Conestoga River and Cocalico Creek, Lancaster Co., and Crum Creek, Delaware Co
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Biologist Report Conestoga River and Cocalico Creek, Lancaster Co., and Crum Creek, Delaware Co. 2012 and 2013 Warmwater Stream Survey In November, 2012 and October/November, 2013 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Area 6 personnel sampled Crum Creek, Delaware County (2012), Conestoga River, Lancaster County, and Cocalico Creek, a tributary to the Conestoga, Lancaster County (2013). Warmwater streams in southeastern Pennsylvania and statewide are gradually being surveyed to document warmwater fish communities as part of a greater project that would eventually characterize warmwater stream fish communities throughout the state. At the present time, results also provide anglers with information on new streams or stream segments to explore and fish. Two, four, and six sampling sites measuring 330-440 yards in length were electrofished in Crum Creek, Cocalico Creek, and the Conestoga River, respectively. The sampling sites occurred within stream segments listed in Table 1. Most stream segments except for Crum Creek near Ridley Park and the Conestoga River near Churchtown were characterized as being slow moving with moderately deep runs and glides, sluggish pools and only occasional riffles. Additionally, the majority of the pools ranged from three to four feet deep, but pools were sometimes as deep as 6.5 feet, providing the best habitat for larger smallmouth bass when pool substrates were firm. Sampled stream segments ranged from 20-80 feet in width, with a portion of the Conestoga study reach from Union Grove/Goodville east to Morgantown being the narrowest of the three streams. Sportfish communities primarily consisted of Smallmouth Bass, Rock bass and Redbreast Sunfish.
[Show full text]