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/ AN IMPORTANT MEETING
A bout a month ago, while visiting with Senators Heinz and Simpson (Wyoming), my complaints about the policies of Secretary of Interior James Watt inspired our senior U.S. Senator to arrange a meeting with Secretary Watt for a number of persons in Pennsylvania with concerns about conservation of natural resources. The breakfast meeting was ar ranged for July 30, and along with members from the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, the Sierra Club, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, National Audubon Society, and an out door writer, we had one and one-half hours to question Secretary James Watt and comment on his replies. The most serious questions were related to the reauthorization of the Air Quality Act, the lack of effective federal enforcement of the Surface Mining Act and the cuts in funds for tra ditional conservation agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Mr. Watt's answers were not always satisfying. He admitted that he must be evasive about the Air Quality Act because the Administration's position had not yet been announced, but did promise that he and his allies were not out to "gut" the Air Quality Act. The leaked version of the Administration's position is frightening, and if it is a true picture of what they will be proposing, we are in for over 120 changes in the present Act. Our fears about the increase in air pollution that can be a cause of acid precipitation would be realized. The Secretary wants more specific information on some things, and some of us agreed to get that for him. It was interesting that on the way back from Washington there seemed to be a consensus in our car that we had not seriously impacted the Secretary of Interior—that he had listened polite ly, but spoke only in generalities of being "in the mainstream of the conservation movement". We had a strong feeling that we had not, in our meeting, changed his mind in any way. We did agree that the criticisms which he has attracted are justified and are having their effect, as he complained bitterly about not being understood. Our other observation was that all was not lost, but that we had made a significant impact on the two United States Senators from Pennsylvania who sat in on the meeting. Senator Heinz joined in many of the questions, indicating a sincere concern, and reconfirmed these viewpoints two nights later at the annual meeting of the Pennsyl vania Council of Trout Unlimited. There are very few organizations left that are affiliated in any way with the conservation movement that have not outrightly condemned James Watt and asked the President to remove him from office. After we have supplied the Secretary with the details he requested, we will evaluate his reaction and draw our conclusions. We're still trying to remain objective.
Ralph W. Abele Executive Director Pennsylvania Angl Pennsylvania's Official Fishing & Boating Magazine
Published Monthly by the PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Richard L. Thornburgh, Governor
MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION
Leonard A. Green, President Carlisle Walter F. Gibbs, Vice President Reno John A. Hugya Johnstown Robert L. Martin Beliefonte Ross J. Huhn Saltsburg Jerome E. Southerton Honesdale Calvin J. Kern Whitehall J. Wayne Yorks Benton
MEMBERS OF THE BOATING ADVISORY BOARD Clayton Buchanan, Chairman Pittsburgh Nicholas Apfl Fairless Hills Sherwood Krum Hawley Charles Chattaway Monongahela Leon Lyon Belief onte
Volume 50—No. 9 CONTENTS September 1981 Leaky Boots—Letters from our Readers 2 Acid Mine Drainage by David R. Thompson 4 Bass Fly For Pickerel by Don Shiner 6 Do It Yourself Taxidermy by Wes Bower 8 Chinese Needlework by Martin A. De Harte 10 Susky Smallmouths by Sam Slaymaker 12 Lake Erie Salmon by Charlie Heidecker 17 Erie Salmon; The Other Side Of The Coin by Jay Zack 18 Autumn Bass Beckon by Jeff Mulhollem 20 "My Stream" by Dave Wolf 21 Froggin' by Kermit Henning 24 Take A Boy Fishing by Jim Hayes 26 Notes from the streams 30 The Angler's Notebook 32 Our Covers Front Cover Bill Naron admires a six-and-a-half pound largemouth, taken in early fall. Bill has experi enced many a successful day when the chill of autumn activates the bass's feeding. Photo by Gerald Almy. Back Cover A last glimpse of summer, caught in all its beauty by Tim Bennett. Rhode Falls in Sullivan County provides the setting.
Lou Hoffman, Editor—Dave Wolf, Managing Editor
POSTMASTER: All 3579 forms to be returned to the office of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Jhe Pennsylvania Angler, (ISSN 0031-434X), Copyright 1981, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 3532 Walnut Street, tjarrisburgHa , Pennsylvania. Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and at additional mailing offices. Subscription rates:
2 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE** INDOOR-OUTDOOR gest trout have been caught from Septem the stories of all the nice things that hap ber to February. Proudest was my 23!^- pen to Pennsylvania fishermen and I said, Perhaps some of the Angler readers inch, 5%-pound rainbow in Fishing "I'll bet someone will return it if they could benefit from a discovery I made Creek, along with several 16-17 inch find it." Sure enough, I was hardly sur sometime back. brooks and a few 18-inch browns. prised when it was returned to me by a Prior to making this discovery, my feet On the closing February date for the Dave Fredendall of Montrose. were my worst hunting, fishing and gen last two seasons, I also lucKed out with a My thanks to him and my thanks to eral walking handicap. They would 19-inch brown trout last season and a 17- your magazine. sweat, burned, etc. Name the insole and I inch brookie, both taken from the snowy ROBERT E. STEVENS have used it. But, they all had their draw and icy banks of Bowmans Creek. All my Binghamton, New York backs. Some wrinkled, some shrunk, difficult, large trout were netted, of some were every place on the bottom of course, by my fishing partner, Al (Freight the foot, some become soggy from sweat, Train) Kimelewski, another fishing fana tic. etc. I cut my insoles from many types of LOST AND FOUND materials. Still not much help! E.J. SHEDLOWSKI MSGT(USAF — Ret) Finally, I made a pair from indoor-out Edwardsville My wife and I were fishing at Pymatun- door carpet and you can't believe what a ing Lake and we found a batch of fishing fantastic insole this makes. Contrary to rods and reels that someone left behind. what one might assume, they do not take We hope the owners read your Pennsylva up as much space. NICE THINGS nia Angler so they can get them back with Use the indoor-outdoor carpet with a little identification. Thank you. sponge rubber backing and short nap. I lost my Pennsylvania fishing license MICHAEL GIROSKI Place in foot gear with sponge rubber on opening day while fishing Silver 409 S. Neshannock Road down and nap next to foot. To cut I re Creek. When I discovered it was gone, I Hermintage, Pa. 16148 moved an insole from a shoe and traced it remembered reading in Leaky Boots all 412-347-1720 on the foam side with felt pen, turn the templet over and do likewise for the op posite foot. It is well to cut them a wee bit °n the large side, you can always trim a little off if too large. That's all there is to it. RALPH S. VAUGHN Saegertown Fish Tumors by Cecil R. Houser Fisheries Technician MORE LOST & FOUND very year Fish Commission per ers, do not spread, and do not form On the evening of July 12, 1981 we sonnel receive inquiries from new growth on other parts of the found two rods and reels at the launching E ramp at Shohola Lake. We placed a no fishermen regarding certain abnorm body. In this group are found epithe tice at the ramp and have not heard from al growths on or inside fish which liomas (those on the skin), myomas the person who left the rods. they have caught. The common ques (of muscle tissue) and melanomas I am writing to you hoping you can tions that they ask are; what is it, (having to do with the pigment-caus Place an item in your column and in this what caused it, and is it harmful to ing darkening or discoloration of the way the owner can write to me with his me if I eat it? These growths are usu skin). n ame and address and telephone number. ally tumors which can be defined as The second type which are usually I am hoping the person or one of his abnormal masses of tissue or swelling rare are the malignant tumors, which Wends reads this and we can return this e of a part of the body, with the most are characterized by rapid growth and quipment to its rightful owner. common types occurring on the skin. spread to other tissues or body parts. WILLIAM C.SMITH Box 922, R. D. #1 In some cases, the tumors may just Found in this group are carcinomas Boyertown, Pa. 19512 be small growths limited to one area. (of the skin), hepatomas (of the liver) Others cover more of the body, may and sarcomas (of bone, cartilage and be quite large and cause the fish to be connective tissue). unsightly, most fishermen discard Tumors can be found on or in B'GGESTTROUT their catch of this nature in the brush. many species of freshwater fish such Tumors of fish are divided into two as trout, salmon, bullheads, walleye, Enclosed is a check for $10.00 to renew categories and are classified accord sunfish and even among aquarium j"y Pennsylvania Angler for another ing to the type of tissue or organ in fish. r " ee years. This should insure my receipt volved and how they develop. Dissec What causes these tumorous 01 the Angler until June 1989. Thank you 0r a tion and study of affected tissue is growths? There are several things truly outstanding publication. necessary for proper identification. which have been studied and found to Also, sincere thanks to the Commission The most common form found on be contributing factors, the foremost embers who extended trout season until e last day of February. Most of my big fishes in Pennsylvania are the benign Com. on page 28 tumors, those which are slow grow-
SEPTEMBER— 1981 3 Acid Mine Drainage
by David R. Thompson cid mine drainage is Pennsylva approximately 9,000 miles, more than cant, but it's not. Small creeks flow A nia's worst water pollution any other state. into larger waters, polluting them as problem. It is concentrated in south Some of these miles are virtually well. In Tioga County, Morris Run is western and northeastern counties dead, pollution victims. Other waters such a creek. It is extremely polluted but nearly all regions are blemished are ailing and receiving no treatment by drainage from an old deep mine. A by it. while still others are being doctored, Tioga County conservationist says a Acid mine drainage is a vile dis and healed, by new and encouraging mound of burned coal called "red charge that flows from the bowels of programs and techniques designed to dog" beside the run puts a lot of sedi Mother Earth when coal is mined improve water quality. ment and acid into the water. Morris without environmental safeguards. Acid mine drainage can cause a wa Run flows into the Tioga River where Coal seams and surrounding beds terway to become too acidic to sup there's a recreation area that's being contain iron pyrites which when ex port most life by changing a stream's affected by this pollution. Fortunate posed to oxygen and water in the min chemistry. Sheaffer has witnessed a ly, effort is being made to improve ing process undergo a complex series stream made sterile due to acid mine Morris Run. of reactions that yield sulfuric acid. drainage and other pollution. "When Similar pollution problems exist Besides the acid, additional pollu I studied Shamokin Creek in Nor elsewhere. Take the West Branch of tants such as aluminum, iron and thumberland County for my master's the Susquehanna River, for example- other trace metals are released by degree, there was nothing alive in it "The West Branch is a major drain mining and flow with mine water into whatsoever," he recalls. age that is severely affected by mine creeks, rivers and lakes. Other creeks severely polluted by drainage," Sheaffer notes. The river Among those in the state Depart acid drainage in Pennsylvania also is polluted by creeks carrying acid in ment of Environmental Resources are unfit for most life. In some wa to it, and he cites Clearfield Creek as (DER) working to prevent acid mine ters, however, acid-tolerant creatures being among the worst. drainage is Karl Sheaffer, Chief of and plants thrive. They include Most of Pennsylvania's problems the Mine Area Designation Section, bloodworms, mosquitoes, beetles and with acid mine drainage are the result Bureau of Mining and Reclamation. algae. But in terms of fish for recrea of poor coal mining practices. The "Close to twenty percent of the tion — forget it! Clean Streams Act was passed in 1 stream miles here have a legacy of The loss of obscure creeks wasted but there were no environmental re' acid mine pollution," he says. This is by acid mine drainage seems insignifi strictions on the mining industry unti'
4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE*1 the early 1960s and a few mining lution. The Federal Surface Mining notes is that some refuse banks at companies treated acid mine drainage Act of 1977, the Pennsylvania Sur abandoned mines are potential voluntarily. "As a result," Sheaffer face Mining Act and other laws exist sources of additional acid. Today, comments, "We're left with 9,000 to assure environmental protection. mining companies are required to re some miles of polluted streams and Meanwhile, the Fish Commission is claim such areas after mining. They several billion dollars will be needed exploring how to use a federal act are graded and seeded so that water to correct it." whereby certain lands can be desig runs off cleaner ground cover. Now that the effects of poor min nated unsuitable for mining. "We're When the miles of acid polluted ing practices are apparent, legislation searching for unique, exceptional streams in the state are considered, is being tailored and funds earmarked fisheries where we don't want the wa the severity of Pennsylvania's prob to prevent continued abuses and cor tershed disturbed," Marcinko ex lems appear awesome. In fact, the rect existing problems. DER's Bureau plains. "Some wilderness trout U.S. Bureau of Mines studied aban of Water Quality Manager and Bu streams have coal on their water doned coal mine problems in the na reau of Mining Reclamation and the sheds, so we're looking at them to see tion and concluded that one-third of Fish Commission carefully review if we want to petition them unsuitable the nation's problems from aban applications for mining permits, with for mining under the law." doned coal mines exist in Pennsylva DER being the permitting agency. Coal companies face many envi nia. Marty Marcinko, a fisheries biol ronmental restrictions, enough that Pennsylvania, however, hasn't ogist, is the Fish Commission's repre pollution should be prevented. There been idle and weeping over her pollu sentative at Bellefonte who reviews is no guarantee, however, that a com tion problems with a defeatist's atti mining applications. Currently, there pany receiving a permit to mine will tude. "Pennsylvania is a leader in the are many applications and waterways obey laws designated to minimize wa country in acid mine drainage work," patrolmen share in the review proc ter pollution. Although DER's min Fowler points out. The state has ac ess. They may choose to perform a ing laws enforcement offices are quired expertise in this field and even field review before responding on an understaffed, an inspector is assigned assisted in developing federal regula application. Marcinko says, "They to each mine. As a result, polluters tions. tell if the stream is stocked or con are prosecuted. Earlier this year, for Pennsylvania became involved in tains aquatic life, if there is a public instance, a Butler County mining abandoned mine reclamation in the water supply nearby and describe firm pleaded guilty to 56 violations of 1950s. This led to enactment of the public recreation facilities. They also the state's Surface Mining Act and Land and Water Conservation and report if there's been an acid mine the Clean Streams Law. "In Pennsyl Reclamation Act of 1968 which was a drainage problem during previous vania, we've got good and bad miners landmark law in the nation. It au mining or reclamation in the water just as there are good and bad in any thorized a state bond issue for fund shed." industry," Sheaffer comments. ing mine drainage abatement work Marcinko continues the review by In 1972, the state passed the most plus other abandoned mine problems. studying the stream and learning stringent mining law in the country, Following passage of the Act in more about the kind of fishery it is. the All Surface Mining Act for active 1968, Pennsylvania's Abandoned "I compile information received mines. The law requires post-mining Mine Reclamation Program was de from the area fisheries managers' bio seeps to be treated so that a mine veloped. The 1968 Act designated logical surveys and try to judge its im operator doesn't leave a site that is $200,000,000 in bonding authority portance and recreational value. We discharging acid. "It's not unusual to for a variety of reclamation projects provide information to DER about stop an operator and have him cor and part of this money is still being the stream and recommend environ rect a problem," Sheaffer says. "He used. Of this amount, $150,000,000 mental safeguards. These safeguards may or may not be fined; the main was earmarked specifically for acid should be implemented at the mining thing is correcting the problem." mine drainage, the most pressing en site." Another DER representative in vironmental problem. Such safeguards might include a close touch with acid mine drainage By late last year there were 425 100-foot buffer zone between mining difficulties and the state's efforts to projects under the program. Re and the waterway as required by the alleviate them is Donald E. Fowler, claimed strip mine land totaled 3500 Federal Surface Mining Act. If acid Special Assistant for Land and Wa acres and 250 miles of streams had discharge is a problem, putting a con ter, Office of Resource Management. been cleaned or improved. Fowler tinuous liming device on the stream "The old, abandoned deep mines are points out that Rausch Creek in may be suggested to improve the acid the worst problem, especially in the Schuylkill County, which formerly ly. Another option is to direct the anthracite areas in northeastern was polluted by deep mine drainage, acid discharge to a different area of Pennsylvania," he notes. He points now has a sophisticated lime treat the watershed — if this is feasible. out ferric hydroxide (called "yellow ment plant that neutralizes acid and "The application review process is boy") as the compound that coats the removes iron from the water. Conse our principal effort in preventing new stream bottom and gives the water a quently, downstream water has im purees of acid mine drainage," Mar- yellow or red appearance. Such proved and trout are stocked in Pine cinko says. Under the present permit waters also usually contain extreme Creek which is fed by Rausch Creek. ting system, he believes streams could acid pollution. "We probably would not be able to De protected from future mining pol- Another problem which Fowler Cont. on page 28 SEPTEMBER— 1981 5 Bass Fly For Pickerel
•by Don Shiner e could be mistaken, but from bass fly" to be designed. Not to much The wind-whipped water made it W a layman's point of view, surprise in ponds and lakes where the difficult to control the canoe and get chain-pickerel and bass inhabiting the two species co-exist, the pattern has in an occasional cast. The wind be same pond exhibit antagonistic be proven persuasive on the pickerel came so strong that we gave up cast havior, bordering on genecide, be clan. ing, and settled on trolling. To make tween them. Our first attempt for pickerel with headway at all, we set the bow into This behavior may not threaten this new pattern came early last fall the wind and revved the electric to either species with extinction, but by during a raw October day. The two of full 15-pounds thrust. observing the events in ponds, there is us launched our canoe on Goulds- At one point, as we moved across a evidence that suggests it exists. boro Lake in Monroe County. We cove, I veered the canoe sharply to Chain-pickerel lash out at passing ju planned to put our "chain-pickerel vs avoid hitting a stump. My rod venile bass, sending schools into bass" theory to a test on this 255 acre bounced against the gunwale, and I panic. The reverse is commonplace as lake. We lined up spinning rods, tied had hooked into a good size fish. well. Bass hunt in weed cover and at on spinners and fitted them with As my partner stabilized the canoe, tack young pickerel; even some of "little bass fly" patterns. I played the fish into my net. The their own hiding there. The day began calmly. But within chain-pickerel measured almost an It is this antagonism between these the hour a front moved in, accom arm's length. predators that prompted the "little panied by a strong northwest wind. Three more pickerel, of lesser size,
6 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER sank teeth into our "little bass fly" quite easy to tie, even among those white under carriage of bass. Finish bucktails during the next hour. By who have not fleshed out many pre off by winding thread into a nicely then a heavy snow-squall set in, the vious flies. tapered head and knotting. kind that frequently occurs in Octo Suggested hook size is 4/0 or 5/0, Add the fly to a nickel or silver ber. It dusted our clothing, canoe in 6X long. Those with straight ringed blade in a shape of your choice. terior and gear with its covering of eyes track better behind Indiana or Fly rod buffs who prefer taking white. We finally folded our gear and Willow-leaf blades. pickerel with the long rod, will find drove home. The first step, is to tie two or four this fly effective without the blade. That short outing served one pur saddle hackles, dyed black, for the Cast it toward weed cover and re pose. It revealed that our bass-pat tail. These should extend an inch or trieve lively to bring pickerel charging terned lures aroused the antagonism so beyond the hook bend. from cover. harbored in Eastern chain-pickerel. Move toward the eye and tie on The tri-color pattern, strongly sug Except for weather, a repeat per small amounts of bucktail, dyed gesting a young bass, really excites formance took place the following black, to represent the lateral line, pickerel. Other patterns with colors week. This time however, a spell of visible as a dark marking on the suggesting walleye, golden shiner and Indian summer weather set in, mak flanks of bass. Add radiant green sucker fry, also are worth using. But ing it a sheer joy to be outdoors bucktail on top of this, and some the "little bass fly" has a lot going among the flaming foliage. white tied beneath to represent the for k for mean-toothed pond fish. We began our day casting bass-pat terned bucktails into those weedy places denied us previously by the wind. We floated a short distance when a hefty pickerel lashed out from the weed cover. Another struck a few minutes later. My partner, using the same lure arrangement, brought up a four-pound bass. Nothing more stirred until almost noon. We were prepared to go ashore for lunch when the fish went mad. Both of us hooked fish at the same time, on three different occasions within a few brief minutes! Then for one reason or another, the action sub sided. Those brief moments did prove however that pickerel will lash out vengefully at bass-patterned flies. We may have done as well with other lures, for when pickerel feed, types of food available is immaterial. Nevertheless, those long bodied fish showed little hesitancy in taking our bass-colored lures. Other outings also revealed to us the effectiveness of bass-colored ties. It even encouraged us to experiment with other patterns. We tied flies with combinations of tan, brown and yel low bucktail, suggestive of the color scheme of walleyes. Our new patterns took northern pike in lakes where the Perch-walleye-pike food chain pre dominates. We tied bucktails in colors to repre sent golden shiners and sucker min nows. All fooled pickerel and pike, Vet, none scored more heavily than the "little bass fly" pattern. Anglers who want to exploit the Senecide tendencies in pickerel should experiment with this' patterned fly. Compared to many patterns, it is
SEPTEMBER 1981 Do It Yourself Taxidermy
Sure, we could get all those "brag- by Wes Bower gin size" fish that we catch mounted professionally by skilled competent or many Pennsylvania outdoor citing that special trip had been the taxidermists, but that would end up Fenthusiasts, fishing is more than time the "big one didn't get away," costing us a bundle. Besides, where an enjoyable hobby; it's almost a way has a way of dimming the memory. would we display all those fish? After of life. When these fish fanatics As the years slip by we seldom re all, a wife has only so much patience. aren't able to get out and along our member, let alone mention, the day Most anglers have only a limited streams or lakes, they're usually of the big happening. And, that's too budget, and the fishing equipment al either anticipating a future trip or re bad! Trophy fish come too few and lotment is usually already overdrawn- miniscing an angling safari of the far between, and their memory Generally, only that once in a life past. shouldn't end as an almost forgotten time trophy ends up as a full size wall Unfortunately, no matter how ex event. mount.
8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE* However, some keystone state ang warm water. Remove excess putty with a nail, lers have discovered a way to make Salting is the next step. Using a toothpick, or other sharp pointed ob every exceptional catch a treasure generous amount of table salt, cover ject. Now apply several more coats of that will be more than just a memory. the inside of the head and neck area. light varnish. These innovative sportsmen have Using thumb tacks or small nails, Next, attach the head to a finely learned to mount their trophy fish temporarily tack the head to an old finished wall panel. Spread the gills heads using a do it yourself method. board or a heavy piece of cardboard. wide and secure them with finished This system is relatively simple, takes A small stick or piece of dowell wood upholstery tacks. You might want to less than two hours total time, and should be used to prop open the consider retiring the lure you took the costs practically nothing. Best of all, mouth to its most impressive looking trophy head on and position it in the it's a lot of fun! Another big plus fac position. Finish the salting process by jaws or attach it to the wall panel next tor is that mounting only the heads sprinkling a heavy coat over the entire to the head, (remove all excess hooks) takes up far less room than does full outer head and in the eye sockets. As a great finish touch, you might size mounts and it still creates the full Make certain that all surfaces are consider purchasing a small metal size impression of your trophy catch. completely covered. Salting while the plaque with your name, date of What fellow fisherman would not be head is still wet allows the preserva catdi, weight, and size of fish. A lo impressed when walking into a den, tive to cling more freely. Place salted cal sporting goods store will probably family room, or even a workshop that head in the sun (and out of reach of be able to order the identification is adorned with so many impressive neighbor's dogs) until it is completely plate for you. catches? dry. Depending on the weather, a When you finally hang the first fin Bill Walters of Huntingdon R.D. week or two is generally sufficient ished piece of do it yourself taxi has taken the project one step time. An indoors winter project will dermy at its place of honor, you'll further. He's involved the entire probably take about 3 to 4 weeks. have the satisfaction of knowing that family. Since Linda, his wife, has Check from time to time, and re you have helped perpetuate the mem been part of do it yourself taxidermy, apply salt as needed. Rubbing in the ory of a truly worthy adversary. One she has no reservations about display salt with your fingers in the difficult that you can brag about to your fish ing memoirs of their past fishing areas will help speed the drying proc ing friends whenever they drop by to trips. Since Bill and Linda, as well as ess. visit. The day-to-day observation of their son Scott, are all ardent anglers, your trophy catches also issues to you and all, on occasion, have taken ex a perpetual challenge to beat your ceptional fish, they now work hand- THE TOUGHEST PART OF THE own personal record. Mounting your jn-hand on family trophies. Imagine ENTIRE PROJECT IS CATCHING trophy heads is a way to cherish your if you will, the pleasant fishing mem THE FISH. fishing achievements throughout the ories that the future holds for the years to come. After all, isn't that Walters family. Bill Walters stated that impatience part of what fishing's all about? What is considered a fish worthy of sometimes creates you to rushing the the head ending up as a wall mount? drying process. Be sure the head is That's a personal decision and true completely dry, then brush off the fishing friends would certainly never salt. Making a quick trip to the local Question your determination. Prob service station and using their air hose ably a good rule of thumb would be certainly expedites the job. A small trout in the 20 inch class, five pound stiff brush also helps this effort. Next bass and walleye; and most certain wash head gently in water to remove ly, any legal size muskies. Any catch all the salt residue. Soak in a white that impresses you is an excellent can gas bath; then immerse for a few min didate for the trophy board. If any utes in water with a mild detergent Pennsylvania fish lends itself to this added. Let head dry for a couple of home project, muskies, with their days in the hot sun, then varnish. Sev terocious look, are certainly true con eral coats of light spar varnish rather tenders. than one or two heavy applications The toughest part of this entire makes for a better job. Let varnish Project is catching the fish. Once that dry thoroughly between coats. ls accomplished, you're ready to be- To set the eyes; you might wish to ln j» - First sever the head from the purchase a pair from a local taxi body. Make the cut directly behind dermist or order through a supply 'he gill covers. Carefully remove the catalogue, (measure eye sockets so e Ves from their sockets. Scrape and that you get proper size) They do add cl ean the area where the backbone is a professional touch. However, you connected to the neck. Try to cut out can use dark green transparent mar he spine as close to the head as is bles or a flat button. Fill the eye Possible. When this is completed, sockets about V, full of putty. While w ash and soak head thoroughly in still soft, position marbles in place.
SEPTEMBER — 1981 <> Chinese Needlework
by Martin A. De Harte If you have ever gone fishing and had the misfortune of getting a fish hook embedded in your skin, you know how painful the removal can be. If medical assistance was avail able, minor surgery was required to extract it, right? Unknown to most American doc tors and fishermen, there is a simple, painless procedure for removing a fish hook that does not require cut ting the flesh or forcibly pulling it out. Nor does it leave a scar if prop erly done. The Chinese have used the following method for hundreds of years. First you'll need a bottle of antisep tic. Then a round darning needle, slightly larger than the diameter of the embedded hook. The point of the Apply antiseptic around area of penetration. needle must be rounded, because if the point is sharp it will make a new hole. Dunk the needle into the bottle of antiseptic to sterilize it. Apply some of the iodine (or whatever) to the wound made by the hook. Insert the darning needle alongside the hook (as shown in photo) until it is as deep as the point of the hook. Now rotate the needle counterclockwise all the way back to the barb. You should now be able to easily withdraw the hook. You can practice this method with a pork chop or steak. After a few tries you will gain confidence in the art of Chinese Needlework. By the way, if you do get a hook in your flesh, be sure to check and see if you're due a tetanus shot. Tetanus is one affliction not to be taken lightly.
Select a darning needle that has a rounded point. The diameter should be a little larger than that of the embedded hook. Don't forget to sterilize the needle.
10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Insert the darning needle alongside the hook. Now you can painlessly withdraw the hook. The needle should be a deep as the point of the hook. National Hunting & Fishing Day— "A Day for Years to Come/' September 26, 1981, will mark the 10th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day — "A Day for Years to Come." The theme of this 10th celebration, "A Day for Years to Come," focuses on the importance sportsmen play in the success of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Over the past decade, thousands of sportsmen have volunteered their time to organize NHF Day activities and to tell non-sportsmen about the need for conserva tion and the necessary role hunters and fishermen play in America's conservation efforts. To learn what you can do — from talking with a neighbor about conservation to organizing a poster con test or the largest NHF Day program ever in your state — write to National Hunting and Fishing Day, 1075 Post Road, Riverside, CT 06878. Rotate the needle counterclockwise back to the barb. This will free the flesh being held by the barb.
SEPTEMBER — 1981 11 Susky Smallmouths by Sam Slaymaker s unbelievable as it's regretable to flag. With the advent of bass sea know) agree. A is the fact that Pennsylvania riv son many — if not most — Pennsyl Fly anglers in particular are crea ers are so lightly fished during vania anglers head for ponds, lakes, tures of habit. While bait and lure autumn months. Scan the pastoral impoundments and rivers. But when fishermen frequent Pennsylvania riv reaches of, say, the Juniata or Sus the passing of dog days is heralded by ers in summer months, practitioners quehanna on a mid-September after flaming foliage and gamefish begin of the long rod are rarely on them at noon and you will be hard put to lo ning to feed heavily, many a boat is any time! The reason behind this phe cate fishermen — save the occasional berthed and a lot of tackle gets stored nomena is obvious when the evolu solitary musky angler, slow-trolling for the winter. It's time to prepare for tion of the art of fly angling is consid in mid-river. hunting season! ered. This woeful situation probably ob Admittedly, I'm generalizing. For For 500 years angling literature has tains because anglers are especially there are exceptions. Increasing num centered principally on fly fishing for prone to be creatures of habit. Win bers of retirees, for example, are fish trout in streams. Like golf, the sport tertime-induced "cabin fever" pro ing virtually year 'round. But were it of fly fishing was an "import" from duces an overriding urge to be on- possible to measure fishing pressure the United Kingdom in the early 19th stream for the first day of trout sea on Pennsylvania's most productive century. It was natural, then for son in April, no matter how incle rivers during the fall, my overall con American fly fishers to ape their ment the weather. By late spring in tention would surely be born out. British cousins by concentrating on terest in stream fishing for trout tends Waterways Patrolmen (who should trout streams rather than lakes and
12 PENNSYLVANIA A N G L E K rivers. Obviously, some Americans fly fished for other game fish. And by the mid 20th century fly fishing for bass with streamers and surface lures gained in popularity. Generally, though, the vast majority of fly ang lers equated flies with trout as they did bacon with eggs. This situation persists to the present. Look at any catalog from a fly angling mail order house and note the heavy preponder ance of trout flies to bass bugs! It's a crying shame that so many Pennsylvania fly fishermen got into this rut. For those who continue in it miss a lot of exciting and very easy to come by action. And they penalize themselves by shortening the days of their fishing years. The Keystone State's rivers contain large quantities of game and panfish which will very readily take flies — more readily, indeed, than the hyper- finicky trout: bluegills, red-breasted sunfish, crappie, rock bass, pickerel, largemouth bass and those primier river battlers, smallmouth bass — alias "bronzebacks." There are long stretches of many Pennsylvania rivers which can be waded. Invariably, these areas are completely devoid of other fisher men, especially during late summer and fall when, as was noted, fishing action peaks. This is precisely the time when our trout streams are often very low and difficult to fish. This past season is a perfect case in Point. Instead of storing their tackle come late summer, fly anglers are well advised to wade rivers for species other than trout, particularly for un sophisticated and acrobatically in clined smallmouth bass. By doing so they can savor the pleasures of fishing moving water in virtual solitude, ex perience superb action and greatly ex tend a fishing year—through late Oc tober or early November when falling Water temperatures cause feeding to slack off. The fact that after too many years I finally embraced fly fishing Pennsyl- vania rivers, I owe entirely to John Rex, a youthful senior citizen of Camp Hill. John, a recent retiree trom Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Resources, is an expe rienced salmon and trout angler who nas also fly fished for Susquehanna smallmouth for many years. On a crisp fall day in 1977,1 joined
SEPTEMBER — wsi him on a wading safari for Susque were cleansed to the extent that they Like many small stream trout fish hanna smallmouth which turned out are today. ermen, I unconsciously penalized my to be a landmark occasion in my ang In very short order I made repeated self on beginning to fly fish a large ling life. We parked along Rts. 11 and fly rodding safaris for Susky small river. By way of alerting you to my 15 near Perdix, hiked across the rail mouth. There are many accessable errors, I am enumerating some road tracks and down a steep em areas between Marysville and Selins- "do's" and "don'ts" which might bankment to the river. The tableau grove; so many that I've never ven prove helpful: was strikingly scenic and, for an in tured farther north where there are 1. Small streams are conducive to veterate stream fisherman, enticing in surely other wadeable hot-spots. I al almost continuous wading because it the extreme. From our west shore ways seek riffled and shallow pocket doesn't take long to fish individual vantage point we viewed an expanse water. It's easy and more interesting stretches. Out of habit I did much un of rock-pocked shallows extending to to fish than long expanses of flat wa necessary "hiking." What with the the east shore where the village of ter. And more productive, too. For Susquehanna's immense areas of Dauphin was evidenced by a milk- bronzebacks dearly love well riffled pocket water, it's not requisite to white church tower glistening in and areated water. It's conducive to wade a lot. You can stand in one spot bright early morning sunlight. A deep dislodging crayfish and rendering for extended periods and sample a blue sky was reflected on uncommon them more helpless. Not to mention plethora of pockets within easy cast ly clear water, fast flowing over rock- that broken water helps to activate ing distances. strewn gravel beds. John kicked a streamers and surface poppers, ren 2. Use an 8 or 9-foot rod. There's couple of rocks and a crayfish tum dering them more tantalizing to fish. no tree cover to contend with so a bled awkwardly into the current. He noted that the river's progressive *• clean-up is responsible for growing numbers of crayfish. So it's little IM wonder that smallmouth populations ,9" ^^T*^f- are also waxing. This fact soon be came obvious. After several casts, John's streamer was smashed by a foot-long bronze- back. While the fish was performing aerobatics, another smaller one took my streamer in a water-breaking cart wheel. Since few fish were rising to feed, we stuck to streamers (un weighted) fished just under the sur face, because there were few spots deeper than four or five feet. Late in the afternoon a hatch of grey may flies began coming off the water, and some bass began surface feeding. Un like trout, which can often be highly selective, smallmouth will rise to vir tually any surface lure. We switched to small fly rod poppers and immedi ately started taking fish. John Rex and I fished for six hours and caught and released 75 legal size bronzebacks. In almost 40 years of fly fishing I can recall few experiences to equal this one, with respect to sus tained and exciting action. And it oc curred almost within sight of the Cap itol dome in Harrisburg! It's said by many knowledgeable anglers that the Susquehanna and Juniata are two of the best smallmouth rivers in America. This, of course, is debat able. But it's a sure thing that it makes little sense to journey as far as Ontario in quest of smallmouth bass, as I and many others did years ago, Not all Susquehanna smallmouth are taken on flyfishing gear, but here isf6 before these two magnificent rivers that nice ones do exist.
14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE shorter rod is not needed. Besides be 6. Always use felt soled waders; When line has all paid out and the ing easier on your casting arm, a long not boots. While you should stick to popper swings against the current, I rod permits you to cover more water shallow water, there are times when manipulate it a bit before retrieving with less casting. you will want to fish a fetching look for the next cast. 3. Be sure to use backing for your ing spot from waist high water. Boots I favor feathered streamers (as op line. While most of the bass range make doing so impossible. Felt soles posed to bucktails) because the pul from 8 to 14 inches, you will occa are a tremendous boon in reducing sating feathers are terrific fish attrac- sionally get hit by a two-pounder. possibilities of slipping. tors. While deer hair bass bugs float These spectacular battlers can be 7. Carefully examine water ahead well, they can get water logged after prone to run out all of your line. A before wading into it. Never enter wa long use. Not so poppers with cork or two and a half pounder did just that ter of questionable depth. If you are plastic bodies. to me when I had no backing, and I faced with such a stretch, back almost lost him. I use an eight-foot up — moving through water already I used to fish streamers in the graphite stick, a 3% inch (diameter) traversed — and go around the deep morning and poppers in the after reel, 30 feet of backing and WF8F spot through shallows. They are al noon, when warming sun sometimes bug taper line. ways easy to find in pocket-ridden brings on insect hatches and rising 4. Wear a flotation vest. Some are stretches. bass. During recent months, how available with tackle pockets. While 8. From late October and into No ever, I've discovered that poppers are you will be wading shallow water, it is vember always check the water's tem good anytime; the reason being that possible to fall into a swift current. perature before fishing. Smallmouth in shallow pockets bass don't have far Particularly if you are alone, a vest of feed best in water from 60 to 70 de to rise. In other words, poppers can this sort is a "must." grees. I once fished unsuccessfully for attract as readily as streamers. By the 5. This injunction is in the "do as I a couple of hours and then used by same token, streamer strikes can of say and not as I do" category. A wad thermometer and found the water to ten be as spectacular as those evoked ing staff can be helpful. I haven't got be 48 degrees! by poppers because you're fishing ten one as yet, but it's on my Christ * * * very shallow water. mas gift list for 1981! Now and again I fish streamers in the standard Since taking to Susky smallmouth you might step on a round rock which down-stream quartering fashion and during autumn months, I'm doing is as slippery as the proverbial can- "tease" them into likely looking more fly fishing than ever before; and nonball. Experienced river waders tell pockets. When using a popper I cast in virtual solitude, when flaming foli me that it's easy to "feel your way at a 90-degree angle, permit it to drift age and clean, cool air renders Penn's along" with a wading staff. down river and impart a few twitches. Woods at their sylvan best!
SEPTEMBER 1981 15 _f**™»
. • •: •••••. A Lake Erie Salmon
by Charlie Heidecker omething new has been added to After a good night's sleep, we were possible to fish in the heavy waters. S the Pennsylvania fishing scene in up early and off to the marina for The next day, waters calmed and the last few years — something so some of that fabled salmon fishing. fishing improved, and our two-day new and exciting that many will have Our host, Bob Chandler, quickly trip ended with a score of eight sal to learn a completely different way of introduced us to down riggers. The mon taken by the two boats. fishing. The Lake Erie salmon run "down riggers" have a weight of ten In a few weeks the salmon would has started and taken hold in a big pounds attached to a cable on a spool be moving toward the shoreline and way, and it is nothing but good news which is connected to the boat rails. then up the creeks on their spawning for fishermen. Just above the weight is a quick-re run. When fish move into shallow The Pennsylvania Fish Commis lease device for the line. With about water in great numbers, they are sion deserves all the credit for the suc ten feet of line trailing the quick re taken near the surface without the use cess of the fisheries program along lease, the weight can be lowered to of heavy weight. the shores of Lake Erie. As early as the desired fishing depth. When a fish The shore along the access areas is July, salmon are being caught in the strikes, the line is released from the lined with salmon fishermen as the deeper water, five to 14 miles off the quick release and the fisherman can run peaks and salmon enter the shoreline. The run increases until the take up the slack and set the hook be creeks. Fishing can be fantastic at this fish enter the tributaries in October. fore old Mr. Salmon throws it. time as well. Salmon will not spawn in these Lures used were varied, among No matter when you plan your trip, tributaries, so the fish commission them Speed Shads, Mepps spoons, salmon fishing on Erie, conditions traps thems, artificially propagates Jensen flutter spoons, all fluorescent permitting can be nothing short of the fish, then returns the smolts after in color, were used to attract the wary fantastic. they are hatched. Although this salmon. Many times a "wobbler" is Anyone planning a fishing trip to stocking might seem futile in a lake used in front of the lure in an extra ef Lake Erie should be cautioned that the size of Erie, the salmon always re fort to attract fish. the lake can be rough and boating is turn to the tributary where they were Once aboard Bob Chandler's boat out of the question. Making a trip at hatched. Fishermen can rest assured "Tight Line" we headed out of the this time is a waste of time and gaso that all the monies spent on this pro harbor and into the rough open wa line. But for those who find good gram will give returns in the form of ter. There we intently watched the weather and calm waters, it can be an great fishing. fish finder and saw schools of bait experience of a lifetime. To assure Coho salmon have a three-year life fish and drop-offs where our guide, good fishing conditions, it is best to cycle, but the run always includes Jerry Sedney, noted salmon like to call ahead. younger "jacks." The record coho is hang out. He had no sooner said that For up-to-date reports on fishing a 31 Vi inch, 12 pound fish caught in when the fish finder revealed a school and weather conditions on the lake, the Walnut Creek area in 1977. The of salmon. there's a 24-hour telephone hot line in top chinook salmon is a 40 % inch 22 !4 Our lines were attached to the operation. The number is 1-814-833- pounder caught in the Elk Creek wa down riggers and our trolling started 2377. ters. These records are expected to be with the lures at 65 feet. Soon we had If you have the time to pre-plan shattered as more and more fisher a "knock off" (fish strike) and our your trip write to the Erie Tourist and men learn the secrets Of salmon fish quarry was off and running. Slack Convention Bureau, 1006 State ing. line had to be reeled up and the hook Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501. The Walnut Creek access is the had to be set within seconds, before They will send you maps, places to most used by fishermen and by far the salmon could spit out the lure. eat and stay, to make your trip to this one of the most popular in the state. After four knock offs and no fish we area enjoyable. Paved parking lots and concrete boat had to settle down. Bob took the next If you have your own boat write to ramps can be used to launch up to six strike and sure enough, he pulled in a the Pennsylvania Fish Commission boats at any one time. This fine com young "jack" salmon. P. O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pa. mission facility is surely something The waters were rough, with swells 17120 and they will be happy to fur we can all be proud of. from two to 12 feet. After several nish you with information about sal Our 380-mile trip to Erie from hours we had to yield to Mother Na mon fishing in this part of the coun Coopersburg Pa. took just 7/2 hours. ture simply because it was almost im try.
SEPTEMBER— i98i 17 Lake Erie Salmon; The other side of the coin by Jay Zack this southcentral Pennsylvania impoundment until April, As late summer approaches, the Lake Erie shore area 1980 when he became a Waterways Patrolman. While undergoes certain subtle changes. Traffic picks up and stationed at Raystown Lake as a ranger, he served as a fishermen start crowding the beaches; merchants and volunteer Deputy Waterways Patrolman. local businessmen seem possessed with a sense of For Moore and other local Fish Commission urgency. Everywhere you go, a feeling of intense representatives, the salmon run begins long before the anticipation permeates the region. Then, as if by some first fish heads inland. Weeks prior to the big event, his magical signal, the big happening explodes. The word phone rings constantly with inquiries concerning what goes out, slowly at first, almost an imperceptible may be Pennsylvania's biggest fishing event. whisper. It quickly builds to a crescendoing shout: The As the local source to the news media, the Waterways Salmon are running. Patrolman receives requests for information, official The salmon run usually begins with the chinooks; they statements, and quotes. Inquiries are received from begin to head inland around mid-August. The chinooks newspapers, radio, and TV stations which extend to are followed closely by the steelheads. Finally, in mid- several bordering states. As salmon fever grips the local September, the popular coho start their final run. Once communities, requests for personal appearances at the run begins, until mid-November local salmon Sportsmen's clubs, civic, church groups, and schools streams, particularly Walnut Creek, will be major further increase his work load. centers of discussion. The salmon run means many Other duties accelerate. Janitorial and social services things to many people. To the enthusiastic anglers who becomes an increased burden. As the access areas flood the area, their fishing fever borders almost on the become more crowded, the need to coordinate these realm of fanaticism. To the local merchants, it's an important functions becomes a time consuming task. opportunity to turn a mediocre business year into a Picking up his daily mail, he is burdened with inquiries profitable venture. To certain landowners around some concerning motels, best fishing equipment and the best of the more popular fishing areas, it's a frustrating time to visit Erie. Even school children often write, period of dealing with unwelcome visitors. There's no requesting information for reports they are doing on the question that this annual salmon migration alters the life salmon run. Each piece of correspondence must be of many people. However, there's no question that this answered. fishing phenomena affects the life of the Fish The project of scheduling deputies and coordinating Commission's local Waterways Patrolmen more than it their patrols is a time consuming task. Most work full does any other person. For one of them, Gary Moore, time at other occupations, arranging and planning their the salmon run literally becomes a way of life. His work schedule is an ongoing problem. experiences are truly the other side of the coin. Gary has nothing but praise for his deputies. "These Waterways Patrolman Moore is a comparative are truly the unsung heroes of the salmon run. With me newcomer as the local Fish Commission representative. it's my full time occupation and my means of support. He has spent only one complete season on the shores of But with them it's a service volunteered because they're this great lake fishing Utopia. Yet, he is more than doing something they believe in! I can't say enough competent to speak of the situation. Having already about these guys. The same thing holds true for the gone through one salmon run, Gary has literally received Walnut Creek security officers." his baptism under fire. The salmon run causes many out of the ordinary The 31 year old Moore is well suited for his job. A duties. Meeting with local law enforcement officials former Allegheny County resident, he graduated in 1972 regarding anticipated traffic and parking problems is a from West Virginia University with a degree in fish and weekly affair. Waterways patrolmen coming in from wildlife management. He worked for a short period of other sectors of the state to assist during this busy time for a pipeline firm before securing a position with season require motel arrangements in advance at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a ranger. Gary conveniently located establishments. Getting service first served at Berlin Lake in Ohio, then in April, 1974 purchase contracts for meals and other activities involves he transferred to Raystown Lake. Moore remained at a lot of preliminary leg work.
18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER As one group of assigned officers leave at the end of about getting some super salmon they just seem to lose their duty assignment, another batch moves in. The their common sense. Unfortunately, there is also a small weekly occurrence requires an orientation program for minority in which greed is the prevailing factor. the newly arrived officers and a new working plan for Moore and his cohorts always try to enforce the spirit their stay in the area. rather than the letter of the law, but nevertheless settling Handling emergency calls is another time consuming and investigation of numerous cases is the most time task, although an admittedly important one. Many consuming duty Moore is involved in. Serious violations unthinking salmon enthusiasts head for Erie with no idea such as netting, beating, and spearing of salmon are as to where they are going to stay. Sometimes, even given priority attention. when they have motel reservations, they neglect to With all the increased duties involving the salmon run, inform family members. Gary Moore is expected to and certainly doesn't neglect Gary receives calls at home and at the Walnut Creek all the routine duties of his job as a waterways station often relayed to him by local police with a patrolman. The usual daily, weekly, and monthly reports message to have salmon fishermen call home are due at headquarters. He is also expected to handle immediately. A true emergency will involve scouring all other duties involving his entire district. motels, campgrounds, and access areas. Sometimes with If a local water pollution occurs, Moore is obligated meager information, is at times a hopeless task. to give that top status and handle it as a priority "If it's a real bona fide emergency I'm happy to situation. Gary commented, "If a pollution occurs, the perform this service. But sometimes it's pretty chance for a successful conclusion of an investigation frustrating to be asked to spend hours tracking down a often depends on getting to the scene as fast as possible husband to find out the "emergency" back home is that and obtaining proper water samples. Following the the furnace isn't working properly. We try to handle pollution to its point of origin is often time consuming, only calls that are valid emergencies," Gary stated. but when you consider what the long term ramification Most salmon anglers dislike rain. Waterways of contamination can be, it makes sense that it is a Patrolman Moore isn't overjoyed about it either. Heavy priority item." rain always compounds his problems. Traffic jams The list of a waterways patrolman's duties during the develop and Gary receives numerous complaints of salmon run are endless. Exhibits; passing out free fisherman getting their vehicles stuck and digging up literature; monitoring the efforts of commercial private landowners property. The blocking of private fishermen; maintenance of patrol boats and cars; roadways is even a bigger headache to local police activities for National Hunting and Fishing Day; theft of officers. equipment; issuing applications for citation fish; and Much of the Fish Commissioner's problems center much more; these duties add hours to Moore's work around landowners — anglers disputes. A small schedule. percentage of fishermen refuse to respect the rights of While spending time with Gary Moore during the property owners, and disputes often arise. Illegal salmon run, it became quickly apparent that it takes a parking, trespassing and littering cause the most special kind of man to handle all the long hours, headaches. Thoughtless acts like the indiscriminate physical, and mental pressure, and the trials and discarding of items such as cigarette packs, beverage tribulation of this three month period. But more than containers, and salmon innards create much grief. that, it also takes a special kind of wife. In their short "The landowner-angler dispute is a serious problem tenure at Erie, wife Kathy has learned how to handle during the salmon run," Gary told me. "I understand and mini-emergencies alone. In addition to handling the three can appreciate the enthusiasm and zealousness of children and household duties, she becomes equivalent to fishermen, but landowners have certain rights. Some a full time non-paid secretary for her husband/water landowners, perhaps because of past experiences, are ways patrolman. quite belligerent when accosting the errant anglers. It's When asked if she minded, Kathy replied, "Gary is at this point that a controversy is almost certain to happy because he's doing what he believes in and that's erupt." important. But what makes it considerably easier for me However Gary Moore is optimistic that a big share of is that I too believe what he is doing is important the problems can be solved through educating the enough to make the necessary sacrifices." fishermen. He feels that the salmon run is a fairly recent Finally, by mid-November, the Mardi-Gras concept and it will take some time to iron out the atmosphere around Erie begins to diminish. Vacancy problems. signs on motels appear; restaurants are no longer open "Contrary to what you hear or read about salmon around the clock; and during early morning hours, street anglers, many are law abiding, courteous, and respect traffic is sparse. The community of Erie slowly settles the rights of the landowner. It is a small percentage that back into its normal routine. causes a big percentage of the problems," Gary You would think no one would be happier about the commented. new set of circumstances than Gary Moore. Not true! With all the extra duties imposed on Waterways He comments, "It's good to be able to get ready for Patrolman Moore, the most distasteful is the increased Christmas, catch up on household chores, and spend number of violations. According to Gary, "the salmon some time with the family, but I also miss the fun and run brings out the worst in fishermen. "Most violations excitement that comes with the salmon run. For me it's occur because of "salmon fever," anglers are so fanatic become a very special time."
SEPTEMBER— 1981 \9 Autumn Bass Beckon
The fall offers Pennsylvania bass fishermen excellent opportunities in magnificent surroundings. The flaming foliage only made landing these Blair County beauties on a flyrod that much more enjoyable. by Jeff Mulhollem The V-shaped wake had pursued best fishing, and some of the coun anglers to tempt them with all sorts of the streamer five feet before I slowed try's most beautiful foliage and lures from rubber worms to surface the retrieve and the line jerked. scenery. Often, the gamefish that dis bugs — Bait seems to work equally Lifting the flyrod sharply, a 14- appeared and refused to perform on well. inch largemouth bass crashed muggy July and August days, play For those sold on the joys of chal through the pond's calm surface and without an audience in September lenging bass with a flyrod, the fall tailwalked against the fading light of and October. Perhaps for a few of us, provides some of the calendar's most the fall sky. After three impressive that's the best part. One can find exciting sport. While most long-rod jumps and much stubborn resistance, much needed solitude and quiet satis ders prefer surface bugs of deerhair, I silently congratulated the exhausted faction on Commonwealth waters in wood, or sponge-rubber to tempt fish for its valiant efforts and released the autumn. bass, bucktail and streamer flies it. Bass prove especially cooperative fished wet to imitate minnows can What a perfect day, I thought, pad in the fall. During this period of usu spell the difference between an empty dling the old canoe shoreward and re ally low, very clear water, both large- stringer and an active, arm tiring day. flecting on the late September Sunday mouth and smallmouth species seem Bass in many of the crystal clear, afternoon. to frequent surprisingly shallow shallow lakes and streams become For reasons hard to understand, depths and can be located hugging the educated during months of heavy when the air begins to chill and the banks under cover of bushes, trees summer fishing pressure. Often they leaves brighten, many fishermen hang and weeds. disdain surface offerings completely, up their rods and store their gear. It's The cooler air and water temper leaving floating bugs untouched. A entirely possible that they do not atures account for their lively autumn minnow-like feather or bucktail fly know what they are missing. behavior and bass will chase a lure knotted to the finest leader will occa- The fall offers some of the year's spiritedly. This added spunk allows Cont. on page 29
20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER ^ Tim Irwin -J it •:-% ^^^^ 1 ^& * ^m - 1 ^B | \* ; * 4My 1. *i i,Jl ,ll 0 ££ ^SHH %' • •+-1 0 .••*** SEPTEMBER— 1981 21 v N». • Electro fishing on "my stream " has proven that the old adage, "the stream is fished out" is any thing but the truth. incredible, the weather superb, and the hatch worthy. the hole, and for the first time I realized that even when I somehow felt that I was cheating, however, for Fish an excellent hatch is in progress, not every trout in the Commission personnel had revealed unto me and others stream rises. that a healthy population of wild trout resided in these I want to tell you that the fishing was excellent that waters. Oh yes, I had my suspicions, but I never realized evening, because it was. I will not belabor the fact that I that I was underestimating populations of wild trout in took one heck of a number of trout, both brookies and this section of stream, quite grossly. browns that included two over the sixteen inch mark. I As part of the stream classification and inventory fear that borders on bragging and may create undue program that eventually led to the Fish Commission's anticipation to those who care to visit my stream. You new management policy OPERATION FUTURE, Fish see, in all honesty, there have been evenings even in Commission biologists inventoried the Fork. Electro September when I took nary a trout. shocking made many a bystander a believer that the old But more often than not my stream has been kind to adage, "the stream is fished out," is anything but the me. I have witnessed her trout spawning in the truth. headwaters, and I have seen hatches of great magnitude that brought a great number of trout to the top in order to surface feed. September is the icing on the cake, to indulge more Along with the joy, however, I have felt sorrow. I than you should, to go into overtime, and steal one have seen a tremendous amount of silt filter into her more trophy. flow over the years because of poor farming practices. I have found that waters in the lower sectors move about Let's face it, despite the fact that this had long been the trout's tolerance in late summer when a stream my favorite section of stream, the knowledge that I was thermometer registered eighty-five degrees. fishing over more fish than I had ever expected, did help The Fork has even had the audacity to overflow her whet my appetite a bit. banks from time to time, flooding the low-lying cabins It was then, not a quirk of fate, that I lingered longer and homes. Yes, I have seen bass and pickerel encroach than usual over a particular spring hole despite the fact upon what had at one time been superb trout water. I that a half of dozen legal browns had intercepted my have been told that the increasing numbers of stream cahill. The biologist had taken over twenty trout out of splits over her course have helped create water 22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE prove in a court of law, nor do I care to. You see, I am not the only one to call her "my stream," nor am I the first or the last. The Fork lying in the southern sector of Potter County parallels Route 872 and is easily accessible to nearly everyone in the Keystone State. Unlike many fishermen, I am not adverse to sharing her with.you, old and young alike. Rather than selfishly warding off others who might learn "my stream" and realize her worth, I have adopted a new policy, one that, to me at least, makes one heck of a lot of sense. If you have never fished the First Fork and there is a threat to her waters, you will not join me in trying to save her. On the other hand, if you appreciate her as I do, you will leap to her rescue. It is with that in mind that I do not resent sharing a pool or a few trout with you. If you do learn her, even just a little bit, you will take care of her by not littering her banks, or aggravating her landowners, and by obeying the fish laws. "My stream" is your stream and with a little help from the both of us and the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, you, our grandchildren, and I, can fish her waters for a long time to come. Labeling a stream your own may be a bit preposterous, and create a false sense of ownership of something no single person has a right to. But it may also create a better understanding of the resource and what it takes to make it tick. There is more to fishing temperature problems. then merely catching trout, although I quickly admit that Still, I have found the stream to my liking, in fact, I ,it certainly helps, but by adopting a stream of your own, have become so fond of her that I have labeled her "My your fishing and the fishing of the future has a greater Stream," a preposterous label that I can never hope to chance of survival and enhancement than ever before. SEPTEMBER — i98i 23 9,xoaatn }ee by Kermit Henning ticular type of artificial lure is intend any bait in waters where it is not ed to represent and imitate a specific found naturally is not advisable since here's no question in my mind bait. The use of artificials also elimi it is not a natural food for the fish T that the most sure-fire way to nates the hassle of catching (or buy that live there. catch fish is with live bait. Most every ing), storing and transporting live Certainly the most common live game-fish that swims feeds naturally bait as well as keeping it alive. baits are minnows or bait fish. Al and regularly on other living things - The choice of an artificial lure, like most all fish eat minnows naturally, be it insects, other fish, reptiles, am the choice of any bait, depends on depending, of course, on the size of phibians or land animals and birds two things. First of all, what kind of the bait. Accordingly, there are more that happen to enter the water. fish you are after and, secondly, the artificial lures on the market which Tackle manufacturers each year type of natural food in the waters you imitate bait fish than all others com present a new line of plugs, spoons, are going to fish. While tiny nymphs bined. spinners and other hardware designed would be right at home on small, Another bait that is common to al to specifically imitate some form of limestone trout streams, you would most all waters, yet overlooked by live bait. Whether it's nymphs on tiny do well to leave them at home in most anglers, is the frog. There are hooks used to attract trout, or large favor of large plugs and spoons when several types of frogs that fish eat plugs that imitate big bait fish to try going after big Northern pike in Que from the little pickerel and leopard and catch pike and muskies, each par bec's wilderness lakes. Also, using frogs to the large and more common 24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER bullfrogs. All of them make excellent Generally, they are all meant to be re certainly lives up to its claim. I've baits. We've all heard stories or seen trieved in a stop-and-go manner, even thrown this rubber lure up onto photographs of a lunker largemouth moving only short distances at a time, the bank and didn't get hung up! It bass busting through a patch of lily- letting them come to rest between uses an upturned hook with the point pads to capture a hapless frog. What spurts. The initial cast should be close turned up between the back legs. The many people don't realize, however, to or in the middle of the intended position of the hook, however, does is that almost any game-fish will feed cover and initially allowed to pause not affect its hooking ability as is the naturally on frogs, toads and tad before beginning the retrieve. Some case with many weedless lures. poles whenever possible as a regular lures, like poppers and dish-faced The artificial tackle market reflects part of their diet. plugs, should be retrieved with a se not only the different sizes of frogs Tackle manufacturers have picked ries of short, sharp jerks, while but the different species as well. Frog up on the frog imitations and have others, like the jitterbug types, impart imitations can be found in all sizes, produced some very effective and their best action when reeled slowly for any kind of tackle, and all colors lifelike lures. The most popular frog for short distances, again letting them and patterns from green to yellow to lures have always been the deer hair rest between spurts. Experiment with brown. Try and match the color and imitations that are fished with a fly each lure until you find the most size to the type of frogs that inhabit rod. These large artificials have ac productive way to fish it in the waters the area you are going to fish. counted for countless thrills to an you frequent. One type of retrieve Live frogs are undoubtedly your glers fishing the weed and lily-pad in will work well in some places and un best bet for fishing but they are both fested areas of lakes and ponds. der certain conditions but not in hard to catch and almost impossible Along with the deer hair frogs, many others. to buy commercially. The new wave cork-bodied poppers are made to imi Since the frog lures work best when of lifelike imitations run a very close tate frogs both by action and color fished in heavy cover, many com second and can add considerably to and have become a very popular item panies are making their artificials your arsenal of tackle. Besides filling among fly-rodders. Those anglers weedless. The Joe Sabol Frog, for ex the empty spaces in your tackle box, preferring bait-casting or spinning ample, is guaranteed weedless and they really do work. gear also have plenty to choose from when picking frog imitators. Lately more and more companies are intro ducing fine lures that look and act like frogs and that catch fish regularly when fished properly. Since live frogs are generally found on or near the top of the water, it's only natural that the lures used to imitate them be surface lures. An other thing to keep in mind is that frogs are usually found close to shore or in areas with heavy weeds, brush, lily-pads or other such places. These types of cover provide the frogs with a hiding place from predators, includ ing fish, and food — insects. Natu rally, then, these are the types of places where frog-like artificials are most effective, rather than deep, open water or water with a strong current. While many frogs are strong swim mers, most of their movements are confined to short bursts from cover to cover or in pursuit of a meal. Imi cc_ tations, too, should be fished in this way. Many of the artificials have some sort of action built into them to draw the attention of the fish and to make them act like real frogs. Elabo rate and life-like color schemes also add to their realism. Many of the artificials on the mar ket today are packaged with instruc tions on how to fish them properly. SEPTEMBER 1981 25 Take A Boy Fishing \oim~ by Jim Hayes ake a boy fishing. That's what the on going skating or to the disco or to yelled. "With the stereo turned up Tmagazine article was about. It help a buddy work on his car. that loud you couldn't hear a freight stressed the importance of getting But after reading the magazine train if it crashed into the outhouse.' youngsters involved in healthful out article I resolved to encourage him He sighed, turned down the door recreation. back into fishing. volume, and lay down with the maga I later concluded that the piece was One afternoon he was sprawled on zine across his face. written by a spinster psychologist the sofa listening to the stereo and "I'm going to Glade Run Lake to who never saw a teenage kid except reading a sports car magazine when I see if the perch are hitting," I said- one pickled in formaldehyde in a asked if he'd care to go to Glade Run "How about coming along?" laboratory specimen jar. But at the Lake with me to see if the perch were "I don't care." time I took it seriously. hitting. "What's that mean?" You see, I had regularly taken my "Whaddid you say?" he asked. "It means I don't care." son fishing when he was younger. But "I asked if you want to go fishing "Is that a yes or a no?" as he grew into his teens, he seemed to with me," I repeated. "I guess." lose interest. When I'd ask if he'd like "I still don't hear you." "You guess what?" to go fishing with me, he'd planned "Of course you can't hear me," I "I guess so." 26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE Boy, talk about enthusiasm! three inches taller than I am and still car, sprawled out on the back seat, But first he had to comb his hair. growing. and promptly fell asleep. And he slept Why a teenage kid has to comb his He was still asleep when we arrived all the way home. Ah yes, take a boy hair to go fishing is beyond me. But at the lake and pulled into the parking fishing. Get him involved in healthful what do I know? It's been years since area. And he wasn't too happy when outdoor recreation. I combed my hair except with a damp I woke him up. But we pulled on our But I got this nifty idea. You see, washrag. hip-boots for wade-in fishing, rigged there's a pretty teenage girl who lives And then he had to find his transis up our spinning rods, and walked to up the road from us. And she's nuts tor radio. Everybody knows you the lake. about fishing. The reason I knew can't go fishing without a transistor Or at least I started for the lake. about it is because her father told me radio. In fact, teenagers can't go any But when I looked around he was still that she's always bugging him to take where without a transistor radio. in the parking area. So I went back to her fishing. But he doesn't care about But I was determined I was going see what he was waiting for. And fishing. He'd rather go bowling or to be patient and understanding. there he was transfixed with, actually, golfing. So I loaded our tackle in the station an interested expression on his face. He was so desperate he asked me if wagon while he completed his check It was the first time in years that I'd I'd take his girl along sometime when list of pre-fishing trip essentials: seen any expression on his face. I went fishing. But I explained that I comb hair, find transistor radio, "What's wrong?" I asked. know less about teenage girls than I where 's-my-bubble-gum, who-took- "Cool," he said. know about teenage boys, which is my-other-pair-of-jeans .... "That's strange, it seems warm to zero minus nothing. Finally I went back inside to see if me." Of course, my son never paid any he was ready yet. He was sprawled on "No, I mean that sports car parked attention to this girl up the road. the living room rug looking under the across from ours," he said. "Cool, That's another rule among teenagers. sofa. really cool." If a girl doesn't live at least half a "Now what's wrong?" I asked. "I guess so. But aren't you going to tank of gas away from where you "I can't find my magazine," he fish?" live, forget her. The girl-next-door said. "I had it just a minute ago. "Sure you go ahead. I gotta look routine went out with the OPEC oil Somebody took my magazine." this baby over. I'll be right behind embargo. It's distance, man, that's "It's in your hip pocket." you." the big attraction. "Oh." So I began fishing alone. I hooked One evening my boy was talking on What is this teenage syndrome that up an inch-long silver minnie, waded the telephone, and several hours lat someone is always swiping things out to knee depth, and made my first er, when he hung up, I said quite cas from them? If a kid was marooned all cast. Within minutes the bobber ually, "I hope that wasn't the Wilson alone on a desert island, and a coco dipped under, I heaved back, and I'm girl you were talking to." nut turned up missing, he'd swear into a fat perch. Twenty minutes later "Of course not," he replied. that someone had come and stolen it. I'd added four more to my stringer. "What made you say that?" Hey, who took my coconut? And I kept glancing around for my "Oh, nothing." But anyway, we got in the car and son, but he never showed up. "No, I mean it," he persisted. we made it as far down the road as So I walked back to the parking "Why did you say you hoped I wasn't the first fast-food drive-in. We had to area, and there he was talking to a talking to Suzy Wilson?" stop, of course, because there's a rule young fellow in his early twenties, "Well, she just doesn't seem to be among teenagers that you can never evidently the owner of the sports car. your type." Pass a fast-food drive-in. "Look, I got five nice ones al "But I never even dated her," he Why the highways department ready," I said, showing him my said, a puzzled expression on his face. bothers to install traffic lights at in stringer of perch. "Aren't you going "That's good," I said. "She tersections where there's a MacDon- to fish?" doesn't seem like your type.'' ald's, Arby's, Winky's, Burger King, "Well, I just remembered that I got "What makes you think not?" he etc., has always been a mystery to me. to be home in time to, like, get asked. To teenagers, the aroma of frying dressed to go to the disco, y'know." "Oh, I don't know." hamburgers is as car-stoppable as a "Oh, I didn't know about that." "No, I mean it, what makes you solid brick wall. So much for the fishing. I put away say she's not my type?" He had two hamburgers, french the tackle, we got in the car, and we "What's the difference?" I said. Wes, a milk shake, got back in the made it as far as Wendy's drive-in. "From what I hear she's getting the car, stretched out on the back seat, And we had to stop, of course, be big rush from some other fellows any ar>d immediately fell asleep. Ah yes, cause there's a rule among teenagers way." take a boy fishing. that you can never pass a . . . . Wen "She is? I never noticed." Enroute to the stream I stopped at dy's, MacDonald's, Arby's, Winky's, "Of course," I said. "There's al a roadside stream to seine a bucketful Fish-n-Chips, Dairy Queen, Roy ways different cars parked in front of °f minnies for bait. I could have used Rogers, Burger King, you name it but the Wilson place." some help with the seining but I hesi don't pass it. Well, that did it. The next thing I tated to wake him because teenagers He had a cheeseburger, potato knew, he was dating Suzy Wilson. need lots of sleep. Heck, he's only chips, a soft drink, got back in the And where they went, of course, was SEPTEMBER — i98i 27 fishing together. It was the perfect solution. Suzy's father was tickled pink be cause she was getting to go fishing and not bugging him any more. And I was happy because my son was back into healthful outdoor recreation. I didn't even mind that he was never around to mow the lawn and do his chores. He was always out fishing with Suzy Wilson. And that's why I had to give up fishing. One Saturday afternoon I went to the garage for my fishing tackle, intending to drive up to Lake Arthur for an evening of crappie bass fishing. And my tackle was gone. He'd busted the tip on this spinning rod and borrowed mine. He'd torn a hole in his hip boots and borrowed mine. You know, — "borrow." Like when your brother-in-law asks to bor row twenty bucks, and you let him have it. And goodby twenty bucks, forever. He'd also taken my reel, my land Ah yes, take a boy fishing. And But don't suggest to him that a girl ing net, fishing vest and all my lures. push him in the creek. Drop him off who's nuts about fishing isn't his All he'd left me were a pair of leaky at MacDonald's, or Wendy's, or type. Don't ever imply that any girl hip boots, a bubble-gum wrapper, Arby's, and keep going — don't look isn't his type. Because that's exactly and a transistor radio with worn-out back. Lock your fishing tackle in a when she'll become his type. You'd batteries. closet and hide the key. better believe it! Tumors, Cant, from page 3 is virus. This would include Lympho- in the mouth, under the jaw, at the may have caused a tumor. In most cystic or Epitheliocystis; second some base of the fins, on the fins, in the cases we urge fisherman to cut out the are inherent, passed on from parent body cavity, in the muscle tissue near unsightly growth and cook the fish to progeny; third is pollutants such as the caudal or tail fin to name but a thoroughly before eating. heavy metals, concentrations of pesti few. The main concern with any di Your chances of catching a fish cides and some chemicals; fourth is seased or abnormally appearing fish with a tumor may be remote, but you nutrition which would be in the form which is caught is whether or not it is can never tell when such a thing might of mold toxins such as aflatoxin B in edible. As far as the tumor itself is happen. If and when that does hap the feed. concerned there is no danger The pen, you will know a little bit more Tumors can be found on the skin, danger comes from pollutants which about what it is. Pennsylvania has the greatest Name (please print) in fishing . . . Street or RD#—Include Box Number in boating . . . City State Zipcode D New Use Check or Money Order for Remittance • $4.00— 1 year D Renewal (DO NOT SEND CASH!) D $10.00—3years "Read all about it" MAIL TO: in the Angler. Pennsylvania Fish Commission Angler Circulation P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg. Pa. 17120 , —•* 2S PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE** Mine A cidfrom page 5 Considering this and other prob Autumn Bass from page 20 stock Pine Creek if the treatment lems, there is reason for optimism sionally produce wary fall bass when plant weren't on Rausch Creek," says about water quality improvement. nothing else will. Larry Jackson, a Fish Commission Yet there's cause to question whether The value of this approach was Area Fisheries Manager. However, or not the future will be as bright as it illustrated to me last October on a Rausch Creek itself can't be stocked should, be. The nation's energy large farm pond in Sinking Valley with trout now because there hasn't dilemma has created renewed interest near Altoona. The body of water cov been significant improvement in in coal. Efforts are underway in ered several acres, and was 15 feet stream bottom life. Pennsylvania to speed conversion of deep at one place. But the pond aver The success of a treatment plant in oil-fired electric generating plants to aged depths of four to five feet else restoring downstream areas is impor coal. Industries want environmental where. Its gently sloping banks cov tant. It proves that acid polluted wa standards relaxed. Remembering en ered by low trees and bushes provide ters can be improved if money is vironmental abuses by the coal indus security for a healthy bass population spent for treatment facilities. One fa try, whose product is becoming more and some huge bluegills. cility can restore many miles of pol in demand, conservationists wonder The heavy weed-growth of summer luted water so that, in time, Pennsyl if future mining operations will in had receded greatly and the trans vania's dubious distinction of having clude the required environmental parent water reflected the blazing sun the most miles of acid polluted water safeguards and if enforcement for under the nearly cloudless sky when I will end. Treatment plants, however, noncompliance will be adequate. arrived early in the afternoon. Barely are very expensive to operate; and, as The DER is working to obtain pri noticeable disturbances in the shal one PFC spokesman put it, are more macy under the Federal Surface Min lows revealed sizeable bass lurking in of a "Band-Aid" type treatment than ing Reclamation Act of 1977. Once a water which in many cases barely cov a solution to the problem. state obtains primacy 50 percent of ered their backs. The fish were ex In Tioga County, attempts to re the fees paid into a fund by coal com tremely spooky and an hour's casting store Morris Run — an acid pollu panies will be returned to the state for had yielded only a few panfish and tion victim — will be made under the abandoned mine reclamation work. considerable frustration. Federal Rural Abandoned Mine Pro Pennsylvania anticipates receiving $6 The bass had grown wise during the gram (RAMP) that began in 1979. to $9 million annually if primacy is summer to deerhair creations and ha Operated by the U.S. Department of obtained. bitually ignored wooden poppers. Agriculture through the Soil Conser The laws, the technology and some Sponge-rubber spiders with elastic vation Service (SCS), it reclaims lands funds are available to continue the legs no longer fooled them and even damaged by mining prior to August battle against acid mine drainage. tiny dry trout flies, deadly a week be 3, 1977. The SCS assists participating Victory seems possible but not with fore, merited only half-hearted in landowners in planning reclamation out public awareness and support spection. measures and provides cost-sharing backed by effort and a commitment As an afterthought, I tied on an to carry out the plans. A major aim by those assigned to protect and re inch-long metallic bodied streamer to of RAMP is improving water quality. store Pennsylvania's waters. my 6X tippet. What followed made me a believer. The bass in that pond proved to be gullible for small streamers and bucktails presented on a gossamer leader. I was treated to an afternoon's fishing I'll not soon for get. I left a number of flies in the bass's jaws, snapping off the thread like monafiliment. Strikes just did not come when heavier leaders were used. The sun was disappearing behind the nearby mountain ridge when the battered canoe's aluminum bottom scraped mud and gravel. Overturning it and securing the line to a tree, I noted the growing cloud cover and the rapidly falling temperatures. There would be few days like this left before winter set in. The oranges, yellows and reds of the surrounding foliage were darken ing into grays as I hefted the two fish I decided to keep from the boat. The day's message was clear: "Don't waste the fall, the bass beckon." SEPTEMBER — 1981 29 SUNFISH SATURDAY '*JWC , I recently had the pleasure of partici *SW/ pating in an event inaugurating "Sunfish Saturday." 1, along with other commis NOTES^Im sion personnel, conducted a program at Little Buffalo State Park attempting to show how to catch and prepare sunfish for the table. During the day various sun WASN'T FISHING VICIOUS FISH fish including crappies and bluegills were caught, fileted, fried and served to any Recently, while patrolling the Juniata While attending a meeting of the Mif one wanting to sample their efforts. Not River I observed a young man casting and flin County Angling and Conservation surprisingly, there was no one disappoint retrieving a line in the waters of the river. Club last Fall, the discussion turned to ed with the cooked fish. In fact, after I could not see a fishing license obviously how well the club's cooperative nursery tasting the excellent fare most increased displayed on his person, so I approached fingerling trout were faring. All agreed their efforts to catch more fish and have him to see if he had a proper fishing li that a major reason was the large quantity them fried. cense. I had observed him from some dis of venison being fed to the young fish. tance and by the time I made my way to The local Game Protector had contribut It is unfortunate that more anglers are him he had quit fishing and was relaxing ed a number of road killed deer that not aware of the excellent opportunity farther up the bank from the water. I would normally be unfit for any other use they are passing up by not availing them identified myself and asked if he had a to the club which salvaged as much as the selves of this excellent group of fish. Just fishing license. He told me he didn't have meat as possible and fed it to the fish to considering the cost of haddock fillets at a license, but stated that he hadn't been supplement their normal feeding of com around $2.50 a pound at the local market, fishing although he had seen me observe mercial trout food. one can easily pay for his license with a limit of 50 sunfish which I defy anyone to him doing so. When I asked for some One of the members jokingly stated clarification of this statement he told me say are not as tasty. My experience shows that after seeing how the young fish fed that a pound of boneless meat can be ob that he had been casting and reeling in his voraciously on the ground up meat he was line'using an artificial lure, but since he tained from 8 to 10 fair sized sunfish. A apprehensive about stocking these 'vi limit of 50 sunfish will give you at least 4 hand't caught any fish he didn't consider cious' fish in some of the mountain his actions should be interpreted as fish pounds of this delicious meat which will streams where deer were plentiful because more than cover the cost of a license, not ing. I quickly cleared up his misunder they might attack any unwary whitetail standing. to mention the fun in landing these little that would foolishly venture into their fighters on light tackle. Reflecting on the incident later that day habitat while crossing the stream. I realized that his qualification of his ac Apparently his fears were not justified Larry R. Baker tions is something many fisherman are as I have received no complaints from Waterways Patrolman guilty of, i.e., fishing is fun, but it's a lot hunters or others regarding any 'fish- more enjoyable when there is a little killed' deer. 'catching' involved, too. Larry R. Baker TIP HAT Waterways Patrolman Larry R. Baker Mifflin/Juniata Cos. I would like to tip the Pa. Fish Com Waterways Patrolman mission's white hat to the wives of all our Mifflin/Juniata Cos. deputies and their children that give up time with their fathers and husbands FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY year-round, on holidays and weekends, night and day, that the causes of water On May 25th, two men were in the process of launching a sailboat on Lake conservation can be championed. BLAME THE DOG Augusta when it was noted the PFD's Robert Lynn Steiner, were missing. The need for life saving de Southern Luzerne Co. Some people can come up with the vices was explained to them and that they most outrageous excuses when caught shouldn't go boating without the PFD's. violating the law. I thought I'd heard Approximately Vi hour later, they were EASTER SUNDAY most of the wild ones but this excuse goes observed sailing on the lake. This officer to the top of my list and I'll give the lady met them when they came ashore still It was Easter Sunday morning. I was a perfect ten for imagination. without PFD's. On shore, they asked to on patrol and feeling some remorse that I When caught red handed in the act of settle the case via acknowledgement and would not be spending my day with fishing without a license she offered this were obliged. friends and relatives. I pulled up to a bit of nonsense: "I didn't think I needed a After settling the case, they were asked stoplight alongside another car. Two license since I'm not fishing for myself. I why they went boating without PFD's young ladies dressed in Easter finery mo took my dog to the vet and he recom when told earlier not to do so. Their an tioned for me to roll my window down, so mended a change of diet and I thought a swer, "We live in Snydertown (6 miles I did. They both shouted "Happy nice meal of fresh bluegills would be nice. away) so it was cheaper to pay a penalty Easter," the light changed, and they So Mr. Patrolman, if you want to blame than go home for the life saving devices. pulled away. I do not know who they someone—blame the dog." Besides we only boated for a half hour were but they certainly did improve my and you should have let us go!" attitude for the day. James T. Valentine, Waterways Patrolman Lee F. Shortess Robert Lynn Steiner, Huntingdon County Waterways Patrolman Southern Luzerne Co. 30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER BEDFORD COUNTY POACHING; Last summer a new cooperative nursery In a recent edition of one of York's was initiated in Bedford County at Blue daily newspapers, I saw what I thought FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA HSH COMMISSION Knob State Park. This endeavor was a was a humorous heading for an article: joint effort between Blue Knob State "Poaching brings out the flavor of fish." E FISH LAW.. Park, The Pavia Sportsmen's Club, the The article, of course, meant poaching as Penna. Game Commission, and the it applies to the culinary arts, however, Penna. Fish Commission. The 2000 one could also say poaching fish brings brook trout raised were fed primarily on out the Waterways Patrolman. ground venison from road-killed white- tails that were unfit for human consump Ronald L. Hoffman ROBBING tion and released in waters in and around District Waterways Patrolman the park and adjoining game lands. They Southern York County ....YOU/: attained a very desirable size and body de GET ALL THE FACTS, THEN velopment. Due to the success this year, REPORT VIOLATIONS TO plans for next year target 3000 fish for THE NEAREST WATERWAYS stocking. PATROLMAN f "UNDERSIZED" CHE PLAIN OLD &ARDEM This is an excellent way to utilize a re VARIETY WORM MAKES A source that would otherwise be wasted Mr. Chuck Kanick of Cross Fork was aOOD TROUT BAIT/^PLAIN) and is a prime example of cooperation be fishing in the Fly Fishing section of Cross tween state agencies and the sportsmen of Fork Creek this past May and caught a the commonwealth, to the benefit of all one dollar bill on a wet fly. He got a sur involved. I only hope that the newly prised look and then a smile on his face stocked trout aren't too hard on the local when told it would have to be confiscated deer population in their quest for food. as it wasn't nine inches long. .SO EXTRy FUL WHEN WADIN6..SO Robert W.Criswell Gerald T. Crayton YOU DON'T TAKE AN^ Deputy Waterways Patrolman Waterways Patrolman. UNEXPECTED DUNKIN6 / Bedford County Potter County «I-H sSflgSBbSSs P.L.A. Y. PROGRAM RECEIVES A WARD from OUTDOOR LIFE magazine. Presenting their Distinguished Ser vice A ward to the Fish Commission was Editor Clare Con/ey and accepting on behalf of the Commission were its Ex ecutive Director, Ralph W. Abele, and Office of Information director Will Johns. The Pennsylvania League of Angl ing Youth was formed by the Commission in 1980 to help young anglers learn the skills required to catch fish, become aware of safety when boating or using rivers, lakes and streams, and to help them become true sportsmen. SEPTEMBER — i98i 31 THE ANGLERS NOTEBOOK by Richard F. Williamson FISH FACT: Pike and pickerel eat Mushy, half-dead nightcrawlers will Strike hard when a fish takes a plastic more panfish and minnows than do any not catch fish, no matter how well they worm rigged Texas style; that is, with the other species of game fish. Panfish and are used. In fact, worms of all sizes are point of the hook buried in the worm just suckers are special delicacies for them. effective baits only if they are in good back of the head. The strike has to be condition, firm and lively. forceful enough to drive the point of the Never go fishing in a boat without an hook out of the worm and into the flesh extra shear pin for the outboard motor. Floating lines are obviously best for of the mouth of the fish. To avoid losing the pin, use adhesive tape fishing surface bass lures with a fly rod. to attach it to the tiller of the motor. But bass, like most fish, do most of their In fishing streams, a jig can be deadly feeding below the surface. To get flies if it is cast upstream and then bounced Stream smallmouth bass feed vigorous down to these fish, a sinking line is vastly over the bottom with slow lifts of the rod, ly on nymphs, particularly the larger superior to the floating line. while letting the jig also move with the sizes. The wooly worm is an excellent imi current. "Hopping" a jig in this manner, tation. Indiana and Colorado spinners are ex instead of crawling it over the bottom, cellent for use with a fly rod. Each has a helps avoid hangups in water that flows Don't use the drag on a spinning reel specific use. The Indiana (top), on which over a rocky bottom. when using very light tackle, usually for the blade hangs from a device, is de panfish such as bluegills and crappies. signed for use with bait, such as a worm With these little fish, line control can be or minnow, or with a streamer or big wet Don't strike at the sound of a taking provided by the fingers of one hand, and fly. The Colorado (bottom), which is fish at night. Wait until you actually feel it will cause no problems if the panfish mounted on a swivel, should be used the fish. And if you miss the fish even makes a short run or two under this very without any addition of any kind. then, keep on working or retrieving the light pressure. lure. The fish often will strike again. Fishing records are a valuable tool. Trout ignoring a high-floating dry fly Make notes of places where you find create a problem that sometimes can be trout, bass or any other species; note solved by imparting a very slight twitch to weather and water conditions and time of the fly. That will make the fly look alive day. Next season, or even the next time and also attract the attention of a fish not out, these facts can help to guide you to feeding on the surface. angling success. Presentation of the dry fly is just as important as close imitation of a natural. Realism is sought in many lures on the If the fly conforms in size, shape and gen market today. Here are some. No. 1 rep eral color to a natural insect, it will take resents a small bullhead or stone catfish. trout if it is presented delicately, free of No. 2 imitates a crayfish. No. 3 is a sur drag, and on a long, fine leader. face lure painted to represent a leopard frog. Pickerel and pike rate a Micky Finn Weed beds often are found just bucktail or streamer high on their list of offshore on small lakes surrounded by favorite lures. The Mickey Finn, in pike cottages. Do not ignore them. Work a size, is tied on a No. 2 hook. It has a silver canoe or small boat to within casting tinsel body, with a layer of yellow buck- range, then fish small lures carefully in tail atop the body, a thin band of red spaces of open water. Such weed beds or bucktail atop the yellow, and another lay pads of water lilies shelter bass, perch, er of yellow atop the red. bluegills and even pickerel. Many anglers ignore them because they are so close to If your casting reel begins acting up, shore cottages and docks. not getting lures out far enough or caus j*^* ing bird's nests in the line, maybe it's not poor casting on your part, but rather due to a dirty reel. Take the reel apart careful ly, clean the gears and other moving parts, then oil them very lightly. The reel A red and white spoon, with a strip of then will be able to function perfectly. pork rind, is probably the most popular and effective lure for chain pickerel. Chain pickerel are warm water fish, be ing found as far south as Florida. Fish for Fish that live in warm waters like them when the water seems too warm and weedy areas, but never areas that are the weather too hot for bass and other completely choked with weeds. species. 32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE 1 PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION DIRECTORY State Headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa. (Mailing Address: PO Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pa. 17120) EXECUTIVE OFFICE Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Chief Counsel Administrative Assistant Comptroller Dennis T. Guise Howard T. Hardie Ross E. Starner Office of Information Willard T. Johns, Director 717-787-2579 Conservation Education, Stephen B. Ulsh 717-787-7394 Pennsylvania Angler, Lou Hoffman, Editor 717-787-2411 Special Publications, Larry Shatter 717-787-7394 Angler Circulation, Eleanor Mutch 717-787-2363 BUREAU OF FISHERIES & ENGINEERING Edward R. Miller, P.E., Assistant Executive Director Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, Pa. 16823 Tel. 814-359-2754* ('Unless otherwise indicated, all offices within this bureau may be reached at this same address and telephone number.) Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator 717-783-2808 (Omce at State Headquarters. 3532 Walnut Street. Progress. Pa.) Dennis Ricker, Administrative Officer* Robert Hesser, Fishery Resources Biologist* FISHERIES DIVISION* Delano Graff, Chief Trout Production Section, Ken Corf. Chief* Fisheries Management Section, Richard A. Snyder, Chief* Warmwater Production Section, Shyrl Hood, Chief 814-683-4451 Research Section, Vincent Mudrak, Chief 814-355-4837 Box 127, Linesville, Pa. 16424 Benner Spring Fish Research Station. RO 1, Box 485. Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 Fisheries Environmental Services Section, Jack Miller, Chief* Cooperative Nursery Branch, Paul Byers, Chief FISH CULTURAL STATIONS BELLEFONTE, William Hoover, Superintendent 814-355-4159 LINESVILLE, Charles Sanderson. Superintendent 814-683-4451 RD 4. Box 230. Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 Box 127. Linesville, Pa 16424 BENNER SPRING, William Kennedy. Superintendent 814-355-4837 OSWAYO, D. Ray Merriman. Superintendent 814-698-2001 RD 1. Box 485. Bellefonte, Pa 16823 RD 2. Box 84. Coudersport. Pa 16915 BIG SPRING, Eugene J. Rozaieski, Superintendent 717-776-3170 PLEASANT GAP, John Bair, Superintendent 814-359-2754 Box 341. RD 4, Newville. Pa. 17241 Robinson Lane. Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 CORRY-UNION CITY, Tom L. Clark. Superintendent 814-664-2122 PLEASANT MOUNT, Zenas Bean, Superintendent 717-448-2101 Corry, pa. 16407 Pleasant Mount. Pa. 18453 F*IRVIEW, Neil Shea, Superintendent 814-474-1514 REYNOLDSDALE, Ralph Berkey. Superintendent 814-839-2211 2000 Lohrer Road. P.O. Box 531, Fairview, Pa. 16415 New Paris. Pa. 15554 HUNTSDALE, Ted Dingle. Superintendent 717-486-3419 TIONESTA, Charles Mann. Superintendent 814-755-3524 Box 393, RD 5, Carlisle, Pa. 17013 Tionesta. Pa 16353 ENGINEERING DIVISION* Carl H. Nordblom, Chief Construction ft Maintenance Section, Eugene Smith. Chief* Architectural A Engineering Section, K. Ronald Weis. Chief* BUREAU OF WATERWAYS Gene Sporl, Assistant Executive Director 717-787-2192 J»hn Simmons, Administrative Officer 717-787-2192 Virgil Chambers, Boating Education 717-787-7684 LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION BOAT REGISTRATION/MARINE SERVICES DIVISION Edward W. Manhart, Chief 717-787-2350 Paul Martin, Chief. 717-787-3042 Ke"y Messerle. Deputy Chief 717-787-2350 Timothy Whitsel. Marine Services 717-787-3042 8arry A. Mechling, Deputy Waterways Patrolman Coordinator 717-787-2350 Betty Stroud, Boat Registrations 717-787-4480 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES N°BTHWEST, Walter G. Lazusky, Supervisor 814-437-5774 SOUTHWEST, Thomas F. Qualters, Supervisor 814-445-8974 "ailing Address 1281 Otter St., Franklin. Pa. 16323 Mailing Address RD 2. Somerset, Pa. 15501 Oca,lon 1281 Otter St., Franklin, Pa. 16323 Location On Lake Somerset, Somerset, Pa. *0BTHCENTRAL, Paul F. Swanson. Supervisor 717-748-5396 SOUTHCENTRAL, Richard Owens. Supervisor 717-436-2117 a'Hng Address Box 688. Lock Haven, Pa. 17745 Mailing Address RD 3, Box 109, Mifflintown, Pa. 17059 Ca,'on 129 Woodward Ave. (Dunnstown} Lock Haven, Pa. Location On Route 22, 3 miles west ol Mifflintown. Pa. OBTHEAST, Clair Fleeger, Supervisor 717-477-5717 SOUTHEAST, Norman W. Sickles, Supervisor 717-626-0228 a'lmg Address Box 88, Sweet Valley, Pa. 18656 Mailing Address Box 6. Elm. Pa. 17521 a,'on On Harris Pond, Sweet Valley. Pa. Location On Speedwell Forge Lake on Brubaker Valley Road BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (State Headquarters) P9 Paul F. O'Brien, Director 717-787-6487 'sonnet s Employment, Joseph L. DiRienzo 717-787-7057 License Section. Mary Stine 717-787-6237 u 0»t Analyst, Vincent Rollant 717-787-2599 Federal Aid Coordinator. Glen C. Reed 717-787-6391 a Estate, John Hoffman 717-787-6376 Office Services Supervisor. Chester Peyton 717-787-2363 Phasing (Harrisburg), Avyrll Richardson 717-787-2732 Purchasing (Bellefonte), Dennis Shultz 814-359-2754 -JSC^^MW.