 717-657-4532 Cooperative Nursery Branch, Paul Byers, Chief 814-359-5124 | Real Estate, John Hoffman 717-657-4525 Warmwater Production Section, Purchasing (Harrisburg), Sheila Green 717-657-4533 | Shyrl Hood, Chief 814-683-4451 Purchasing (Bellefonte), Dennis Schultz 814-359-5131 Box 127, Linesville, PA 16424 License Section, Mary Stine, Supervisor 717-657-4534 | Fisheries Environmental Services Section, Federal Aid Coordinator, Glen C. Reed 717-657-4531 Jack Miller, Chief 814-359-5140 ] Office Services Supervisor, Chester Peyton 717-657-4527 | Fisheries Management Section, Richard A. Snyder, Chief 814-359-5110 I BUREAU OF WATERWAYS Research Section, Vincent Mudrak, Chief 814-355-4837 | Gene Sporl, Assistant Executive Director 717-657-4538 Benner Spring Fish Research Station, R.D. 1, Box 485, John Simmons, Administrative Officer 717-657-4369 Bellefonte, PA 16823 Boating Education Section, Virgil Chambers, Chief 717-657-4392 Boating Accident Statistics, Joe Greene 717-657-4368 FISH CULTURAL STATIONS Special Programs Coordinator, Janet Mayer 717-657-4367 Bellefonte, William Hoover, Superintendent 814-355-4159 Boat Registration Section, RD 4, Box 230, Bellefonte, PA 16823 Betty Stroud, Supervisor 717-657-4551 Benner Spring, William Kennedy, Superintendent .... 814-355-4159 RD 1, Box 485, Bellefonte, PA 16823 LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION Big Spring, Eugene J. Rozaieski, Superintendent 717-776-3170 Edward W. Manhart, Chief 717-657-4542 RD 4, Box 341, Newville, PA 17241 Perry D. Heath, Deputy Chief 717-657-4542 Corry-Union City, Tom L. Clark, Superintendent 814-664-2122 James R. Smith, Training Supervisor 717-657-4542 Corry, PA 16407 Fairvlew, Neil Shea, Superintendent 814-474-1514 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES 2000 Lohrer Road, P.O. Box 531, Fairview, PA 16415 Northwest, Walter G. Lazusky, Supervisor 814-437-5774 Huntsdale, Kenneth Martin, Superintendent 717-486-3419 Mailing address Box 349, Franklin, PA 16323 Box 393, RD 5, Carlisle, PA 17013 Location 1281 Otter St., Franklin, PA Linesville, James Harvey, Superintendent 814-683-4451 Northcentral, Paul F. Swanson, Supervisor 717-726-6056 Box 127, Linesville, PA 16424 Mailing address P.O. Box 187, Lamar, PA 16848 Oswayo, D. Ray Merriman, Superintendent 814-698-2102 Location Fishing Creek Road, Lamar, PA RD 2, Box 84, Coudersport, PA 16915 Northeast, Kerry Messerle, Supervisor 717-477-5717 Pleasant Gap, John Bair, Superintendent 814-359-5132 Mailing address Box 88, Sweet Valley, PA 18656 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823 Location On Harris Pond, Sweet Valley, PA Pleasant Mount, Zenas Bean, Superintendent 717-448-2101 Southwest, Thomas F. Qualters, Supervisor 814-445-8974 Pleasant Mount, PA 18453 Mailing address RD 2, Box 39, Somerset, PA 15501 Reynoldsdale, Richard Pugh, Superintendent 814-839-2211 Location On Lake Somerset, Somerset, PA New Paris, PA 15554 Southcentral, Frank Schilling, Supervisor 717-486-7087 Tionesta, Charles Mann, Superintendent 814-755-3524 Mailing address RD 1, Box 848, Newville, PA 17241 Location On Pine Road, Huntsdale, PA Southeast, Supervisor position vacant 717-626-0228 Mailing address Box 6, Elm, PA 17521 State Headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Location On Speedwell Forge Lake Mailing address: P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673

You have a fishing friend in Pennsylvania