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"Wft -. •-* Progressive Change On Saturday, January 25,1992, the first meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was held in Harrisburg. The change of the agency's name, to recognize the boating program, resulted from Governor Robert P. Casey signing Act 1991-39 into law on December 12, 1991. This change gives equal recognition to the boating program, which has grown to be a major segment of the Commission's efforts. At the 199th meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission on July 28, 1991, Commission President William Sabatose was re-elected president, and J. Wayne Yorks was elected vice-president for the 1991-92 term. During this past year, after a very successful 1991, the Commission continued to show great progress in many important endeavors. Construction of the Chain Dam and Easton Dam fishways on the Lehigh River was be­ gun by DER, and a significant event occurred on May 9, with the dedication ceremony for completion of the east fish passage at Conowingo Hydroelectric Station on the Susquehanna River. This event marks the single most important accomplishment in the Commission's century-long battle to return the American shad to the Susquehanna River Basin. The Commission will continue its efforts with other dam owners with the goal that by the year 2000, American shad and other anadromous fishes will be able to be lifted over all Susquehanna River dams on their upriver migration for the first time in nearly 100 years. An important land acquisition was agreed to in early 1992 with final execution of a pur­ chase agreement for Ingham Springs in Bucks County. Late in 1992, purchase of this four million gallon-per-day spring (the largest in eastern Pennsylvania) and 15-acre lake, to­ gether with lands already in ownership, will give the Commission a 47-acre tract of land located within a one-hour drive of 4.4 million Pennsylvanians and eight million to 10 mil­ lion out-of-state residents. The property has the potential for warmwater and coldwater public fishing, multi-species propagation, administrative and educational facilities, and a multi-use aquatic resource fishing and boating skills education training center. Significant progress was also made on acquisition of a valuable two-mile section of Spring Creek, Centre County, adjacent to the famous Fisherman's Paradise, with final acquisition to take place late in 1992. Fish production and stocking efforts for the year exceeded 1990-91, and although a drought in 1991 caused some stream problems, favorable weather kept stream flows and water tables at desirable levels early in 1992. During most weekends early in this fiscal year, storms held down some fishing and boating participation. Fifteen boating fatalities occurred on Commonwealth waters, a number that is a painful reminder of the need for expanded boating education. In response, the Commission has established an eight-hour basic boating course, and 18 instructor workshops were held this past year. The instructors, in turn, taught and certified nearly 3,000 students. Law enforcement personnel made over 9,500 prosecutions, and issued more than 32,000 warnings. Over 42,000 boats were boarded. Fisheries managers studied 97 ponds, lakes and reservoirs, and 277 stream and river sections, and the Van Dyke Research Station for Anadromous Fish received over 18 million shad eggs and planted young shad to support the Susquehanna River restoration effort. Co-op nurseries stocked 960,000 catchable trout, 98,000 steelhead trout and 140,000 chinook salmon in Commonwealth waters. Because of many retirements at the end of 1991, six new hatchery managers and assis­ tants, two new regional law enforcement managers and a new deputy chief along with four new regional assistants, a new bureau director and a new division chief were appointed. All new managers performed well and program continuity was maintained. On February 28, 1992, the Commission honored 37 retirees at a retirement banquet in State College. It was the largest banquet of this type ever held. The Commission conducted major training programs, including an executive retreat for J 34 managers in March. Three team-building sessions, which involved the entire staff, were scheduled for August and September. The program, entitled "Vision '92—A New Begin­ ning," is designed to strengthen agency performance and levels of public service. All in all, this fiscal year was very good for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commis­ sion. Pen nsy Ivan ia January 1993 m 62 NO. 1 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission J. Wayne Yorks ANGLER President The Keystone State's Official Fishing Magazine ^^ Benton James S. Biery, Jr. Southeast Pennsylvania's Open-Water Wintertime Fishing Vice President Swatara by John W. McGonigle Marilyn A. Black Muskies and walleyes are the main quarries in southeast Pennsylvania Cochranton right now. Check out these details on where and how to fool them 4 Ross J. Huhn Saltsburg Nightmare on Lake Erie by Dart Black Paul J. Mahon What if you were caught on the lake in 50-mph winds and 10-foot seas? Clarks Green On September 27, 1992, some bass anglers endured this horror—and lived T. T. Metzger, Jr. to tell about it 6 Johnstown Howard E. Pflugfelder Annual Report Summary 10 New Cumberland Leon Reed Honesdale Trout in the Trickles by Richard Tate William J. Sabatose Pennsylvania's remote headwater streams are gems of the fishing resource. Brockport You might want to tackle a trickle on opening day in April 14

Boating Advisory Board The Other Trout Season by Mike Bleech This information explains exactly how and where to score on trout through Donald J. Little the ice 16 Chairman Philadelphia The Royal Wulff by Chauncy K. Lively Clayton Buchanan The Coachman family of flies is perhaps the most popular, but the Royal Pittsburgh Martin P. Eisert Wulff is the most effective and most durable of the lot 20 Erie Judy Obert Walleyes on Ice by JeffKnapp Greentown The popularity of walleyes is increasing in Pennsylvania, and through the ice Thaddeus Piotrowski walleyes are often willing biters. Here's how and where to catch them 22 Bloomsburg On the Water with Dave Wolf Magazine Staff Curing our social ills 31 Editor—Art Michaels Eastern Pennsylvania Trout Stream Insect Emergence Guide Editorial Assistant—Charlene Glisan byBiUFeddock 32 Art Director—Ted Walke • The covers Circulation—Eleanor Mutch This issue's front-cover musky, photographed Circulation—Patti Copp by Doug Stamm, is a hint of the kind of open-water • cold-weather action you can have, and southeast Staff Assistant—Rose Ann Bartal Pennsylvania has its share of wintertime hotspots. Staff Assistant—Nita Galati For the lowdown, turn to page 4. If you're gear­

P«i«i^,wiw^ngferUSSN003M34X) is published monthly by Ihe Pennsylvania ing up for trout season already, scan the back cover Fish & Boat Commission, 3532 Walnut Street. Harrisburg. PA 17109. ©1993. and the articles on pages 14 and 20, and if ice fishing Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted without Ihe wriilen permission of 'he Pennsylvania Fish & Boa! Commission. Subseription rates: one year. gets you going, check out page 16 for ideas on where $9: three years, $25; single copies are $1.50 each. Second class postage is and how to catch trout, and page 22 for the secrets P««lal Harrisburg, PA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Peimwhunia MglerCirculation. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. P.O. Box 67000. of where and how to catch walleyes. Do you own Harrisburg. PA 17106-7000. For subscription and change of address, use a boat? The terrifying tale beginning on page 6 above address. Please allow six weeks for processing. Send all other correspondence lo: The Editor. Pennsylvania Angler, P.O. Box 67000. Harrisburg. PA 17106- will amaze you because in spite of the Lake Erie 7000. Editorial queries and conlribulions are welcome, but must be accompanied storm's severity and the number of bass anglers by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Material accepted for publication is subject to Pennsylvania Fish &. Boat Commission standards and requirements caught on the lake, the incident claimed no fatalities. tor editing and revising. Submissions are handled carefully, but the publisher The Commission's annual report usually encom­ assumes no responsibility for the return or safety of submissions in his possession or tn transit. The authors' views, ideas and advice expressed in this magazine passes the entire January issue, but this year we do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official position of the Pennsylvania are only summarizing it in this issue, beginning Fish & Boat Commission or its staff. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission receives federal aid in sport fish restoration. Under appropriate federal acts. on page 10. If you would like a copy of the me U, S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of Commission's complete annual report, please send race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described requests to: Annual Report, PA Fish & Boat Com­ above, or if you desire more information, please write lo: The Office of Equal mission, Bureau of Education & Infonuation, RO. Opportunity, Department of the Inlerinr, Washington. DC 20240. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Southeast Pennsylvania's OPENASMER Wintertime Fishing by John W. McGonigle Evewindns thoug blowh cold mos, tther anglere arse pu somt awae why theio scofr tacklf at eOl whed Man thn eWinte northr m^.7 and pursue their sport passionately—and I don't mean ice anglers. Part of the problem, Walter believes, is the lack of enough large, I'm talking about hard-core open-water anglers, those looking not slow eddies in his section of the river to hold large numbers of for panfish, but for larger fare. fish. "Locate those eddies and you'll findth e walleyes," says Walter. Southeastern Pennsylvania has experienced mild winters dur­ ing the last several years, keeping most of the area's waters ice- Boat action free, much to the dismay of ice fishermen. But for anglers look­ Fishing from a boat, a 1/8-ounce jig with a minnow is Walter's ing for traditional angling adventures, the open water means getting favorite walleye bait. He fishes it along the edge of the current a jump on the new year's earliest big-fish opportunities. Wall­ in five to 15 feet of water, or in the eddies. "If the water is low, eyes and muskies are often taken early in the year by those hardy drop down to a lighter jig, or try a slip sinker with your minnow," enough to brave the elements. he says. He warns also to be alert for the occassional musky. Starting at our eastern border, let's consider the fishing options "Often, January, February and March produce more walleyes available to those who don't mind bundling up. than later in the year," Walter says. Though he doesn't fish for winter walleyes as much as he did several years ago, Walter still Delaware River tries his luck after the weather turns raw, looking for that "one The Delaware River, a smallmouth hotspot in the warmer months, big one." has been offering some nice walleyes for those inclined to pursure them. Michael Venarchick, of Lehighton, has been fishing the Striped bass Delaware since he was old enough to drive. At age 33, he's built "If you can wait until February and March, the Delaware River up quite a body of knowledge concerning his favorite fishing water, in the area of Chester has been producing striped bass," says Fish the Delaware. and Boat Commission biologist John Soldo of the Southeast Region. Venarchick fishes the river from the wing dam at New Hope Both lures and live bait, especially bloodworms, are the ticket to downstream to Scudders Falls. A hardy type, Vernarchick wades success. the cold water prospecting for walleye. The eddies he's looking Lures are usually easier on the fish, many of which must be for are created by currents swirling to form a backwash, which released because they are below the legal size. Stripers must be form a perfect feeding spot for hungry walleyes. 36 inches to keep, with a daily creel limit of one. Using spinning gear and four-pound-test line, Venarchick works his offerings along the junctures of the current and the eddy. He Nockamixon splits his baits about 50-50 between live bait and artificials, us­ Lake Nockamixon, located in Bucks County's Nockamixon State ing black lead-head jigs dressed with either a two-inch to 2 1/2- Park, has been developing a good reputation for walleyes right inch flathead minnow or a four-inch grub. Venarchick says an­ through the fall. Winter fishing, on the other hand, has been less glers should fish their baits very slowly. than spectacular. As an attractive alternative, anglers working Venarchick experiences most of his success in high, clear wa­ the spillway water below Lake Nockamixon can find action right ter. Fish move closer to shore, so they are more available to him through the winter. while he wades. Minnows rigged on a jig or alone seem to produce best here. "When fish are in close," Venarchick says, "try casting a long, Don't be afraid to try other methods if minnows aren't produc­ chartreuse crankbait within two to three feet of shore, especially ing. Perhaps the best alternative is a jig dressed with a grub of a little later in the winter. You might really be surprised," he says two to four inches. with a knowing, devilish smile. Work areas out of the current because lethargic fish won't work With a 10-pound, 7 1/2-ounce walleye taken this year, you can too hard for a meal. Fish deep in the daytime, moving up to ledges bet Venarchick is enthusiastic, even though he admits that fish and shelves as the light fades. in the range of four to eight pounds are far more common. Light-action and medium-action graphite spinning rods offer "You have to try it because this kind of fishing is a whole new the most in sensitivity while still being able to handle a hefty fish. ball game. It's cold, but I love it." A sensitive graphite rod is best for all winter fishing when light Craig Walter, from Point Pleasant, has a somewhat more sub­ pick-ups and strikes by fish are the rule, not the exception. dued appraisal of winter walleye fishing on the Delaware. With 30 years experience on the river, he's seen a lot of water and walleyes Schuylkill River goby. Moving southwest, changing water and species, the Schuylkill "Walleye fishing on the Delaware reached its peak about 1987," River provides musky action in its lower reaches, right into the says Walter. "Since then the numbers of fish have declined." Walter city of Philadelphia. Most of the Schuylkill is relatively shal­ is quick to admit that there are walleyes in the range of four to low, allowing wading, or necessitating a small boat, whichever nine pounds for the angler willing to work for them. you prefer. 4 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler "ST*

photo- Art Michaels Blue Marsh Lake According to biologist Soldo, the Commission stocked tiger Moving northwest to Reading, take route 183 north to Blue Marsh musky fingerlings in the Schuylkill in October 1992, from New Lake. This U.S. Army Corp of Engineers flood control project Kernsville Dam, just above 1-78, to the mouth of the Delaware provides excellent angling opportunities and is considered by many River. to be the top bass lake in eastern Pennsylvania. Individual area musky stockings ranged from 50 fingerlings Like Lake Nockamixon, winter tends to turn things off in the in river section 16, near the Delaware River, to 11,050 in river lake proper, but Blue Marsh's tailwater fishing remains produc­ section 5, at the New Kernsville Dam. Several river sections went tive through the winter. Walleyes, tiger muskies and channel cats unstocked because of the Commission's scheduled program of can be taken, according to Soldo. alternate stockings in some areas. Just as with the other waters mentioned, minnows work best. Though unable to spawn, the voracious hybrids reach the 30- Jigs also produce, but either way, a slow-moving or stationary inch minimum size in four to five years, feeding on a variety of bait fished near the bottom is most effective. forage fish as they grow. Muskies have long been taken near Oaks, at the confluence of Susquehanna River Perkiomen Creek and the Schuylkill. Finding muskies at major Taking perhaps a little geographic leeway, the final waterway stream junctures is your best bet, and the strategy also works under consideration for winter fishing in southeastern Pennsyl­ downriver. Joining the Schuylkill next is French Creek, followed vania is the Susquehanna River. by Pickering Creek and then the historic Valley Creek, all emp­ Places recommended by Soldo include the Falmouth area, lo­ tying their cold, clear water into the Schuylkill. According to cated between Middletown and Columbia, and the tailwater ar­ Commission Area Fisheries Manager (AFM) Mike Kaufmann, eas below the Safe Harbor and Holtwood dams. each of these areas produces muskies late in the winter. Species you can catch include bass, walleyes and channel cats. Lures big enough to scare the average trout sometimes land the When fishing below dams on the Susquehanna, be alert to water predacious musky, but with cold water, don't expect a musky to releases that can quickly elevate water levels and greatly increase chase your lure too far or too fast. water turbulence. Large minnows and suckers up to eight inches are productive Anglers fishing winter waters should always take several pre­ baits for legal-sized muskies. Don't be in too big a hurry to set cautions, including never fishing alone. Furthermore, leave word the hook if you see your line moving. When the line stops mov­ with someone of your intention to fish and your fishing location. ing, lean back and set the hook hard. Then the action starts. Anglers must be aware of the danger of hypothermia, the sud­ Because you are in the area, fish the Perkiomen Creek from den dropping of the body's core body temperature. Immersion the Schuylkill up to the bridge at Collegeville. There have been in cold water can kill in a very short time. some wall-hangers taken out of that area over the years. Check Whether fishing from a boat or wading, anglers should wear a the trophy musky in the Perkiomen Hotel in Collegeville sometime. personal flotation device (PFD), at all times. The PFD is designed Farther downstream, within Philadelphia's city limits, the to keep you above water in the critical early moments so that you Wissahickon Creek empties into the Schulkill a short distance above can regain your bearings quickly, and in many cases, effect your Fairmount Dam. Because of the combination of musky stock­ own rescue. A PFD also provides warmth. ings over the years and the stream juncture, the area is another Dressed warmly, fishing in winter can be fun and productive, musky fishing hotspot. a great way to extend last season or to get the jump on the up­ Before leaving the area you should fish below Fairmount Dam coming season. Armed with minnows and jigs, and a graphite in Philadelphia. Commission electrofishing regularly produces rod, you're ready for action. outstanding muskies right in sight of the Philadelphia Art Mu­ seum steps, site of the fictional movie character Rocky's trium­ The author thanks Commission AFM Mike Kaufmann and biologist phant run. John Soldo for their assistance. January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 5 "I was more scared on Lake Erie than during John Galida as a partner. Gahda, an ex­ gler from Grove City, said, "In a heartbeat my first jump when my parachute didn't perienced Erie angler from Prospect, fig­ the wind switched from the south to the open," said Tom Anderson, of Meadville. ured he would fish the lake in the morn­ northwest. It was blowing so hard I thought "We had been trained what to do when a ing, hopefully get a limit of smallies, and a tornado was coming. Some guys still had chute didn't open, so it was an automatic head back to the bay before the wind not realized it was time to go; they kept reaction to pull the cord on the reserve chute. changed. It was a plan many figured to fishing." But nothing had trained me to face 10-foot follow. Hanna continued, "When you got to the waves in a bass boat." "The lake was flat when we came out top of a wave, the wind caught your boat. I often write about Lake Erie fishing. Erie of the channel," said Anderson. "We ran My boat is 20 feet long and weighs 1,500 presently offers the finest smallmouth bass full throttle east until we reached the pounds, but that wind just tossed it around fishery in the world and everybody wants Shorewood area. At about 8:30 the lake like a toy. It was a nightmare!" in on the action. went from flat to low rollers—real nice Galida and Anderson had made little But in each article I prepare about this fishing. It was about 9:30 when John said headway. big water, I also include a warning: Erie we had better head back. He no more than "Every time you tried to go over the top can be treacherous when a blow comes up. said that when the lake kicked up to eight- of a wave, the wind would catch the bow Several dozen anglers participating in a footers. The worst part was the wind. It and stand the boat on end," said Anderson. Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation was a 40- to 50-mile-per-hour gale force." "Then when the boat came down on the tournament at Erie on September 27,1992, Lee Duer, an Erie resident with many back side of the wave, the outboard would discovered that it's not nice to fool Mother hours on the big lake, was fishing the area submerge in the water." Nature. known as the W's, just east of Shorewood. "I have been in rough water before," In the predawn darkness boats were being "By 9:30 the waves had increased to al­ Galida said. "You have to keep the bow launched, gear loaded, and anglers notified most three feet, with the wind still out of into the waves, ride an ongoing wave to of their partner assignments for the tour­ the southwest," said Duer. "I decided it the top with increased throttle, and then back nament that started at 7 a.m. Several an­ was time to leave. We had gone about 200 off the throttle as you surf down the backside. glers tuned to their weather radios for the yards west when I felt the wind shift from You've got to keep the motor trimmed up latest lake reports. my left cheek to my right cheek. We looked a little, too. If the motor is trimmed all the "The weather service said the wind would out toward the open lake and could see big way down, you nose into the next wave. be changing later in the day and small craft white caps coming. We had about 1,000 If it is trimmed too high, the boat might advisories would be issued for the after­ yards to go to reach Shorewood. We never flip over on the crest of a wave." noon," said Ernie Pate, Jr., of Butler. "I made it." But the transom of the low-profile boat had made my mind up not to go far, maybe Jerry Hanna, another seasoned Erie an- went under one too many times. Galida's three or four miles to the Cribs. That way 150-horsepower outboard finally stalled. I would not be far from the safety of the Unable to control the boat, waves rolled bay." over the sides. Galida connected an extra The tournament committee had the op­ "I was in the Navy; bilge pump to help remove the water. Then tion of putting the main lake off limits if he got on the bow-mounted electric mo­ the weather looked risky, thus restricting I've seen big waves tor and began working toward shore. contestants to fishing in Presque Isle Bay. In the meantime, Duer and his partner Tournament officers chose not to close but never from a had encountered the same problem. The the lake, but issued a warning to contes­ outboard stalled after water contaminated tants about probable rough lake conditions little bass boat. It the fuel. At the mercy of the waves, Duer's coming. About 20 boats of the 40-boat field boat quickly filled with water. Duer also headed out of the channel from the bay to scared the living tar set up a second bilge pump to help empty the main lake. f the boat, and he tucked the flare kit into Tom Anderson had drawn boat owner outofme/ his life vest.

6 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler boats, and other swamped boats (middle picture) drifted ashore. This angler (bottom picture and page 9) wasn H on Lake Erie during the night­ mare, but his boat and the building seas suggest the danger of that day.

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Luckily, no one lost his life. Some 12 bass boats were either beached or abandoned during the storm. Other bass boats were aBraMSred'. towed in by commercial services or by private boaters. The value of lost boats and equipment will likely exceed $100,000.

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 7 g®r 43SL 5

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Thinking ahead, Duer decided it was that was it. I saw that the back deck was tants. He got to the Cribs before encoun­ best to be out of the rainsuits in the event covered, the motor went under, and the tering problems. they went into the water. The rainsuits boat started sinking. We jumped clear. "At the Cribs, I saw my brother Ernie's would fill with water and tend to pull them The last I saw' of my boat was six feet boat," continued Ron. "Then suddenly down. When he started removing his life of the bow in the air." the four- to six-foot waves turned into vest to get out of his rainsuit, his part­ Observers on shore later said Carlo's 1 (Mooters. I lost sight of Ernie in the ner started to do the same. "Don't take boat crashed into rock walls west of waves. It was everything I could do just off your PFD until I get mine back on," Shorewood before settling on the beach. to keep the boat facing into the wind and insisted Duer. There w as nothing left except the shell motor trimmed so I wouldn't take a wave Using the electric motor to angle to­ of the hull. over the bow. Several times we were ward shore, Duer and his partner man­ Carlo's partner, Keith Bergstrom, was vertical in the water. When you came aged to slide in behind McCords Point, in the water about one hour before wash­ down, the back of the boat was under­ jump into the water and pull his boat onto ing ashore along a cliff. He grabbed a water. The same thing that happened a sandy beach. Others were less fortu­ downed tree, pulled himself clear of the to everyone happened to me—my mo­ nate—they hit rocks. pounding waves, and when rested, even­ tor stalled. Slipping eastward, Galida made for tually made his way to the top of the cliff. "I jumped on the trolling motor and Shorewood, aw are that there was a beach Carlo, in his rainsuit when the boat headed toward shore. I came ashore on ramp at the site. When Calida saw Kerry went down, grabbed a pedestal seat from rocks. The waves pounded the boat and Carlo's boat come by still under power, his boat as it floated by and clung to it tore it apart—ripped it open as if a gi­ a thought occurred to him: (Jive his keys for 2 1/2 hours before washing ashore ant can opener had been used on it. In to Carlo who could bring Galida's truck at Shorewood. "That seat saved my life. minutes the boat filled with sand and and trailer down to Shorewood to pull I don't know if the life jacket alone would rocks. If it weren't for a dozen people him out. Somehow Carlo managed to have done it for me." who came down to help, I would never get the keys from (ialida's boat in the Ron Pate turned on the weather ra­ have gotten the boat out. After five or rough water. Carlo continued slugging dio to catch the forecast when he first six hours we were able to drag it onto a it out for about a half-mile. Then Carlo's noticed a change in the waves. "They trailer. The sides were split and filled boat went down. were still calling for only three-to five- with sand and gravel. The boat was •'The bilges were working fine handling footers. Not a real problem. But when completely destroyed." the water," explained Carlo, "but my mo­ it looked nasty, we started back." Ron After Ron lost sight of Ernie, it was tor quit. I took two waves sideways, and had a little jump on many of the contes­ only a matter of minutes before his brother was in the water.

/W I'cniiwlrtiiiia "I thought the closer I got to Presque swam for our boat, which was floating The Coast Guard pulled 18 people from Isle, the more sheltered it would be," ex­ and dry. The four of us sat for 1 1/2 hours the water—all contestants in the bass tour­ plained Ernie. "Not so. Then my mo­ until the Coast Guard arrived. They nament. Private vessels pulled another tor quit. checked to see how we were and then went half-dozen people from the lake. Accord­ "The boat turned, took three waves on to rescue some others who were ac­ ing to the Coast Guard and the Lakeshore over the back and started going down. tually in the water." Towing Service, only low-profile bass I grabbed the flare kit just as the boat When the Coast Guard returned, they boats encountered serious problems. The rolled over. I pulled my partner onto the pulled Chaffo's drifting boat away from relatively few other boats on the lake made hull and fired a flare. A little later when the rocky shoreline, ordered all four out it safely to port. I saw a boat, I fired another one." of the boat to the cutter and then cut his "There was no loss of life," pointed out A charter fishing boat came to assist. boat loose. Executive Officer Knepp. "We had the They managed to get Ernie's partner Chaffo added, "I was in the Navy; I've potential for massive casualties because across on a line. Then the Coast Guard seen big waves but never from a little bass of the number of people in the water. But cutter appeared. boat. It scared the living tar out of me." my understanding is that one of the tour­ "The Coast Guard got a line to me. Every boater on the lake at 9:30 a.m. nament rules is everybody had to wear That is the one time in the whole ordeal found himself in trouble. According to a life jacket. Everybody we pulled from I thought of possibly dying—when I was those on the water, in moments the waves the water had a PF1) on. That was sig­ swimming the 30 yards to the rescue boat went from three-foot rollers to six-foot nificant because there is no way you were in 10-foot waves. Then I spent the next whitecaps. Within 10 or 15 minutes the going to stay afloat treading water in that six hours aboard the cutter as they went waves were cresting 10 feet and higher. kind of sea. The life jacket rule saved about rescuing others. We went over some One homeowner living on the cliffs near lives." waves the Coast Guard said were 12 or Shorewood said it looked like the Fourth A total of 12 bass boats were either 13 feet." of July with all the emergency flares shot beached or abandoned during the storm. John Chaffo of Murrysville and his off by boats in trouble. During the blow, several additional bass partner made it to Shades Beach when The Coast Guard went into action at boats were towed in by commercial towing they hit the 10-foot walls of water. Chaffo's 10 a.m. after receiving calls from people services or by private boaters. outboard quit in the same manner as the who observed the flares. The next morning battered bass boats other bass boats. "We were on the water with all three were found blown up along the rough lake "Solly Thomas was the first boat to of our vessels, plus a helicopter called shore between Lampe Marina at Erie and come by," said Chaffo. "He threw us a in from the Detroit station," said Execu­ Safe Harbor at Northeast. Most of these line and started towing. His boat was tive Officer Ed Knepp. "It wasn't over boats, along with several recovered during a high-sided aluminum, but we noticed for us until the last person was accounted the storm, were declared total losses. The the stern of his boat was getting lower for at 6 p.m. We had a lot of help from value of boats and equipment lost will and lower in the water. I don't know what the local fire department, ambulance ser­ easily exceed $100,000. tarn happened, but his boat finally disappeared vice, as well as the Presque Isle State Park under the water. Solly and his partner rangers."

January 1993 R'nnxvtvania Annual Report Summary- Fiscal Year 1991 92

Fish Fund Revenue Deposited July 1,1991, to June 30,1992

Resident fishing licenses (includes senior license) $11,587,892 48% Federal and augmenting revenue 4,065,246 17% Trout/salmon permits 3,714,944 15% Non-resident, tourist and other licenses and fees 1,724,067 7% Restitution and contributions 679,526 3% Interest income 627,526 3% Texas Eastern (restricted revenue) 450,000 2% Sand and gravel dredging 329,918 1% Other revenue 302,516 1% Sale of Pennsylvania Angler and publications 282,200 1% Fish law fines 261,377 1% In-lieu payments of fishways 75,000 1% Total: $24,100,212

Boat Fund Revenue Deposited July 1,1991, to June 30,1992

Motorboat registration $3,218,405 49% Motor license and liquid fuels tax 1,923,975 29% Federal and augmenting revenue 969,337 14% Interest on securities 192,400 3% Motor boat fines 103,602 1.5% Boat mooring permits and capacity plate fees 40,714 1% Sales tax agent fees 31,214 1% Other revenue 16,651 .5% Sale of Boat Pennsylvania 24,569 1% Total: $6,520,867 current property rights, acquires and secures new property rights, and performs support Division of Engineering This information summarizes services for other Commission bureaus and the Commission's annual report. divisions. The Real Estate Section is ac­ & Technical Services If you would like a copy of the tively involved in investigating and nego­ This division completed work on estab­ Fish & Boat Commission's com­ tiating new acquisitions; reviewing bound­ lished access areas, new projects, fish culture stations, Commission-owned lakes and other plete annual report, please send aries, encroachments and special land-use requests; preparing service purchase con­ properties. requests to: Annual Report, Bu­ tracts, lease agreements, property agree­ Dam safety. In compliance with the reau of Education & Information, ments and legal property documents; and National Dam Safety Act, annual inspec­ PA Fish & Boat Commission, P.O. processing lease payments, license pay­ tions were completed and reported for the Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA ments, intra-agency and interagency cor­ 29 manmade lakes the Fish and Boat Com­ 17106-7000. respondence, and public inquiries. mission controls. Survey Section A large percentage of survey work done Bureau of this year has been property-related. Sur­ Bureau of Boating veys have included boundary surveys for Education and new acquisitions, monumentation, and re- survey (for possible encroachments). In Boat Registration Division Information addition, the surveyors have completed On December 12,1991, Governor Casey topographical surveys for the Engineering The Bureau of Education & Information signed into law the first increase in boat Design Section and construction surveys registration fees in 28 years. Act 1991-39 educates and informs people about the fish­ for construction and maintenance projects. ing and boating opportunities in Pennsyl­ recognized increasing demands by boat­ vania, and it focuses on the importance of ers for more law enforcement, expanded taking care of our lakes, rivers and streams. boating safety education, and more and better The bureau publishes two magazines, pro­ Division of Construction boating facilities. It also provided the rev­ duces statewide news releases and radio & Maintenance Services enue needed to fund expansion of these vital programs, prints numerous publications and programs. These new fees were reflected During this fiscalyea r this dedicated work sponsors the Angler Recognition Program. in the boat renewal notices mailed in January force of skilled engineering, construction To educate all citizens about the importance 1992. and maintenance personnel continued to of our aquatic resources, the bureau sponsors Throughout the year valid registration carry out a major share of the Fish and Boat the Keystone Aquatic Resource Education certificates were mailed back to boat owners Commission's program to promote and (KARE) program, a youth program called within five business days of receipt of boat provide for safe public use of recreational PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling renewal applications. This was possible waters. The responsibilities of that program Youth), visitor center exhibits and special because the two-year cycle effectively cut and many other related activities include events. the number of annual renewal applications the development and maintenance of ac­ in half. cess areas, lakes, hatcheries, and admin­ The number of boats currently registered istrative facilities; the improvement and in Pennsylvania is 312,644. restoration of fish migration and water The Commission now requires the reg­ Bureau of Property quality; and furnishing engineering and istration of all boats using its facilities. As technical services for other Commission a result, the number of unpowered boats activities, local governments and sportsmen's registered continues to increase. Some and Facilities groups. 25,226 unpowered boats were registered The access area system consists of more during 1992, double the number before the Management than 250 developed properties throughout regulation. the state. Adopt-ai Stream Section Construction Section Boating Safety and During this fiscal year, the Adopt-a-Stream This section completed shop work, and Program logged in and approved 150 stream repairs and construction at Commission Education Division projects and 35 new lake projects. These properties, including accesses, fish culture Interest in boating safety education ex­ approved projects consisted of 30 new stream stations, regional headquarters and Com­ ploded in Pennsylvania in 1992 with the projects with 120 continuing from the pre­ mission-owned lakes and properties. implementation of the Commission's Ba­ vious year. New lake projects totaled 57 sic Boating program and development of with 30 continuing projects. Maintenance Section an education grant for school districts and recreation agencies offering the Com­ This section performed routine mainte­ Real Estate Section mission's Boating and Water Safety Aware­ nance of all access areas, dams and lakes ness course. Through this section the Fish and Boat statewide. Commission administers and manages its January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 11 The Commission set up the Basic Boating ing the report period, 423 cases were in­ the cooperation of recreational anglers and Course in response to public demand for vestigated with 354 of those closed via commercial fisheries. an eight-hour course. Commission programs prosecutions, warnings, etc. A total of The Van Dyke Research Station for fill the need for a short-term program. $569,000 in penalties was collected. Anadromous Fish continued to culture, and Commission staff held 18 instructor trainer Officers attended and presented a total investigate culture techniques for, American workshops in 1992. Certified instructors of 1,270 programs, which included shad as a part of the Susquehanna River taught programs at 36 schools and at 68 sportsmens' clubs meetings, sport and boat Anadromous Fish Restoration Committee's parks, recreation departments, camps, con­ shows, fishing schools, boating safety, youth (SRAFRC) program. Over 18 million shad servation clubs and other organizations. camps, school programs, and radio and TV eggs were received during the spring of 1992. These instructors certified nearly 3,000 shows. Research efforts directed toward resolving students. Over 9,500 prosecutions were made for problems with the culture of cool water fishes The Commission's Water Rescue Pro­ various violations. The most prevalent were continued. gram trains personnel in the most current fishing without a license, littering, Com­ During fiscal year 1991, a total of 126 techniques of boat rescue and water safety. mission property regulations, insufficient pathological investigations were conducted Over 500,000 brochures were distributed number of lifesaving devices and boats not to assist management staff at Pennsylva­ in support of the Commission's efforts to registered. In addition, over 32,000 warnings nia Fish and Boat Commission production improve boating safety. Many publications were issued and over 42,000 boats were facilities. A total of 271 disorders were were updated and modernized during the boarded. detected during these investigations. Gill year. disease, systemic viral and bacterial infec­ Training law enforcement officers in tions, and external parasites were the most boating safety and rescue is a continuing commonly detected pathological problems. project. All waterways conservation of­ Division of Fisheries Research continued on the development ficers and supervisors were certified as of several salmon, brook trout and rainbow instructors in both Basic Boating, and Management trout strains. Boating Safety and Water Awareness. Paddlefish, gizzard shad, brook trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, Spanish mackerel, clams, and timber rattlesnakes were among Division of Trout Information systems the aquatic life handled, prodded, bucketed, netted and noted during the 1991-92 fis­ Production The Information Systems Division con­ cal year by Division personnel. The Di­ tinued to play an important role in the ad­ vision is specifically charged with managing Cooperative Nursery Unit ministration of the Commission by providing Pennsylvania's diverse fisheries (includ­ As of June 30, 1992, there were 154 automated technology resources and ser­ ing reptiles and amphibians). During the vices. Improved operational efficiency and sponsors and 185 nursery sites in 47 counties. 1991-92 fiscal year the Division of Fish­ This number includes four largemouth bass, satisfaction of the Commission's many eries Management studied in one combi­ automated technology demands are two one walleye and one experimental striped nation or another water chemistry, owner­ bass unit. critical goals of the Information Systems ship, accessibility, size, fishoccurrence , fish staff. Both goals were adequately met. During the fiscal year, coldwater nurs­ abundance, and aquatic vegetation in 97 ery units stocked 960,858 catchable salmo- ponds, lakes and reservoirs and 277 sec­ nids, which included 393,062 brook trout, tions of streams and rivers. 241,517 brown trout, 324,113 rainbow trout The Division of Fisheries Management and 2,166 palomino trout. In addition, Bureau of is comprised of field personnel and cen­ 98,430 steelhead trout and 140,000 chinook tral office staff. The field personnel, eight salmon were stocked into Commonwealth Law Enforcement area fisheries managers and their support waters by two Erie County sponsors. During the report period, the Bureau of staff of one biologist and eight technicians, Law Enforcement had a number of retire­ are assigned on a drainage-area basis. The ments that ultimately resulted in a promotion, central office staff includes two clerical several transfers and filling vacancies created personnel and a seasonal clerk typist, a Office of Chief by the retirements. herpetology and endangered species coor­ Hiring and placing additional conservation dinator, a coldwater unit leader and tech­ Counsel and officers on Pennsylvania's busiest water­ nician and a warmwater unit leader and ways is a result of the passage of House technician. Environmental Bill 1107 in late 1991. For the first time in several years, regional deputy training/ informational meetings were conducted. Services The Bureau of Law Enforcement is very Division of Research The Office of Chief Counsel and Envi­ much involved in the preservation of wa­ The Lake Erie Research Unit continued ronmental Services provides legal and ter quality. This takes place in a number its mission to assess and manage fisheries environmental services support to the of ways, but primarily through the review in Lake Erie. Unit actions are taken in Commission and the staff. The Office of of encroachments and mine drainage ap­ concert with several fishery task groups Chief Counsel and Environmental Services plications and active investigations of stream within the Great Lakes Fish Commission. employs six full-time professional and disturbances and water pollutions. Dur­ The Unit also maintains contact and seeks technical personnel and three full-time 12 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler support personnel. In addition, it employs Offsetting these increases were decreases a number of seasonal and temporary tech­ Comptrollers Report in land acquisitions, down $622,591 (in FY nical, professional and support staff mem­ The fiscal year 1991-92 statements of 90-91, the Fish and Boat Commission bers. unreserved fund balance for the Fish and purchased Elk Creek Access); and contracted The Division of Environmental Services Boat Funds were prepared in accordance specialized services, down $185,088. (DES) is responsible for coordinating the with generally accepted accounting prin­ internal agency review of permit applica­ ciples (GAAP). Boat Fund tions and acting as the liaison with other All other statements included with this state and federal agencies. The internal report were prepared on a cash basis of The June 30, 1992, unreserved/ review usually involves soliciting comments accounting combined with an encumbrance undesignated fund balance in the Boat Fund from area fisheries managers and water­ budgetary system and as such are consis­ prepared on a GAAP basis was $3,742,588, ways conservation officers who often have tent with those of the previous year. a decrease of $286,957, or seven percent, site-specific knowledge about the project from last year's balance. In the computa­ area. DES staff specialists then perform Fish Fund tion of the GAAP basis fund balance, half a detailed evaluation of the proposed ac­ of the motorboat registration revenue was The June 30, 1992, unreserved/undes- tivity and attempt to predict the environ­ considered deferred revenue because it ignated fund balance prepared on a GAAP mental effects. represents revenue collected this fiscal year basis was $ 12,321,741, a $400,281, or three but earned in fiscal year 1992-93. percent, increase from last year's balance. Actual revenue deposited in the Boat Fund Actual revenue deposited in the Fish Fund for 1991-92 fiscal year was $6,520,867, an during the 1991-92 fiscal year was increase of $ 1,116,243, or 21 percent, from Bureau of $24,100,212, an increase of $554,975, or last year's actual revenue collection. two percent, over actual deposits in 1990- Motorboat registrations, up $992,261, re­ Administrative 91 fiscal year. The trout/salmon permit rev­ flected a registration rate increase of more enue increased $642,469. An agreement than 100 percent. However, because of the Services between Texas Eastern and the Fish and Boat two-year renewal process, half of the The Bureau of Administrative Services Commission garnered $450,000 in research motorboat registration revenue was deferred provides behind-the-scenes support for the money. These funds are to be used solely as earned until next fiscal year. Reimburse­ primary programs of the Fish and Boat for the purpose of assessing the effect of ment of liquid fuels tax was up $350,386, Commission. These functions include: PCBs and other substances of concern on because of a previous year payment of •issuance of fishing licenses and trout/ aquatic biota with respect to certain Texas $192,000. salmon permits. Eastern compressor station sites. Expenditures and commitments for the • Purchasing and procurement of supplies, Refunds not credited to an appropriation Boat Fund totaled $6,002,000, in the 1991- equipment and services. were down $380,236 primarily due to the 92 fiscal year, an increase of $468,221, or ••Warehousing and inventory. previous year rebate of $345,856 from the eight percent, over last year's total. Sig­ ••Payroll and personnel. State Workmen's Insurance Fund depos­ nificant increases were reported for sala­ ••Labor relations. ited in fiscal year 1990-91. Interest on se­ ries, wages and benefits, up $121,135, or ••Training. curities was down $166,745 because of re­ three percent, payment to other state agencies • Fiscal planning, budget preparation and duced interest rates. for services rendered, up $82,220 (auditor expenditure review. Expenditures and commitments for the general services increased $46,590 and EDP • Vehicle fleet management and commer­ Fish Fund totaled $24,783,246 in the 1991- services—Commonwealth-provided, in­ cial drivers' license certification. 92 fiscal year, an increase of $1,129,026, creased $34,478); other supplies and ser­ ••Telecommunications. or five percent, over last year's total. Sig­ vices (office, educational, etc.), up $78,407; ••Insurance. nificant increases were reported for sala­ purchase of automobiles, trucks and wa­ ••Management methods consulting. ries, wages and benefits, up $794,028, or tercraft, up $71,686 (up $ 18,523, $ 19,834 • Issuance of special permits and licenses. five percent. During 1991 -92, the large and $33,329, respectively); and contracted ••Mail and messenger services. number of retirees taking advantage of the maintenance services of Commission build­ ••Bindery operations. Mellow Bill retirement provisions resulted ings and grounds, up $59,073 (contracted •federal aid coordination. in increased annual and sick leave payouts repairs increased $55,805). ••Recycling. totaling $232,832. Annuitant's health care, Offsetting these increases was a decrease • Sale of surplus property. workman's compensation coverage, and in land acquisitions, down $ 129,317 (in FY •JOther related support services. employee hospitalization and health and 90-91, the Fish and Boat Commission pur­ Fishing licenses and trout/salmon per­ welfare expenses were other employee ben­ chased Elk Creek access). mits issued in fiscal year 1991-92 include: efits that increased $628,984 in total. License Category Price No. issued Supplies and services (office, educational, ""Resident $12.00 947,405 etc.) were up $431,034 in FY 91-92; pur­ Senior resident 2.00 25,928 chase of automobiles, trucks and watercraft were up $220,594 (truck purchases increased Non-resident 20.00 68,250 $145,562); and contracted maintenance ser­ 7-day tourist 15.00 18,691 vices of Commission buildings and grounds Senior lifetime 10.00 16,718 were up $185,476 (contracted repairs in­ Trout/salmon creased $176,238). permits 5.00 742,989

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 13 Tteour in the 2 *>y TRICKLESP Richard Tate Trout trickles are special. They are small, mostly deep-woods I have read that some anglers prefer long fly rods for fishing brooks often a mile or more from any road, and they may not see isolated mountain brooks, but I favor a seven-foot fly rod. It's a human angler more often than once or twice a year. Trout-trickle long enough for dapping my flies into convenient pockets, pools fish are often so wary that they burrow under in-stream structure and eddies, yet it is short enough to avoid my becoming instantly at the approach of an angler. However, these trickles are usually entangled in the ubiquitous laurel and rhododendron. I do favor productive and their trout are approachable during the earliest weeks a short leader for this work, usually in the seven-foot range with of the trout season, as well as during high-water periods later in a 4X tippet. For some faster, deeper water, the addition of one the season. In addition, many of the trickles are absolutely loaded or two size B splitshot helps get the flies down to the fish. with gorgeous native brook trout that provide fast, spirited action. Just how good can this wet fly fishing on the trickles be? When Because I detest crowds I have opened my trout season on small I hit one of these tiny brooks, five to seven trout landed per hour mountain brooks for many years now. Some of these trickles involve are just about standard. I tend to be heavy-footed and spook many long hikes to reach, and the fishing there is usually well worth more. the walks. A few other trickles, smaller and closer to my central You don't have to be a fly fishing expert to enjoy outings like Pennsylvania home, involve relatively short walks. One of these, these, either. When my son, Bobby, first began to show an inter­ however, which does not contain nearly as many trout as some est in fishing, I introduced him to fishing off the beaten path for of the more distant ones, occasionally produces a native of 10 or the little natives. I wanted him to become an advocate of catch- 11 inches, wonderful but rare jewels for Pennsylvania anglers. and-release fishing, so I had him use wet flies, even at the tender Unlike many of those who are drawn to mountain streams, I age of seven. These flies have worked fine for him. One of his release all the trout I catch. I figure that our isolated wild trout first outings rewarded him with more than 20 lovely brook trout are having a tough enough time combating civilization's acid rains. in only a few hours of fishing. It really is no exaggeration that a They certainly do not need to have their numbers depleted by a Royal Coachman wet fly, dapped into trout hideouts in the trick­ greedy angler. les, is deadly medicine. Fly fishing Ultralight tackle There are various ways to catch these jewels of the trickles. What if you don't care to fish with flies? Ultralight spinfishing My preferred method is fly fishing. On relatively large brooks, is a possibility, though many trickles don't allow even the underhand I sometimes toss dry flies to the fish, and even in the absence of cast and the retrieve that are necessary to stir up the trout. More hatches, the hungry wild trout eagerly attack my size 14 Adams realistic is using live bait. If you choose to fish tiny brooks with or Grizzly Parachute if the water temperature is 45 degrees or higher. live bait, I urge you to use relatively large, size 8 or 10 hooks— However, most of the tiny, isolated brooks I am familiar with and please pinch the barbs so that the trout you release are not do not lend themselves to the casting involved in dry fly fishing. harmed. Therefore, I generally fish the trout trickles with a weighted nymph Which baits are best? I know fellows who swear by mealworms. and a wet fly. I use a variety of small nymphs on the trout of Others favor maggots, and some others dunk small redworms. I these headwater streams, and occasionally I pick up a trout or two think nightcrawlers are the best bet! No, no—not the whole worm on the nymphs. Still, the wet fly is the offering that is respon­ at once. Cut a 'crawler into thirds and thread one of the pieces sible for 90 percent of the trout I catch on these special streams. onto the hook. The brook trout in the headwaters greedily gobble Which wet fly pattern is it? The venerable Royal Coachman, usually these worm pieces, and unlike using redworms, mealworms, and in size 12. The native brook trout take the Royal Coachman readily, maggots, the little brookies have trouble stealing the bait. As much and with the relatively large hook, I almost always lip-hook them. as I hate to admit it, on some streams these earthworm pieces are They do not sustain any serious physical damage. even more effective than wet flies. During last season's opener, Bobby, then age 12, and I took a 45-minute hike to a gorgeous mountain brook that my father in­ troduced me to when I was about Bobby's age. The end of the Fishing for wild brook trout in 45-minute walk is startling: You abruptly emerge from a hem­ tiny, isolated Pennsylvania lock forest in an open, deep-woods hollow. Immediately across the hollow is a huge outcropping of boulders that looks as if it brooks is a special treat. had been carelessly tossed there by an enraged god. Only moss, These trout trickles are rare, a few scrawny trees, and some ferns have managed to establish a foothold there. The tiny brook flowing beneath this rubble is valuable resources. six or seven feet wide and is loaded with beautiful wild brookies. There are about two miles of good fishing there, though Bobby and I covered only about three-quarters of a mile of water.

14 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler /^'^fagaaii IfpHSSi Pv : illlWHWWI'"* ___,. X '• " .v~' ' • l5f5 4, Mr— *

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Sampling Trout Trickles Crane Run, McKean/Elk counties Craft Run, Jefferson County Dennison Run, Venango County Blyson Run, Clarion County . Powdermill Run, Westmoreland County . Piney Run, Somerset County . Quebec Run, Fayette County . Cider Run, Wyoming County . Rattlesnake Creek, Monroe County 0. Stony Creek, Carbon County 11. Cherry Run, Centre/Union counties 12. Cushman Branch, Tioga County 13. Hammersly Fork, Potter County Fish Dam Run, Clinton County Twelvemile Run, Clearfield County TAese trickles must all be reached by walking away from 16 Yost Run, Centre County roads, but the tactics described in the article will work 17 Wolf Run, Lycoming County on all these small brooks.-JRT. 18 Cooks Run, Cameron County

For the first time in his trout-fishing career, I allowed him to or lost at least a half-dozen more. By the end of the outing, when r use live bait—cut nightcrawlers. In about 2 1/2 hours of fish­ it was time to hike back to our truck, Bobby was one happy young ing, Bobby landed nearly three dozen fish, ranging from about angler—and I was one pretty smug guide. It was a "short" 45- five to eight inches. Bobby simply dapped the pieces of worm minute hike, and both of us were pleased with our opening day into convenient trout lairs, and he was rewarded with lightning success. strikes and spunky battles from the mountain trout. Fishing for wild brook trout in the tiny, isolated brooks of Penn­ When we arrived at the stream's largest pool, about 15 feet long, sylvania is a special treat for those who value quality angling a dozen feet wide, and a few feet deep, Bobby's excitement was experiences. These trout trickles are rare, valuable resources. infectious. We just knew he would catch a lunker there. No lunker— but he did land well over a dozen trout from this pool and missed

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 15 I Two laughing youngsters were competing with the barking family dog for possession of a flopping trout. An old-timer waddled as he tried to hurry across the ice without falling toward a flag-flying tip-up. A young couple jigged side by side, sitting on plastic buckets. She was bundled in so many clothes, only her pretty face revealed her gender. I guessed that she was there just to be with her partner, because she stared at him, not at her short jigging rod. But then she hooked a trout, and her shrieks revealed obvious exhilaration when she finally pulled the trout to her side of the ice. "Get it! Get it!" She begged. She reeled the trout right to the end of her rod. It looked as if the trout were trying to eat the rod. The young man held his jigging rod under his arm and tried to grab the slippery trout while she flailed it about. Three stocky brook trout were packed in ice, in the plastic bucket under me. The trout were destined for the smoker. I relaxed on the bucket for a few minutes before walking back to the van.

Gazing across the 60-acre state park lake, I saw dozens of ice anglers. The § lake and the horizon were framed by jagged outlines of deep-green hemlocks. The sky was a mix of pale blue and angular white clouds. The line of clouds | directly overhead was darker than the other clouds, and they dropped a wind- ~ blown snow on us. The snow obscured the distance, so the ice anglers at the other end of the lake faded to just moving colors. A cold front was moving in. I could feel the temperature dropping. Dur­ ing the three-day mild spell that was just ending, the fishing had been pre­ dictably very good. Fishing probably would not be so good during the next few days. And it would be much colder. It would be a good time to tie some new ice jigs.

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 17 Trout fishing through the ice is a complete break from the spring trout fishing season opener. But it is like it in one big Timing way. It is a festive atmosphere, this other trout season, leav­ Timing is a key to finding the best ice fishing for trout. The ing no doubt that trout are still the stars of the Pennsylvania best fishing is usually during the firstmont h of safe ice at the stocked fishing scene. lakes. Across the northern-tier counties there is usually good ice Each winter the Fish and Boat Commission stocks more than on the smaller lakes by mid-December, maybe a few weeks ear­ 60 lakes with trout, with ice anglers in mind. These trout are lier. South of 1-80 ice is far less dependable. At some lakes there typically bigger than trout stocked for anglers the spring be­ might be just a week or two of safe ice, maybe none at all during fore, with months of extra nursery growing time. Moderately mild winters. skilled ice anglers can expect success, particularly early in the Trout or salmon are generally bonus catches at our larger lakes, winter before most of the newly stocked trout have been har­ like the Allegheny Reservoir, Wallenpaupack and Presque Isle Bay. vested. The odds for success are much lower. However, there is a possi­ Some other lakes have holdover trout, including lake trout bility of trophy-sized catches. Seasonal patterns are less distinct or even salmon. Presque Isle Bay sometimes has abundant there. At Presque Isle Bay the main factor seems to be whether steelhead and coho salmon. The Allegheny Reservoir holds or not the schools of salmon or steelhead are even in the bay, which some huge brown trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Lake connects to Lake Erie.—MB. Wallenpaupack also is home to big trout. It gave up our state record. East Branch Lake, a small Elk County impoundment, holds lake trout. There are others. Here is a look at the skills you need to catch trout through Penn­ sylvania ice. Equipment You can ice fish for trout with just a hook, a short piece of fishing line and bait, and catch trout. You can use the same rod and reel that you use during the open-water trout season. Or you can get a bit more sophisticated and use equipment designed especially for ice fishing. An ice auger, an ice rod, a simple reel, line, jigs and bait are the basic items for serious ice anglers. Tip-ups are also useful, mostly when the fishing is slow. Augers, either hand-powered or equipped with motors, have pretty much replaced spud bars as the preferred means to make holes in the ice. You might want to keep in mind when choosing an auger that small holes are easier to drill than large holes. A five-inch hole is large enough for all but the largest trout you are likely to catch in Pennsylvania. Ice rods are characteristically short, less than five feet. The best reels are those that are least likely to jam with ice. Just about any tip-up will do the job, as long as its spool spins freely. Be more particular when choosing line. Trout, not all of them, mind you, are line shy. There are enough dumb trout around to give some anglers the notion that fat line will catch any trout, but it just is not so. You will fool far more trout, most notably the bigger trout, using low-visibility line. My preference is four-pound- test green line. Various jigs catch trout. You should have a selection that Comfort includes shiny jigs, brightly colored jigs, and natural-colored Sure, the fishing is great. But how much can you enjoy it jigs. For the standard stocked trout, one-inch to three-inch jigs while you are freezing? Knowing how to stay warm is some of are the right size. If you want to concentrate on the larger trout, the most important knowledge for ice anglers. three-inch or four-inch lures might discourage interference from First, remember that it will be much colder on the ice, exposed smaller trout. to wind, than it is at home. Dress warmer than you think neces­ Sometimes the fishing is fast. You might catch more trout sary. You can always take clothes off if you dress in layers. But than you want to eat, so you will want to be able to release you can't put on what you do not have. trout without harming them. Replace treble hooks with single Keep your hands, feet and head warm. These are the places hooks and pinch down the barbs. where you lose body heat quickly. Boots should have thick soles Numerous baits catch trout through the ice. Minnows and to insulate the feet. Carry an extra pair of gloves, and a towel to grubs are the favorite natural baits. Corn, cheese, salmon eggs keep your hands dry. A handwarmer provides comforting heat. and various commercial baits are sometimes more productive, The combination of a knit hat and a hood should protect your head sometimes not. Trout are fickle. Your chances for success rise and neck.—MB. significantly when you carry more than one bait.

18 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler Trout rely on odors more than many other fish. Offensive odors are COUNTY WATER AREA liable to prevent any interest in your lures. On the other hand, attractive Allegheny North Park Lake odors are very helpful. I almost always use scent when fishing for trout, Beaver Brady Run Lake through the ice or otherwise. Beaver Hereford Manor Lk., Lower Beaver Hereford Manor Lk., Upper Bait, lure presentation Beaver Raccoon Lake There is only so much you can do with a lure or bait that must be fished Berks Antietam Lake vertically. You can still-fish, or you can jig vertically. Yet, you should Berks Scotts Run Lake think in terms of versatility, adaptiveness and subtle differences. Blair Canoe Lake During a winter outing at Chapman Dam, I clobbered big brook trout Bradford Mountain Lake using a homemade leadhead jig tipped with a maggot. The jig head was Bucks Lake Luxembourg red with a white and black eye. The body was bright-yellow chenille ribbed Bucks Levittown Lake with silver mylar. The tail was full, orange marabou. None of several Butler Glade Run Lake other jigs I tried produced as well. Cambria Duman Dam After telling a fishing pal, John Lucas, about the good fishing, he and I Cambria Lake Rowena returned the next morning. Fishing was slow until John switched lures. Cameron George B. Stevenson Reservoir Immediately trout began attacking his red and silver jigging spoon, a Swedish Centre Poe Lake Pimple, sweetened with Dr. Juice trout/steelhead scent. That is another of Clearfield Parker Lake the lures I usually carry. As soon as I switched to it I caught trout about as Clinton Kettle Creek Lake fast as I could get it in the water. That day was particularly memorable, be­ Columbia Briar Creek Lake cause 1 watched many of those trout hit the spoon just inches below the ice. Cumberland Laurel Lake Several days later the only way we could catch trout was by still-fish­ Cumberland Opossum Creek Lake ing with lively emerald shiners. Elk Laurel Run Reservoir Trout are normally fickle! This is most noticeable when fishing is slow. Elk Ridgway Reservoir Yet there have been some times when a seemingly small change in lure, Erie Lake Pleasant color or presentation made the difference between nothing and fast fishing. Fayette Dunlap Creek Lake When still-fishing with bait, vary the depth of the bait from bottom to Fayette Virgin Run Dam just under the ice. I have no idea why a change of just a foot, in clear Forest Wards Ranch Pond water, would make any difference, but sometimes it does. Franklin Letterkenny Reservoir Vary the jigging motion in length of lift, speed of lift, and frequency of Fulton Cowans Gap Lake lift. Sometimes a mere wiggle every few seconds is enough. Sometimes Greene Duke Lake to turn on the trout it takes a steady series of foot-long jerks repeated as Huntingdon Whipple Lake soon as the jig settles. Jefferson Cloe Lake Lackawanna Chapman Lake Finding trout Lackawanna Merli-Sarnoski Lake In most of the small lakes where trout are stocked for ice anglers, im­ Lawrence Bessemer Lake mediately after the lakes are stocked you are liable to catch trout just about Luzerne Irena Lake anywhere. Still, though it might not be noticeable, the trout are more Luzerne Sylvan Lake concentrated in specific places that can be identified as either structure Lycoming Little Pine Lake or cover. Later when most of the trout have been caught, those places McKean Bradford Reservoir #3 where trout were concentrated will hold most of the remaining trout. The Monroe Tobyhanna Lake very best places will be the places that most anglers have not found, for Northampton Minsi Lake the obvious reason. Perry Allen Holman Lake Trout like irregular structure. Look for them on bars, humps, dropoffs, Pike Fairview Lake and flooded creek channels. Early in the winter I have caught trout on Potter Lyman Lake bars covered by less than two feet of water. Later in the winter trout of­ Schuylkill Locust Lake ten congregate in the deepest part of a lake or reservoir. This is easiest to Somerset Laurel Hill Lake find in manmade reservoirs close to the dam. Susquehanna Quaker Lake Cover like sunken logs or boulders also attracts trout. Lure or bait placement Tioga Beechwood Lake becomes very critical when fishing for trout that are hiding in cover. It Tioga Lake Hamilton will be necessary to get very close to the cover at precisely the right depth, Venango Justus Lake so the trout can see the lure or bait. Bait is usually better than jigs in this Warren Chapman Lake situation. Washington Canonsburg Lake Finding cover or structure under the ice can be an excessively time- Washington Dutch Fork Lake consuming process. Better to locate the potential ice fishing hotspots before Wayne Long Pond the lake freezes, using a boat and sonar. Mark the spots on a map, refer­ Wayne Upper Woods Pond encing shoreline markers. Remember, though, things look different in winter Westmoreland Donegal Lake than in summer or fall. A compass can be a great help with this, if you Westmoreland Keystone Lake know how to use one. Westmoreland Twin Lake, Lower You should catch plenty of trout early in the ice fishing season using Westmoreland Twin Lake, Upper just the basics. With a bit more sophistication you can catch Wyoming Lake Winola trout all through the season. York Hanover Water Company Dam L January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 19 The Coachman family of fly patterns is a good example of how readily a parent fly The Royal Wulff can spin off diverse offspring patterns. The original Coachman came from the British Isles as a wet fly with a peacock herl body, white duck quill wings and brown throat hackle. Following its emigration to America, Theodore Gordon began to dress it as a dry fly and it became popular on Catskill streams. Then someone dressed the pattern with slate- colored duck quill wings and this variation became known as the Leadwing Coachman. It was dressed in both wet and dry fly styles and eventually became a staple for Catskill anglers, particularly when Isonychia mayflies were hatching. Terry Hellekson, in his book Popular Fly Patterns, ascribes origination of the Coachman's best-known variation to John Haily, a commercial fly tier in New York City. A customer had requested a Coach­ man dressed with a red silk center band and Haily complied. The result was a fly that by Chauncy K. Lively captured the fancy of both the tier and his client. In fact, Haily became so enthusiastic photos by the author about the new pattern that he sent a sample to Charles F. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, who admired it and promptly named it the

Tie in the thread behind the eye and 7 wind it toward the bend to a point about one-fourth of the shank length behind the eye. Cut a medium-size bunch of hair for wings and hold it by Wind the thread back to the bend. ^ Twist the herls and wind four or five the tips while removing the fuzz and 2 Cut a small bunch of hair for tails ^J turns over the base of the tails to short hairs from the butts. Then hold and tie it in for an effective length equal form a narrow ruff. Tie it off. Then tie the hair along the top of the shank, tips to the overall hook length. Wind over in a three-inch length of red floss next to pointing forward, and bind with five or the hair butts and trim any excess hair. the ruff. Trim the excess floss. Then six close, firm turns for an effective wing Wind the thread back to the bend. Select hold the herls against the shank and length equal to the shank length. Trim three peacock herls and tie in the tips at wrap over them with the thread to the the excess hair butts. Pull the hair the bend. Trim the excess. mid-shank. Don't trim the long ends of upright, wind the thread forward and the herl. make several turns in front of the wings to maintain their vertical position. Then separate the hair into two halves and wind between them with figure-eight turns.

20 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler Royal Coachman. That's how the most on the stream and in storage. To stuff more should dictate the fullness of dressing. That popular of all fly patterns was born. But than a few of these flies into a single fly is, if you fish placid waters you need sparser the evolution didn't stop there. box compartment was a distinct no-no hackling, or for broken water, full hackle. Word of the Coachman flies spread because they were so easily rendered mis­ For my own use, a single genetic hackle westward, and soon anglers in the Rockies shapen. (if it's long enough) or two or three shorter were fishing with their own variations— There were many other variations on the imported hackles suffice. both wet and dry—dressed with white Coachman theme, and even though most It's difficult to determine why the Coach­ deerhair wings. They called it the West­ are dressed as wets and dries, a few are tied man patterns, particularly the Royals, have ern Coachman. Meanwhile, still farther west, streamer-style as well. I'm fairly certain been so popular over the years. Even to­ the California Coachman came into being— that if you were to gather together a sample day, when anglers are paying more atten­ similar to the Royal except for a yellow of each pattern and all its subpatterns, you tion to entomology and dressing flies to center band that replaced the red. From could easily fill a fly box with only Coach­ represent specific insects, they continue to various parts of the country came modifi­ man flies. be in demand in fly shops all over the country. cations of the Trude patterns—dry flies with But perhaps the most effective of the lot— Perhaps there is a subliminal influence in white deerhair downwings, sporting Coach­ and certainly the most rugged—is the Royal their names. The sound of "Royal Wulff' man or Royal Coachman bodies. Wulff, Lee Wulff's version of the Royal and "Royal Coachman" carries the sugges­ Back in the Catskills, someone came up Coachman. tion of something special, or of particular with the Fanwing Royal Coachman, a large Typical of the Wulff series, the Royal is value. In any case, they are "user-friendly" dry fly dressed with wings of broad, curved designed for maximum flotation in rough flies—easy to see on the water and suffi­ duck breast feathers. The Fanwing Royal water. Deer hair wings and tails provide ciently attractive to hook their share offish. enjoyed a brief stint of popularity after it buoyancy and contribute to the pattern's The Royal Wulff is an excellent attractor was reported it would bring large trout to durability. The original Royal Coachman fly, useful on those many occasions when the surface when Green Drakes were emerg­ had tails of golden pheasant tippets, but they insects are not showing and the trout need ing. But fly fishers learned the hard way were relatively fragile and provided dubious something extra to bring them out of their that fan wings had to be set impeccably support on the water. lethargy. Come to think of it, that's enough straight—otherwise, the fly would twist the Generally, Wulff patterns are characterized justification for the pattern's leader in a most disastrous way. They were by dense hackling to enhance their float­ popularity. fussy flies, requiring constant attention, both ing qualities. However, your own needs

Dressing: Royal Wulff Hook: Standard dry fly, sizes 10 to 16. Thread: 6/0 brown pre waxed. Wings: Thin, white deer body hair. Tail: Sparse bunch of thin, natural brown deer body hair. Body: Peacock herl and red floss. Hackle: One brown genetic hackle or two to three imported.

S Grip the hackle tip lengthwise with \J the hackle pliers and wind all but the final turn in back of the wings. Tie it Select a hackle (or hackles) with off after the last turn in front of the 5 barbules about 1 1/2 times as long wing. Trim the hackle tip. If you 're as the hook gape. Strip off the webby using more than one hackle, carefully lower barbules and tie them in behind wind each subsequent hackle through the wings at a right angle to the shank the first. Avoid binding down already and with the dull side behind the eye. wound barbules. Then wind a head Then bend the butt of the stem forward behind the eye. Whip-finish and apply along the shank and tie it off in front of head lacquer. A Wind the floss evenly to the mid- the eye. Trim the excess stem. TT shank, tie it off and trim the excess. Again, twist the herls and wind another ruff- Tie it off and trim the excess herl.

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 21 V\

The popularity of walleyes as a Pennsylvania gamefish is growing, The term "active" is worth noting. When ice fishing was con­ so it isn't surprising that some anglers extend their walleye fishing sidered a complacent sport, the idea of drilling lots of holes may activity into the winter months. Walleyes bite surprisingly well not have been considered necessary. Today, walleye fishing is a in cold water temperatures, making them a prime species to seek mobile activity, and the quest of searching out active fish doesn't through the ice. stop when the' lake is covered with ice. Ice fishermen have enjoyed major improvements in equipment Effective hand-powered augers, plus lightweight gas augers, and knowledge. Once considered a "better-than-sitting-around- make the chore of drilling holes a much more pleasant affair when watching-TV" affair, ice fishing has entered the world of high compared to the days of ice spuds. Some folks may protest turning tech. Specialized fishing gear and support equipment are avail­ the ice into Swiss cheese, but covering a wide scope of depths able, as well as well-researched books and videos on the subject. and areas is what makes for effective walleye ice fishing tactics. This, coupled with the rise in popularity of walleyes as a gamefish in the Commonwealth, creates the perfect time to tap a relatively Strategies untapped fishing resource. Of course, anglers need another ele­ Hager's basic game plan is a sound one, similar to what he would ment, one somewhat absent the last few years: Winters cold enough do on Glendale in open water. He covers several depths to de­ to produce thick ice. termine where any active walleyes are located. Frank Hager of Ebensburg is a walleye fanatic, one who fishes His basic tools include five fishing devices—in this case four for the species year-round. Cambria County's Glendale Lake— tip-ups and one active jigging rod. Here's a typical approach Frank the center of attraction of Prince Gallitzin State Park—serves as uses on walleye-attracting structural elements (a large point, for Hager's proving ground. Hager has enjoyed both the advance­ instance) on Glendale Lake. ment in equipment and the blossoming walleye population at Glendale Starting from shallow to deep, Hager drills a series of holes Lake. The Fish and Boat Commission began intense annual stockings over water varying in depth by about five feet. Over four of these of walleyes back in the mid-1980s to improve what had been a holes he rigs tip-ups. The fifth hole is for active jigging with a marginal walleye fishery. The effort succeeded. The current walleye spinning rod. The tip-ups are reconnaissance tools. The jigging population is very healthy, boasting good numbers of fish, many rod furnishes a more active presentation, and samples water "off of which are over the 15-inch minimum size. line" of the tip-ups. He drills more holes in the same pattern until he finds walleyes. It's a process of elimination that often calls Equipment for drilling lots of holes. Recent technological surges in ice fishing equipment equate For rigging tip-ups, Hager uses a "high-low" rig, in which two to increased efficiency for the hard-water walleye angler, and a droppers are spread near the end of the line. The first snell is located more comfortable environment while pursuing the sport. about six inches from the bottom; the second, 18 inches farther Not so long ago a typical array of ice fishing equipment in­ up. Size 6 short-shank hooks are tied to each snell, to which medium- cluded some homemade jigging rods and a few crude tip-ups. Today, sized fathead minnows are lip-hooked. An appropriately sized you can buy economically priced yet sensitive jigging rods spe­ (depending on depth) splitshot is pinched on the end of the rig to cifically designed for ice fishing. Several companies offer ice anchor it lightly to the bottom. In addition to the walleyes, the shelters that are easy to erect. More efficient tip-ups are avail­ high-low rig is effective on yellow perch. able, as well as a wide assortment of presentations focused on The jigging Rapala is a standby ice lure, and Hager finds it effective ice fishing. on Glendale Lake. Other active jigging presentations include the Walleyes have by no means been ignored in this wave of ad­ Swedish Pimple, Rocker Minnow, Walleye Hawger and leadhead vancement. Fact is, in most cases, 'eyes have held center stage. jigs. Hager uses the jigging Rapala plain, but he dresses the spoons Consider jigging rods. The tip section of a discarded fishing and jigs with fathead minnows. rod was once the nucleus of an ice fishing rod. This wasn't sim­ The basic tactics Hager uses on Glendale Lake can work on ply a choice of economy. There wasn't much of a selection in other Commonwealth waters. Glendale has an excellent mix of commercially produced ice jigging rods. Such is no longer the deep and shallow water. "Deep" is a relative term. In Glendale case. the primary creek channels vary from 20 to 35 feet in good win­ One manufacturer who specialized in ice fishing rods makes ter walleye zones. three models ranging from 24 to 32 inches in length. Coupled with Here is a list of other Pennsylvania walleye waters worthy of lightweight spinning reels loaded with supple four- or six-pound- consideration for ice fishing. In some instances the lakes are tra­ test line of a premium brand, these outfits serve as ideal tools for ditional hotspots for those of the ice fishing fraternity targeting actively searching out walleyes. walleyes. In other cases, the walleyes are there, but not often caught through the ice.

22 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler f 1

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Fiiliing Tips in o Nuhhell • Cover several depths with four tip-ups and a jigging rod. • Place the tip-ups from shallow water to deep water with high-low rigs. Set the first hook about six inches from the bottom; the second, about 18 inches from the bottom. • Use size 6 short-shanked hooks and medium- sized fathead minnows. Crimp splitshot near the hooks to keep the baits down. • Jig lures like the Swedish Pimple, Rocker Minnow, Walleye Hawger, Jigging Rapala, and plain leadhead jigs.—JK. Ice Safely No discussion of ice fisffinfismnsg would be complete without con­ In an innovative program, the Allegheny Water Safety Council sidering the safety factor. Most experts consider four inches has made available to anglers—free-of-charge—ice awls for | of hard, clear ice to be the minimum thickness necessary to the purpose of self-rescue. support a single angler. Even if ice conditions seem ideal, The awls are two short pieces of shovel handles with large I always wear a personal flotation device. wood screws embedded in them. A short length of rope con­ Flood control lakes, because of unstable water levels, warrant nects two of the awls, and the angler drapes the rope around special caution. Shore ice can be thin, or elevated above the the shoulders. In an emergency, the victim can punch the awls water's surface ("bridge ice"). into the edges of the ice to elevate oneself out of the water. At the Allegheny Reservoir, leaking subsurface gas wells The devices are available at tackle shops around the wa­ serve as "aerators," pushing the warmer bottom water toward terway. In the three years of the program's existence, 1,500 the surface. This causes random pockets of thin ice. Offi­ awls have been distributed to anglers.—JK. cials at this lake strongly discourage the use of ATVs and snowmobiles on the lake's surface.

Technological lur jei in ice fhhing equipment increate efficiency for hard-water walleye WJ L Where to Cotch Wolleye i on Ice

D 1. Allegheny Reservoir 2. Pymatuning Lake 3. Youghlogheny Reservoir LUZERNE }f ^^^4. Dutch Fork Lake %\COLUMBIA| (n\ MONROE . •%. \ J> y WC "'S" Point Lake

• Allegheny Reservoir. Straddling the Pennsylvania/New York that does take place occurs where access is good. The lake sec­ border, the Allegheny Reservoir produces mega-sized walleyes tion off the western shore near the dam is the most popular spot. during the ice fishing season. The current state record walleye Walleye anglers concentrate on depths around 30 feet. was pulled through Kinzua's (the lake's more popular name) ice • Dutch Fork Lake. Dutch Fork would have to rate as one back in 1980. That fish weighed 17 pounds, nine ounces. Just of the "sleepers." This is a 91-acre Fish and Boat Commission last year another 17-pounder, just a few ounces off the record, lake located in Washington County. What makes it noteworthy was taken here by an ice angler. According to Kinzua officials, is that it received the firsto f the Commission's stockings of saugeyes, some skilled ice anglers consistently catch walleyes in the 24- a walleye-and-sauger hybrid. The results of these plantings should inch class. be reaching legal size. Much of Kinzua's hard-water notoriety comes from produc­ • High Point Lake. Because of the high elevation of High ing lunker walleyes, but this may be one of the top seasons ever Point Lake, it freezes up before other area lakes. It also has a for numbers offish. Recent surveys conducted by federal biolo­ healthy walleye population, including some large fish. gists revealed one of the best overall populations in years, with High Point is large for an "electrics-only" body of water. This more than half of the walleyes over the 15-inch minimum size. limits an angler's effectiveness during the open water season. It First ice is perhaps the most productive time to be on Kinzua's follows that this situation could make High Point a prime candi­ frozen surface. This usually occurs in early January, though the date as a good ice fishing walleye lake. lake doesn't freeze at the same time. Bays ice up first, then the • Glendale Lake. See the article text. Kinzua Arm, and finally the main (Allegheny) arm. • Lake Nockamixon. Mild winters have limited ice fishing Popular ice fishing areas include Chappel Bay, Dunkels Cor­ in southeastern Pennsylvania, and water quality problems once ners, Webs Ferry and Hooks Brook. limited Nockamixon's walleye fishery. Even though the weather • Pymatuning Lake. Over the mountain ridge west of the is in the hands of nature, Nockamixon's walleye fishery is again Allegheny Reservoir lies Pymatuning Lake, another perennial favorite a force. among hard-water walleye anglers. Kinzua is a steep-sided, deep Improvements in a sewage treatment facility on Nockamixon's mountain impoundment. Pymatuning is broad and shallow. feeder stream have substantially improved the water quality. The Walleyes are considered the premier species of Pymatuning year- high nutrient loading, algae blooming and oxygen depletion of a round, and anglers enjoy consistent action during the winter. The few years ago are now a thing of the past. lake has the reputation for producing oodles of sublegal walleyes The lake has come back strong, with the walleye population during open-water fishing. This trend is somewhat reversed during representative of this surge. Catches include fish in the 20- to ice fishing season, when many anglers catch legal-sized walleyes. 30-inch range. If the weather turns cold this winter, Nockamixon These are fish in the 18- to 20-inch range, so don't expect to catch is a waterway worth checking out. a wallhanger. • Lake Wallenpaupack. Enter this one also in the "sleeper" Good walleye action is available all along Pymatuning's 16- category. Ice fishing is popular on Wallenpaupack, with the at­ mile length. Focus on the main river channel at this time of year. tention focused on jumbo perch. A few walleyes are caught by • Youghiogheny Reservoir. The Yough provides one of the the perch fishermen. better walleye fisheries in southwestern Pennsylvania, and wall­ Wallenpaupack has a good walleye population, with outstanding eyes are taken through the ice—when there is ice. potential for trophy fish. Could it be that walleye catches are The relatively mild winters of recent years have severely lim­ uncommon simply because anglers aren't fishing for bed the length of the Yough's ice fishing season. Most of the action them? Wallenpaupack is one of those possible frontiers. January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 25 Boot-leg trout ment fishing line. There were no signifi­ During a law enforcement detail that cant changes in marine debris, and it was corresponded with an inseason trout stock­ reported that at the current reduction rates, ing, WCO James Lauer of Lycoming County it would take 50 years to see an end to plastics apprehended an over-eager angler who on beach areas. Other "boating and fish­ creeled eight trout and tried to take four ing wastes," along with six-pack rings, were more by placing two down each hip boot.— noted as the biggest threat to marine wildlife. Brian Burger, WCO, Centre County. Many anglers have seen balls of discarded Bearly swimming monofilament in and along our waters. More anglers seem willing to pick up what they Safe boating course While patrolling Raystown Lake on the know is a threat to local wildlife, but we Last winter I presented a safe boating evening of Sunday, August 2, DWCO Ri­ need to make even more of an effort. Practice course to 7th graders at various schools in chard Hudy and I were treated to a most more self-discipline and remind your neigh­ my district. At the end of each course, I memorable experience. At about 8 p.m., boring angler to pocket that "bird's nest" handed out a short questionnaire for stu­ near milemarker 10, just south of the Seven so it doesn't become a (rue bird's final nesting dents to fill out to see if they had learned Points Recreation Area, we saw a large black place. Please pocket your tangles and trim­ anything. In reviewing the questionnaires, bear swimming in the lake about 150 feet mings of fishing line, and pick up any trash some of the students had some interesting from the shoreline. The bear was headed along the way.—Brian B. Burger, WCO, answers: toward the far-side mountain. As we ma­ Centre County. neuvered our boat alongside the bear, it 1. You should always have enough PFDs abruptly made a u-turn and returned to the for the number of people on your boat. Boat nearby shore. Then it quickly headed into Fireworks accidents can be prevented by using common the thick lakeside underbrush.—WCOAlan This past July 4, WCO William Carey sense, and always use proper safety mea­ D. Robinson, Huntingdon County. and I were on patrol in Walt's Cove at Lake sures while operating a motorboat. Wallenpaupack. Officers Triol and Bendock 2. An alcohol level of .10 and above were at Epply Island, where fireworks were means you are really drunk and will be put Pretend fishing being set off. Just after 9:00 p.m., Offic­ behind bars. On March 1 all approved trout waters ers Triol and Bendock radioed our boat, 3. You should always have enough PFDs close to fishing until the opening day in April. telling us there had been an explosion on in your boat, and no one should drive a car As I drove to Lake Rowena in Ebensburg, the island and we were to respond imme­ or operate a boat under the influence of I noticed an elderly woman fishing with a diately. alcohol or drugs. small youth. I got out of my patrol vehicle Maneuvering around the boats that had 4. People can die if they aren't safe.— and started to walk toward them, and I been anchored to watch the fireworks, we WCO Robert L. Kish, Cambria County. noticed something odd about their "fish­ could see more explosions and a fire that ing rods." As I approached them, I couldn't had broken out on the island. As we passed believe my eyes. They had two sticks with one of the boats, they informed us that there Smokey the patriot blue yam tied to them and cheese tied on was a doctor on board. We brought the On July 4, 1991, a few weeks after re­ the end of the yarn—no hooks. I asked the doctor aboard our patrol vessel and con­ turning from Operation Desert Storm, I grandmother, who was "fishing" with her tinued to the island, where a fireman met found myself searching for a change of plans. three-year-old grandson, what they were us and directed the doctor to the victims. A thunderstorm had deluged my Centre doing. She replied, "This is how I take my We then moved the patrol boat away from County district, and the usual holiday boat grandson out for some pretend fishing." All the site to maintain a safety perimeter, with safety patrol requirements suddenly became I can say is that it's the first time I've seen assistance from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. unnecessary. this, and I'll leave it to your imagination.— A short time later, we transported one of While patrolling native brook trout WCO Robert L. Kish, Cambria County. the victims to the Wayne County shore where streams in Bald Eagle State Forest, I no­ an ambulance was waiting. After return­ ticed a pickup truck somewhat hidden in ing to the island, our vessel and the patrol a shale pit where garbage dumping had been Stash your trash vessel of Officers Triol and Bendock were an occasional problem. I had just parked A recent report of the Center for Marine used to move the remaining personnel off to approach on foot when the truck took Conservation reviewed results of 1991 clean­ the island. Then the Coast Guard Auxil­ off. A hasty look revealed several oil cans up efforts in international coastal areas, iary and our two patrol boats secured the that the two occupants had apparently used including Pennsylvania. A total of 30 states area until security personnel had arrived. for target shooting. Running back to my and territories, the District of Columbia, The following morning we were back on patrol vehicle, I was sure that the parties and 13 other countries participated in the the scene, and with the help of the Coast leaving were now well off to points un­ effort. Guard Auxiliary, maintained a safety zone known. Many distressing summaries were given, while the remaining fireworks were disas­ I had gone a mile or so when I spotted but one that many of us can help alleviate sembled and removed from the island. the pickup truck stopped in the center of is that 34 percent of all wildlife entangle­ Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.— the state forest road, its occupants in the ments reported were caused by monofila- Jacqueline Carey, DWCO, Pike County. woods. They were watching a black bear

26 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler flaunting itself in Independence Day splen­ every 10 minutes Josh was yelling to me the secretary added, "The lady says there dor—and inadvertently lending a hand to that he had one. Watching him catch and are chains hanging from its shell, and she this officer. The would-be litterbugs slowed release those trout sent chills down my spine. wants to know what to do." Tim made a up long enough for me to secure an admis­ I've taught my boys how to tie flies, be good hasty retreat from the garage to find an­ sion to their untimely deed. fly fishermen, and to be gentlemen on the other phone amidst a flurry of advice from I wonder if the black bear was truly a creek. I was proud of how my son was bystanders: "Sounds like a Teenage Mu­ fellow patriot, or an aspiring deputy can­ following my teachings. This day was tant Ninja Turtle." "Tell her to stay out of didate?—Brian Burger, WCO, Centre perfect—the weather was great, we had reach of the chains, and look out for ka­ County. spotted a bear, geese were flying overhead— rate kicks." "I'm not sure if Michelangelo it was a beautiful day to be fishing. There or Donatello is the one with the chains." was an excitement that every father hopes If you're not sure what those comments Dedication will take place between him and his son. mean, just ask your kids. Meanwhile, let Every so often I am amazed at the steadfast I floated a March Brown along the bank, Tim know if you spot any turtles wearing dedication of our volunteer deputy water­ and it wasn't long before I felt the tug of headbands or carrying swords hanging from ways conservation officers. DWCO John a large fish. I called to Josh that I had a their shells.—Charles Rupert, Supervisor, Ford did not vacation or study at an exotic big one on the line and he came running. Maintenance Area III. institution while on sabbatical leave from I played the fish for a while and then handed his teaching job. Instead, he planned and Josh the rod. He was so excited you could implemented a comprehensive aquatic see it in his eyes, and probably in mine, too. New Zealand readers ecology course, complete with a local, long- The fish was an 18-inch brown trout, which Angler contributor Chauncy K. Lively term stream habitat improvement project we quickly released, hoping to meet it again wrote to say that the outdoors editor of the with the State College Area School Dis­ some day. I teach my sons catch and re­ Detroit Free Press was in New Zealand trict (SCASD). My compliments to Of­ lease because I believe it's the way to fu­ recently. The outdoors editor said that he ficer Ford, landowners, sportsmen, busi­ ture trout fishing. walked into a dentist's office there, and on ness supporters and the administrators of That morning was very special to me and the table was a well-annotated copy of the SCASD who are enabling the project.— I'll never forget it. My son and I became Pennsylvania Angler! Brian Burger, WCO, Centre County. a little closer to nature and each other. I The Angler is read around the world. Our made a point of telling him I loved him, subscriber list shows addresses in Canada, and how proud I was of him as a fisher­ Switzerland, Mexico, Brazil, Iceland, En­ man and as my son. gland, Australia, New Zealand, the Phil­ Natural high I think of the problems with drugs and ippines, Norway, Sweden and Cuba.—Art It was a Friday night, and my son, Joshua, alcohol that other kids have, and I hope it Michaels, editor. and I decided to get up early the next morning never happens to my sons. I wish all kids and fish the delayed-harvest area of the could experience a day like that morning Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming County. We with their fathers. I'm a Lycoming County awoke at 5:00 a.m. and quietly left the house, deputy sheriff and a member of the Com­ T*IL trying not to disturb the rest of the family. mission Volunteer Education and Informa­ OfiCKTfiLK Josh is 14, and since a Montana fishing tion Corps. I see many young lives ruined trip last summer, he has turned into a real by drugs and alcohol and hear lots of sto­ BfiCKTflLK fisherman. We live on Route 87 along the ries about them, but I don't hear many stories Would you like a photograph of you and Loyalsock Creek, and the delayed-harvest about fathers doing things like fishing with your catch to appear in Pennsylvania area is only 10 minutes away. their kids. Anglerl Send a photograph of you and your When we arrived at the Sandy Bottom I hope my two sons have learned to pick catch to the Angler for publication consid­ parking area, it was just getting light. Just up a fly rod instead of a needle or a can of eration in the "Currents" section. Please as we got out of the car, Josh whispered, beer. To you fathers reading this, I hope send only snapshots and prints, either color "Look, Dad, look!"—not more than 30 yards you will or have experienced a day like the or black-and-white. Please—no slides and from us stood a large black bear. I think one I had with my son. I'm glad the Fish no pictures larger than 8x 10. Include a self- he was just as surprised as we were. We and Boat Commission has places like these addressed, stamped envelope if you want watched him for a few minutes. Then he where families can go and have fun.—Steven your picture returned. strolled away. What an exciting start for Hall, Volunteer E & I Corps, Williamsport, The Fish & Boat Commission also in­ the morning! PA. vites you to write letters to the editor in this At the creek, we spread out on a nice riffle. space if you have an idea on Pennsylva­ I began fishing with streamers and my son nia Angler content, a question or concern used a wooly bugger. It wasn't long be­ about the Commission or about fish and fore I had a nice brown trout on my line. Ninja snapper? fishing, or a helpful idea for anglers or Josh began yelling excitedly that he had Recently, our secretary paged the garage boaters. Letters are edited for clarity and hooked a fish but had lost it. We fished looking for one of the biologists. A caller space considerations. with streamers for a while, and then changed had a question about a snapping turtle that Address correspondence to: Art Michaels, to March Browns. was in her yard. Fisheries technician Tim Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, P.O. Box 1673, The action really started to get hot, and Copeland was about to take the call when Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673.

January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 27 Thanks for "On the Water" Thanks for Petri article I almost always read the Angler back­ I wanted to comment on Bob Petri's wards, starting with your column, "On the article, "Two-Way Trout," in the Septem­ Water." I want to say a heartfelt thanks for ber issue. I'm from Erie, and I have re­ your words of encouragement to the cently come to enjoy his articles in the Erie grassroots volunteers you've folded into Times newspaper, as well as his editorials your columns so often. in the "Trout Unlimited" newsletters. I'm Father/son team Maybe I'm more receptive than most to glad Bob and Erie have gotten some rec­ My young (fishing fanatic) son and I really the positive reinforcement of our unpaid ognition. His name shows up more and more enjoy the Angler. We sit together and read heroes, but this is a time when we need all when it comes to our area coldwater re­ it cover to cover each time it arrives. In of them more than ever before. Without our sources. Thank you for publishing Bob's fact, my son got so excited about the winter clubs, the real backbone of the sportsmen's article. He has true talent!—Laurie Mook, fly fishing article in a recent issue that we movement, we'd be in a very precarious Erie, PA. just had to try it on a cold, below 0 (it seemed) position. day on Tobyhanna Creek, but that's another Thanks, Dave, from all of us.—Bonita story. Thanks for the great fish tales.—Seth Hoke, Executive Director, Pennsylvania and Don Miller, Cresco, PA. Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. 28 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler

,JL Pennsylvania Fishes Fish & Boat Commission Lycoming and Tioga counties. After January Clues Meeting Minutes 1, 1995, only electric motors will be permit­ ted in this area. ACROSS • Approved an electric-motors-only restriction The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Com-mission I. Popular species, originally on Tripp Lake, Susquehanna County. from Germany. held its fifth meeting November 8 and 9,1992, 5. Golden-colored opening day at Magee's Main Street Inn in Bloomsburg. Fisheries Newly elected Commission president J. catch. • Approved a three-mile section of the East 6. Minnow family member, Wayne Yorks, of Benton, presided over the Branch Tunungwant Creek, McKean County, common trout stream meeting. from the confluence with Pigeon Run down­ inhabitant. The Commission considered the following 10. Stizostedion canadense, stream to the McMullan Street bridge in Lewis agenda items: walleye relative. Run to be included in the Trophy Trout pro­ II. a.k.a. freshwater drum. Boating—proposed rulemaking gram, effective January 1, 1993. 12. Many are caught on stinkbaits, • Changed regulations on Conewago Lake coagulated blood and liver. • Agreed to eliminate the current special (York County) and Lake Arthur (Butler County) 16. Commercially caught Lake regulation permitting waterskiing on from Conservation Lake to Big Bass regula­ Erie species. Connoquenessing Creek Dam, Beaver 17. Lepomis macrochirus, often a tions, effective January 1, 1993. County, and establish a lOhp restriction. youngster's first catch. • Increase the minimum length for trout and • Established additional Slow Minimum 18. Rainbow trout that migrates. salmon from seven inches to nine inches in Lake Height Swell speed restrictions in Hunters 19. Second largest freshwater fish Erie tributaries (introduced as proposed in Pennsylvania. Run Cove, at Foster Sayers Lake, Centre rulemaking). 22. Susquehanna salmon or County. goggle-eye. •Approved a Slow Minimum Height Swell Final adoption 23 Only Pennsylvania gamefish speed restriction between Barbadoes Island with two state record • Approved miscellaneous special regulations, Bridge and the Norristown Dam on the categories. Shenango River, Mercer County effective Janu­ Schuylkill River, Montgomery County. 24 Esox lucius. ary 1, 1993. 28 Anadromous Delaware River • Established speed restrictions on Lake •Approved miscellaneous special regulations, gamefish. Wallenpaupack, Pike County. Bridgeport Dam, Westmoreland County. Effec­ 30. Creek or river. • Modified special boating regulations on tive on publication in Pennsylvania Bulletin. 31. Black or white. Felix Dam, Schuylkill River, to simplify regu­ 32. Small relative of American • Approved additional Lake Erie commer­ lations and provide safety to its users. shad. cial fishing regulations. 33. A salmon, a.k.a. silver. Final adoption • Imposed a 13-inch size limit on the impor­ 34. Pennsylvania state fish. tation of weakfish. 35. Baitfish, member of herring •Approved special boating restrictions on • Removed special regulations on Lake Took- family. Long Pond, Wayne County. A-While, Luzerne County, effective January 36. Sunfish family member, • Changed regulations concerning back­ bright-red eye. 1, 1993. fire flame arrestors to eliminate Coast Guard • Changed special regulations on Harris Pond, certification and comply with current fed­ Luzerne County, from Conservation Lake to eral regulations. DOWN Big Bass regulations, effective January 1,1993. 2. March catch in streams. • Extended the city of Pittsburgh (Allegheny 3. Golden or common. County) Slow No Wake Zone to the West Bureau of Property and Facilities 4. Many succumb to dip nets in End Bridge. Management spring. • Amended a special regulation on • Approved disposition of property at Minsi 6. Allegheny River prize for Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County, on opera­ Lake, Northampton County. nighttime anglers. tion of motorboats on the upper reaches of 7. Pennsylvania's largest sunfish the lake. family member. Final adoption 8. Mottled or slimy. • Amended boating regulations on Lake • Increased fees at Walnut Creek Marina, Erie 9. Opening day catch, tolerates Winola, Wyoming County. County. somewhat high temperatures. • Prohibited the unlawful display and use 13. Most popular Susquehanna of boat registration certificates, numbers and Bureau of Education and Information River gamefish. validation decals. • Approved cooperative agreements with 14. Recently re-introduced into • Approved an amendment that would nature/environmental educational centers. SW Pennsylvania. •Approved special promotional offer of Com­ 15. Atlantic, shortnose or lake. clarify the authority of the Commission to 20. Longnose or spotted. recall dealer registrations. mission magazines. 21. Catadromous Delaware River • Required the surrender of a registration The Commission also established meeting species. certificate when the registration is suspended dates for 1993 as follows: 25. Large species, closely related or revoked. January 22 & 23—Harrisburg; April 25 & to brook trout. • Tabled establishment of boating restric­ 26—State College area; July 25 & 26—Har­ 26. Chain or redfin. risburg; and October 24 & 25—location to be 27. Black-mouthed kind of tions on Laurel Lake, Susquehanna County. salmon. • Imposed a lOhp maximum on Pine Creek, announced. 29. a.k.a. bronze battler. January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 29 (answers to page 28 crossword) Field Identification Guide Available in inn ma ! a 1 aaaai mi nn The Snakes of Pennsylvania, by William B. Allen, Jr., I I 11 inn i 1111 ai am ana mai is a 33-page field guide containing information on all M1111W HH •ai 1 a poisonous and non-poisonous snakes native to Pennsyl­ ! • i a a t a ill a ai IIIIIIIII vania, snakebite treatment, history of snakes within the i i in IIa a a a i • a mini II i state, and the biology and ranges of snakes. The publi­ • a aIIIIIII I ! in a__ a i a a m i m HRR nn cation contains range maps and full-color photos, along IIIIIIII II i illinium a a with a comprehensive description of each snake and its a a a F 1 •_ a in i e iiaiaaaaaaai _ai a habits. Copies sell for $6.50, with quantity discount rates a i a a i i a a ana available to sportsmen's and outdoor education groups. aIIIIIII a aI a iiinia i ai a a naa For more information or to order your copy, write to William a p IIIIIIIII The mission of the Pennsylvania B. Allen, Jr., 371 Celeron Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. IIIIIIII aaai inn a • Fish & Boat Commission is to a a provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources. fingler's Notebook ty Sam Ewntt EXECUTIVE OFFICE Edward R. Miller, P.E., Executive Director Lawrence W. Hoffman, Executive Assistant Take your PFDs out of your boat and hang them C. Blake Weirich, Aquatic Resources Planning Coordinator indoors. Mice that live in garages, sheds and other Dennis T. Guise, Chief Counsel outdoor storage places quickly find the warm in­ John Arway, Division of Environmental Services sulation that's used to make PFDs. Joseph A. Greene, Legislative Liaison In addition to lubricating your reels in prepa­ Lois J. Telep, Executive Secretary ration for this season, you might want to replace COMPTROLLER the drag washers. Plain wear and keeping them Ross E. Starner Early-season wet fly patterns that you might want set tight keep the drag from working smoothly— BUREAU OF a necessity when you hook a big fish. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES to tie this winter include a Gold-Ribbed Hare's 717-657-4522 Allison J. Mayhew, Director Ear, March Brown, Royal Coachman, Light Cahill Buying your fishing license and trout stamp now Rafael Perez-Bravo, Personnel and Dark Cahill. Glen Reed, Federal Aid might help you avoid long lines as the weather Mary Stine, Fishing Licenses warms and the opening of trout season nears. Knit watch caps, scarves, high-neck coats and BUREAU OF FISHERIES sweaters are necessary winter wear to prevent body 814-359-5100 Fish fact: The scientific name for striped bass Delano Graff, Director heat from escaping through your head and neck. is Morone saxatilis, which means "living among Rickalon L. Hoopes, Estimates suggest that 30 to 50 percent of body Division of Research rocks." That's why stripers are also called rock- Richard A. Snyder, heat is lost through the head and neck in cold fish. Stripers are anadromous—they live in salt­ Division of Fisheries Management Dennis C. Ricker, weather. water and ascend freshwater streams and rivers Division of Trout Production to spawn. They are also diadromous—they can Martin T. Marcinko, Division of Beware of "stick-ups" on ice-covered water­ Wartn/Coolwater Fish Production ways—trees, stumps, branches, pilings and aquatic change their physiology to live either in freshwater or saltwater during some portion of their life cycle. BUREAU OF PROPERTY AND vegetation, for example. Fish often gather near FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 814-359-5100 structures like these, but the ice around them can The lower Delaware River is Pennsylvania's only James Young, P.E., Director be thin. James I. Waite, Division of tidal water. Gamefish feed more in tidal water when Construction & Maintenance Services the tide is moving. This action brings baitfish and Eugene O. Banker, P.E., This winter tie some nymphs and wet flies on Division of Property Services keel hooks. The keel gives the hook a weedless food to them. Generally speaking, the best ac­ tion occurs two hours on either side of high tide. BUREAU OF quality, so the flies can be worked deeply in spring LAW ENFORCEMENT with fewer snags. Area bait shops can provide you with tide charts 717-657-4542 so that you can time your fishing trips during the Edward W. Manhart. Director Did you store your boat battery in your base­ season. BUREAU OF BOATING ment last fall? Measure the charge with a hydrom­ 717-657-4540 "Red, right, returning" is a helpful saying to John Simmons, Director eter. If it's below 60 percent capacity, charge the Virgil Chambers, Division of battery. Measure the charge again in spring just remember that's part of the nautical rules of the Boating Safety & Education road. It means that when you are returning to port Andrew Mutch, before you put the battery back in the boat. If the Division of Boat Registration from sea, or from out in a waterway back to the charge is below 60 percent, recharge the battery BUREAU OF EDUCATION again. dock, the red daymarks, buoys, lights and other & INFORMATION navigational aids will be on your right. The green 717-657-4518 Stephen B. Ulsh. Director Now is an excellent time to sharpen the hooks aids will be on your left. Similarly, when you head Larry Shaffer, Publications on your flies and lures. Razor-sharp hooks best away from the dock, the red aids will be on your Kimberly S. Mumper, Education Carl E. Richardson, Education ensure solid hook-ups. left. Dave Wolf, Media Relations illustration- George Lavanish Art Michaels, Magazines Ted R. Walke, Graphic Design

30 January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler with Dave Wolf Qtt V^ URi^S Curing Our Social Ills

It has been over 15 years since the old Volkswagen Bug broke down along the interstate. My son was only seven at the time, and he and a neighbor remained in the car while I was given the unpleasant task of finding someone who knew how to fix this foreign invention I had been driving. My car looked like the inside of a trash receptacle and the woman, some 40 years my son's senior, with good intentions asked my son to help her clean up "the mess." My son complied and they did an excellent job uncovering floor mats that were deep beneath a pile of junk mail, styrofoam cof­ fee cups and fast-food wrappers. He delighted in the accomplishment until his elder told him to gather the bags and help her "chuck they have rehuddled and regained the yardage and then some to them over the guard rail." make another first down. "No, you can't do that," he said. "We don't litter." A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold is a book that has The woman insisted, but my son held his ground to the point become dog-eared by most conservationists. It seems that Leopold that not only would he not throw trash out of the car, but he would was well ahead of his time. Consider, too, that the man died a not allow her to do it, either. year before the book was printed, in 1949. Imagine the anguish When I returned the woman was quite miffed. She became even this great conservationist and author must have felt, not know­ more insulted when I congratulated my son on his behavior. If I ing that he indeed had played his part in winning the battle through remember correctly, she muttered something about respect for your his published works. Perhaps he was fortunate not to live through elders beneath her breath. the 1950s and 1960s to witness the destruction of the resources To this day I remember the occasion as a milestone in the life that nature had offered. of my son, because he was not simply following his father's or­ Consider, too, the pride he would have felt today—a time when ders. He had a deep commitment to the "no littering" ethic. He Americans believe the environment is a key issue and our social would not consider littering or any other unethical water or land ills concerning land and water protection should be addressed and use—a commitment I'm sure he will share with his children and resolved. His son, Luna, gathered the team necessary to edit and grandchildren. publish the works of his deceased father. By doing so, he may Sure, everyone likes to brag about children, but that is not the have hurled the "Hail Mary" touchdown pass that allowed con­ point. The point is that we can all help cure our social ills by simply servationists without Leopold's experience and training to help teaching our children good land ethics. keep the come-from-behind victory in sight. Many, and thankfully so, have taken on the gigantic task of turning Today, conservation, ethics and appreciation of the environment around social ills that have existed since the beginning of man­ has reached the school systems. Education programs such as the kind—and many have become frustrated when the human race Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Keystone Aquatic does not comply with what W^f- .,--.' g!S|L>'W,"i.r '.-*< Resource Education (KARE) program, along with a host of oth­ many consider new stan­ ers initiated by conservation groups throughout the country, should dards of living. Many of go a long way in teaching our children and grandchildren the need us with "Type A" person­ for nature and its bountiful resources. But as often quoted, "Education alities cannot except foot- begins at home," and all of us must help grind it out a yard at a dragging, or those who do time by example and teachings. not fall in line or consider The game is long from being over, because big business and our "preaching" to be over­ enterprising individuals think that the destruction of our natural bearing and a downright in­ resources remains necessary to cure our economic woes. They convenience. are a strong lobby with funds to fight the battles and convincing But I find that those who arguments—but most realize by now that the destruction of our have taken on the task of natural resources has resulted in short-term gain for the privileged teaching ethics and appre­ few, leaving the rest of the populace behind to care for the wound ciation of the environment of the ailing land. and its inherent problems Curing our social ills concerning environmental problems may successfully grind it out a go into overtime, but consider how far we have come in the last yard at a time. Sure, the 15 years, and realize that in time the game will be won. In the quarterback has been meantime, we must content ourselves with grinding it sacked a time or two, but out a yard at a time—for the goal line is in sight. January 1993 Pennsylvania Angler 3 1 (within one to two days) Fly Natural insect's scientific name Emergence date Little Blue Midge Diptera Mar. 1, Jun. 8, Aug. 2 Eastern Baetis Vagen Mar. 1, Jun. 1 Blue Quill (mayfly) Iron Blue Dun (mayfly) Paraleptophlebia mollis Mar. 15 Early Blue Quill (mayfly) Paraleptophlebia adoptiva Apr. 5 Pennsylvania Quill Gordon (mayfly) Epeorus pleuralis Apr. 7 Little Black Stone Fly Taeniopteryx Maura Apr. 15 Red Quill (mayfly) Ephemerella subvaria epeorus pleuralis, Iron fraudator Apr. 16 Trout Hendrickson (mayfly) Ephemerella subvaria Apr. 16, 17 Little Black Caddis Chimarra alterrima May 1 Olive Sedge Rhyacophila bosalis May 1 Red-Legged March fly Bibio femoratus May 1 Stream Smokey Alderfly Sialis infumata May-Sept. Black Midge Glyptotendipes lobiferus May 1 Light Stone Fly Isoperia signala May 8-25 Grey Fox (mayfly) Stenonema fuscum May 13 Insect Penns Creek Caddis Fly Brachycentrus numerosus May 15 Black Quill (mayfly) Leptophlebia cupidus May 15, 16 Minute Blue-Winged Olive Baetus levitans May 15 Early Brown Spinner (mayfly) Leptophlebia cupidus May 15 Emergence Yellow Spider (crane fly) Antocha saxicola May 15 Stone Fly Neophasganophora capitata May 16 Spotted Sedge (caddis fly) Hydropsyche slossonae or alterman May 20 Guide Pale Evening Dun (mayfly) Ephemerella dorothea and rotunda May 20 by Bill Feddock March Brown (mayfly) Stenonema vicarium May 21 Great Red Spinner (mayfly) Stenonema vicarium May 21 Green Caddis Rhyacophila lobifera May 21 Dark Green Drake (mayfly) Hexagenia recurvata May 23 Brown Drake (mayfly) Hexagenia recurvata May 24 Ginger Quill Dun (caddis fly) Stenonema fuscum May 25 Pale Evening Spinner (mayfly) Ephemerella dorothea and rotunda May 26 Ginger Quill Spinner (mayfly) Stenonema fuscum May 26 Green Drake (mayfly) Ephemera guttulata May 28 Black Drake (mayfly) Ephemera guttulata May 28 Gray Drake (mayfly) Ephemera guttulata May 28 Iron Blue Dun (mayfly) Leptophlebia johnsoni May 28 American Grannom Brachycentrus fuliginosus May 29 Jenny Spinner (mayfly) Leptophlebia johnsoni Jun. 1 Brown Quill (mayfly) Siphlonurus quebecensis Jun. 1 Little Sulphur Dun (mayfly) Epeorus vitreus Jun. 2 Blue Bottle Fly Lucilia caesar Jun. variable Whirling Crane Fly Tipula bella Jun. 2 Orange Crane Fly Tipula bicornis Jun. 2 Golden-Eyed Gauze Wing Chrysopa occulata Jun. variable White Mayfly Stenonema rubromaculatum Jun. 2 Leadwing Drake (mayfly) Isonychia bicolor Jun. 5 Light Cahill (mayfly) Stenonema canadensis Jun. 12 Little Yellow Dun (mayfly) Heptagenia hebe Jun. 12 through Sept. Olive Cahill (mayfly) Stenonema nepotellom Jun. 25 through Aug. White-Gloved Howdy (mayfly) Isonychia albomanicata Jun. 27 Yellow Sally (stone fly) Isoperia spp. Jun. 28 Golden Spinner (mayfly) Potomanthus distinctus Jun. 28 Willow Stone Fly Leuctra grandis Jun. 28 Stonefly Nymph Acroneuria lycorias Jun. 29 White-Winged Black Quill Tricorythodes stygiatus Jun. 30 Big Orange Sedge (caddis fly) Neuronia postica Jun. 30 Yellow Drake (mayfly) Ephemera varia Jul. 1 White Caddis Leptocella exquisita leptocella albida, leptocella spp. Jul. 1 Little Yellow Stone Fly Isoperica billineata Jul. 2 Deer Fly Chrysops vittatus July variable Green Midge Chironomus modestus Jul. 4 Black Caddis Dolophiloides nigrita Aug. 1 through Oct. Light Evening Sulphur Heptagenia minerva Aug. 2 through Oct.