JANUARY—1978 the HeKeystone State's , MI Offieiat y FtSHtNG BOATING I Magazine... J^ 30 tmmmm^mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmtm/s\nq\e Cop SUMMING IT UP

nr he January issue of the Pennsylvania Angler has traditionally -*- contained the Annual Report for the fiscal year which ended last June. Because of the time needed to summarize and assemble the statis­ tics, and the lead time needed for publication, the printing of the Annual Report is delayed until the end of the calendar year. The natural tendency would be for our readers to suppose that in these comments we are really summarizing our "boasting" and "complaining" for the calendar year which just ended. Such is not the case but we certainly hope that the readers of this publication will take the time to read in detail the contents of that Report because it is the closest most of our stockholders come to really getting an understanding of what a relatively small but complex organization does with their money. The 1976-77 fiscal year was not a year for sitting back and relaxing. It seems that the speed at which the world turns over must have tripled recently ... or else we're getting old. We have been more and more involved with activities that somehow seem to be just on the fringe of our purview but yet take so much time. Our involvement with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the time spent in trying to provide input for the implementation of fishery management plans from three miles offshore to 200 miles out will, down the future years, certainly affect Pennsyl- vanians indirectly; in many ways we look for direct benefits from the protection and intelligent management of anadromous fish. We're involved in long-range planning and interfaces with all of the environmental agencies and organizations, and we don't dare miss any of these because of the possible effects on the resources we have sworn to protect. We have had some breakthroughs this year inside Pennsylvania which we think are worth writ­ ing home about. The fish ladder over the Fairmount Park Dam, in downtown Philadelphia, should be completed next May, enabling anadromous and indigenous fishes to migrate upstream and down. When that's finished, we'll go after the dams upstream. Our inventory and classification project is showing more and more evidence of water quality improvement and we're going to defend that with everything we have. We're finding young-of-the- year bass in the Monongahela River just off Charleroi — that river was not much more than an open sewer laden with industrial wastes toxic to anything alive just ten years ago! We're even go­ ing to stock esocids, members of the pike family, in the Ohio River from Pittsburgh downstream since that water has shown dramatic improvement. The renovation and updating of our fish cultural stations continues toward our goal of modernizing and making more efficient the production units that are such a vital part of our pro­ grams. So far, so good. We regret that our attempt to secure a license increase has stalled in the Senate. House Bill 792 passed the House of Representatives handily in October, with a vote of 160-33, but has been stalled in the Senate Committee on Environmental Resources and cannot possibly be considered in time to make the approved increase effective in 1978. This is going to have a serious impact on our activities for 1978 and 1979. We can only hope that the sportsmen who benefit from our programs will continue their support to keep us fiscally sound in the face of continuing inflation and personnel costs. All in all, it's been a good year and my hat is off to our loyal and dedicated employes as well as the people on the outside who help us in so many ways.

Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Pennsylvania Angl Pennsylvania's Official Fishing & Boating Magazine Published Monthly by the PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Milton J. Shapp, Governor

MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION William Cox, President Elysburg Jerome E. Southerton, Vice President Honesdale Walter F. Gibbs Reno William O. Hill Erie Leonard A. Green Carlisle John A. Hugya Johnstown Sam Guaglianone Johnsonburg Calvin J. Kern Whitehall James J. Stumpf Laughlintown

Volume 47-No. 1 January, 1978

CONTENTS

Leaky Boots — Letters from our Readers 2 Stream Notes — Reports from our Waterways Patrolmen 3 Taking a Closer Look by Tom Fegely 4 Ice Fishing at Middle Creek by George E. Dolnack, Jr 6 Winter Crappies by Fredric Doyle 8 The Pennsylvania Fish Commission's Annual Report 9 The Angler's Notebook by Richard F. Williamson 25 Fly Tying by Chauncy K. Lively 26 Make Your Own Ice Rod by Gerald Almy 28 Ashore & Afloat by Gene Winters 30

ON THE COVERS: There is little argument about the yellow perch being just about the tastiest morsel ever to grace the dinner table and this little gamester provides plenty of action all season. Photo by Russell Gettig, Staff Photographer

Back Cover: Later on, as ice becomes thicker power augers like the one being used by Dr. Dale Steventon on Bradys Lake become a welcome piece of equipment to ice fishermen all over the Commonwealth. Photo by Tom Fegely

James F. Yoder. Editor

POSTMASTER: All 3579 forms to be returned to the office of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisrmro PrniKvlvonia I7i?rt T•'h hhe e PennsylvaniPenncvlvania AnglerAn„l»r , PublicatioP.,Ki;^„ti„n„ #874880jiQ-rAQQn, Copyrighr :„ut . 19781(179, is: „publishe _..ui- 1..d Jmonthl .LI.y ,b yu. ,th ,ue_ Pennsylvani a-1 i a• Fis—h •Commissio ^ '""""urgn ,353 reimsyirania2 Walnut'street, I /liM' . narnsourg Pennsylvania. Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and at additional mailing offices' Subscription rates: Nm rnrTV?™ years-$7.50; 30 cents per single copy. Send check or money order payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Do rlt. -j j Changes of address should reach us promptly giving both old and new addresses, including both zip codes Subscriptions n d P r0CesSe b he end of the mo th wa be in ith esnon\ M , f f. > ' " ' 8 " the second month following. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission win not assume expansibility for unsolicited manuscripts photographs, or illustrations while in their possession or in transit. Communications pertaining to the" Cnfi-'-fJh0Uld ^addressed to: The Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg Pennsylvania unsolicited materials, manuscripts, or photos wUI not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope for their return! me. I went home, I returned 3 days later Finally, in the middle of October, Mr to pick up the minnow bucket and found Antolosky called to say that a local somebody had been stealing all of the min­ fisherman, Nick Lambert of Boalsburgi nows out of the bucket. I blew my temper, finding my boat floating on the lake, had wa/iting to shoot the thieves. I installed a taken it home and notified the Com­ padlock on the bucket—now the thieves mission of its whereabouts. Apparently stole everything, bucket and 25 minnows someone had jimmied the lock, used the all gone! I read "Keeping Minnows," by boat and then set it adrift. Kenneth Hassler in the July issue of the As for the conscientiousness of the Angler and I am thinking of keeping the State Police and the thoughtfulness of minnows in a tank in the basement of my Messrs. Antolosky and Lambert, I hope home. Which is the best tank: glass, fiber­ these facts speak for themselves. glass, polyethylene foam or galvanized — MIGHT WORK. . . MAYBE size 15 to 20 gallons, to keep live minnows JOHN SWINTW in all year? I think it was a mistake to put State College Couldn't sleep ... got up and decided my name and address tag on the bucket; the thieves will follow me wherever I go to catch up on my reading: the October BACALAO Angler. The "Leaky Boots" comments on fishing for the minnows! float stockings and license fee increases ALLEN SPONSLER I have been reading the Angler, but started the old gears turning. It is surpris­ Altoona might have missed this subject. I'm look­ ing how clearly one thinks at 5:00 a.m. I ing for something on salting fish like the usually am in bed at this time unless pre­ The "best" tank, Allen, is largely a matter Indians and Portuguese do so it ends up paring to go hunting or fishing (you may of personal choice and application. If like Italian Bacalao—which is codfish. reverse the order if you wish). you've got a cool spot to keep it in, you I don't want brine and smoke methods. Anyway, I have recently begun kayak­ won't need the insulating qualities of a foam It looks like salt and air cure so it is good ing and it just hit me that this might be an tank; if not, this might be a consideration. for a long time. How long in salt—per excellent way to stock certain trout Metal tanks would seem to be the pound of fish—and what kind of salt? streams. The water is usually high in strongest—should you have to move the Maybe Leaky Boots readers could help. spring and it is amazing how shallow the tank frequently—glass would undoubtedly The Morton Salt Company could not. water can be for a kayak to pass. If the be the cheapest to obtain, if you watch the trout were put in small nets and dropped classified ads for a second-hander someone GLENDON L. EVANS across the kayak like saddle bags, the is "unloading" at a fraction of its original 547 S. Muhlenberg St., kayaker could release a netful at the price. Ed. Allen town, Pa. 18104 nice holes along the stream, and meet the truck at the next bridge. (What do you think?) I know there are not many BASSING BUFF— kayakers and that is one of the things I like most about it (no crowds), but I will HAPPY ENDING— Having read your July issue of the be the first volunteer. Pennsylvania Angler, we appreciate the When I found my boat missing from its article by Mr. Howard A. Bach. We think On the question of license increases: I moorings at Colyer Lake last September, an article of this type enlightens the agree with Dr. Witherspoon 100%. I also I gave it up for lost. Nevertheless, I general public to two important points in ski and I pay $11.00 a day for that privi­ reported the theft to our local Waterways our B.A.S.S. program which are the lege. Maybe the complainers should com­ patrolman, Paul Antolosky, and to the "Safety In Our Boats" and "Don't Kill pare their license fee cost to bowling, golf, State Police at the Rockview Barracks. etc. I also find and pick up many littered Your Catch." I'm glad to report that the police took cigarette packs along the stream which Again we thank you for carrying this the theft very seriously, even though the may indicate that many of the fishermen gentleman's article. old boat wasn't worth much. They sub­ are allowing the equivalent price of their sequently called me twice, first to gather a fishing or hunting license cost to go up in CHUCK BEST, President more complete description and then to smoke without considering that cost. The Happy Hookers Bass Club explain their tracing procedures. North Irwin Keep up the good work. I enjoy your magazine and we now receive it in the school library where I teach. Subscribe to the Angler . . . for yourself or a friend BUD COLE Northampton

What do I think about kayakers releasing Name (please print) "a netful... "? With which hand r Ed.

Street or RD#—Include Box Number PLAGUED BY THIEVES! City State Zipcode I am a deaf mute, 68 years old, crazy about fishing. I always use live minnows, D New Use Check of Money Order for Remittance • $3.00— 1 year size 3" to 6". I catch 20 to 30 minnows for • Renewal (DO NOT SEND CASH!) n $7 50 5 hours of fishing. I riveted my name and address tag on the bucket and hid it in a Mail to: Pa. Fish Commission, Angler Circulation, Box 1673, Harr isburg. Pa. 17120 spring brook . . . nobody was watching

PENNSYLVANIA A N G L E K J HIGH FLY IN' "FISH"!

Dave Brown from Westfield told me of

-"*hj-w an experience he had while fishing with his son on Pine Creek at night last year. Dave and his boy went to the creek well before NOTES'/fWl dark and made ready to fish after dark with large night flies. After darkness had fallen, Dave was making a cast on a long hole and just as he thought the fly should be landing on the water he felt quite a tug on the line. He said there was no splash­ PROOF POSITIVE— ILL-MANNERED POODLE! ing, but he had something on the line and it was sure acting funny. He kept taking in While I was on boat patrol last Sep­ While on a recent patrol and inspection line and when he retrieved enough to get tember, a vessel came by pulling a water trip along the Fish-For-Fun section of the hook and leader pretty close to the skier who was not wearing an approved Penns Creek, Supervisor Owens and I reel, he found he did not have a fish at personal flotation device. It turned out Were greeted by a "Boy, am I glad to see all . . . hehadabat! you!" from a pajama-clad cabin owner. that the boat contained a man and his ut Inquiring as to why this was so, he in- wife, their two sons, and their little poodle. Raymond Hoover k- formed us that a bear had visited his cabin As I pulled the patrol boat alongside to Waterways Patrolman tie sometime during the night and he wanted take the information regarding the viola­ Tioga County if us to "bear" witness to this fact because tion, the poodle jumped from their boat his friends wouldn't believe his story. into the patrol boat, ran into the cabin, Is. As part of our service to the sportsmen "watered" the base of one of the seats, )d and public, we most certainly will attest to ran back out and jumped back into their LETHAL JOLT— er his tale as being the absolute truth for boat. Now I have heard of people training there on the freshly painted porch were pets to do their business in the neighbor's A late season thunderstorm proved to p. 'he bear's tracks and a part of the window yard, but this is ridiculous! be hazardous to the health of some musk- sash which bore either claw or fang ies that were found lying on the surface of marks! Don Kingery Marsh Creek Lake. Lightning struck the Deputy Waterways Patrolman Incidentally, the owner and his wife said lake several times and after the storm was '•' they were sleeping so soundly that they Allegheny County over six legal-sized dead muskies were "ever heard the marauder, proving that in floating on the water. a spot like Penns Creek one can find com­ plete peace and relaxation. R- A. Bednarchik GUEST APPEARANCE? Waterways Patrolman Frank Kulikosky Chester County Assistant Supervisor Although we have never heard him play, Southcantral Region one of my deputies claims he plays an ac­ cordion. Therefore, I cannot attest to his skill as a musician. He threatened my NEW MODE! well-being if I mention his name, but I WOULD YOU BELIEVE? have to tell you what his four year old son If you have never heard of a "bike- Johnny suggested. Johnny said, "I have an While boarding a small runabout on the boat," you might in the near future—if the idea, Daddy! Why don't you put on your Allegheny River last Labor Day for possi­ inventor of this wonder is successful. ble overloading, Deputy Waterways Pat­ Fish Commission uniform, take your ac­ "Bikeboat" might not be the official rolman Lavsa told one of its seven cordion and go on the Gong Show?" name of this new approach to transporta­ Passengers about the water in the bilge at Don F. Parrish tion on water, but it is appropriate since 'he transom. She replied that it was OK as Waterways Patrolman that name describes it accurately. they had been bailing it out all day. Beaver County Deputy Tom Kamerzel was the first to After I checked the registration, I was witness this strange creation as the inven­ about to ask to see the PFD's and check tor tried it out on the Lehigh Canal. He the capacity plate—when the boat sank. pedaled down to the canal on a regular ™e got the people aboard the patrol boat SPARSE HACKLE! bicycle to which some sort of apparatus and, with the assistance of another boater, was attached on the rear. This "ap­ 8°t lines attached to the bow that was still Early in the year I was working at the paratus" turned out to be pontoons which above water. I towed the boat to the sur­ West Penn Sport Show in Pittsburgh, Pa., he sat on the water and inserted the bike face and the other boater came alongside at which time I was at the booth selling into so that the bike was floating upright and got in the boat with a bucket and fishing license. An elderly gentleman was on the water. The inventor then hopped on hailed it out as I pulled it. I then took it to filling out his application and asked me if it the bicycle seat and began pedaling. This shore and took the owner down river to were alright to put "V.L." for the color of action turned a small propeller in the rear Set his car and trailer, knowing that this his hair. pontoon which moved the vessel along. w as one person who would never overload Naturally, I asked him what would When you are through boating, you pack a boat again. It seems that experience is "V.L." stand for. His reply was "very lit­ the whole thing together and "pedal" on home. the best teacher of all. tle" ... he was almost bald! G. T. Craytort Robert L. Kish Fred Mussel Waterways Patrolman Waterways Patrolman Waterways Patrolman N/Allegheny County Cambria County Lehigh County

B JANUARY — 1978 t

i muv.tiii,. * «

#

Note the extended pectoral fin on this yellow perch which acts like a boat oar.

aquariums provide the occasional op­ maximum speed. portunity. In primitive fishes, like gars anc Taking As I sit typing this, I can stare sturgeons, the pelvic fins are located across my desk at a colorful pump- far to the rear of the body. In scul- kinseed hanging suspended in my pins, they are oversized and function built-in fish tank. His paired pectoral to help maintain position in swift A Closer and pelvic fins paddle back and forth waters by wedging between stones. In to maintain balance while the blue some fishes they are absent entirely. dorsal fin moves in rippling waves. The beauty of all this is that every Only when 1 drop a morsel of fin on a fish's body coordinates with earthworm into the water does he the others to control stops, starts and Look move from his corner with a flip of the turns. In a flying bird, the twists and tail, returning to his territory with turns and the beauty of a rudder-like equal speed and unwasted motion. tail or twisted wing can be seen A fish's pectoral fins, besides aiding through binoculars. Fish seldom by Tom Fegely in the maintenance of balance, also provide such close scrutiny but they serve a function similar to the bow- nevertheless exhibit similar grace and planes on a submarine. If tipped form. oo often we view fish merely as downward while the fish is swimming, If a speedy smallmouth were to ap­ T something to be battled on the the fish will dive. If pointed upward, ply the brakes only with its pectoral end of a rod or devoured at the supper the fish will climb. and pelvic fins, it would quickly find it­ table. By the time we finally get to The pelvic fins play a similar but self topsy turvy. To counter this force, take a close look at it, a fish may be probably less important role. Along other fins are also brought into play. lying lifeless in a creel or, if released, with the pectorals, they enable a fish Some fish like muskies, pike and is soon gone from our view. to steer and brake. Extended like a pickerel wouldn't have as much of a Unlike birds and mammals, few boat oar, one at a time, a fish is able to "tipping" problem because their people ever get the chance to be turn and tip in any direction or, pelvics are situated well back on their "fishwatchers" except where large folded, maintain a straight course for undersides and can counteract the

4 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEB J These shiners maintain their positions with a constant movement of their fins.

force of the pectorals. Actually, scientists have determined fish, perch, pike and bass have hard, The dorsal, anal and caudal (tail) that a bass' top speed is only about 12 or stiff rays. fins also play some part in stopping miles per hour. Its cruising speed, In general, the soft-rayed fish are and turning. A tail fin thrust upward that which it can maintain for a longer jumpers and the spiny-rayed fish are can help counteract the over-efficient period of time, would naturally be not. Of course, as with everything forefins. slower. designed by nature, there are excep­ The prime purpose of the dorsal A brown trout, which swims at tions such as the hard-rayed small- and anal fins is to keep the fish about five miles per hour, can ac­ mouth which is a renowned leaper. vertical while swimming—particu­ celerate to a faster speed when in pur­ The force which propels a fish larly at low speeds. Like riding a suit of a minnow or in grabbing a float­ through the surface to grab a flutter­ bicycle, a slow-moving fish might ing fly. Fish which make long migra­ ing insect or to tail-walk on the end of actually begin to topple without the tory journeys, like salmon, can keep a line in attempting to throw a hook is keel-like action of these two fins. up sustained speeds of 7-10 mph and the end result of rapid swimming. Just In a few unique instances, such as are able to make a short burst at 50 as the fish is about to break water, it with bowfins and eels, the long dorsal percent faster. A leaping salmon adds a final thrust of the tail and fin moves in graceful "S" waves and could, therefore, accelerate to 15 mph shoots upward like an unleashed actually propels the fish forward. prior to leaping over a falls. rocket. Many fish, like pike, which are But the caudal fin is the main loco­ Scientific experiments show that not natural jumpers, will employ their motion organ. By rapidly whipping it some fish, including trout and small- tricks when hooked and their lives are back and forth, a fish can control its mouth bass, secrete a special slime at stake. sPeed and some can actually shift into that actually decreases friction and No, not too many of us take note of reverse with the tail's action. dissolves away as a fish swims at high all these mechanics when fighting a Most anglers would be hard- speeds. Friction and turbulence are fish nor will the knowledge help to fill Pressed to accurately estimate the thereby reduced as if a fine oil were our creels. But by understanding the sPeed at which a fish swims. A trout used. many factors that influence how high frightened from beneath an overhang- Fish possess either a "soft" or a fish can leap or how fast it can at­ lrig bank, or a bass spooked from its "hard" dorsal fin (sometimes referred tack a plug, we will all come to better shoreside lair both seem to move off in to as rays). Trout, salmon, minnows understand and respect these crea­ a tremendous burst of speed. and suckers possess soft rays. Sun- tures which bring us so much joy.

* JANUARY — 1978 5 Ice Fishing at Middle Creek

e heard the geese before they W came into view. They were headed in and some tumbled freely to by George E. Dolnack, Jr. quickly lose altitude. Then they set their wings and glided in for a landing photos by the author on the water that had been kept ice- free by the movement of other Canadas. Considering that we were standing on seven inches of solid ice and were in the grips of one of our coldest winters, this was no small feat. Below the ice, another drama was unfolding. A pickerel bored in on a minnow that made a desperate at­ tempt to evade its menacing jaws. As the toothsome predator grabbed the small fish across the back, the flag on the tip-up tripped. Spotting the signal,

PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Ice fishermen were having a ball °n the day the author visited Middle Creek Lake. Here, Earle Gamble, of Lebanon, displays his mixed catch of bass ar>d chain pickerel.

an angler started toward it, his ice Cocalico. Since its dedication in 1973, A fence divides the lake into two creepers biting into the hard surface Middle Creek has fast become a fa­ portions. The larger area is reserved as he ran. vorite with southeast anglers. for waterfowl propagation and the When he reached the tip-up, he A good supply of bass, pickerel, other, about 35 acres, for public Pulled it gently out of its hole and crappies and bluegills can be found at recreation. Placed it on the ice. Then he palmed Middle Creek. And one need only visit Most ice fishermen cut their holes the line and fed it out as the pickerel the impoundment during freeze-up to just off the fence line. Once you get a "loved off with its meal. see firsthand how productive it is. look at the fish they are pulling out Soon the line went slack, indicating Water depth here averages 3H feet here, you'll know why this is a favorite that the pickerel stopped and was pre­ with a maximum depth of 13 feet. The area. But this is not to say that other paring to turn the bait around in its top bait is minnows fished about 6 spots are not productive. In just a few uiouth before swallowing it head first. inches off the bottom. Lures like white minutes one afternoon, I watched The angler got set, and payed out a bucktails, yellow bucktails, Rapala Carl Wolf, of Ephrata, yank three I'ttle more line as the fish started to ice jigs, and Swedish pimples are also flopping bass onto the ice using yellow lngest the minnow. Then the fish­ used with good success. bucktail near the breast of the dam. erman set the hook with a sharp jerk Ask any angler when is the best Year-round angling is available at °n the line. Shortly, the 18-inch time to fish Middle Creek and they'll Middle Creek. Manually propelled . Pickerel joined three fat bass that probably say, "When the fish are bit­ boats can be used on the lake from the *ere already on a stringer. ing." While there is no set pattern on middle of May thru mid-September. This scene and variations of it was the lake, some anglers prefer fishing Shoreline fishing is permitted rePeated many times- at the Middle from early morning through noon. anytime. j~reek Wildlife Management Area Others find the hours between noon For more information, contact '°cated on the Lebanon/Lancaster and 2 p.m. productive. And I've seen Resident Manager, Middle Creek bounty line just off Route 897 the fish hit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. So Wildlife Management Area, RD#1, between Kleinfeltersville and take your pick and your chances. Newmanstown, Pa., 17073.

1 JANUARY — 1978 Winter Crappies by Fredric Doyle

"There are two kinds of fish­ ermen," said the man, blowing on his bare fingers. "Some sit around all day among a flock of tip-up waiting maybe for a walleye or a northern. Or maybe just sitting. Now, take me, I go for a whole stringer full of half-pounders. Maybe not the heart-pounding action of a lunker flopping up through a hole "Never mind, keep them. If you no wax worms, I had to depend upon in the ice; but, for me, a lot of little ac­ want to make some for yourself just my live minnows. In spite of the man's tions: bluegills, perch, crappies." get some long shanked hooks, some advice, live minnows had always paid He sat on a little cross-legged stool, BB shot and a few strands of marabou off for me. Bait, I reasoned, is a mat­ hunched over a hole in the ice. His rod feathers. Heat the shanks of the ter of confidence in the kind of bait was a three-foot section of an old fly hooks before you bend them so they that you use. rod fitted with a butt and a reel full of won't break. The shank must hang Other anglers were there, too;] monofilament line. The rod was also horizontally." some standing amidst their tip-ups,^ tipped with a six-inch length of spring All the while the tip of his rod was others hunched over, studying the steel. The slightest movement of the quivering. He kept blowing on his bare dark depths of the lake through the rod set the tip quivering. The jig, fingers as he changed his rod from little round windows where a bobber feathered with a wisp of marabou hand to hand. Unlike fishing schools I signalled a nibble. Some anglers, feather, was suspended six or eight was being instructed by a veteran in methought, should have been home feet below. It fluttered like a grass- the fine art of ice fishing. I had no one sitting by a warm hearthstone; but, skirted Polynesian maiden. breathing down my neck nor a curious the urge, the ancient angling urge had "Mind if I set up here?" I asked, in­ crowd of onlookers to cheer or jeer driven them forth to battle the ele­ dicating a space a rod or so away from my efforts. ments and bring home their share of him. It was cold. The '77 winter was do­ provender for the tribe. A satisfaction "Free world," he said, "help your­ ing its best to clear the lake of an­ that only a true angler can ex self." glers. The wind, with a below zero fac­ perience. Silently debating the validity of this tor, swept across the lake slushing the Ice fishing is like no other depairt- j observation, I looked about . . . there fishing holes. Occasionally the ice ment of angling, and one of the most were a number of holes drilled cracked, roared like distant thunder, enjoyable. In spite of the cold, I never through the ice in this area; many reverberating and echoing from the have heard of any ice fisherman were frozen solid—twenty-nine inches surrounding hills. suffering from hypothermia. 8 of clear ice! Other holes, recently "And another thing," the man said. While this angling episode occurred t! vacated, were capped with a thin shell "See that stump over there along the at Shawnee State Park, the basic b of frozen water. Kicking open one of shore?" techniques can be used in any stream • these holes I baited my hook with a "The one pointing in our direc­ or lake. Find a brushy spot, fallen H live minnow and dropped it into the tion?" trees, clumps of reeds, or a sharp I water. I, too, was blowing on my bare "Yes. Well, that was a rock oak drop-off from the shore and there you fingers. Having forgotten my minnow tree that slid into the lake. The roots will find crappies. And, there you will bucket seine I had to plunge my hand were undercut by the waves and it find a lot of "little actions." While the into the icy water of the bucket to toppled into the water. The park man with the jigs and wax worms scoop out my bait. After about a half- rangers couldn't drag it out so they scored much better, I did manage to hour without any action I walked over cut off the butt and left the top. The catch a half-dozen crappies with my to the man who was scoring regularly. branches and twigs makes a hiding live minnows. Also a fourteen-inch| "Try these," he said, noting my place for minnows and crappies . . . yellow catfish. empty stringer. safe from the muskies and The early winter twilight began to "Jigs with wax worms?" northerns." blur the distant shorelines thus ending "Yes, here's the secret, jigs with Suddently he stood up. Raised his one more day of angling to add to the wax worms," he said, handing me short rod above his head and added long, long stringer of days of angling several jigs from his tackle box. another crappie to his stringer. to look back upon with quiet satisfac­ "Thanks a lot, but " Returning to my stand, and having tion. 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER L The Annual Report i 1 Pennsylvania Fish Commission

uring the 112th year in the history of the Pennsyl­ by our own people now authorized for construction by D vania Fish Commission, the Board met four the City of Philadelphia. Our testimony before the times: July 12, 1976 in Harrisburg; October 4, 1976 in Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Erie; January 17, 1977 in Harrisburg; and April 18, Federal Power Commission, insisting on restoration 1977 in State College. Under the Administrative of natural fish runs in the Susquehanna River and its Code the Pennsylvania Fish Commission consists of drainage, we think, is beginning to pay off. "nine competent citizens of the State who shall be ap­ With the enactment of the Fishery Conservation pointed by the Governor by and with the advice and and Management Act of 1976 (200-mile bill) Pennsyl­ consent of two-thirds of all the members of the vania, by its membership in the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Senate. Eight members of the Commission shall be Management Council has taken an equally active part Persons well informed on the subject of conservation with the other coastal states in developing fishery and restoration, and one shall be an experienced boat­ management plans not only for the marine fish from man to hold office for terms of eight years each and three miles offshore out to 200 miles, but certainly has receive no compensation for their services." exerted its influence in protecting those anadromous The details of our activities for the past fiscal year species that want to liye part of their lives in Pennsyl­ which follow show another busy year of diverse vania waters. Management Council meetings take activities. There are 416 salaried employes and some about one-eighth of the Executive Director's time and 600 special waterways patrolmen, plus a small the schedule does not look any lighter down the future number of temporary summer help to accomplish an YearS- , . 1 <- • r. • amazing number of complex and varied activities. As the Commission saw the problems of inflation Noticeable in this report is the concentration on up­ and higher personnel costs affecting our operating dating and renovating our facilities, particularly in the balance, we began last fall with a 5% cut in operating hatchery system and our access areas. While funding expense straight across the board. At the same time ^om the Project 500 bond issue is still available we we asked the General Assembly for a general license make the most use of the nonrecurring funds for the increase of $1-50 and a juvenile license. At this writ­ benefit of the fishingan d boating public. ing, the juvenile license has been amended from the The progress on our comprehensive inventory and bill' and, in fact, because of the General Assembly's classification of all the waters of the Commonwealth preoccupation with the General Budget, no fishing continues and it is still one of the most promising pro­ license bill has been passed and the time is running grams ever undertaken. Sportsmen and those of the short. With increasing demand on our fiscal general public who are able to take the time to watch resources, we can ill afford to let a whole year pass these proceedings are amazed at not only the un­ without this potentially higher income, but can do lit­ believable variety of species and their numbers, but tle about it without the cooperation of the General a'so the professional abilities of our fisheries manage­ Assembly. ment teams. Record fish production, record participation by the Our law enforcement officers, by their alertness fishing and boating public, and record sales of fishing and constant dedication to the protection of the licenses and boating registrations all show tremen­ resources have been Pennsylvania's best defense dous support by the public for our programs and Against degradation of Commonwealth waters in spite activities. The preference surveys conducted last year °f constant threats. Well-meaning, but ill-designed showed overwhelming support for every one of our and unsupervised projects called "stream restora­ programs, and we believe that the public will in turn tion" that repeatedly follow high water have dev­ support our needs for additional revenues to continue astated many of our headwater streams in spite of our these same activities. We look forward optimistically •attempts. But, the cumulative effects would have been to a future of continued success based on outstanding much worse without the persistence of the Thin Green support and cooperation we have received from the Line in preventing this. public. We have been pleased to note more progress in our atladromous fish restoration programs with the Fair- RALPH W. ABELE mount Park Dam fish ladder designed and engineered Executive Director 1 PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1, 1976 — JUNE30,1977 Office of Information

orking under the direction of the W Executive Director, the Office of Information consists of a director, publications editor, magazine editor, con­ servation education specialist, staff photographer, exhibits technician and artist, aided by a secretarial-clerical force of six persons. Its primary function is to aid all Commission personnel in keep­ ing the public, particularly fishermen and boaters, informed about fishing and boat­ ing opportunities in Pennsylvania. New this year in basic functions has been the start of a public information and education program concerning amphibians and reptiles, especially those that are classi­ fied as rare or endangered. Because of its small size and modest Office of Information staff had a major role in coordinating "Expo 77." budget, the Office of Information relies a Fish Commission-sponsored educational program held in Nanticoke. heavily on the cooperation of outdoor writers, newspaper and magazine editors, radio and television program directors to Fishing" was written for the Fish Com­ posted land along rivers, streams an' _ inform millions of readers and viewers mission by George Harvey, recognized lakes — prints were distributed to 28 tele a about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania. everywhere as a master fly tyer and one of vision stations across the state. Some 75 news releases were issued to the country's foremost fly-tying instruc­ these outlets during the year. In addition, tors. Available at $1.50, the book guides PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER the public information staff, field officers the novice fly tyer through step-by-step MAGAZINE and other Commission staff members instructions to tying his own flies and then, worked directly with reporters and writers in its second section, provides instruction Dealing with fishing and boating q on story assignments to cover Commission on how to fish for trout using the flies he Pennsylvania, exclusively, the magazin* programs in fishery management, propa­ has just learned to tie. reaches more than 50,000 homes ead gation and law enforcement. Also new this year is the "Pennsylvania month. Free-lance writers' accounts d Angler's Cookbook." Compiled from successful journeys to Keystone wa' PUBLIC APPEARANCES recipes submitted by readers of the terways serve as a month-by-month guid* Pennsylvania Angler magazine, this to "where to go" for seasonal fishing As in all efforts to keep the public in­ unique cookbook, which costs $2.50, Augmenting these stories are technical formed, the information communicated to contains some 300 different ways to articles written by staff members of th< 1 the general public through the news media prepare fish. Among those items produced Division of Fisheries for the enlightenmen is supplemented and, in many ways, made and distributed free of charge in single of Pennsylvania's fishermen; and, for th< more effective by direct contact between copies was a new pamphlet, "Pennsyl­ boater, periodical messages of boating citizens and Commission employees. The vania's Poisonous Snakes." The natural safety appear. major portion of this direct contact is history and identifying characteristics of made by the Commission's field officers the timber rattlesnake, massasauga rat­ EXHIBITS and hatchery workers. A summary of tlesnake and copperhead are reviewed. these activities appear in the reports of the A wide range of information and educa­ Office of Information staff had a majol Law Enforcement Division and the Divi­ tional material is prepared by this office to role in coordinating "Expo 77," a majol sion of Fisheries. answer thousands of requests from Commission-sponsored educational residents and nonresidents alike, regard­ program held in Nanticoke. Free to th* PUBLICATIONS ing fishing and boating opportunities in the public, over 12,000 people viewed the 2^ Keystone State. displays and manned information booth* "When to, how to and where to" ques­ during a three-day period. tions were answered through various PUBLIC SERVICE A major number of the Commissioi1 pamphlets, booklets and other publica­ A NNO UNCEMENTS exhibits used at the National Boy Scout tions distributed in response to mail Jamboree in Morraine State Park wer^ requests, at exhibits and shows and club One 60-second and one 30-second designed, installed and manned by statf meetings attended by Commission person­ public service television "spots" were members. Exhibits and other educational nel. Two major books were added to the produced during the year. Aimed at im­ aides were supplied to 44 sites in Pennsyl' Commission's list of publications this proving angler relations with landowners vania during the year. These sites included year. "Techniques of Fly Tying and Trout and reducing litter — the leading cause of fairs, sports shows, shopping malls and de-

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1,1976 — JUNE30,1977 Partment stores. five inches in length. The Commission and other citizens interested in the work of The staff presented over fifty educa­ awarded 372 Conservation Awards to the Commission. Sometimes running at a tional programs to teachers, elementary, youths who assisted in projects to con­ peak of over 60 phone calls per day and secondary and college students, fraternal, serve and improve our aquatic resources. more than 100 letters and postcards, the civic, park and recreation groups during Twenty-six Conservation Service Awards Office of Information handled a total of the year. These included movies, slide were presented to adults who aided the over 25,000 such requests during the year. talks, fishing and filleting demonstrations. Commission in its many activities and pro­ Most of these involve selecting, packaging grams. and payment of postage for sending one or CONSERVATION & ANGLER more of the Commission's free pamphlets, AWARDS MAIL & TELEPHONE booklets or other printed material. Many, however, require research and writing of Six hundred eighty senior and junior By far the leading demand on time and personal letters in trying to serve the fishing awards were sent to Pennsylvania expense of the Commission's public in­ needs of legislators, government officials, anglers who creeled trophy fish and 104 formation staff is required in answering sportsmen, students, teachers and other Husky Musky" awards were sent to mail and telephone requests for informa­ citizens living in Pennsylvania and sur­ those who caught muskellunge over forty- tion from legislators, fishermen, boaters rounding states.

spect and clear debris from the lakes and transferring the registration function to streams throughout the watershed. the Commission with a tentative take-over A Civil Service Exam was given during date set for January 1, 1978. the year to secure qualified applicants for The Fish Commission's new Walnut Bureau of Waterways the position of waterways patrolman. 897 Creek Boating Access and mooring basin applicants took the written exam and over on Lake Erie became operational this 100 were given oral exams. A certified list year. The facility contains parking spaces for from 160 to 280 cars and trailers (See GENERAL of those eligible for employment was es­ tablished and forwarded to the Com­ report of the Division of Engineering), launching facilities for up to six boats at a he Boating Advisory Board, chaired mission by the Civil Service Commission. time, boarding docks, and for the first by Nicholas Apfl, met twice during The Commission used this list im­ T time at any Commission facility, overnight the year. The Advisory Board is com­ mediately to fill vacancies in Montgomery mooring docks for 72 boats are available prised of five knowledgeable boatmen ap­ and Lebanon Counties. on a per night rental basis. The facility is pointed by the Governor. Its function is to All supervisors, assistant supervisors, equipped with a high intensity storm warn­ advise the Commission on matters regard­ waterways patrolmen and many special ing light that can be switched on instantly ing boating equipment and operations. waterways patrolmen are now performing by the National Weather Service at first During the year the board offered recom­ their duties in a new uniform as prescribed radar sight of an approaching storm. mendations concerning special regulations by the Commission. The new uniform is °n Lake Williams and Lake Redman in more distinctive than in the past and is York County, Shenango River Lake in making our officers more "visible" to the Law Enforcement Division Mercer County, and Treasure Lake in public. Clearfield County. In addition, the board Plans were made during the year for the This past year, division personnel recommended that Regulation 4.10, Fish Commission to take over the boating continued to maintain an effective fish and "Rules of the Road," be amended to pro­ registration functions, in the past held by boat enforcement program. As in past hibit the operation of vessels within 100 the Department of Revenue. The two years, an increase in the number of feet of water siphons, intake towers, and agencies jointly sponsored legislation bridge piers, due to the safety hazard in­ The Waterways Patrolman's role in maintaining good landowner relations volved to boaters. These recommenda­ is often responsible for keeping waters open to the public. tions were adopted by the Commmission. 1977 marked the first full season of °peration for Waterways Patrolmen on the titdal waters of the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Delaware Counties. In later 1976 the Commission became the sole state agency enforcing Waterways regulations in these areas, hav- mg assumed the responsibility from the Delaware River Navigation Commission. This past summer the city of Johnstown was hit by one of its worst floods in his­ tory. Southwest region law enforcement Personnel, assisted by a number of their deputies, voluntarily rushed to Johnstown within hours after the flood waters hit the c'ty and its surrounding communities. They participated in rescue operations, es­ tablished road blocks, patrolled to prevent !°oting and assisted local authorities in efforts to restore law and order. Division officers remained in the area for over a Week to assist in locating victims and to in­

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY7, 1976 — JUNE30, 1977 persons apprehended for violating the fish or boat law was recorded. The total number of prosecutions reported for the year (1976 comparative figures in paren­ thesis) was 7,560 (7278). 4,988 (4862) were for violations of the Fish Law, 2,580 (2416) for boating violations. In addition to prosecutions, 2,808 (3,498) warnings for fish violations and 4,734 (4564) warnings for boating violations were issued. A total of 27,440 (18,192) boats were boarded during the year with 20,126 (12,130)meet- ing legal requirements. To keep the public appraised of the latest developments in fishing and boating, Commission policies and other items of interest, field officers continued to carry out an intensive public relations and education program. This included the presentation of boating schools, fishing schools, the manning of displays and exhibits at sport shows, malls and fairs, appearances at sportsmen's clubs, schools, church, scout and civic organiza­ tions. The total number of appearances was 2292, with 394 films and slide pro­ grams being shown. In-service training with emphasis on the Commission's Public Relations Program was conducted at Lamar. Division personnel continue to provide fishing and boating information to the public via telephone, written cor­ respondence, newspapers, radio and tele­ vision. The Law Enforcement Division continued its efforts to preserve water Two of these "theaters-on-wheels" provided person-to-person contact with quality and to maintain and improve fish over 32,000 people at state parks, marinas and sporting events. habitat. Through the Commission's stream and lake improvement program, with some cases referred to DER for cor­ fourths of the boats registered were 16 district personnel assisted many rective action. feet or less in length. sportsmen's clubs, Scout groups, Youth Other duties involved the investigation Twelve new patrol craft were purchased Conservation Corps and others in install­ and review of encroachment applications for the Commission fleet and five were ing and providing advice for the installa­ which included pipeline crossings, dam phased out of service. Six outboard run­ tion of steam improvement devices. In­ construction, bridge construction, sewer abouts and a cartopper are now operating volvement by sportspersons is on the construction and myriad of other projects on lakes and small impoundments of the increase as more concern is being shown which may effect Commonwealth wa­ state. Two flat-bottomed river boats, for habitat improvement. A number of terways. A review was made of 680 deep equipped with outboard jet units will be late improvement projects were also un­ and strip mine applications, with field seeing duty on the Lower Youghiogheny dertaken in an effort to improve habitat officers submitting comments on the and upper Susquehanna Rivers. The Com­ for warmwater species. Many groups have effects of mine water drainage on fish and mission's patrol fleet now numbers 146 shown interest in the Adopt-A-Stream aquatic life. watercraft. Programs and our officers assisted by di­ District officers continue to play an ac­ 2,700 capacity plates were issued during recting groups in litter cleanup and other tive role in the many programs conducted the past year, bringing the total number of waterway improvement projects. by the Soil Conservation Service and the boaters participating in this program to Efforts to preserve water quality in­ Federal Disaster Assistance Administra­ 28,500. cluded the investigation of 308 water tion. These programs involve the removal pollution cases during the reporting pe­ of undesirable materials deposited in BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION riod. Many of these incidents involved a streams after a flood and the stabilization considerable amount of time for investiga­ of stream banks to halt further erosion The Fish Commission's two mobile tion as they required taking water sam­ and flood damage. Waterways patrolmen boating education vans were again on the ples, counting dead fish and other aquatic insure that any work done is with minimal road this past season. Two deputy water­ life destroyed as the result of deleterious damage to fish habitat, fish and squatic ways patrolmen were employed full time substances entering our waterways. Also, life. to operate the vans on special assignment the sources of the pollution had to be as Information and Education Specialists. found so that proper action could be taken Water craft Divison Portable generators and public address against offenders. Most pollution incidents systems were added to the van inventory were investigated in cooperation with the 177,000 watercraft were registered in of equipment which added greatly to their Department of Environmental Resources Pennsylvania during 1977, a 4.7% increase range of operation. Loaded with safe boat­ and many prosecutions were made jointly, over the previous year. Nearly three- ing literature and equipped with projection

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1976 —JUNE30. 1977 facilities the two "theaters-on-wheels" craft, particularly operating on rivers and pared to 100 the year before. Personal in­ *ere popular attractions at state parks, streams, Commission watercraft safety juries were reported at 31 compared to 49 Carinas, shopping malls and sportsmen's personnel focused on two areas during in 1976. Property damage was almost functions. This season the two operators 1977. A new publication, Sportsmen and halved, at less than $70,000. Wade contact with over 32,000 people. Small Boats, was produced by the Com­ Fatalities remained on a plane with last The vans' primary function to provide mission using grant-in-aid funds provided year's record low, with 22 boating-related Person-to-person contact on the scene by the United States Coast Guard. The drownings reported during the year. The "lakes them a valuable part of the Com­ sixteen-page booklet, subtitled "Some boating fatality figures for the 1970's com­ mission's boating safety program. Tips on Water Survival," illustrates some pare as follows: Again in 1977 one of the major vehicles of the common hazards encountered by 1970—35 1974—31 °f our boating safety education program hunters and fishermen when using small 1971 — 26 1975 — 39 *as the Pennsylvania Basic Boating Text. boats. Particular emphasis in places on 1972 — 53 1976 — 21 This course and text rolled into one is an cold water boating and on operating on 1973 — 38 1977 — 22 80-page comprehensive basic safety and rivers and around dams. 500,000 copies More than two-thirds of the fatalities skills development book with a 50-ques- were printed for statewide distribution occurred in nonpowered craft — canoes, hon final test and four answer cards in­ through Commission district personnel, rowboats and johnboats. Sixteen of the clude to encourage all boating members of with a two-year supply provided the twenty-two happened on rivers and 'he family to take part in the course. The Pennsylvania Game Commission for inclu­ streams. The year's most tragic accident book had been mailed in 1976 to every sion in their Hunter Safety program. occurred on the Perkiomen Creek when registered boat owner in the Common­ four young people, aged 17-23, drowned in wealth. This year, continuing the BOATING ACCIDENTS a single canoeing accident as their craft Program, a copy of the course was capsized at the base of a dam. Although forwarded to each new boat owner upon Boating accidents reported on Com­ all four persons were reported to be good registration of the craft for the first time. monwealth waters continued the decline swimmers, there was no personal flotation Noting with concern that the trend in which began the previous year, with devices on board and the victims quickly boating fatalities has turned toward small seventy-two accidents reported as com­ succumbed in the cold February water.

Bureau of Fisheries and Engineering

Division of Fisheries

he Division of Fisheries is organized T into four sections: Fisheries Management, Fisheries Research, Cold- water Fish Propagation, and Warmwater Fish Propagation. These four sections administer nearly all aspects of Pennsyl- vania's recreational fishery. streams have been inventoried. This total Pennsylvania. In order to adequately meet FISHERIES MANAGEMENT constitutes 25.6% of all stocked trout these responsibilities, a management SECTION water (lakes and streams) and 28.2% of program is being developed for reptiles, stocked streams. amphibians and endangered species. Dur­ The activities of the Fisheries Manage­ A federally funded warm water fisheries ing this fiscal year, a program coordinator ment Section were directed at three major management project was developed dur­ for reptiles, amphibians, and endangered areas of responsibility: coldwater fish­ ing the last three months of the fiscal year, species was designated; a checklist of all eries; warmwater fisheries; and reptiles, and this project will become active in fiscal amphibians, reptiles and fish of Pennsyl­ amphibians and endangered species. A year 1977-1978. The project includes six vania developed; a tentative classification Warmwater Unit Leader was appointed major areas of interest: lake inventory, of the status of these species (rare, and an Area Fisheries Manager was ap­ warmwater stream inventory, angler de­ threatened, endangered or peripheral) pointed for Area 7 (Middle Susquehanna mand analysis, program development, developed; and qualified experts asked to River drainage). These appointments technique evaluations and program pro­ serve on advisory boards for consultation eomplete the statewide assignment of motions. The objective of this project is to and advice on specialized programs. fisheries managers to geographical areas develop management by fishing resource A number of specific field studies and and permit implementation of an effective category within five years. projects were completed or continued on warmwater fisheries management The Commission has been assigned the schedule. These include: (1) Study to Program. responsibility for managing all of the evaluate the effects on highway construc­ Fiscal year 1976-1977 marked the Commonwealth's reptiles and amphibians. tion and the rerouting of the stream on second year of the catchable trout phase The Commission is also the responsible Blockhouse Creek continued; (2) the semi­ °f the inventory and classification agency for meeting federal requirements annual monitoring of the trout population Program. During this year, 190 streams and providing information relative to rare in Big Spring Creek, Cumberland County, *ere surveyed. This means that in thepast and endangered species of fish, am­ continued; (3) an inventory of Falling two years a total of 261 catchable trout phibians, reptiles and aquatic organisms in Spring Branch, Franklin County, led to a

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT — FISCAL YEAR JULY 1. 1976 —JUNE30, 1977 cooperative habitat improvement program involving landowners, sportsmen's groups and the Commission; (4) efforts to es­ tablish smelt in selected lakes continued; (5) trout spawning in a tributary to Penns Creek were tagged to determine contribu­ tion of such streams to the fish population in larger streams; (6) the American shad restoration feasibility study of the Schuylkill and Lehigh Rivers was terminated with the recommendation that efforts be continued to gain shad passage to the Schuylkill River; and (7) a study of the water quality and fish stocks in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie was continued. During the fiscal year, division biolo­ gists conducted a total of 236 stream sur­ veys, 50 lake surveys, and made ap­ proximately 14 pollution checks. Staff also engaged in a number of other activities re­ lated to fisheries management, including processing of 303 applications for use of aquatic herbicides, review of 135 applica­ tions for scientific collector's permits, par­ ticipation in the Susquehanna River Anadromous Fish Restoration Commit­ Conveyor used for fish loading results in saving of time and manpower. tee's efforts; participation in the Delaware River Fisheries Technical Committee; and offering testimony at a variety of hearings junction with Dr. E. S. Crossman of the effectiveness of their effluent waste­ regarding matters which could affect the Canada, has been accepted for publication water treatment systems. Sampling was aquatic resource. Staff biologists also took in a scientific journal. conducted on a monthly basis with each an active role in a number of conservation Efforts continued at the Van Dyke sample series representing an appropriate education programs and attended a Anadromous Fishery Research Facility on composite. Sampling locations consisted number of meetings and conferences on the Juniata River. By October 1, 1976, of representative sites so that each waste subjects directly relating to fisheries more than three quarters of a million treatment structure could be evaluated science or sport fishing. American shad fry and fingerlings had and realistically compared. been released from Van Dyke. By June 30, Fish culture stations with DER in­ 1977, another 81,000 fry had been dustrial waste or sewage treatment FISHERIES RESEARCH SECTION released from Van Dyke and sufficient permits with compliance limitations were eggs had been received for a potential monitored. Efficiency studies were The Fisheries Research Section release of approximately a million by the conducted at each wastewater treatment continued to concentrate on problems fall of 1977. During this fiscal year, a facility. Monthly water quality monitoring associated with fish culture. The research utility company operating a hydroelectric reports were also required at some effort is divided into five major fields of station on the lower Susquehanna pro­ facilities. These were completed and interest; fish pathology, fish cultural tech­ vided funding for operation of the Van submitted to the appropriate regional niques, water chemistry, hatchery effluent Dyke facility. DER office. Also, federal discharging studies, and whirling disease research. A federally funded project was es­ permit (NPDES) applications for all tablished to study the effects and relative Pennsylvania Fish Commission hatcheries Fish Pathology — success of feeding several dry, milled have been submitted to the EPA regional A total of 257 diagnostic investigations feeds to tiger muskellunge. Results of this office in Philadelphia. were conducted during the 1976-1977 study should provide coolwater fish Whirling Disease Research — fiscal year. The most frequently diagnosed culturists with (1) information on rearing The five-year, federally funded study of problems, in order of prevalence, were: techniques, (2) indication of problems in­ whirling disease was completed. The final bacterial gill disease, furunculosis, bac­ volved with diets now available and which report and results have been submitted. It terial hemorrhagic septicemia, external might be the best diet, (3) an idea of the was concluded that: whirling disease parasites, and IPN virus. Other problems effects, if any, of a dry feed on the internal probably cannot be transmitted by encountered included gas bubble disease, organs and general condition of coolwater transfer of disinfected eggs, no drugs are ammonia toxicity, drug and chemical fish. effective in control of the disease, some toxicity, environmental stress and dietary Water Chemistry — chemicals are effective in disinfecting deficiencies. During the 1976-1977 fiscal year, 811 raceways and ponds against whirling Fish cultural Techniques — samples were submitted to the Benner disease and ultraviolet radiation is effec­ Work continued on the Amur pike and Spring water quality laboratory for tive against the disease organisms sus­ Amur pike hybrid project. Several lots of analysis. A total of 7,616 physical, pended in water. Very sensitive diagnostic Amur pike hybrids have been held to chemical and bacteriological tests were and staining techniques were developed as maturity and photographed. The Amur performed. a result of this project. Plans are being pike x northern pike hybrid is fertile and Effluent Studies — developed for continuing study relative to a male of that cross was used to fertilize Four Pennsylvania Fish Commission the susceptibility of various species of sal- muskellunge eggs this year. A manuscript hatcheries (Big Spring, Oswayo, Pleasant monids and to the fate of the disease in on the Amur pike hybrids, done in con­ Gap and Tionesta) were evaluated as to natural environments

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY1. 1976 —JUNE30, 1977 COLD WATER PROPAGATION into Lake Erie tributaries and Presque bass, 1,038 sunfish, 3,840 yellow perch, SECTION Isle Bay. 400 bullheads, and 250,000 walleye fry. Cooperative Nursery Branch — The Coldwater Propagation Section in­ The branch continued to play an im­ WARMWATER PROPAGATION cludes all trout rearing activities in Com­ portant role in the Commission's effort to SECTION mission hatcheries as well as responsibility actively involve Commonwealth sports­ for the cooperative nurseries. men in enhancing their own sport. The The Warmwater Propagation Section Fish Commission Hatcheries — growth of the program and the effective­ produced a variety of fry, fingerling and The section hatcheries stocked 1,786,- ness of the CO-OP propagation effort adult fishes in response to the needs of 551 pounds of trout, including 4,465,833 merited recognition of the branch as a fisheries management programs. Sig­ adult trout averaging 9.48" in length and major production operation and was in­ nificant advances were made in techniques 1,804,560 trout fingerlings. This produc­ cluded in the Trout Propagation Section. to rear tiger muskellunge and walleye in tion was achieved despite construction and The Cooperative Branch, through Com­ tanks and raceways utilizing artificial renovation at the Huntsdale and Benner mission hatcheries, provided 1,061,990 diets. The new intensive culture building Spring Stations. Despite rising operating fingerling trout, 100,000 eyed brook trout and raceways at the Huntsdale Fish and labor costs, the cost per pound of eggs, 195,000 eyed brown trout eggs, 280,- Cultural Station were placed into produc­ trout produced was only slightly greater 000 green walleye eggs, 6,000 largemouth tion of coolwater fishes (muskellunge, than in the previous fiscal year. Nine fish bass fry, and 6 quarts of daphnia to tiger muskellunge, and walleye) for the cultural stations contributed to the trout sportsmen's sponsored nurseries. A total first time. The contribution of these mod­ stocking effort. of 139 sportsmen's clubs sponsored 170 ern rearing facilities will be reflected in The Commission's Lake Erie salmon units (166 trout and 4 warmwater) in 49 the following year's production total as Program continued to be successful with counties. Cooperative nurseries stocked most of the fish will be stocked in late emphasis on coho salmon smolt produc­ trout in 701 water areas in 52 counties and summer and fall of 1977. tion and chinook fingerling production. A warmwater fish in 8 water areas in 4 The results of propagation efforts of all total of 1,614,907 salmon, including counties. Cooperative nursery stockings Fish Commission fish cultural stations are 978,925 chinook fingerlings, was released included 864,542 trout, 2,783 largemouth summarized in the accompanying table.

FISH STOCKED BY STATE HATCHERIES ONLY DURING FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1976 to JUNE 30. 1977

FRY FINGERLING ADULT GRAND TOTAL SPECIES Number Number Weight Number Weight Number Weight TROUT Brook Trout 432.200 9,999 916,309 346,688 1,348,509 356.687 Brown Trout 602,300 5,550 1,535,167 593,597 2,137,467 599,147 Rainbow Trout 754,900 20.467 1,966,759 787,930 2.721,659 808.397 Palomino Rbw. Trout 1,460 146 37,495 20,645 38,955 20,791 Lake Trout 13,700 724 13700 724 Steelhead Trout 10.103 805 10,103 805 ^OTAL TROUT 1.804.560 36.886 4.465.833 1.749.665 6.270.393 1.786.551 SALMON Coho 635.955 38.740 27 70 635,982 38.810 Kokanee 536 13 536 13 Chinook 978.925 3.759 978.925.. 3.759 TOTAL SALMON. 1.615.416 42.5/2 27 70 1.615.443.. 42.582 GAMEFISH Chain Pickerel 650 65 ~"~ 65° 65 l-argemouth Bass 34,000 38,900 809 869 885 73,769.. 1,694 Muskellunge 113.221 8.031 113,221.. 8,031 Northern Pike 27,700 1,016 27,700.. 1,016 Smallmouth Bass ',"—",' Walleye 59.300.000 257.420 621 3,827 7,301 59.561.247.. 7,922 American Shad 828.250... 41,453 139 869,703.. 139 Amur Pike Hybrids 252 17 12 40 264.. 57 Striped Bass 195 7 195.. 7 TOTAL GAMEFISH 60.162.2SO 479.791 10.705 *708 8226 60.646.749.. 18.931 pANFISH Black Crappie 14,500 33 8,957 7.325.. 23.457.. 7,358 Bluegill 4'573 2,129.. 4,573.. 2,129 Brown Bullhead 16.429 12,859.. 16,429.. 12,859 Carp 2,401 7.716.. 2.401.. 7,716 Channel Catfish 5 8.. 5.. 8 Sunfish (Common) 5.170 21 2,830 580.. 8,000.. 601 Whhiti e Crappie Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch 7 500 244 3,539 1,358 11,039 1,602 White Bass 216 162 216 162 TOTAL PANFISH 27./70 298 38,950 32.737 66.120 32.435 FOnAGEFISH Sucker 2 3 2 3 TOTAL FORAGE FISH 2 3 2 3 GRAND TOTAL 60.162.250 3.926.937 90.401 4.509.520 1.790.101 68.598.707 1.880.502

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1976 —JUNE30, 1977 Division of Engineering

he Engineering Division is responsible T for the development, improvement and maintenance of the physical resources and facilities owned or controlled by the Commission. The division's expenditures for the fiscal year 1976 totaled $3,810,000. Funding was from the following sources: Commonwealth Land and Water Con­ servation and Reclamation Act (Project 500) — 42%; Fish Commission Fish Fund — 25%; Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (D-J) and Anadromous Fish Conservation Acts —21%; and Fish Commission Boating Fund — 12%. The division's projects were all part of Com­ mission programs for the administration of Pennsylvania's recreational fisheries and fishing and boating public use facilities. The emphasis this year was pri­ marily on those programs for public ac­ Every attempt is made to provide access to fishing and boating waters cess areas, hatcheries, and the restoration with as little disturbance to natural settings as possible. of river fisheries. This is the Bradys Bend Access Area, Allegheny River, Armstrong Co. In April, 1977, continuance of the Com­ mission's effort in its own capital develop­ The Commission's Walnut Creek Ac­ boro a paved parking lot for 50 cars wit-;tihi ment and improvement projects relative cess Area has become the mecca for many boat trailers, a boat launching ramp, and a to the responsibilities of the newly es­ Lake Erie walleye and salmon fishing en­ floating boat boarding dock were tablished Commonwealth Department of thusiasts. Because of that, during the six constructed. This was also a Project 500 General Services was defined in an to eight weeks in the fall when the salmon development and cost $111,500, with agreement of understanding between the "run," the expanded facilities are already the Commission's Boating Fund sharing two agencies. Essentially, the Commission being used to capacity. The cost of the $3,600 of that cost. The Commission is will continue its own in-house engineering project at Walnut Creek, including planning further expansion of the Golds­ and architectural design services and engineering, was $671,600. Of that total, boro facilities due to increased demand for force account construction activities. $250,000 came from a U.S. Fish and Wild­ additional vehicle parking and boat moor­ However, future contracted projects life Service D-J Act grant, $45,000 from ing capacity. Five lesser improvement involving expenditures of more than the Commission's Boating Fund, and the projects completed were the enlargement, $25,000 will be administered by the De­ balance from Commonwealth Project 500 regrading and paving of the parking lots partment of General Services. The funds. and boat launching ramps at the agreement gives the Commission the The Engineering Division also began Mifflintown, Muskrat Springs, Green­ benefits of being able to continue to carry design work on a $250,000 multi-purpose wood, Thompsontown, and Walker Ac­ out its development program with its own building for the Walnut Creek Access cess Areas along the Juniata River in experienced personnel. Area. The building will house modern Juniata and Perry Counties. The division's principal project under public rest rooms, visitor's areas, fish Plans were completed and construction the access area program for the year was cleaning facilities, and an attendant's started on two new access areas. One is the renovation and expansion of public office. Appurtenant to the project is the located on Bessemer Quarry Lake, facilities at the Walnut Creek Access development of a potable water supply Lawrence County. Estimated project cost Area on Lake Erie. The project consisted and on-site sewage disposal systems. It is is $58,000 with funding shared 25% by the of the construction of a bituminous paved anticipated that the project will be funded Commission's Fish Fund and 75% by a road and parking lot system, boat launch­ with Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recrea­ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servive D-J Act ing ramp, and small boat harbor of refuge. tion, Commission Boating, and Common­ grant. The other access facility under The capacity of the parking lot was wealth Project 500 funds. construction is at Bradys Bend on the increased from 60 to 160 cars with boat Other access program construction Allegheny River in Armstrong County- trailers and 280 without, and overflow ca­ projects completed during the year were Estimated project cost is $77,000 with pacity was provided for another 100 cars the Conneaut Lake Access Area, funding shared 50% by the Commission's and trailers on designated lawn areas. Si­ Crawford County, and the Goldsboro Ac­ Boat Fund and 25% each by the Com­ multaneous boat launching and retrieval cess Area on the Susquehanna River, mission's Fish Fund and a U.S. Fish and capacity was increased from two to six. A York County. At Conneaut Lake a paved Wildlife Service D-J Act grant. 228' x 287' small boat harbor was parking lot for 42 cars with boat trailers, The division's staff drew up the plans developed and a floating dock system with and a boat launching ramp were for two future access areas on the Susque­ overnight berthing for 72 boats of up to 20' constructed. This was a Commonwealth hanna River. Those areas are scheduled length was installed. 500 project and cost $129,000. At Golds- for construction early next year. One is

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY 7, 1976 — JUNE30. 1977 near Mahantango, Snyder County, the tion, which was mainly by contract, took construction of the Lower Spring Creek °ther at Fort Hunter, a suburb of Har- two years. In addition to modern trout Unit of the Spring Creek Fish Cultural Hsburg, in Dauphin County. The cost of projection units and appurtenant water Station, Centre County. This project each will be shared by the Commission's supply and drainage structures, a large consisted principally of the replacement of fish and Boat Funds, and a U.S. Fish and part of the project was specifically earthen raceways used for trout produc­ Wildlife Service D-J Act grant. designed for the culture of "coolwater" tion by concrete raceways, and addition of Division personnel acting with the Com­ species: muskellunge, pike, and walleye. a well water supply and aeration struc­ mission's Real Estate Divison specialists With the development of the "coolwater" tures, and provision of waste treatment "ivestigated eleven sites on waterways facilities the Commission can undertake, facilities. The project, which was both throughout the Commonwealth as possi­ along with its existing trout and warm- designed and constructed by division ble locations for new fishing and boating water production programs, a distinct new personnel, covered a period of three years access areas. Also, inspections and sur- program to propagate and stock cool­ and was completed in December, 1976. veys were conducted at six existing access water species. Project cost was $1,100,000 which was areas for data needed to plan for future The second hatchery project completed completely funded by a Commonwealth renovation or improvement projects: The during the year was the development of Project 500 grant. Partial rebuilding of the road into Meadow the Fairview Fish Cultural Station, Erie Of interest is a minor project, the Van Grounds Lake, Fulton County; establish­ County. The project, which was designed Dyke Shad Station on the Juniata River in ment of a new right-of-way into the by the division's staff and constructed by Juniata County, which was completed in Ebensburg Reservoir, Cambria County; public contract, spanned about two and May, 1976 by the division's engineering and the repair of erosion and ice damage one-half years and was substantially com­ and construction personnel. This project at the Oil City Access, Venango County. pleted in November, 1976. This totally consisted of the development of pilot or In addition, other tasks included conduct- new facility contains a building for taking experimental shad hatchery. The facility *ng final inspections in connection with the and fertilizing salmon eggs and a concrete is primarily a "barrel and pond" opera­ bond requirements of three previously raceway series for the later stage of rear­ tion, costing under $50,000 to develop. completed contracted construction ing salmon fingerlings to smolt, which are Development was funded by the Com­ Projects. released into Lake Erie. The intervening mission's Fish Fund and a special grant of During the year, hatchery development process of hatching the eggs and rearing $34,000 from the Pennsylvania Power and and renovations exceeded all other pro­ the resultant fry to fingerlings is Light Company is supporting this year's grams in both capital costs and engineer- conducted at the Linesville, Crawford operation. lng complexity. Three major projects were County, and Tionesta, Forest County, The fourth major hatchery project of completed, construction continued on a Fish Cultural Stations. The Fairview the year, the reconstruction and renova­ fourth, and engineering began for a fifth project cost a total of $834,000 of which tion of production facilities at Benner Construction and renovation project, $461,500 was funded by a Commonwealth Spring Fish Cultural Station, Centre funded by a Commonwealth Project 500 Project 500 grant and $372,500 by a U.S. County, by division construction forces, grant, was substantially completed on Fish and Wildlife Service Anadromous continued through the year. The project, June 30, 1977. The division's staff spent a Fish Conservation Act grant. begun last year, is expected to be com­ year designing the project, while construc­ The third hatchery project was the re­ pleted in three years. The new facilities replace an obsolete system of earthen These are the Benner Spring production facilities undergoing renovation. raceways and ponds and will be used for the production of trout and coolwater species. The project also includes the conversion of the ground floor of the Ben­ ner Spring Research Building into a "hatchhouse" and the addition to the building of a wing containing a "wet lab." The estimated cost of the project is $1,600,000 of which $700,000 is funded by a Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation grant, $50,000 by a Commercial Fisheries Research & Development Act grant, and the balance by a Commonwealth Project 500 grant. The fifth hatchery project undertaken by the division's staff was the engineering and design work required to renovate the Pleasant Mount Fish Cultural Station, Wayne County. The first phase of the project consists of the replacement of the station's obsolete system of earthen race­ ways and ponds by modern concrete race­ ways and ponds designed for trout and coolwater species production. The second phase will include the renovation of the station's hatchhouses and other buildings. Construction of the project will be by public contract and is expected to begin by the middle of next fiscal year. The esti­ mated cost of phase one is $1,300,000 and phase two $400,000. Funding of the

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1, 1976 — JUNE30, 1977 project is anticipated to be by Federal Armstrong County; Minsi Lake, North­ ronmental Services Branch of the Economic Development Administration ampton County, and Kahle Lake, Lehigh Engineering Division bears a large part o' and Commonwealth Project 500 grants. County. For the near future, the division's the Commission's share of that responsi' For years the Commission has tasks on the lake program will largely be bility. The branch's function is to protect promoted a program to construct fishways confined to necessary maintenance and and improve those streams, lakes, and wa­ over the dams on the Susquehanna and improvement work at existing lakes. terways in which the Commission stocks Schuylkill Rivers for the purpose of re­ Additional projects performed during or fosters fish life. It carries out its duties storing the natural runs of shad, herring the year were: development of conceptual both in conjunction with other govern­ and other fisheries which the dams designs for renovation of the Stackhouse mental departments or agencies in close prevent. At long last, the first sign of suc­ School and Administration Building, cooperation with private conservation cess appeared during the year when the Centre County; inventory of all pumps in groups. During the year, branch personnel City of Philadelphia applied for a Federal the hatchery systems; construction of a attended public meetings held by the Economic Development Administration walleye rearing marsh at Nockamixon Corps of Engineers for flood control grant of $425,000 to construct a fishway Lake, Bucks County; construction of a projects, taught conservation education over the first dam, the Fairmount Park patrol boat shelter at Raystown Lake, classes, attended hearings on pollution Dam, that blocks fish passage on the Huntingdon County; construction of cases, provided technical assistance to Schuylkill River. The Commission's groins to control erosion along the lake groups performing stream improvement Engineering Division in cooperation with shoreline at Walnut Creek Access Area, projects, planned stream bank stabiliza­ the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during Erie County; property acquisition survey tion and channel change projects, par­ the year produced plans and specifications of spring-filled gravel pits adjacent to the ticipated in meetings with other agencies for the fishway. Construction of the Fairview Station, Erie County; demolition to control strip mining, and inspected fishway is scheduled to begin in November of a hazardous unused mill building on the pipeline stream crossings. It reviewedi 1977. The Commission's share of the grounds of the Cedar Springs Station, making recommendations when project is estimated to be $40,000 and is Clinton County; and many miscellaneous necessary, a total of: 785 Department of jointly funded by the Fish fund and the tasks such as rewiring Commission build­ Environmental Resources dams and en­ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Anadro- ings, installing heating system, installing croachment permit applications; 1,264 mous Fish Conservation Act. gasoline tanks and pumps, repair of DER permits; 607 mine drainage permit With the exception of planning and domestic water systems, construction of applications; 502 sets of highway plans; design work for rebuilding the dam at display units and panels for exhibits, in­ 1,012 Corps of Engineers public notices; Reinings Pond, Wayne County and Ford stalling office partitions, reshingling roofs, 384 Environmental Protection Agency Lake, Lackawanna County, the division's and installing fencing and steps at public notices; 80 plans of DER stream tasks for the Commission's fishing lake permanent salmon collecting facilities on improvement projects; 9 proposed Dela­ program were largely limited to property Lake Erie tributary streams. ware River Basis Commission projects; surveys. The division surveyed and/or The Fish Commission is one of the 633 State Clearing House projects; and 15 handled property-related requests at: several Commonwealth agencies responsi­ miscellaneous permits and applications. Mauch Chunk Lake, Carbon County; Lily ble for the protection of Pennsylvania's Besides responsibility for carrying out Lake, Luzerne County; Keystone Lake, water resources, and the Fisheries Envi- the Commission's capital development projects, the Engineering Division is responsible for the routine maintenance of An interior view of the Van Dyke Research Station for Anadromous Fishes. the Commission's statewide public use facilities and various operational units. Those include 228 public fishing and boat­ ing access points, 37 of which are coopera­ tively maintained under agreements with local municipalities or other organizations, 56 public fishing lakes owned or controlled by the Commission, and 17 public fishing stream segments. In March 1977 the number of the division's sectionally located maintenance crews was increased to five with the creation of a new unit operating out of the Pleasant Gap Fish Cultural Station, Centre County. The crews during the year, additionally performed routine maintenance at .3 law enforcement regional offices, 2 area fisheries managers offices, and 2 salmon weirs. The crews were also called upon to assist in the maintenance and operations of the Commission's fourteen fish cultural station complexes and four propagation lakes. The division's expenditure for maintenance in this fiscal year was funded with $143,000 from the Boat Fund and $369,000 from the Fish Fund. Of the latter amount, approximately $158,000 will be shared by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service D-J Act grant.

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1976 —JUNE30, 1977 M Bureau of Administrative Services

uring this fiscal period, the operations D of the bureau in the administrative coordination and implementation of the Commissions services functions continued (o become increasingly critical. This was, and continues to be the case in the areas of total Commission budgeting and financial analysis as a result of the need to meet ever-increasing operational costs and, at the same time, meet the growing need to Provide fishing and boating recreation op­ portunities throughout the Common­ wealth. Administrative functions of the bureau The Fort Hunter Access Area on the Susquehanna River, Dauphin County. in addition to the budgeting and financial analysis functions already described in­ Some of the major acquisitions and Hiking Club, Lancaster County; Reining'? clude: land and water acquisition, federal lease agreements completed or worked on Pond photogrammetric survey aid coordination, issuance of special are as follows: agreement with PennDOT, Wayne Permits and licenses, automotive services, Stream Acquisition: County; Rockview State Correctional In­ affirmative action, purchasing and Susquehanna River, Dauphin County stitution agreement (various research Procurement, planning, retirement, dup­ (Halifax Access, 12.27 acres); Fort projects). Centre County. licating and printing services, inventory Hunter Access (1.985 acres); North Right-of-way Agreements: records, personnel and payroll, training, Branch Susquehanna River, Wyoming Tidioute Access, Warren County, with retirement counseling, central files, mail County at West Falls (2.527 acres); Tidioute Borough; Walnut Creek Access, Processing and messenger service, ware­ West Branch Susquehanna River, Erie County, with Pennsylvania Electric housing, other incidental functions and the Clinton County at North Bend (8.05 Company; Jacobs Creek. Fayette Production, shipping and accounting func­ acres). County, with West Penn Power Com­ tions for all fishing licenses sold by issuing Additional land being considered for pany; Kahle Lake, Clarion and Venango agents. Fishing license sales again acquisition at Lake Silkworth in Luzerne Counties, with North Penn Gas Com­ •"creased over the sales of previous years, County (3.0 acres), and land was ac­ pany; Speedwell Forge Lake, Lancaster and additional increases are anticipated quired at the Huntsdale Fish Cultural County with Denver and Ephrata T&T for future years, clearly indicating in­ Station (0.236 acres) for hatchery ex­ Company; Minsi Lake, Northampton creasing public awareness of fishing as a pansion. County, with Metropolitan Edison Com­ rewarding form of outdoor recreation. Cooperative Lease Agreements: pany and County Commissioners. Tidioute Borough, fishing and boating In addition to the above 27, stream LAND & WATER ACQUISITION access to the Allegheny River, Warren improvement project leases were County; Pardee Beach (renewal), fishing processed, 46 special use permits were The principal responsibility of the Real and boating access to the Delaware reviewed and processed and over 53 ac­ Estate Division is securing land and water River, Monroe County; Montoursville cess area investigations were conducted rights for public fishing and boating pur- Borough, fishing and boating access to all throughout the Commonwealth. Poses. The division is likewise responsible the West Branch of the Susquehanna for the routine management of these River, Lycoming County; Keystone Lake SAND & GRAVEL ROYALTIES rights following acquisition. (renewal), five boating and fishing ac­ The continuing demand by the public to cesses on lake, Armstrong County; Eliza­ The Pennsylvania Fish Commission acquire water-oriented recreational lands beth Township, boating and fishing ac­ received $208,439.85 in royalty payments •or their private use not only has caused a cess to the Youghiogheny River. Alle­ from dredging companies operating in steady increase in land values, but also has gheny County; Van Dyke anadromous Commonwealth waters during the 76-77 drastically reduced the number of research agreement with DER, Juniata fiscal year. Cumulative receipts since the developable sites. County; Northeast Fisheries Manage­ passage of Act 225 (Fiscal 70-71) amount Confronted with limited acquisition ment office agreement. Pike County; to $1,745,779.12. Although this amount •unds, the Real Estate Division continued Special Use agreement with Gateway reflects a $19,262.50 increase over the Wlth its efforts to secure in fee, and by Clipper, Inc., Allegheny County; prior year, we do anticipate a steady de­ long Raystown Lake Fish and Motorboat Law cline in this revenue due to the phase-out -term leases, agreements with munici­ Enforcement agreement, Tioga County; of dredging on the Upper Allegheny River palities, water authorities, redevelopment Conestoga Trail Association agreement ordered by the Department of Environ­ authorities, state and federal agencies anr on Speedwell Forge Lake with Lancaster mental Resources. mdustries owning waterfront properties. PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY1. 1976 —JUNE30, 1977 MISCELLANEOUS FEDERAL AID ments were distributed as follows: LICENSES & PERMITS The section on Federal Aid Coordina­ Fish Fund $577,038.38 The Miscellaneous License and Permit tion prepared and presented ten new Boat Fund 200,667.00 Section reviewed and issued the following: projects* and seven new project segments Project "500" Fund 622,574.00 to existing projects** during the year Regulated Fishing Lake 272 ended June 30, 1977. Total federal reim­ Total $1,400,279.38 Artificial Propagation 168 bursements and grants for the year were Live Bait Dealers 545 $1,400,279.38. Billings to the federal Documentation was executed during Transportation 79 government, outstanding at the end of the the year on the following existing and ne^ Net Permits 221 year totaled $97,644.46. Total reimburse- projects. Scientific Collector 172 Draw Down 148 Dynamite 26 Planned Anticipated Anadromous Fish Act Cost Reimbursement

The following applications were re­ ••Coho(AFS-5-6) $160,000.00 $80,000.00 viewed and acted upon in conjunction with * * Brandywine Shad Study (AFSC-4-8) 750.00 500.00 other Commonwealth agencies: ••Delaware River Research (AFS-2-11) 5,000.00 -0- •Fairmount Dam Fish Ladder (AFS-7-T-1) 40.460.00 20.230.00 $206,210.00 $100,730.00 Mine Drainage 748 Fish and Wildlife Restoration (D-J)

•*D-J Maintenance (F-30-D-12) $250,087.00 $187,565.26 PERSONNEL •Bradys Bend Access Area (F-54-D-1) 77.000.00 28.875.00 •Bessemer Quarry Lake Access Area (F-55-D-1) 58.000.00 43.500.00 The following are the highlights of some • Fort Hunter Access Area (F-56-D-1) 24,984.00 9,369.00 of the accomplishments of the Personnel Office: $410,071.00 $269,309.26 Labor Relations: The new AFSCME Commercial Fish A ct Agreement was implemented. Contract briefings were held for supervisory person­ "Commercial Effluent Study (3-242-R-3) $58,323.00 $43,742.26 nel. New seniority units were established *Wet Lab-Benner Spring Research Station for purposes of promotion and furlough. (3-272-C) 200.000.00 50.000.00 The Master Agreement was amended to 47.625.00 provide more liberal use of compensatory •Commercial Fish Study, Lake Erie (3-283-R-1) 63,500.00 time instead of direct payment for $321,823.00 $141,367.25 overtime. Training: A six month orientational Federal Land A Water Conservation Fund (BOR) training program was developed and im­ plemented for newly appointed fish * 'Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan — culturists. The purpose was to provide Update — Phase II — (42-00482) $80,000.00 $40,000.00 overall exposure to nearly all areas of fish •Benner Spring Fish Cultural Station — culture and provide superintendents with Construction & Renovation (42-00456) a better way of evaluating employes. (Stage I) 1,179.100.00 $589,550.00 Classification: 95 positions were re­ $1,259,100.00 $629,550.00 viewed to insure correct classification. A compensation study was prepared and im­ U.S. Department of Transportation plemented for management employes. (U.S. Coast Guard Grant) New specifications were prepared for 7 classes. • * Boating Safety Program (1701 -42) $145,999.00 $145,999.00 Employment: Proposals were sent to $145,000.00 $145,999.00 CETA prime sponsors resulting in ap­ proval of grants for $92,000 for temporary Fish & Wildlife Act of 19S6 employees in Erie, Potter and Wayne Counties. •Coolwater Diet Test Study (Contract Transactions: 887 transactions were 14-16-0009-77-045) $33,600.00 $33,600.00 fully processed by the Personnel Office. •Whirling Disease Study (Contract Over 2,000 transactions were processed. 14-16-0009-77-060) 16.875.00 16,875.00 Benefits: 49 retirement estimates were $50,475.00 $50,475.00 prepared and 11 individual retirement U.S. Department of Commerce counseling sessions were held. 246 other (Fishery Conservation & Management Act of 1976) cases involving benefits were handled. The average salary complement during 'Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council the fiscal year was 416 — a reduction of 6 (Contract 04-7-158-44028) positions from the previous fiscal year. $7,000.00 $7,000.00 For permanent positions during the pe­ $7,000.00 $7,000.00 riod, 11 appointments and 15 separations occurred. GRAND TOTALS $2,400,678.00 $1,344,430.50

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT—FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1976 —JUNE30. 1977 * stability. The combined resources of the Boating Fund and the Fish Fund have pro­ vided Pennsylvania with one of the best fishing and boating locations in the country. Comptroller's Office EARMARKED FUNDS

Act 458, Session of 1963, printed under Section 290 of the Fish Law, provides that the sum of fifty cents (50crease of $389,483.99 over the previous necessary to obtain additional revenue as event shall any of the funds be used for "seal year. soon as possible if the Commission is to propagation of trout." In order to meet Total revenue received amounted to avoid more drastic cuts in programs and $9 services in the near future. this requirement of the Fish law, a .024,412.28, an increase of $546,868.26 minimum expenditure of $477,500.00 for 0v The results of operations for the Boat­ w the previous fiscal year. This was due the above stated purposes was necessary. ing Fund for the 1976-77 fiscal year indi­ Primarily to an increase in resident fishing Actual expenditures were $1,669,522.24, '•Cense sales and an increase in Federal cate a net operating increase of $326,- resulting in the Fish Commission spending Aid for fish restoration. 575.13 which brings the amount available $1,192,022.24 more than the required Expenditures and commitments during for commitment and expenditure as of minimum for these activities during the *e 1976-77 fiscal year totaled $8,754,- June 30, 1977, to $3,828,335.91. Receipts fiscal year. *67.33. This figure represents a $714,- totaled $2,204,983.73 which was ap­ "8.49 increase over the previous fiscal proximately the same as the previous The Project 500 is a statewide bond year, due mainly to increased salaries and year. Expenditures and commitments to­ issue passed by the legislature in 1968 for employe benefits as well as the higher taled $2,013,189.37 which represented an the conservation and reclamation of the c°st of fish food, utilities, motor vehicles increase of $195,793.42 over the previous land and water resources of the Com­ a"d land acquisition. fiscal year. Increased salary and employe monwealth. During the 1976-77 Fiscal In reviewing the future needs of the Fish benefits make up the largest part of the Year, the Fish Commission expended and •""nd, it should be pointed out that al­ increase in costs over the previous year. committed $2,218,954.45, for a cumula­ tive total of $20,721,567.08 expenditures though the balance of the Fish Fund is As indicated above, the Boating Fund and commitments to date from the incep­ "igher this year than the previous year, again increased in total. The short range tion of the Project 500 Fund. tr,is trend will not continue. Expenditures outlook is encouraging for continued

FISH FUND AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR COMMITMENT & EXPENDITURE JUNE 30. 1977

°S Amount Available for Commitment and Expenditure. July 1. 1976 $5,329,944.47 00 p'us: Prior Year Adjustment — Cancellation of Prior Commitments 119,339.04 Adjusted Amount Available, July 1, 1976 $5,449,283.51 Results of Operations — 1976-77 Fiscal Year: Total Revenue Received $9,024,412.28 OO Less: Expenditures and Outstanding Commitments 8.754,267.33 00 Net Operating Increase 270,144.95 Amount Available for Commitment and Expenditure, June 30, 1977 $5,719,428.46

00 BOATING FUND JUNE 30, 1977

00 Amount Available for Commitment and Expenditure, July 1, 1976 $3,501,760.78 Op s; pnor Year Adjustment — Cancellation of Prior Commitments 134,780.77 AdJusted Amount Available, July 1, 1976 $3,636,541.55 ^sults of Operations — 1976-77 Fiscal Year: Total Revenue Received $2,204,983.73 Less: Expenditures and Outstanding Commitments 2,013,189.37 30 Net Operating Increase 191,794.36 30 Amount Available for Commitment and Expenditure. June 30, 1977 $3,828,335.91

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1, 1976 — JUNE30, 1977 FISH FUND — REVENUE JULY 1. 1976. TO JUNE 30. 1977

Resident Fishing Licenses— Regular $6,629,050.0' Resident Fishing Licenses— Senior 164.371.5' Nonresident Fishing Licenses 505,275.5' Tourist Fishing Licenses 122,811.5' Other Licenses — Commercial Hatcheries, Private Lake Fishing Fees, etc 24,796.5' Federal Aid for Fish Restoration, Research, and Flood Damages 577,038.3* Interest on Securities and Deposits 258,125.4' Income from Sand & Gravel Dredging 208,439.8* Fish Law Fines 174.684.4" Pennsylvania Angler Subscriptions and Sale of Publications 133,521.0' In-Lieu Payments of Erection of Fishways 75,000.0" •Other Revenue 69,013.6' Sale of Used Autos and Other Vehicles 37,225.0" Rental of Fish Commission Equipment 25,305.2' Contributions for Restocking Streams 19.754. ij TOTAL REVENUE $9,024,412.21

' Other Revenue consists of refunds of prior year expenditures, boat mooring permits, gas and oil royalties, services and inspection agreements us ing Fish Commission personnel, etc.

FISH FUND REVENUE — $9,024,412.28

Resident Fishing Licenses 75.3%

Nonresident & Tourist Fishing & Other Licenses 7.2%

Federal Reimbursements 6.4%

Interest Income 2.9% I Income from Sand and Gravel Dredging 2.3% • Fish Law Fines 1.9% 1 Sale of Publications 1.5% 1 Contributions, Other Revenue 1.0% 1 In-Lieu of Fishways Payments .8% 1 Equipment Rental, Sale of Vehicles .7% 1 FISH FUND — EXPENDITURE & COMMITMENT BY DIVISION

Executive Office , $89,451.6^ Comptroller Services 124,966.77 Administrative Services 699,462.59 Land and Water Acquisition 127.395.O0 lnformation& Education 359.874.57 Legal Services 16.010.34 Propagation 3.794.539.53 Fisheries Management 557,787.48 Research 242,417.40 Engineering and Development 682,354.93 Environmental Services 69,493.60 Maintenance 368,848.24 Law Enforcement Services 1,558,532.3^ Fish Fund — General Operations — Total $8,691,134.4^ Dept. of General Services— General State Authority Rentals 62,132.8' Treasury Department — Replacement Checks 1,000. TOTAL $8.754,267.33,

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1. 1976 — JUNE30. 1977 BOATING FUND —REVENUE JULY 1. 1976. TO JUNE 30, 1977

"Transfer from Motor License & Liquid FuelsTax Fund *1 015.901.73 Motorboat Registration Fees — Fish Commission 768,595.58 Motorboat Registration Fees — Delaware River Navigation Office 9.325.42 U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Boating Safety Program 200.667.00 166.062.93 Interest Received on Securities 35.432.00 Motorboat Fines 6.111.14 issuance of Capacity Plates for Boats 1,925.00 Sale of Used Autos and Other Vehicles 962.93 Miscellaneous — ,204.983.73 TOTAL REVENUE. ££ 'Act 65. Session of 1931. as amended March 12. 1957. provides for an annual transfer to the Boating FuncLthe amount of the liquid fuels tax Paid on liquid fuels consumed in the propulsion of motorboats and other motocraft on the waters of the Commonwealth, mcludin g waterways bordering on the Commonwealth.

BOATING FUND REVENUE — $2,204,983.73

Transfer from Motor License

and Liquid FuelsTax Funds 46.1%

Motorboat Registration Fees 35.3%

U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Boating Safety 9.1% 'merest Income 7.5% I Motorboat Fines 1-6%

Other Sources -4%

BOATING FUND-EXPENDITURE & COMMITMENT BY DIVISION

Fv „ $9,785.00 executive Office 36.800.00 Comptroller Services 97.550.00 Administrative Services 54 655 0Q Land & Water Acquisition 91 837 50 Boating Safety-Information & Education 3 072 88 Legal Services oon rv-j-7 R1 c ,„. . . „ , ooU.Uo/.ol engineerinr g and Development , „ cog QQ Maintenance -/-jmn QR au.r . r. /30,3l3.O0 •-aw Enforcement Services -39 952 15 Boating Services '• '•— Boating Fund — General Operations — Total $1 ''y'^°? Apartment of Revenue — Collecting Motorboat Registration Fees 1 a R70 69 Department of Transportation— Delaware River Navigation Office 1 ORARK Department of General Services — General State Authority Rentals * 000 00 Treasury Department — Replacement Checks : :— TOTAL $2,013.189.37

N°

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1, 1976 — JUNE30, 1977 PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURES & COMMITMENTS (incurred July 1, 1976. to June 30. 1977)

Charged to Charged to Combined Funds FISH FUND BOATING FUND Expenditures & Commitments

PERSONNEL COSTS:

Salaries and Wages $4.641.931.17 $763,711.22 $5,405,642.39 State Share — Employee Benefits 1,254,286.57 168,752.46 1.423,039.03 Travel Expenses 97,097.26 24,786.18 121,883.44 Purchase of Uniforms, Clothing, Footwear 35,818.18 10,610,25 46.428.43

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Fish Food 656,705.79 -0- 656,705.79 Utilities (Heat. Water, Electricity) 337,781.34 9,187.60 346.968.94 Printing 191,612.44 95,188.36 286.800.80 Vehicle Maintenance — Gasoline, Oil, Repairs, etc 228,727.46 39.551.84 268,279.30 Payments to Other State Agencies for Services Rendered 194,428.99 59.829.12 254,258.11 Machinery and Equipment Repairs and Building Upkeep 113,449.27 34,521.04 147,970.31 Other Supplies (Educational. Office. Laboratory) 72,790.10 33.555.65 106,345.75 Telephone Expenses 76,757.01 29.497.01 106,254.02 Maintenance of Fish Commission Buildings and Grounds 71,243.01 15.910.14 87.153.16 Rental of Buildings for Offices and Storage 58,443.77 27.089.02 85,532.79 Consulting Fees for Research, Land Appraisals, etc 40.934.19 15.236.58 56.170.77 Postage 42,688.14 13.136.46 55.824.60 Maintenance and Rental of Office, Xerox, Tabulating Equipment 36,437.70 7,492.99 43.930.69 Insurance-Liability, Surety, etc 22,784.61 9,329.00 32.113.61 Grants to Outside Organizations for Research or Services 10,600.00 -0- 10,600.00

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS (Purchases):

Purchase of Passenger Vehicles, Trucks, Powered Boats 187,859.38 43,167.02 231,026.40 Access Area Development and Improvements to Lakes & Streams. 7,861.32 185,544.18 193.405.50 Consideration Costs of Lakes and Streams Acquired 127,395.00 54.655.00 182,050.00 Building Improvements to New and Existing Structures 56,073.35 50.416.05 106.489.40 Machinery and Equipment for Fisheries Management, Hatchery Operations, and Land Improvements 92,389.51 -0- 92.389.51 Other Equipment — Office, Scientific, Aquatic 35,038.90 45,471 83 80.510.73^ Pa. Fish Commission — General Operations — Total $8,691,134.46 $1,736,639.00 $10,427,773.46 Collecting Motorboat Registration Fees -0- 254,894.82 254,894.82 General State Authority Rentals 62.132.87 1,984.86 64.117.73 Delaware River Navigation Office -0- 18,670.69 18.670.69 Treasury Dept. — Replacement Checks 1.000.00 1.000.00 2.000.00 TOTALS $8,754,267.33 $2,013,189.37 $10,767,456.70

PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT— FISCAL YEAR JULY1, 1976 — JUNE30, 1977 THE ANGLERS NOTEBOOK by Richard F. Williamson

FISH FACT: It is not just the tempera­ Rocket taper and weight forward lines Rust is the penalty for letting metal ture of overly warm water that makes are an abomination for casting short lures and other fishing tackle remain wet fish listless—oxygen content declines as distances. The heavy end of the line is for long periods. Don't store tackle water temperature rises. In fact, the heavy enough that the angler working at away while it is wet. Expose all metal to °*vgen can become so depleted that fish close range is actually fishing entirely the air and let it dry thoroughly. Par­ become ill and in extreme cases die. with the heavy section. Lines of these ticular attention must be given to lures tapers are intended for long-distance dressed with hair or feathers, since these , If you shun wire leaders and swivels and casting with wind-resistant lures, when materials hold dampness longer. *}e the lure directly on the monofilament the heavy end of the line will carry the llne in fishing for pickerel and pike, a lure 50 or 60 feet. Too much oil on Ashing tackle can do word of caution: Cut off at least six more harm than good. A single drop of lnches of the line and retie the lure after light oil is enough for the bearings of a y°u catch one of these toothy fish. These casting reel. A cloth that has been satur­ teeth may not actually sever the line, but ated with oil should be used to lubri­ they frequently chafe and weaken it. cate the working parts of a single-action or spinning reel and the shafts on which spinners revolve. No angling kit is complete without a Election of weedless lures and some heedless hooks for bait fishing. Weedy Leader sink hard to find in your local sPots harbor good fish. So do places store? Make your own by working liquid where brush has fallen into the water, detergent and soap powder into a paste. ^nd it is tough fishing such spots with ""guarded points. Bass plugs with propellers attached should not often be moved over the sur­ To make a bass fly rod leader, get three face at a steady pace. On well-made c°ils of leader materials, one of ten plugs the propellers turn with the slight­ P°unds test, one of eight, and one of six. est twitch of the rod. The best method Use a three-foot piece of the ten pounds usually is to retrieve the lure with gentle test to make the butt of the leader, a twitches and short draws to make it look tnree-foot piece of the eight pounds test like a injured and struggling minnow. Jp make the center section, and a th—e- A hooked bass leaps into the air in an 'oot piece of the six pounds test to make effort to free itself. What to do? You can the tippet. give the fish slack line, so that it has no direct pull; you can tighten the line hard to pull the fish off balance. Or (and this Branches of fallen trees or heavy brush, is a tough one) you can put the tip of the standing above the water level, are bass rod d iwn into the water and reel fast, to targets. Usually masses of limbs or vege­ block the leap. tation exist under the water surface, and there is where the bass lie. Cast as close Hooks equipped with weedless devices as Possible to the stick area or throw a We need a quick and hard response to set the edless lure right into the mess. If you hook on a strike. uo not get hung up occasionally, you are n °t getting your lure close enough. Winter is the time to make repairs on your fishing tackle and to store up re­ placements for lures and gadgets that have worn out or been lost. Such a task is also a delightful way to use spare time between fishing seasons.

Learn to use plastic worms. They were Never go pickerel, pike or bass fishing designed basically for bass fishing, but without some spoons. These lures, which they also will take pickerel, northern are made in a large variety of sizes, pike and walleyes. Usually they are shapes and colors, are the best imitations fished on bottom, but they also are effec­ of minnows and other forage fish ever tive over weeds that grow deep. Small made. They can be fished shallow or worms are more easily handled, and it deep, slow or fast, or with a steady or also helps if they have weed guards on erratic retrieve. Some are equipped with the hooks or are rigged with the hook single hooks, often weedless, and others point buried in the body of the worm. with treble hooks. Incidentally, tiny Plastic worms that float are effective in spoons will take big trout. shallow water. (more "notes" on page 32.)

JANUARY — 1978 25 FLY TYING

Hewitt's Venerable Skater water. The wind will do the rest, lift' ing the fly off the water and droppin; it like thistledown. By changing th rod's angle the fly may be made % dance over several likely spots from single position. Greasing the entire! by Chauncy K. Lively leader is an aid in this kind of fishing because even a partially submerge' photos by the author leader will inhibit the free action 0 the fly. It is almost like dapping, with the wind acting as the angler's ally The Skater is also effective whefl fished dead-drift, particularly on high water when trout are normally difficult to raise to the dry fly. Skating a long-hackled dry fly across the surface places demands oH the hackles not ordinarily required of conventional flies and particular at tention should be accorded both th«j selection and application of the hack-j les in the Skater. The best hack­ ew men have been more influential midpoint of a small, regular shank les for this purpose are the spades, the F in the development of fly fishing hook. short, long-barbuled feathers found in America than the late Edward R. It was many years ago when I first along the edges of a cape. Most hack­ Hewitt. During a long life, devoted read about the Neversink Skater and le feathers are slightly concave ofl mainly to angling and matters pisca­ I was frankly skeptical that it could their dull sides and this characteristic torial, he made many contributions ride upright without falling over on its is used to advantage in the Skater. which ranged from progressive ideas backside. But it wasn't long afterward Using unwaxed thread, preferably about tackle to new philosophies of that I had an opportunity to watch nylon, the two hackles are tied in and fisheries management, a field in which Russ Malone use this type of fly on wound with concave sides facing each he often acted as a consultant. His the Lackawaxen River and I promptly other. They are then pressed firmly camp on the Neversink River in the became a believer. As Russ so effec­ together and the result is a rigid unit Catskills was his proving ground and tively demonstrated, the skater does with the two hackles supporting each; it became a veritable laboratory for sometimes alight flat on the water but other. his many brainchildren. it is easily pulled upright with a gentle The Honey Skater was Mr- The Bivisible was perhaps Hewitt's twitch of the rod tip, after which it Hewitt's favorite for the Green Drake best-known dry fly but close behind rides beautifully. Once upright, the hatch and he used it with great effect was the Neversink Skater. Skaters points of the vertical barbules on Spring Creek near Bellefonte. belong to the long-hackled spider/ penetrate the surface and the hackle Other useful colors are black, brown variant family of dry flies but they dis­ literally secures a toehold in the film, and dun. There is a short movie, avail­ play some distinctive features which with the tension of the leader stabiliz­ able to sportsman's clubs, entitled set them apart from the others. All ing the fly's posture. "Hewitt and the Neversink", which have hackles with barbules at least The Neversink Skater is an shows the old master at work. In his twice the length of the standard extremely light, high-riding fly and characteristic, hunch-shouldered specified for dry flies of a given hook Mr. Hewitt found it most effective stance, he fishes his Skater below a size. Strictly speaking, true variants when skittered across the surface in dam and raises some of the most aw­ have short, stubby wings while spiders short strokes, hence its name. On ful leviathans imaginable. Some he have none. Spiders may or may not be windy days, particularly when a lands; others he breaks off, scratches dressed with tails; but, like variants, steady downstream wind is blowing, or misses and each time he comes up generally sport bodies of floss, fur, the Skater may be used to advantage empty you can see an "expletive- quill or tinsel. On the other hand, the with a light line and long leader. The deleted" curl from his lips. But the Hewitt version of the skater may be trick is to stand upwind of a likely reaction of those big browns to his termed a tailless, bodyless spider, pocket, holding the rod tip high to Skater is enough to raise the hackles bearing only hackle wound at the allow a minimum of line to touch the of the most blase of dry fly fishermen.

26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER fa Dressing the Skater:

Left — Select two spade hackles (your choice of color) with barbules of a length to produce a fly of half-dollar diameter.

Right— Clamp a size # 16. regular shank hook in vise and tie in unwaxed nylon thread behind midpoint of shank.

Left — Tie in rear hackle perpendicular to shank with concave (dull) side facing eye. Bend stem toward rear and bind along shank with three turns. Bring thread for­ ward of hackle about W and bind front hackle with concave side facing rear hackle. Then bend stem forward and secure along shank with three turns. Move thread to rear of front hackle and trim off excess stems.

Right — Wind rear hackle in close turns to rear of front hackle and tie off. Trim off excess hackle tip and wind thread forward of front hackle.

Left— Wind front hackle and tie off be­ hind eye. Trim off waste hackle tip and half-hitch thread.

Right - Press hackles firmly toward each other.

Below — The compressed hackles should now be positioned near midshank. Then wind thread to eye. whip finish and remove unused thread. Finally, after ap­ plying head lacquer to finish windings, the Skater is completed.

27 UARY — 1978 Cutoff a 10 to 12-inch piece of broom handle, top left, for the hand grasp of the ice fishing rod. Then, file or sandpaper the edges smooth, top center. Drill a hole about 4 inches deep down the center of the handle, top right. The hole should be just slightly larger than the butt section of the rod tip. Before gluing, check rod tip section for fit in hole, left. Apply glue to butt of rod tip and down into hole in handle. Finally, insert tip into hole, right.

f you're like most anglers, over the sections, or one that has been dis­ I years you've accumulated a carded as you stepped up to highe' motley assortment of odds and ends quality equipment, it's possible to. of useless fishing tackle: broken rods, make a top-notch ice fishingro d frofl1 malfunctioning reels, plugs minus a it for just a few pennies. treble hook, bobbers too big to be of Materials needed consist of a piec« use, fishing line heavier than you ever of discarded broom handle or a dowel use, plugs and spoons that never drew the spare rod tip, a pair of L-shaped a strike in their ignoble lives. If you screw hooks for line holders, and glu^ have a spare rod tip among these odds First make the hand grasp for th« and ends that doesn't match any butt rod. A broom or mop handle work*

PENNSYLVANIA A N G L E * "L" shaped screw hooks, top left, can be used for line holders when fishing for small fish. To install screw hooks, drill two small holes to start the threads, top center. Hooks should point in opposite directions to hold line, top right. If big fish are a possibility, you'll want to allow them to take out line when making a run. An old reel can be taped on with electrician's tape, left. At right is shown the completed ice rod, ready for action.

ex lis' cellent for this. Cut off a 10- or 12- handle. small trout, two L-shaped screw Inc ief h section of the pole and file or There are two choices for finishing hooks, which sell for about 7 approximately 3-4 inches deep, to need to pay line out to keep them holes to start the threads and screw in el nt the butt of the rod tip into. (The from breaking off. This involves the hooks so that they end up pointing male ferrule on the rod tip can be simply fastening a reel to the hand in opposite directions, 3-4 inches e 16. moved, if you prefer.) Squeeze glue grasp with electrician's tape. This will apart. Line can then be wrapped h" m the hole and on the butt of the rod hold the reel securely in place. around the hooks for storage while an k* d force the rod snugly into the If you are just fishing for panfish or not in use. ANUARY — 1978 29 cluded in the base price. Both c» change overnight. Several years ago, I knew a fello^ who got all excited about an ad for! boat in the 26-30-foot range selling new, in fiberglass for under ten thoU' sand dollars! He got me excited, toC" and we both started really thinkinf ... no, dreaming about this boat. H nally, unable to resist its lure an) longer, he took off one day, direct fo( the factory. I have never seen a ma" more discouraged and disillusioned than he when next I saw him. TM boat, advertised at more than fiv* thousand dollars less than com­ parably sized vessels, was available for under $10,000. However, tha'i price did not include an engine, whicli When purchasing a new boat you can save a good deal of money, says the was a $4000 powerplant optional author, by adding those optional accessories yourself—later on. extra. And, even more astonishingly! turers discount this, and it's hard to that price did not include the fiber­ dispute them when you see the big glass finish, the gel coat! Supposedly! Ashore ones rolling off their production lines, this was to allow a customer to seled the corporate profit squeeze is on and, hull and interior colors, so long a$ more importantly, recent changes in they were chosen from (only) three & tax laws and IRS interpretations of the manufacturer made available. business expenses have started an ir­ Within three months of the first ap­ reversible big ticket sales slump. pearance of the $10,000 ads, there Afloat There was also some sales decline was a price increase of five thousand at the other extreme: rowboats and dollars. (Did the Federal Trade Com­ johnboats had slipped (an exception mission or a governmental agency by Gene Winters was canoes, which increased in sales). enter the picture?) For the new, Popularity of boats in the 16-21-foot increased price, I don't know if you range continued, tainted only by now got the finished gel coat or not. 1 he fact that inflation and unem­ pockets of unemployment and lack of was no longer interested in this com­ T ployment continue to plague the financing capital for buyers. In many pany at any price. country will turn few heads. If you're cases, the same dollars were being It is no secret, however, that even tempted to say, "Oh, no, not another spent but shoppers had to scale down reputable manufacturers are tearing gloom and doom story," hang in from weekenders and daycruisers to their hair out trying to save a buck. there. I may be able to find a couple of windshield-wrapped runabouts in But, then, who can blame them . . rays of sunshine if you're wrestling some cases. aren't we all? Years ago, when boat­ with the decision about buying a new On the average, it appears the building was a one-man business, boat. smaller of the small boats are increas­ pride of workmanship took the sting I wanted to get a better under­ ing about 10-15% a year in cost. out of unrealistically low profits. To­ standing of the degree to which the Percentage of increase on larger day's boatbuilder is more often than nation's economics were affecting the vessels, in the 32-45-foot range is a lot not a college educated executive who, boating industry and the public. To harder to determine. I know a couple while still intent on quality, is de­ this end, I spent many hours this past who had a new (ten-month-old) 32- termined to be paid for workmanship fall making the rounds of marine footer that caught on fire and was and quality and still turn a fair profit. dealers, marinas, trade shows, and destroyed. When they went to replace He may be housed in a corporate visiting boat manufacturers, including it, they found the same model price office in Dallas, New York, Seattle, or two here in Pennsylvania. had increased over three thousand Miami — hundreds of miles from the Dealers reported most of any 1977 dollars. But that was only part of the plant — but he is trying to keep the sales decline came mainly in the high story. The manufacturer, because of lid on spiraling prices to minimize cus­ ticket merchandise — the big vessels increased production and labor costs, tomer resistance while maintaining normally acquired by companies and had changed almost two thousand quality. He is demanding and usually corporations, or the very rich. Many dollars worth of accessories from getting more efficient production. Au­ dealers are convinced the day of standard to optional at extra cost. So, tomation, new materials, improved countless sales of 65-foot yachts to keep a close eye on the price tag on techniques, and new approaches are business has peaked and is definitely the boat of your dreams and the other proving largely successful. on the way down. While manufac- eye on the list of standard features in­ On the other hand, there are new

30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER °rces at work, not necessarily evil, vessels usually have to order as few later) and you may make a few bucks ;"*t are playing havoc with the best of dealers have the space or capital to and really help him at least get the Mentions. Soaring corporate liability carry every model of every make they boat he wants. In other words, for Premiums because of recent regula­ merchandise. both parties, a piece of the pie may be rs and interpretations of product At the time the order is written up, better than no pie at all: Besides, the Ability are approaching the most boaters are swept away as the manufacturer is really not all that Percentages that doctors now face for dealer runs through the list of avail­ interested in selling fire extinguishers, Malpractice insurance. Workman's able (at extra cost) options and ap­ compasses, toilet holders, and so compensation rates are increasing; in parently can only say "yes". Many forth." 5,°me piaces to unexplainable highs. times these options are not needed or I questioned him immediately about Environmental requirements, noise necessary to operate the boat the fire extinguisher inclusion; his aoatement programs, worker properly or safely; and, they could be reply was to the effect that the small ^ntamination exposure policies . . . added later, at less cost, payday by size and capacity placed aboard and a" adding up at a rate that makes a payday. Look at a typical price list of universally accepted is woefully inade­ Calculator blow a fuse. options. See, for example, how much quate for a fire on board a boat ... a While I said all the news in this such-and-such make compass sells fact that is hard to challenge. "A article would not be grim, there is go- for — manufacturer-installed. It may manufacturer," he continued, "makes Mg to be a point where all the best be $45; but, sitting on the dealer's many items available only for con­ Management, technology, new ma- shelf is the exact same compass venience, regulatory reasons, ap­ erials, and intentions in the world will priced at $23 — not installed. Buy it pearance, or to deliver a total concept ?Miply not be able to hold the line. from the dealer and install it yourself boat package. But a manufacturer has While last year's price increases and save almost fifty percent. to sell a lot of cigarette lighters, at Allowed the average 10% inflation It's not that the manufacturer of any price, to make the same amount [ate, the overall price increase in the the boat is out to rob you, it's just that of return on his investment as he'd get ast four years was about 20-35%. A he has to pay a skilled worker (and doing what he set out to do: build new round of petroleum price don't forget fringe benefit costs, in­ boats. "As far as buying discount, Mcreases (of which fiberglass and surance, etc.) to install it. A worker some dealers and manufacturers alike pasties are a by-product), whether that could be helping to produce a appear to try to make a killing on br°ught about by the oil cartel, the twenty thousand dollar boat is install­ each item. Maybe the buyer is, for Producers, the government, or simply ing a compass that sells for under this reason alone, justified for going SuPply and demand, would be twenty-five dollars! discount whenever and wherever he reflected almost overnight on the "What I'm trying to advise without can, mail order or otherwise. Besides, Marketplace. saying it," my contact summed up, the manufacturer and dealers, if they All of which brings us around to the "is: don't buy expensive options from are any kind of business people at all, ?jd axiom, "You oughta buy now:" me that you can buy cheaper and buy where they get the best price Uring the cold months of winter, if easily install yourself." His theory, he consistent with quality and service. •(0u can find a boat that meets your went on to explain, is any item that Why should the consumer be ex­ areams and fills your needs at a price can be installed or put on a boat with pected to seek any less? Why must he, y°u can live with, better snap her up. screws, nails, or adhesive after the alone, be made to feel like a third- *0U'U probably save at least ten per- boat is manufactured and delivered, class citizen if he tries to save a dollar *°t compared to spring's prices for should not be ordered from the manu­ legally?" he same model. If you're shopping in facturer. "Unless it must or logically I left the restaurant and headed he five to ten thousand dollars class, should be installed as the boat is being home. As I drove, I tried to sort hat amounts to five hundred to one manufactured because of an access through the sales manager's remarks. h°Usand dollars in savings for moving problem later, buy it from the marina To a large extent, they made sense. °w- In addition, many dealers offer or a discount mail order house." Yet, I thought, if this is truly the feel­ Substantial discounts during the cold I wasn't really about to let him off ing in the industry, why was he so Months in order to generate some the hook after that last remark so I insistent on remaining anonymous? c But it was hard to deny, if a prospec­ ash flow. politely grabbed his jacket as we arose * had lunch recently with a national to leave. tive boat buyer took the list of avail­ ales manager for a boat manufac- "Discount mail order?" I looked able options, scanned it with an eye Urer. During our "don't quote me by him squarely in the eyes. "Isn't that towards the unneeded items, or those Qfne and company" conversation, he hitting a little below the belt with your he could purchase and install himself, ^Plained that few prospective boat dealers?" it just might be possible to save ^yers of smaller size vessels, in the It was his turn to pause for a mo­ hundreds of dollars! And, if he bought right now, in midwinter, and saved • 26-foot range, consider ordering a ment. another five hundred or so. . . . °at with or without the features and "Not really," he replied. "Some­ Ccessories they've determined ap­ times it means the difference between It couldn't be that simple, I assured propriate — they tend to buy right off making some kind of a sale or none at myself. It just couldn't be that easy to /|e showroom floor. This is fine, he all. The amount of financing money save hundreds or thousands of dollars Panted out, if they get what they find available may restrict the buyer. Take on buying and equipping a new boat the right price. Buyers of larger off some of the goodies (for him to add . . . or could it?

A N U A R Y — 1978 31 More. . . Angler's Notebook (continued from page 25.)

A plug or fly rod lure begins working Northcentral Region Supervisor for you the instant it touches the water, so never be in a hurry to work a surface lure out of a likely looking spot. Bas* Miles D. Witt Retires— often hit lures lying motionless while a| angler lights a smoke or works out 3 fter 22 years of service in a va­ backlash on a casting reel. A riety of assignments, Miles D. Witt retired from Commission service October 21, 1977. Mr. Witt began his Fish hit hard, but monofilament spin­ service as the Commission's district ning lines stretch; so, strike hard onc« officer for Bucks and Northampton or twice to drive the hook past the barb into the flesh of the fish. Counties in 1955. One of the pioneers in float stocking of trout in Pennsylvania, in 1963 Miles Matching rods, lines and lures is im­ Witt personally built one of the first portant for successful spincasting. Ultra­ float boxes to be used in his district, light rods are designed to handle lures beginning a system of trout stocking weighing one-sixteenth to one-quartel which has gained more favor each ounce; medium action rods, lures of one- year with Keystone State fishermen. quarter to one-half ounce, and heavy duty rods, lures heavier than one-half Promoted to Assistant Regional ounce. And, the lighter the lure, the Supervisor of the Southeast Region in lighter the line that must be used with it. 1966, then Supervisor in 1967, Mr. Witt served there until the present Northcentral Region was established Too many bass anglers ignore streamers, in 1973. He had served as Supervisor although they use artificial lures of other of the latter Region until his retire­ types. Streamers imitate minnows, ment. which are one of the favorite foods of bass.

A guide for spinner sizes: No. 0 fof panfish, No. 1 for brown and brook trout, and No. 2 or No. 3 for rainbo^ Assistant Supervisor trout and bass.

Paul F. Swanson Assumes Post— Cast after cast can be made with a plastic worm into the same target area because the worm makes very little disturbance when it falls on the water and when it is aul F. Swanson, a 1967 graduate being retrieved. It may be good tactics to P of the Fish Commission's H.R. make only one cast with a plug at a par­ Stackhouse School of Fishery Con­ ticular spot before moving to another, servation and Watercraft Safety, was but with the plastic worm three or four appointed district officer for Centre casts can be made in the same area, and a strike can come on the final cast. County, serving later in that same ca­ pacity in Western Erie County. In 1971 Mr. Swanson was Two good times to study streams: Late promoted to Watercraft Safety summer, when the water is low and the Officer for the Commission's North­ "structure" of the stream can be easily west Region, a post he held until seen; and spring, when the marks of promoted to Assistant Supervisor of winter can be observed. the Northcentral Region in 1973. Very active in stream improvement New patterns and types of trout flies and restoration, Paul Swanson's writ­ appear in great numbers, but the angler ings on the work done on the streams should not forget old friends. Such faith­ of northcentral Pennsylvania have ap­ fuls as the Coachman, March Brown, peared in the Angler on a number of Hare's Ear, Quill Gordon, Pink Lady, occasions. He assumed the supervi­ Yellow Sally, and Hendrickson, to list a sory post upon Mr. Witt's retirement. few, still are powerful trout attractors.

32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 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 S1stant Attorney General Administrative Assistant Comptroller peter J. Ressler Howard T. Hardie Edward T. Durkin Office of Information Willard T. Johns, Director 717-787-2579 n s° servation Education. Stephen B Ulsh 717-787 7394 Pennsylvania Angler. James F Yoder, Editor 717 787 2411

Pec,al Publications. Larry Shaffer 717 787 7394 Angler Circulation, Eleanor Mutch 71 7 787 2363 BUREAU OF FISHERIES & ENGINEERING Edward R. Miller, P.E., Assistant Executive Director Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, Pa. 16823 Tel. 814-359-2754* ('Unlessotherwise indicated, all offices within this bureau ma> be reached at this same address and telephone number.) Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator 717-783-2808 (Office at State Headquarters, 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa.) Dennis Ricker. Administrative Officer' FISHERIES DIVISION*

T Delano Graff, Chief u' Production Section. Ken Corl, Chief Fisheries Management Section, Robert Hesser. Chief a m B ' Water Production Section. Shyrl Hood. Chief 814-683 4451 Research Section. Vincent Mudrak, Acting Chief 814 355 4837 °* '27, Linesville, Pa 1 6424 Banner Spring Fish Research Station. Box 200 C. Bellefonte. Pa 1 6823 Cooperative Nursery Branch. Robert Brown. Chief

B FISH CULTURAL STATIONS f, LEFONTE, John Bair. Superintendent 814 359-2754 LINESVILLE. Charles Sanderson. Superintendent 814-683-4451 0 '"son Lane. Bellefonte. Pa. 16823 Box 127. Linesville, Pa 16424 „ NEB SPRING. William Kennedy. Superintendent 814 355 4837 OSWAYO, D Ray Merriman. Superintendent 814-698 2001 1 Box 200 C. Bellefonte. Pa 16823 RD 2. Box 84. Coudersport Pa 16915 G Bo SPRING, Wayne Weigle. Su/wwfenr/enl 717 7763170 PLEASANT MOUNT, Zenas Bean. Superintendent 717-448-2101 *34' RD4, Newville, Pa 17241 Pleasant Mount Pa 18453

CQ ""Y-UNION CITY. Tom L Clark. Superintendent 8146642122 REYNOLDSDALE, Ralph Berkey. Superintendent 814839-2211 "V-Pa 16407 New Pans. Pa 15554 s NTSDALE. Ted Dingle. Superintendent 717 486 3419 TIONESTA. Charles Mann. Superintendent 814-755-3524 *393. RD 5, Carlisle, Pa 17013 Tionesta, Pa 16353 FAIRVIEW FISH CULTURAL STATION. Neil Shea, Superintendent 2000 Lohrer Road. P.O. Box 531. Fairview, Pa. 16415 814-474-1514 ENGINEERING DIVISION* Wilbert E. Hobbs, P.E., Chief Construction & Maintenance Section. Eugene Smith. Chief' Architectural & Engineering Section. K. Ronald Weis. Chief Fisheries Environmental Services Branch, Jack Miller, Chief' BUREAU OF WATERWAYS (State Headquarters) Capt. Charles E. Leising, Assistant Executive Director Gene Sporl, Administrative Officer LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WATERCRAFT DIVISION Edtv" '' B"Ck' C hief 717-787-2350 Paul Martin, ( hief 717-787-7684 ard W Manhart. Deputy Chief 717 787-2350 Alan B Kegerise. Marine Education Specialist 717-787-7684

NQ REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES Ma,i HVVEST^ Walter G Lazusky. Supervisor 814-437 5774 SOUTHWEST. Thomas F Qualters, Supervisor 81 4 445-8974 1281 OtterSt, Franklin, Pa 16323 Mailing Address RD 2, Somerset. Pa 15501 L°<:at, c 1281 Otter St . Franklin. Pa 16323 Location On Lake Somerset, Somerset, Pa Mail HCENTRAL, Paul F Swanson. Supervisor .... .717-748-5396 SOUTHCENTRAL, Richard Owens, Supervisoi 717 436-2117 9 Ad L0c '" dress: Box 688, Lock Haven. Pa 1 7745 Mailing Address RD 3. Box 1 09. Mifflintown. Pa 1 7059 ^ n 1 29 Woodward Ave (Dunnstown) Lock Haven Pa Location: On Route 22. 3 miles west of Mifflintown, Pa Ma,| HEAST' Clair Fleeger, Supervisor 717-477 57 l 7 SOUTHEAST, Norman W Sickles, Supervisor 717-626-0228 fl Add L0 '" ress:' Box 88. Sweet Valley. Pa 18656 Mailing Address Box 6. Elm. Pa 1 752 1 n On Hams Pond. Sweet Valley, Pa Location On Speedwell Forge Lake, on Brubaker Valley Road BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (State Headquarters) Ppr Paul F. O'Brien, Director so "nel & ErT •JUdqeta„ , Employment•""'' , Leon D Boncarosky 717-787-7057 License Section. Mary Stine 717-787-6237 WE VSt' Vincem Rollant 717-787-2599 Federal Aid Coordinator. Glen C Reed 71 7-787-6391 s,ate Pu,c, John Hoffman 717-7876376 Office Services Supervisor, Chester Peyton 717-787 2363 asin9 (Harrisburg) Avynl Richardson 717 787 2732 Purchasing (Bellefonte) Dennis Shulu 814-359 2754