CONTENTMENT

mm OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS s

& ^ 2\ OFFICIAL STATE MAY, 1934 PUBLICATION ^ANGLER* Vol. 3 No. 5

PUBLISHED MONTHLY Want Good Fishing? by the OBEY THE LAW Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commissioners

^ a sa COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS Five cents a copy <*-• 50 cents a year OLIVER M. DEIBLER Commissioner of Fisheries

K i: K S3 S3 S3 Members of Board OLIVER M. DEIBLER, Chairman ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor Greensburg South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. JOHN HAMBERGER Erie

DAN R. SCHNABEL LLL Johnstown LESLIE W. SEYLAR M cC on nell sburg NOTE EDGAR W. NICHOLSON Philadelphia Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEK should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee KENNETH A. REID either by check or money order payable to the Connellsville Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not ac­ ceptable. ROY SMULL Muokeyville

GEORGE E. GILCHRIST PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ Lake Como tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper credit will be given to contributors. H. R. STACKHOUSE Secretary to Board All contributions returned if accompanied by first class postage. C. R. BULLER Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries Pleasant Mount

IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address

Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given I®** -**&\ 1 ? ^Ln Invitation

*HE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS cordially invites you to attend the opening of the new stream improve­ ment and trout farm project, located on Spring Creek, Centre County, near Belle- fonte, on May 25. This development ranks as an outstanding step in Pennsyl­ vania's fish and stream conservation program.

It is the hope of the Board that the Spring Creek stream improvement project will serve as a model for our fishermen in other sections of the Com­ monwealth who plan to increase the carrying capacity of trout waters in these localities.

Come to Spring Creek on May 25, enjoy the program that has been arranged for this gala occasion, and mix with the sportsmen from every section of Pennsylvania and outstanding conser­ vationists and sportsmen of Eastern United States. See some of the nation's best fly and plug casters in action. You will be warmly welcomed.

7s[o Extra Charges or Special License Required

l :r*S:t A WINTER SCENE ON SPRING CREEK PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

"•ANGLER/ MAY, 1934 VOL.3 No. 5 EDITORIAL

Junk Has No Place in Trout Streams OLLUTION of many of our most beautiful streams and waters is a Pdeplorable fact. From every angle, it is inexcusable, as the refuse that litters rif­ fles and still waters* can be more_ easily disposed of on junk heaps and disposal plants designated for that purpose. For a moment, let us consider pollution of every type as a state-wide problem. At the present time, eighty-five per cent of the streams of Pennsylvania are subject to defilement in varying degrees. This means that the other fifteen per cent of our waters free from contamination must When it emerges from the woodland, Public opinion should dictate the policy necessarily bear the brunt of fishing by however, a gradual change, a contrast, "Break Up Stream Defilement." This nearly half a million fishermen. Facts is to be observed. Here and there on must be the first stride in the anti-pollu­ must be faced if our anglers hope to keep the stream bed may be seen an old tin tion drive. these remaining streams at a produc­ can. Farther downstream, more evidence Here is a worthwhile cause for the tion peak, or at a stage where they will of its use as a graveyard for undesir­ people to champion, a cause in which furnish a maximum of good fishing and able commodities piles up. A wagon they may take an active part. It may other recreation. Only through the edu­ wheel may be resting on a riffle. Old well be advocated by teachers in our cation and cooperation of the general automobile tires, broken dishes, and not public schools, by scoutmasters to their public, can this be accomplished. infrequently the rusted, battered body troops, by organized groups for social We must literally "begin at home" of an ancient automobile may impede and business betterment, for instance, in our drive against stream desecration. its course. Evidence is to be found at our chambers of commerce. In our schools, civic clubs and social many spots along this beautiful stream Our streams are recreational havens organizations, we must begin by teach­ of the careless dumping of useless ar­ for thousands of the people of Pennsyl­ ing the value of pure water and the tre­ ticles and garbage. They mar its beauty, vania. Obviously, it is to their interest mendous cost of treating polluted water. they stamp it as a resting place for the that these waters be as nature intended The day has passed when trout streams, cast-off things of human life. This type them—free from the refuse that right­ warm water lakes, creeks, and rivers can of defilement is clearly without excuse, fully belongs on junkheaps or in dis­ be regarded as junkyards for worn-out and aroused public opinion in Pennsyl­ posal plants. commodities. This type of disfigure­ vania should dictate its end. Let us then, each and every one of ment of our waters may be averted only Hundreds of our trout fishermen when the people of Pennsylvania unite us, take unto ourselves the individual each year seek waters many miles from responsibility to battle and fight to the in a determined effort to bring it to an the beaten path. A hard tramp through end. bitter end this defilement and desecra­ the brush, over steep ridges and moun­ tion of the biggest thing in all creation. Let us take as an example one of our tains, holds nothing to daunt them. Poets and prophets of the Old Bible in trout streams, heading in a mountain Why, you may ask, do they do this when song and story referred to water no less gap and flowing through woodland and well stocked streams may be more readily than a hundred times and told of its meadowland to its point of juncture with accessible? Primarily, of course, it is value to the lands and the peoples of some larger stream. Its source of water to find a stream where few others fish. that time. Water was used by Jesus of supply lies in deep-seated springs, many And here again, is proof that there is Nazareth as the physical emblem of bap­ of them shaded by laurel and bubbling still the instinct of our ancestors cour­ tism almost 2000 years ago but I am from the bases of roeky cliffs in the sing through our veins—an instinct that wondering whether He would venture to mountain country. Low temperature caused the frontiersmen to push beyond go down into the poisonous polluted water, pure as nature intends it to be, the barrier of the Alleghenies. It is evi­ streams of Pennsylvania to undergo a it swirls into deep, rock-lined pools, cuts dent too that these fishermen want some­ similar ceremony today. beneath overhanging banks of thick thing that is easily within the reach of brush, tumbles over falls. There is in everyone—streams unmarked by human its swift noisy descent to the meadows carelessness. something of the primitive beauty that Our most accessible streams, trout and was Pennsylvania's when the Red Man warm water, may be given the un- hunted along its course. trammeled touch of a mountain brook. Commissioner of Fisheries. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Spring Creek Project Opens this Month

MODEL trout farm and stream im­ ; A provement project, the first of its kind in the United States, will be opened to the ii^R^J-'^ - public by the Fish Commission on May 25. Already this novel development has attracted t attention in conservation circles not only in' Pennsylvania but in other states. Located on - Spring Creek, Centre County, near Bellel'onte, the Spring Creek project is near the geo­ graphic center of the Commonwealth. It marks a notable advance in fish conservation and is the major initial step in a state-wide 1* campaign of stream improvement. Outstanding figures in conservation in the United States are expected to be present for the opening day program. Included in the * IF list of notables expected will be Hon. Gift'ord I'inchot, Governor of Pennsylvania, and Ed­ Eh ward E. Hewitt, New 1'ork, famous author­ If A * ity on stream improvement. Governor Pinehot and Mr. Hewitt are both expert fly fisher­ men. Other experts in fly fishing, plug cast­ jit' ing and fly tying including Art Neu, New­ ark, N. J., Charles Ward, President of the National Association of Scientific Angling Clubs, Pittsburgh, Andrew A. Trimble, vice- II «**fetf£ president of the Association, Cleveland, Ohio, W. B. Kerry, Pittsburgh, and Joseph M. BOULDER DEFLECTORS. SPRING CREEK Messinger, Morgantown, W. Va., have been invited to attend. pleted, is an attractive center for the various In the first unit of ponds that have been ermen who will probably visit the site on activities that will take place at the site on completed over 200,000 rapidly growing brook May 25, however, is the comprehensive stream May 25. It is planned to have expert fly and brown trout are now being held. The improvement project. ' Approximately one fishermen instruct anglers just how to cast Spring Creek trout farm is really an auxil­ mile of Spring Creek, an outstanding trout the tiny feathered lures, and one section of iary to the present Bellefonte hatchery, and stream flowing through the Fish Commis­ the property has been reserved for women will greatly increase the carrying capacity sion's property, has been improved by instal­ anglers. of that plant. Forty-two permanent ponds lation of current deflectors, dams of the type are now virtually completed, and work is advocated by Edward R. Hewitt, noted Following are the rules, adopted at a re­ progressing rapidly in installing concrete stream improvement authority, and winter cent meeting of the Board, that will govern bulkheads for these ponds. They are fed holes for trout. It is anticipated that the fishing at the Spring Creek project. by a giant spring of water that emerges at development will serve as a model for sports­ 1. Size—-It is suggested that the fisherman the base of a ridge. This spring has a flow men who contemplate independent stream im­ carefully return or release to the water all of 3000 gallons of water a minute and Is of provement projects on their favorite trout fish under ten inches. deep-seated limestone origin. streams. (In the section reserved for women an­ Of particular interest to hundreds of fish- The new administration building, now com- glers, it is suggested that they carefully re­ turn or release all fish under seven inches.) 2. Number—All anglers limited to two (2) fish per day, and five (5) trips during the season. 3. Fishing Devices—Artificial lures. 4. Hours for Fishing—Fishing will be per­ mitted during daylight hours—Every person must be checked out by 9 :00 P. M. Standard Time. Upon entering the grounds, each fisherman will register and receive a button which must be worn while he is on the property. After he is through fishing for the day, in accordance with the rules and regulations, the angler will return to the place where his card was issued and check in with the man in charge. The card furnishes infor­ mation such as name and address, license number, species of fish caught, their size, number and weight, and number of trips to the project. The Board wishes to emphasize the fact that no extra charges will be made and no license other than the regular fishing license will be required of fishermen who wish to fish at Spring Creek. NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT SPRING CREEK PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 5

Seth Says I been a-fishin' fer speckled trout a right long time, and durned ef I ever seen sech a bunch o' fishermen on our run as there was this year on openin' day. Not thet I was taken aback so much, at that, fer weeks afore trout fishin' time, the boys was a-talk- in' it up. An' what I'm so glad to see is the way they're figgerin' on doin' their part to better our streams hereabouts. Reckon us fishermen is gettin' the right slant on makin' the fishin' a heap sight better. Well, sir, comin' back to the first morn- A PARTY CATCH OF BROOK TROUT FROM PINE CREEK, in', I starts stirrin' around afore daylight. ™r" CENTRE COUNTY The wife didn't take none too kindly to what she calls traipsin' about long afore milkin' BOARD RESCINDS BURR HOOK PROGRESS REPORTED IN GOOD­ time. -Sorter let on she figgered anybody was RULING WILL CAMPAIGN out o' the head to stand along a crick in a At the meeting of the Board of Fish Com­ Outstanding progress in the Good-Will downpour o' rain, an' sed she hoped some missioners last month, it was decided to Campaign of the Palmerton Rod and Gun folks was as willin' to do work around the rescind the ruling governing the use of burr Club has been reported by Ira J. Bleiler, sec­ place as they was to fish. Me, I jest pre­ hooks on plug bait. It was unanimously retary of the club. At the annual spring tended not to hear, an' out I starts. agreed that until the Board has had time to meeting, it was announced that a drive to When I gets to the run, it was jest a little give sufficient publicity to the use of only promote better understanding and friendship milky, an* not too high. Other fellows was one burr hook of three points on a plug bait, between landowners and sportsmen in that out, too, and by gorry, who do I run into the ruling formerly adopted on February 1, vicinity had been attended with marked suc­ but Jerry Tims right off. I hed one place 1926, which permits the use of more than cess. In mind, a deep hole where the run cuts one burr hook on a plug bait, be in force. In fostering a spirit of good-will, the club under the roots of a big hickory, and thet's The 1926 ruling follows: appointed committees to visit landowners where I heads fer, figgerin' if I ketch the "In view of the great number of fishermen and explain that one of the purposes of the big speckled trout I lost last year it'd be using plug bait, the Board will consider a club is to maintain good-will and under­ worth-while gettin' a good duckin'. Well, burr of three points as one hook, thereby standing between farmers and sportsmen. sir, I works in careful to the hole, an' permitting the use of the plug bait of three All landowners along Big Creek from the hadn't more'n throwed in, when bang a trout burrs of three points each." Monroe county line to Harrity, along Wild hits it. Right then I riggers thet it's the big At the meeting held February 9, 1933, a Creek, from the Junction to above Mein- feller. He tore around lively fer a while ruling was adopted prohibiting the use of hart's Bridge, and along the Aquashicola an' when I lifts him up on the bank I see more than one burr hook on plug bait. In­ from the Monroe county line to Kunkle's right off the big feller ain't been fooled. A asmuch as the Federation of Sportsmen's Grove have been contacted and are reported right nice speckled trout it was, at thet, Clubs, other Associations and individuals to have expressed their willingness to keep though, all o' twelve inches, so I reckon, have protested against the ruling, stating their properties open to fishermen, in addi­ rain or no rain, I hed real sport fer the day insufficient time had been given fishermen to tion to having accepted honorary member­ ef no more fish was caught. rearrange their fishing equipment, it was ships in the Palmerton Rod and Gun Club. Mebbe the boys may figger I'm talkin' non­ decided that the ruling should be rescinded sense, but somehow even ef I ain't caught at least for the present, and the whole thet old timer, I feel right good about it. matter be discussed at the next meeting of Fer, you see, he'll be there fer me to work the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, which Copper fish hooks used by fishermen on the on gettin' more'n one day this season. would probably be held during the late fall, River Euphrates thousands of years ago are or early in 1935, which would be before the in the possession of the Field Museum, and Fish quickly desert areas where forest convening of the next regular session of the are said to be not very different from fires have raged because of lack of vegeta­ Legislature. modern hooks. tion and insects. The present law must be changed, clarify­ ing the section on the number of hooks to be Catfish are so called, it is claimed, not used. THREE "DOUBLES" ON because they look like cats, but because they SUCKERS make a purring sound when taken out of the CRAWFORD COUNTY SPORTS­ Catching suckers from the Sinnema- water. MEN ACTIVE honing Creek this year has been so Organized three months ago, the Crawford general, according to Warden Robert A 44-inch eel that weighed nine pounds County Branch of Division F, Pennsylvania Chrisman of Emporium, that it's not was caught this summer in Denny's Pond at Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, now has a unusual from a news standpoint. But Ararat, according to Warden Joseph Podboy membership of 1050, according to E. A. Wil­ sucker fishing, like other forms of the of Forest City. Bert Porter of Ararat made liams, Secretary. Monthly meetings are held angler's art in Pennsylvania, produces the catch. at various branches throughout the county its highlights, and it remained for John and enthusiastic attendance has marked the Beck of Emporium to prove it. meetings. In three successive easts on April 5, Attendance at the State Game Exhibit in Beck caught six big suckers. Of course, Meadville, March 15-17, sponsored by the he was using two hooks on his line Crawford County Branch, totaled 35,323 when he scored the "doubles," and how people. The annual Fish Dinner, held at the those suckers responded to the lowly Oakland Beach Hotel on May 11, also angleworms he dangled before 'em. aroused keen interest, and Crawford County Three days' fishing in the Sinnema- sportsmen are backing the conservation honing at Emporium yielded 60 suck­ movement in that section of the state in a ers for Beck. most commendable manner. RAINBOW TROUT e PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Life of the Inland Waters The Quest for Food

PPARENTLY, to glance over the surface A of a pool in a central Pennsylvania stream, no life is stirring. A slight breeze of early morning, for dawn has just broken, crinkles the water, stirring the rushes in the tiny bay below the riffles. Certainly this stillness would indicate that a truce has been drawn in the constant struggle for existance, a struggle that dictates survival of the strongest and destruction of the weak in the environment of the fishes. But that even surface indications may be deceiving is soon apparent. This is the hour, that short interval after daybreak on a midsummer day, when the bass and pick­ erel are starting their quest for food. Later in the day, when the sun's rays penetrate and warm the water, the bass will school together and seek a deep portion of the flat where a spring emerges from the stream bed. Now singly or in pairs they are moving shadows of destruction in the shallows near and half of its body protrudes above the sur­ prey in its waters. These native game fish, shore. Luring the next twenty-four hours face. Bass are also pursuing the harassed built for speed and colored for concealment, many events will happen on this deep fresh­ minnow droves in their sections of the rocky with jaws slightly reminiscent of duck-bills, water flat with amazing rapidity. Game shallows, their killing instinct sharpened by match the bass in voracity and probably sur­ fish, panftsh and forage fish will seek an an abundance of prey. This morning, in ac­ pass them. It may even be said that fre­ abundant supply of natural forage present in cordance with the feeding whims that make quently they kill for the lust of killing alone. the stream. Their code of living is one of the smallmouth, in appetite, one of the most Their method of hunting" differs radically the most fascinating chapters in the story fickle fishes of the inland waters, minnows from that of the active bass. Motionless, of the water world. are sought as food. Two weeks later, when they hover in the quiet lily-pad pockets and the moon rises over the stream, their food weed beds until an unsuspecting minnow or Foraging Game Pish may be the stone catfish that deserts its lair other forage fish comes within striking range. In the rush-fringed bay at the riffles' base, under a rock as darkness falls. Again, these The big pickerel in the lily-pads, near the a school of silver shiners has congregated. bronze killers may hover near the stream lower end of the flat, is following time-hon­ Suddenly a shadowy shape moves swiftly bed, seeking the helgramite, larva of the ored custom this morning as it stalks its into the cove. A fourteen-inch bass lunges dragon fly. prey. Its length of two feet has been ac­ at the shiners, scattering them. Caught by They are not the only game fish in quest quired by consuming thousands of forage the bass, one is turned swiftly and swallowed of food during this early morning hour. fishes, and it has not excluded from its menu headfirst. Another bass follows its compan­ Lurking in the shadows of lily-pads and small members of its own species or evpn ion into this choice feeding ground. In weedbeds bordering the shoreline are long, young bass. In this respect, the bass and swift pursuit of a shiner that skips franti­ slender shapes—eastern chain pickerel. Cen­ pickerel are similar, for a hungry small­ cally over the surface as it attempts to es­ turies before smallmouth bass were intro­ mouth that chances to find young pickerel or cape, the bass wallows into the shallows duced to the creek to compete with them for baby bass will devour, either readily. along the shoreline until a spinous dorsal fin the live food supply, pickerel sought their Several large shiners approach the big pick­ erel's lair. A green flash in the water, and only two of the group dart away. To satisfy its appetite, five or six minnows or other small fish must die beneath the sharp, slash­ ing teeth of the big pickerel before the morn­ ing feeding period ends. By preference, it is solitary in habit, a lone killer of the inland waters. Later in the day, probably as dusk deepens over the water, the game fishes will again start foraging, but the quest for food in the great flat goes on for other species through­ out most of the daylight hours.

The Panfish Feed Near the riffles' base, just where it breaks into swirls and eddies, graceful, silver bodied fish, somewhat similar in appearance to the shiners, but much larger and heavier, are feeding later in the morning. A grasshopper, struggling spasmodically to gain the shore, is snatched from the surface by a swift ris­ ing fall-fish. The largest member of the A SMALLMOUTH BASS PURSUES ITS PREY minnow family, this fish takes food either PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 7 struggles toward shore, and there is a con­ certed rush for this tidbit. Of the fishes on the flat, the bluegills arouse a certain feel­ ing of affection on the part of an observer. There is something about the manner in which they school together that denotes friendly rivalry in the quest for food. By preference their range is near the weed bed in this section of the flat. Ten o'clock in the morning still finds them actively forag­ ing and they seem to welcome the sun's rays even on a hot summer day. The Forage Fishes Predominant in the minnow life of this particular central Pennsylvania stream are the silver shiners. Not often attaining a length of more than four inches, these grace­ THE SUNFISH. A SHOREFEEDER GAME FISH FORAGE SHINERS ful forage fishes are numerous in several of the shallow sections of the flat. Following the feeding period of the bass and pickerel, its rounded lips, that may be extended or from the surface or the current, and in hab­ when they were scattered in many parts of drawn back at will, tiny organisms teeming its has something in common with the brook the shallows, the schools have again congre­ in its range. The procedure, to an observer, trout of the swift mountain and meadow gated. Moving gracefully about near shore might seem an aimless affair, but suckers streams. An instant later a different form they seek vegetable matter, small water in­ are an unhurried lot, and their food quest of prey is devoured greedily by the fall-fish. sects, or bits of animal life that may fall requires time. Occasionally, some small Near the riffles' head, a helgramite has been into the stream, and prey readily on hatches worm that has drifted into the flat attracts dislodged by the current and carried down­ of insects that may appear on the surface. the attention of the fish, and is taken by stream to the waiting fish. In appearance, Their quest for forage is almost constant one of the sucker school. the helgramite is peculiar. Its body is many during the daylight hours. Other species of Other bottom-feeders are foraging. Four legged, with two prominent appendages on minnows, the common darters, are also pres­ mullets, the largest approaching 18 inches in the tail. On the head section of the shell ent beneath rocks on the stream bed, but length, probe about in the shallows. Of the are two strong pincers, while another small they are not so active as the shiners. inland water fishes, the mullet perhaps can shell over the back merges into the gray When darkness falls, another important lay smallest claim to grace or beauty. Its skin folds of its soft body. For many fishes forage fish, found frequently in warm waters head, somewhat broad and square in effect, of the inland waters it is coveted food. The of the limestone belt, emerges from its home is the bulkiest portion of its body. Pri­ helgramite rarely exceeds three inches in beneath shelving rocks and banks. It is the marily, the food it seeks is similar to that length, and passes the aquatic stage of its stone catfish, often known as the stone roller taken by the sucker, and its sucker mouth life beneath stones in shallows and riffles of and stone cat by fishermen. In large part, is directly under the snout. Tapering from the stream. its forage is similar to that of its cousin the the head rather sharply is the rounded body, In a deeper section of the flat, a water- bullhead, consisting of small organisms or brassy in coloration and strikingly mottled soaked log rests on the stream bed. There animal matter that may be washed into or with black. is movement near it, for it is the home of a exist in the stream. After a rain storm, The Night-Feeders number of rock bass, green and brassy col­ when the water is heavy with silt and mud, When darkness settles over the flat, a long, ored fish with prominent black markings. the stone catfish is constantly on the alert slender shape undulates from its hiding place Voracious feeders, they compete to a certain for food. It rarely attains a length of more under a great rock. It is the scavenger of than six inches, has a broad, flat head, a extent with the bass and pickerel for the the inland waters, a great eel measuring over food supply. A rock bass of seven-inch body that tapers sharply to the tail, and is yellowish brown in color. The tail is tipped three feet in length. In its writhing move­ length is capable of swallowing a three-inch ment close to the bed of the stream, there is minnow, for its jaws are a prominent part with black. Both bass and pickerel seek it as food. something suggestive of weird creatures of of this broad girthed denizen of the stream. a bygone age. There is a certain grace about Rock bass do not venture far from a chosen The Bottom Feeders this eel as it starts on a quest for food. spot in seeking prey, consisting of insects During the day, suckers have been wander­ For several days, a dead muskrat has been that may be washed into the stream, min­ ing through the clear water of the flat. Mov­ nows, helgramites, crayfish and stone catfish. ing slowly back and forth near the stream lying near shore, a portion of its body ex­ Unlike the black bass, their forage quest is bed, a school of these roundbodied fish, fif­ posed to the hot rays of the sun. Decom­ not usually limited to a short period but will teen in number, have been actively in quest position has been rapid, and to the eel this cover even the midday hours when the sun of food. Now and then one of them noses carrion offers an opportunity to banquet. is at its height. its way into some small crevice, seeking with Perhaps some strange instinct is guiding it, (Please turn to next page) Hovering near the surface of the water in the wide shallows at the lower end of the flat are a school of beautiful fish. They are near the shoreline for a considerable portion of their food consists of insects that fall into the stream from the banks. On occas­ ion, they will not hesitate to feed on small minnows; grubs, earthworms, crickets and grasshoppers are delicacies to them. These bluegill sunfish are aristocrats of the panfish group. Their coloration is a blending of deep olive green on the back, merging into paler green on the sides. Their cheeks are bluish, and at the upper bases of the gills are two prominent black "ears" or flaps. Several of the largest fish in the school have coppery red bellies. Alert and aggressive, they, like the rock bass, will strike at almost any time during the day. Heavy in girth, a six-inch bluegill is nearly as broad as the hand. Within range of their vision, a beetle A NIGHT-FEEDER, THE BULLHEAD CATFISH 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER for from other sections of the stream eels are also moving to the feast. Their pilgrim­ ages to this particular spot may continue for THIS FISH STORY WON THE FISHING YESTERDAYS several nights until the muskrat has been PRIZE consumed. Believe it or not, says George Zim­ During the night, the bullhead catfish are merman of Allentown, secretary of the RECALLS EARLY FISHING TRIP active. With the coming of darkness to the Lehigh County Fish and Game Asso­ ON JUNIATA RIVER flat, these ungainly fish leave crevices be­ ciation, there's one fisherman who The Juniata River, one of Pennsylvania's neath rocks or the mud of the weed-beds to doesn't want the big fellows to strike outstanding bass streams, is the setting for seek their food. A dead minnow will attract his lures. And to back his contention, this fishing experience of years ago as re­ them readily, as will worms, grubs, crayfish, George sends us the following "prize" lated by Ed. R. Stewart of Edgewood Park. or other life that is to be found on or near fish story. "The Juniata River afforded great sport the bed of the stream. Blundering chaps, "Ed Ollinger won the prize last for fishermen," he writes, "bass in particular their progress in the search for food is te­ night for the best 'tall story.' He swore being very plentiful. In one instance, I re­ dious but effective. The barbels or "whisk­ this one is true because he saw it with call, a half grown boy, Craig by name, over­ ers" at the end of the snout delicately his 'own eyes.' He was fishing, he hearing a fishing trip planned, asked per­ probe about as they range, for apparently says, in Peck's Pond and near him was mission to go along and it was granted. He their eyes are not so keen as those of other a fellow from the coal regions fishing was on hand bright and early the next morn­ fishes that inhabit the inland waters. for sunnies. All of a sudden he got a ing and after reaching the river the two And so the food quest goes on in this terrific strike and after much effort he 'expert' fly fishermen stopped to rig up their central Pennsylvania fishing stream. In the pulled in a 28-inch pickerel. Most any tackle. The boy had provided himself with darkness, all species to some extent will angler would have been proud of such a long heavy cane rod. He was deeply in­ continue to feed. It is an inexorable a fine catch, but not this fisherman. terested in the artificial flies and asked if law of the water world that almost Surveying the monster pickerel for a he could have 'one of them there flies.' One without cessation some form of life must be moment he yelled to a friend in a was produced from the tackle book, not taken to perpetuate life. The ceaseless nearby boat, 'The devil with the big representing anything in particular, just a struggle for existence during spring, summer ones; I'm fishing for little ones,' and bunch of feathers tied on a hook. He ad­ and autumn months is a vital part of na­ threw the big pickerel back into the justed it to the end of his line (about the tures great scheme, and where natural bal­ water." thickness of a chalk line) and started to ance has not been too seriously disturbed, it 'fly fish.' When making a cast the swish is a strange and fascinating drama. of his rod resembled an airplane motor, but SUGGESTS CURE FOR IVY swish or no swish before the day was over he had taken five more bass than the 'ex­ POISONING perts,' some of them going three pounds NO SPORTSMANSHIP HERE Troubled with ivy poisoning? Here's a strong." remedy suggested by H. H. Smith, ardent F. J. Wheelock, Eatonville merchant, has sportsman of Chirks Summit. Mr. Smith's a small pond near his store in which he had letter follows : THE BROOK TROUT "BELONGS retained a number of brook trout for several "A relative of mine had a terrible dose of years. By careful feeding, his trout grew poison ivy last year, so bad that it kept him TO US" until a number had attained a length of from work a couple of weeks. He tried vari­ Trout fishing back in the gay nineties was from 12 to 14 inches, and were very tame. ous remedies, without any appreciable re­ attracting enthusiastic support from the fol­ A short time ago, all but two of the spec­ sult. lowers of Izaak Walton. In an era when fry kled beauties died. Looking for a cause, he "A month or so later he got into it again, and not fish of legal size were being dis­ found that some boys had been feeding them on his other arm, and at the same time he tributed to streams that drained well tim­ cigarette stubs, and it is his belief that the was carrying a bottle of argyrol in his bered water-sheds, brook trout were hailed nicotine from these cigarettes, held by the pocket for his eyes. in Pennsylvania as peer of all game fishes of our inland waters. In its report for 1895, fish in their mouths only temporarily, had "He is a railroad engineer, and he told me the Board of State Commissioners of Fish­ caused the death of the trout. that the itching of the poison nearly drove eries offers the following comments. him insane while on his engine, until in desperation he thought he would put some "As recently determined the beautiful brook trout of our waters is not a true BOY, 8, LANDS 4-POUND of the argyrol on it and see what would happen. To his surprise the itching stopped salmon but a cliarr, a circumstance which BASS immediately. Several times during the day need not cause the angler or the lover of this Kenneth Campbell, eight years old, when it itched, he applied more argyrol, and attractive fish any sorrow, since all the mem­ is a lad who knows quite a bit about when he left his engine that night it was bers of this group of salmonoids are noted the upper Delaware on which he lives. entirely dried up. not only for their beauty and grace hut One day last summer, according to their game qualities. "I don't know if it would work like this Warden Frank Brink of Milford, Ken "But there is still another reason why we insisted that his mother accompany on every case, because I have often seen some remedy work in one case and be useless of the East should take a particular pride in him on a fishing excursion in the Dela­ the speckled charr or trout. It belongs to ware, which is virtually in their "back in another one, but it worked faster than anything I ever saw used." us. It is indigenous to our waters as its yard." Finally persuaded, Mrs. Camp natural habitat is east of the Allegheny bell rowed to the middle of the stream mountains and the great lakes, with a longi­ and anchored the boat. tudinal range from the upper rivers of Ken proceeded to get his tackle in Georgia to Labrador. Thus, we can feel that order. For a rod he had a piece of a while we have received from other sections cigar box; his line consisted of a many noble fish, we have fully repaid by penny affair to which was fastened giving in return a gloriously lovely and great another section of old line. His lure game fish of equal and often greater value. was a helgramite, or "clipper'' as it's "In a recent monograph. Professor David called in northeastern Pennsylvania. S. Jordan, an eminent ichthyologist, gives an Then the big bass struck and firmly interesting account of the origin of the true hooked itself. After that it was a real trout and its journey to the Pacific Coast tug-of-war, with Ken finally the victor. from Europe, and its subsequent develop­ With the bass in the boat, the youth­ ment into the many forms which now exist ful fisherman insisted that the hook west of the great plains. This monograph remain in its mouth until the craft and many indications suggest an equally in­ touched land. %He wasn't taking any teresting as well as somewhat similar story chances. of the life history of the charrs which is ED. SHEESLEY. HARRISBURG. here advanced, though not stated as a fact. WITH TWO FINE SUCKERS PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9

"Like the true trout, the charr doubtless had as its parent the salmon, but born as was its relative with pronounced character­ FLY-CASTING HINTS istics of its own. Whether correctly or erroneously, the writer suggests that its EDITOR'S NOTE: In answer to numerous birthplace was in the British Isles, where requests from recent subscribers to the several forms are found today, particularly ANGLER, the following information on cast­ in Wales, the north of England and Scotland. In course of time some venturesome speci­ ing a fly, which appeared in the March issue, 1. NORMAL FISHING POSITION mens in taking an ocean journey found is reprinted. themselves in Greenland's fresh water streams, when the climatic conditions were 1. Normal Fishing Position. "Bod about far different from those which exist today. 15° to 20° above horizontal. Line and fly Changes in environment brought a change extended on the water. of form and the species known to ichthyolo­ 2. The Lift. Rod raised to 00° to over­ gists as Salvelinus stagnalis. come inertia of line and lift it from the "From Greenland, some of the new species, water. The lift should be made by an up­ perhaps, made the short journey to Arctic ward rather than a backward motion to in­ America, and spread north and south, and sure a high back cast. as through glacial, or seismic action these 3. END OF BACKCAST groups became isolated, they took new and 3. The Backcast. The lift and the back- distinct characteristics, the most northern cast are merged into one smoothly ac­ becoming Salvelinus Narsei, and arctica, and celerating motion. The power stroke the moderately southern sub-polar species should be stopped at or slightly before the Salveliwus Rossi, and still lower S. Nitidis. perpendicular, from which point the rod Traveling still further south into Labrador J> these adventuresome charrs changed their naturally follows back to the position in form again and became our special favorite, Figure 4. Note the position of the line un­ 4. END OF PAUSE Salvelinus Fontinalis, or speckled trout, rolling above and back of the rod top in Even when reaching the temperate clime, Figure 3. they made other specific habits in some suit­ able locations. In the Rangely lakes, Maine, 4. Position at the End of the Pause. Rod should be stopped at about 20° be­ they transformed themselves into Salvelinus, 5 FORWARD CAST or blue-black charr, and in the great lakes hind the perpendicular. Note that the line and some other deep water ponds of north­ has almost but not quite unrolled and ern America into Salvelinus namaycush, or straightened out its loop above and behind. lake trout. Other forms, generally rare, also While the common fault is to start the for­ exist. It is noteworthy, whether this be a ward cast too soon, if you wait until the true account of the wanderings of the charr line is entirely unrolled, it will immediately or not, that there are but two of the species begin to fall and will have lost its "live" cl claimed to be indigenous in Pacific coast feel so necessary to a good forward cast. 6. END OF FORWARD CAST waters, namely the lake trout and the Dolly LINE EXTENDING OR "UNROLLING" Varden trout, the latter of which received 5. The Forward Cast. Note the forward its peculiar but not inappropriate title from traveling loop of the line. the landlady of a Sacramento hotel on ac­ count of the fancied resemblance to the gaily 6. End of the Forward Cast. The loop is spotted type of dress named in honor of one nearly unrolled. 7. ROD LOWERED AS of Charles Dickens' characters. FLY ALIGHTS 7. Rod Lowered as Cast Is Completed, "But wherever the charrs have their home, and line, leader, and fly drop lightly on the water must be pure, and the speckled the waters. trout is no exception to the rule. It prefers A SAD STORY a temperature of from 50 degrees to 55 de­ One of the Fish Commission's trucks grees, but will live and do well if other con­ from the Corry Hatchery had stopped ditions are favorable at 68 degrees or even unless some better place chances to offer, at a gas station in Potter County some 70 degrees, especially if the water is largely they return to the same spot. This well time ago, and the driver, according to foam tossed and otherwise very rapid run­ known characteristic affords the basis of A. G. Buller, superintendent at Corry, ning and broken. many an angler's story of the cunning of found a complaint about the trout fish­ "Given suitable water and plenty of food, some aged speckled monster that for years ing forthcoming from an elderly lady the brook trout does not appear to care much defied persistent efforts for its capture, even who was an ardent disciple of Izaak whether a stream be mostly sun kissed, or when the most captivating lures were offered Walton. embraced wholly by dark shadows, provided until the fortunate narrator came along. The Fish Commission, she told the there are plenty of lurking places from While the brook trout sometimes reaches the driver, should do more stocking as the which to watch for the coming of its food. weight of three or four pounds in Pennsyl­ trout fishing was getting poorer each This fish loves the fringes and tails of ed­ vania waters the average size taken are year. After going to considerable de­ dies : the shelter of rocks or stones in broil­ from seven to nine inches, although from ten tail to explain that the number of ing rapids and at the base of falls; the to fifteen inches are not rare. But the last legal-size trout distributed was being shadow of half-submerged logs or overhang­ named size is seldom exceeded; anything constantly increased, the driver was ing banks and bushes. Only in deep, placid over usually excites general attention and appraised of the following interesting and dark pools do they wander at all. In the story of the catch will wander some facts: the other localities the largest and strongest distance beyond the vicinity in which it was In 1982, the lady who made the fish takes the best lair, the next occupies made." complaint said, she caught the "limit" second place, and so on, and in these chosen of trout on five different occasions, locations they remain nose up-stream wait­ and during the season landed over 500 ing for their prey, seldom going more than a Consider the other fellow when trout fish­ trout. In 1933, however, she only few feet, except in spawning time, when ing. If he already is trying a pool, give succeeded in taking the "limit" three frightened, or in pursuit of something edible him a chance to fish it and detour around times and her season catch "dropped that comes under their marvelous vision. In him. Later, you can come back and perhaps to a little over 400 trout." all these cases, however, as long as they live. fish it to your liking. 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER BALANCED STOCKING VITAL TO PENNSYLVANIA FISHING By C. R. Buller Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries

NASMUCH as the revenue for the various I activities of the Board of Fish Commis­ sioners is derived from the sale of fishing licenses purchased by all classes of fisher­ men, including those who enjoy fishing for the sucker, yellow perch, sunfish and catfish, it is the intent of the Board in its propaga­ tion and stocking program to give due con­ sideration to this large class of anglers, which includes a great portion of the youth­ ful fishermen. In Pennsylvania there are many small natural lakes and ponds ranging in area from twenty to two hundred acres which provide fishing for a large number of this class of sportsmen. If the Board wishes to perpetuate this recreation for this class, it must adhere to a rigid policy of stocking with suitable fish. It must be borne in mind that while millions of fish are distributed in the lakes and ponds yearly, the product of natural reproduction far outweighs that of the hatcheries, and we look chiefly upon the planting of fish in these waters as an important supplement to the natural in­ crease. It is, therefore, important that the Board does all that is possible to safeguard natural reproduction in these waters. The A POND IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Board has recently made several advanced steps toward this end. First, by making a certain sections of the state, strong senti­ ice is leaving the body of water. The pick­ careful study of the life native to these ment has been expressed among the sports­ erel is the least fecund of the group, be­ waters and of the relationship of the differ­ men in favor of stocking ponds and lakes cause nature did not intend that this species ent forms of life to one another. Second, with either one or both species of black should be preyed upon to any great extent, by making a careful study of the life of the bass, and the Board has been asked to as it is the first to be produced and ma­ ponds and lakes that have been stocked with rescind its ruling to restrict the planting tured. species foreign to the waters; as, the pike of bass to the streams and rivers. This rule perch, bass and others and of their effect was made solely to protect the natural bal­ The yellow perch spawn later and the upon the natural cycle of existence. Third, ance of existence in the interest of a great offspring are consumed in large quantities by adopting a rigid policy of distribution, majority of sportsmen. by the small pickerel. Nature has provided guarding against the danger of stocking with Anyone at all familiar with aquatic life for this by making the perch very fecund, foreign species. realizes that many forms of life that com­ so that the loss of some of them as food for pose the colony in any pond or lake are all the pickerel will not upset the balance. At Few people realize the importance of main­ more or less interdependent upon one an­ the period in which the perch require fish taining the natural balance insofar as the other. This interdependence is commonly for food, the minnow has reproduced and fish life is concerned in a body of water, called the natural balance or balances of becomes a food supply for the perch. The and after studying this factor over a period nature. Before the interference of man, this minnow is regarded entirely as forage for of years, the Board is of the opinion that balance was very nicely adjusted, tending other fish in nature's plan, and in order to the indiscriminate planting of unsuitable towards a plentitude of fish life native to meet the drain upon this species during its species of fish in our lakes and ponds has the body of water. entire life cycle, it must necessarily be very productive. done more damage to fish life than all other The following short discussion will show detrimental factors combined ; and a serious how the balance of nature, insofar as fish As the season advances, the baby yellow angle to the problem is the fact that there life is concerned, is maintained in a pond perch become colored for protection and are are no corrective measures to be taken after that has not been stocked with fish foreign not so easily captured as heretofore, with these plantings, which place indefinite checks to that habitat. the result that the pickerel also begin to upon the holding capacity of the pond for consume large numbers of minows; thus a all species of fish, have been made. The rate of reproduction of all species of fish is high, provided that the physical en­ sufficient number of perch can survive to Because of the serious disturbance to the vironment is suitable, but the fecundity of perpetuate the race. all-important natural balance, it was ruled any given species in its native habitat is In The sunfish and catfish utilize a source that the planting of bass should be limited direct proportion to the toll nature intended of food supply that would go to waste if to the rivers and large streams which al­ to be taken upon it for the good of the they were not present and they provide an ready contain them. The Board feels that whole. Before the interference of man, the abundance of food in themselves for the this works no hardships on the bass fisher­ majority of lakes in Pennsylvania contained larger pickerel and perch. Thus one life men, as good bass streams are favorably pickerel, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish, and after another is being taken, but the range located throughout the state. One or more minnows (shiners). In the yearly spawn­ of fecundity in this combination of fish life streams can be seached within a few hours ing of this group, the pickerel spawn first. provides for the losses, and if other con­ from any section of the Commonwealth. In They deposit their eggs about the time the ditions are favorable a sufficient number of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 11 all the species can survive to furnish a fish food organisms. When the vast number many instances, the sportsmen who were plentitude of fish. of baby minnows come forth and the sun- interested in stocking the lake with these Without attempting to enter into a too fish and catfish have developed to a stage varieties are now complaining about the few scientific explanation, let us now consider requiring this food, the water has reached fish caught. The sole effort of the Board of the more complex balance of nature govern­ its maximum summer temperature, and the Fish Commissioners is to promote good fish­ ing the production of minute life consumed plankton has increased sufficiently to with­ ing for all classes, and they respectfully ask by the baby fish before they have attained stand the tremendous drain put upon it. the cooperation of the sportsmen in carrying a size capable of feeding upon higher forms. When other species of fish are planted, out their present stocking policy with respect This minute life is composed of many forms this nicely adjusted balance is distributed, to bass and other voracious species in order of varying sizes, from those microscopic to always with the result that the capacity of that worth-while fishing can be provided for those about one-sixteenth of an inch in di­ the body of water to hold animal life is future generations. ameter. This group is commonly referred to lessened, because two or more kinds of fish as plankton. A larger form of plankton is have been placed in direct competition for commonly called water fleas. They are the same source of food supply. The fish EARLY SEASON WATER- present in a more or less degree in all na­ life in the average lake or pond in Pennsyl­ SNAKE tural pond and lake waters and comprise vania cannot stand such competition and the first food taken through the mouth by afford good fishing. It takes a brave watersnake to face all baby pond and lake fish. the chill winds of March, but at least The Board is familiar with the fishing one of the reptiles that emerged so The number of these organisms present conditions in practically all the lakes and early from hibernation did so to its in a given body of water during a season ponds throughout the state, and few com­ sorrow. On March 20, Warden Frank is dependent upon the rate of growth and plaints as to the number of fish caught are Sanda of Steelton was patrolling Big decay of the vegetable or organic matter in registered from areas containing the native Chiekies Creek in Lancaster County. and about the water. The rate of growth combination of fish, although many com­ To his amazement, Sanda found a and decay is greatly influenced by tempera­ plaints are forthcoming about areas contain­ 30-inch watersnake sunning itself on ture. The higher the temperature, the more ing bass and other voracious foreign species. the shore of the stream. Considering rapid the growth and decay, resulting in a The complaints are generally accompanied the chill weather, the snake was fairly denser crop of plankton. Not all of the with requests to stock with additional bass active, but Frank succeeded in killing forms comprising this complex group of when, in most instances, the number of bass it. Then, just to make sure that the plankton are eaten by the fish, but the lower in the lake is in excess of the food supply. incident would not go down in the forms are of vast importance as they assist Records over a period of years show that records as one open to question, he in organizing organic and inorganic sub­ few lakes under two hundred acres are brought his kill to the office of the stances into fish food forms. It must be capable of producing over two hundred legal Fish Commission to back the report. remembered that baby fish cannot survive sized bass a year and that the capacity for without these organisms, as they are the holding other species is proportionately de­ first food taken through the mouth and their creased, with the result that a great mass production increases with the increase of of anglers is seeking waters where worth­ TROUTING GOOD IN TIOGA W'ater temperature. When the pickerel hatch while number of native species can be taken. STREAMS in early spring, the water temperature is It is not uncommon to find beautiful natural low, and the organisms of this group are Splendid first day catches of trout from lakes that once provided good fishing now the famous North Tier waters in Tioga comparatively scarce, but few are required containing such combinations as pickerel, as the pickerel are not very fecund and not County have been reported to the ANGLER black bass (both species), calico bass, rock by Warden Horace Boyden, of Wellsboro. a heavy toll is taken upon the organisms at bass, pike perch, yellow perch, sunfish, cat­ that time by the baby pickerel. When the High water in the larger streams, partic­ fish and minnows. In a combination of this ularly Pine Creek, caused many anglers to greatly increased number of baby yellow kind, there is at least six species in direct perch make their appearance the water tem­ try their luck on the smaller waters and in competition for the same source of adult general, good creels were taken. Cedar Run, peratures have reached approximately 60 food supply, to say nothing of the food com­ degrees, resulting in a great increase in these an ace stream, of the North Tier was ex­ petition among the smaller fish. Yet in tremely high, and Boyden said he found only five fishermen while patrolling it. "Fishermen in the branches had very good luck," he writes, "and reports are coming in of some fine catches. Present prospects in­ dicate a banner trout season. Barring heavy rainfall, of course, our best fishing in Tioga waters should start about May 1. The golden spinner fly took a nice catch of trout from the headwaters of Kettle Creek on the first day, and my son who made the catch was enthusiastic about the way the trout were rising. Ed Thornton of Wellsboro caught fifteen nice trout before eight o'clock on the morning of opening day."

j FORMERLY POLLUTED STREAM CA V CLEARING From Warden Lewis Proudfoot of Elver- son, Chester County, comes information of interest to Pennsylvania fishermen. A stream near Parkersburg, Chester County, he writes, that for a period of thirty years did not have a fish taken from its waters, owing to pollution, furnished some nice catches of bass last summer. The younger generation scored on this m. V stream. Joe Mann, Jr., caught a bass meas­ «fcft'f? ' " uring 14 inches in length, while Betty Proud- foot of Elverson landed two bass, one 12 inches, the other 12% inches in length. SPAWNING YELLOW PERCH 12 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER DAYS ASTREAM A Section Contributed by Readers of PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

SNAKE BITE slightest provocation. A picture, of course, Wooded, rocky hills, adjacent to damp that is far from being accurate. Indeed, meadows are favored by the copperhead, 6* the timber rattler will go to some extremes where it conducts its search for birds, frogs NICHOLAS IS. CASILLO, New Castle to avoid intrusion, generally selecting out- and other small prey. Because of its habitat On the road immediately in front of camp of-the-way places for Its den and basking it is also commonly known as the highland we encountered three timber rattlers. The places. In the ledges are deep recesses that moccasin. first one sunning himself in the dust of the extend far below frost line and are used by The massasauga, a diminutive rattlesnake roadway was dispatched with a stout stick the snakes during the period of hibernation. (two to three feet long), is found on dry, and then beheaded. While the headless body Copperheads, rattlers and some non-venom­ hummoeky ground in swamps. It is not was still writhing I seized the tail to sever ous snakes, such as the big pilot snake live abundant in its distribution, being found in the wildly vibrating rattle and received a harmoniously together in these winter quar­ scattered places throughout its range, which rude shook. No sooner had I touched the ters. Late in the summer the females repair is the same as that of the two species men­ body when the trunk minus the head swung to the dens to give birth to their young. tioned, although overlapping considerably back like a flash of light and struck. 1 drew With the coming of cold weather all rattle­ into the southern portions of the eastern back in amazement. Physically the snake snakes within a mile or two of the den pene­ provinces of Canada. The only specimen was dead, but so deeply ingrained is the in­ trate the deep Assures to begin their long that I have ever observed was captured stinct of striking that it caused every nerve period of inactivity, lasting until late April along a creek bottom seventy miles north in the decapitated body to respond to the or early May. of Pittsburgh. Confined in a packing case, stimulus of touch and cause it to strike. The average length of this snake is under it was observed to strike its prison a dozen

A RATTLER DEN TIMBER RATTLESNAKE This surprising action led to further experi­ four feet. Dozens of specimens that I have times in the course of two days, each time mentation ; so that upon touching the de­ examined and measured averaged three feet, emitting sufficient venom to visibly spatter tached head caused that member to swing ten inches. Ditmars reports one from the against the sides of the box. Because of its about with open mouth and erect fangs! Berkshires in Massachusetts, measuring six fondness for human habitation, where it de­ Such is the tenacity of purpose of the rattle­ feet, two inches. The common color is yellow stroys rats and other vermin, it is rapidly snake. A hundred feet further we came upon or tan with dark, irregular edged bands. disappearing. Dozens of these small rep­ two more of the serpents and lost no time Its large fangs and the great amount of tiles were found and killed in the clearing venom secreted makes the timber rattler's in killing them. off of Pymatuning Swamp in western Penn­ bite seriously dangerous, but compared with sylvania. Although more or less common in Forest its larger allies, like the diamond back County, Pennsylvania, these were the first rattlesnakes of the southeast, it is inoffen­ The large human population living within rattlesnakes I had ever encountered in the sive in the extreme. It strikes only when the range of these three serpents make it vicinity. A talk with the district game closely approached, usually making an at­ more or less necessary to take precautions warden, however, disclosed the fact that the tempt to avoid the encounter. against snake bite when frequenting sections where they abound. reptiles were becoming alarmingly numerous, The copperhead, a member of the mocca­ he having killed more than a score in the sin family, frequents practically the same As is usual with many other dangers pre­ course of the summer. He attributed the territory as the preceding species, with the ventative measures are the greatest safe­ increase to the very mild winter failing to possible exception of Vermont, New Hamp­ guards. The best precaution consists of kill the usual number of snakes not hiber­ shire and the peninsula of Florida. Curi­ wearing hightopped leather boots, rubber nating below frost line. ously, no venomous snakes are found in the boots, or some form of legging, the leather The rattler's favorite habitat consists of state of Maine. puttee being best. The strike of these snakes low hills and mountains of a rocky nature The average length of the copperhead is is seldom higher than the lower part of the with numerous ledges. Here the snakes find less than that of the timber rattler, a three calf, unless they happen to be on an eleva­ protection from the elements and retiring foot snake being considered a large specimen. tion. And this last should make one fre­ places from intruders. In a recent article The color is vivid and well-defined, the body quenting the woods doubly cautious when appearing in a well-known periodical, this being a reddish brown (more or less in­ climbing over rail or stone fences, stumps or reptile was pictured as a ferocious and tense), with a row of dark blotches ranging fallen tree trunks or even brush heaps. agressive creature, seeking a fight at the along the sides. If you do any hunting or fishing in a PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 13

ie ,;on where these serpents are numerous it and I let the lisli play against the resilience is good life insurance to be equipped with of the rod. And only after a stubborn fight an antivenin kit. The venom of both the was he beached on a shallow gravel bar. rattlesnakes and copperhead is haemotoxic, This time it was a brown trout just over the affecting the red blood corpuscles, so that the foot mark. He was laid beside the other same antivenin is effective for the bites of fish, with the thought, that for me, those two either. In this connection it might be of would fill the biggest creel ever made. I interest to add that snake venom is of two washed the fly, carefully freeing it of any types, each with its characteristic proper­ foreign matter, blew the hackle back into ties. The haemotoxic type destroys the red place, and false cast it dry before applying blood corpuscles, causing a kind of rapid more oil. The next cast, and things very suffocation of the victim. The neurotoxic suddenly change, the fly was hooked high in venom, as its name indicates, attacks the a black alder bush that I had failed to take nerve centers of the victim, causing blind­ into consideration as something that would ness and paralysis in rapid order. The coral have a liking for artificial lures. And get­ snake of the south and the well-known ting the fly down again was harder than cobras of Asia and Africa possess the latter taking it out of the mouth of a trout. type. Leaves, worms and bugs fell upon me in In case of snakebite, it is of the highest clouds, some down my back, and others down importance to cut across each fang mark my boots. The fly was retrieved, only to be with a sharp knife or razor blade. The cut found with the hook broken at the end of should be as deep as the fangs penetrated, the shank. Better to have broken there than usually a quarter of an inch. Induce free in the mouth of a trout, for then I could bleeding and apply suction with a mechanical have bored anyone who would have the pa­ tience to listen, about the monster that got C. A. KN1SS. MIFFLINBURG. suction cup or with the mouth; making cer­ CAUGHT THESE BROWNIES IN tain that the mouth and lips are free of away, and left me with a broken hook. RAPID RUN, UNION COUNTY abrasions and sores. Many authorities ad­ Working up the stream, my efforts were vise the making of numerous small incisions rewarded with a brook trout that could not by some rough object. I took the rod apart, on and about the bite, (sometimes as many have been more than three inches long. The and with faltering steps picked my way as one-hundred and fifty), and applying suc­ fly sticking out of his mouth made him look slowly back to the road. I couldn't spoil tion for a period of several hours. like a donkey trying to eat a bale of hay in such a climax by fishing any more that day. Be prepared when in snake country. Al­ one mouthful. He swam leisurely away after But what a memory to relive, when far from ways carry a kit containing a small quantity I released him. the singing waters of a trout stream. of potassium permanganate crystals, which makes a satisfactory antiseptic by the addi­ The sun was burning overhead, and tion of a few crystals to a few ounces of waters bore no sign of feeding fish. I sat water. A couple of razor blades, a ligature, down to rest and pass the time by going MY NEIGHBOR preferably rubber, for the tourniquet, and a over my flies. Each one would bring a by tube or two of snake bite serum completes pleasant and different story to my mind. I YV. W, BRITTON, Chanibersburg the outfit. And best of all, try to remember must have dozed, for the sun was getting "Come over tonight, Bill, if you haven't that prevention is far better than the cure. down in the west, and more flies were ap­ anything important on hand. I want to talk pearing on the water. From where I lay I with you." could see the stream winding its way "All right, Doc," I knew what he wanted "FLYING" MEMORIES through an open meadow, a meadow that had once been a forest of big pines, as the —he wanted to talk about fishing, the sub­ &?/ mute stumps that dotted the stream bank ject nearest his heart. RALPH WILSOX, and grassy slopes bore evidence. A hard, I'm hardly inside the door when he puts Harrisburg but easy place to fish a fly. A paradox you his fine fly rod together and draws my at­ The water seemed to be on fire as the say, but—no obstacle to casting, but hard to tention to the new coat of varnish on it. faint wisps of vapor rose from the surface keep out of sight. The first dozen casts "How do you like that job?" of the pool. The calm water was unbroken brought nothing, but far up ahead I could "That's a good job, Doc." see a trout feeding on the surface. The next as I sat down on an old log to enjoy the "Just wait until this summer." Peacefulness that I had so suddenly found. cast and bang! I thought someone was trying My fly rod was idle in my hand, but the to take the rod out of my hands. The Then it started. We fished from 7 P. M. spell was soon broken as a faint dimple fish had hooked himself, as I was sure I had until midnight right there in the living appeared on the surface near the lower end nothing to do with it. Straight up stream room, except once when we did get out in of the pool. A trout having a few flies for he dashed, and down again, across to the the backyard, and turned on the lights to breakfast. A few false casts, and the fly other bank, and then straight toward me. do a little plug casting. We caught some landed gently on the water a few feet above This one was some fighter. All I could do nice ones there until I threw the plug over the feeding fish. It floated slowly, so slowly was hold on, and I did hold on longer and the radio aerial. Doc wasn't put out about that each moment was a drag on my nerves. better. Soon he came to the top, and laid that. He said I had possibilities and would The fly disappeared like the bursting of a on his side, against the strain of the line have to keep on practicing. I don't know small bubble, and a twist of the wrist set and current. As he was scooped out of the about that though. It's a pretty tough job the hook. A brookie nearly a foot long. A stream with the net, he measured just thir­ to teach a rabbit hound to point quail. But beautiful fish, his dark back and white sides teen inches. To say a fighting brown is the any way it was one of the greatest fishing splashed with red dots, and a belly of dark best tribute I could pay. A huge rotten pine trips I have ever been on. And the nicest orange. A fish well worth many boots full stump edged the stream a hundred feet thing about the whole affair was that when of water and wet clothes. He was laid care­ above, and toward this I fished my way. I I got home I didn't have to argue with my fully in the creel lined with hemlock. Isn't east above the stump, and as the fly floated wife as to who was going to clean the fish. the first trout of the day always handled past the stump, well, there is no word or Doc is working on me, but it looks as more reverently than the rest? sound to describe it. It looked like an express though I'll have to stick to the hickory pole The next stretch of water proved to be train t > me, only maybe larger, came out and cork combination. Kinda old fashioned, deep riffles, and here and there the current from under that stump, and took the fly in I guess. had cut under the bank making dark pockets one loud gulp. For, what seemed to me like from which the water swirled and churned. days. I was the center of a vast whirlwind, For the careful fisherman, trouting on a No need for worry about line drag here, so though it was only a few seconds. The line densely thicketed stretch of water is rare I shot the fly well into the head of the rough was loose on the rod. I was shaking like sport. There's a certain thrill in working water. Down, down the current it bobbed: the aspen leaves that never cease to tremble, into some of those hidden pools. And re­ a swirling sudden flash of yellow and the fly and I had to sit down. Slowly reeling in the member, that's where the big fellows like was gone. The line flashed up the stream, line, I found half the leader gone, snagged to lurk. 11 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SEWERS OR FISHING STREAMS? By Kenneth A. Reid Member, Boa rd of Fish Commissioners

T has been estimated that of Pennsyl­ I vania's many thousand miles of splendid waterways, eighty-five per cent are polluted by man's activities to a greater or lesser degree. To state it very conservatively, at least fifty per cent of this pollution is ab­ solutely unnecessary and has no justification whatever. Yet this very pollution, that is treated so lightly by the public, is the greatest single enemy to fishing in Pennsyl­ vania—in fact, greater than all others com­ bined. This reduction of potential fishing water through the agency of pollution is primarily responsible for congested fishing conditions existing in most parts of Penn­ sylvania, which in turn make the problem of good fishing more difficult for the Pish Commission. Not only are the great majority of our waters out of the picture as potential fishing waters by reason of existing pollution, but those that are now fishing streams and being stocked by the Board are in constant jeop­ ardy of being polluted at some future time under the existing pitiable status of the enforcement of our anti-pollution laws. Contrary to general belief, we have now and have had for some time, fairly adequate laws against pollution. The trouble lies in the fact that enforcement acts for the ad­ ministration of these anti-pollution laws are entirely inadequate so that these laws have been inoperative and ineffective. To make a comparison for the sake of illustration, the situation is similar to the case of a hunter Fish Commissions and made a survey of lution "is absolutely unnecessary and has going afield in an excellent game territory Pennsylvania's unique system with a view no justification whatever." Without at­ with a splendid gun, but without any ammu­ to modelling their own after it. tempting to defend any pollution, I believe nition to put in this gun. What we need Now let us loo'; at the other side of the the problem should be approached in an primarily is "ammunition" to enable existing picture and see where the paradox comes orderly manner and that the first step should legislation to hit the mark for which it was in. Visualize, if you please, nearly two be the correction of that pollution that is created. million acres of State Lands on which the entirely unwarranted from any viewpoint. forests and the game are being intelligently A study of the problem places the types Pennsylvania presents a picture of a managed. One of the primary purposes in of pollution under three different heads: strange paradox in conservation. Through­ the establishment of the forests was to First, individual or "petty" pollution, such out the length and breadth of the United afford protection to the watersheds which as the common practice of throwing old States she is held up as a model in con­ would assure an adequate supply of water tires, boots, bed springs, and whatnot into servation accomplishment. Under the con­ in the future for citizens of the Common­ our watercourses. Also the practice (some­ trol of the Department of Forests and wealth. Yet through the midst of some of times even indulged in by fishing cottages or Waters, the State now owns more than a these forests run streams so vilely polluted clubs and frequently by country schools) of million and a half acres of State Forest that their water cannot be used by either building outhouses on the bank of a stream. land. The hunters of Pennsylvania own fish or human leings. What is the sense of In the same category is the practice of some nearly 350,000 acres purchased for them by protecting and conserving watersheds if small hamlets of dumping their garbage by their Game Commission with funds derived water is to be rendered valueless by reason the truckload off a nearby bridge that spans solely from their hunting licenses. The of uncontrolled pollution? Such is the pic­ an otherwise unpolluted trout stream. Such fishermen of Pennsylvania own ten splendid ture of the paradox in Pennsylvania con­ instances are plainly inexcusable and their fish farms whose combined output of fish servation—and it is one that every citizen solution is largely a matter of public educa­ easily exceeds that of any other state in should be ashameii of and interested in cor­ tion In decency and cleanliness. Our public the Union, and like the State Game Lands, recting. If the millions of dollars that are schools could well give serious considera­ these are acquired and supported entirely spent annually by municipalities and in­ tion to their responsibility in eliminating from revenue derived from fishing licenses. dustry in elaborate treatment of water from this unjustifiable form of pollution. We can talk about our iron and steel, our our polluted streams to make it safe for Second, municipal sewapc pollution. There coal and other industrial products, but when human and industrial use were spent in is little to be said on this subject as the one travels widely about the United States, treating this pollution at its source, the case is a plain one. The dumping of raw and even in foreign lands, he soon finds out problem would be well on the road toward sewage into our streams through open sewers that what Pennsylvania is really famous for solution, and the expenditures could be class­ is clearly illegal, but the progress of in­ outside of her own borders is her accom­ ified as capital investments, bearing interest stalling modern sewage disposal plants by plishments in conservation, and particularly in the cause of pure water, instead of an­ Pennsylvania towns and cities has been woe­ the internationally known "Pennsylvania nual expenses in the treatment of a per­ fully slow. An enlightened public with a Game System." As evidence of these facts ennial patient. firm belief in the wisdom and fairness of within the last biennium, representatives of In the beginning of this discussion I stated the Golden Rule would quickly speed up this eighteen states have contacted the Game and that at least fifty per cent of existing pol­ program to completion. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

Third, industrial pollution. This classi­ monwealth. With the method known, it only WORTHWHILE SLOGAN fication covers a multitude of sins—coal remains for an aroused public to demand mines, tanneries, paper mills, chemical that this wasteful and unnecessary pollution Bight in line with the Fish Commission's plants, textile mills, canning factories, be stopped. drive for better fishing is the following dairies, and many others. For most of them slogan suggested by Harry B. Davis, chair­ there are tried and proven methods of dis­ man of the Game Committee of the Reading posing of their wastes at a reasonable cost. HIGH-FLYIN' ANGLERS Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America. For a few, the problem has not yet been Phil Hartman, superintendent of the Erie "If you put them back to swim away, they solved. If half the money spent in render­ Hatchery, tells us that anglers on Lake Erie can bite again some other day." ing polluted water fit for use were spent are going ultra-modern, and reports the fol­ in research and development of treatment lowing incident related by Henry C. Schacht plants for correcting pollution at its source, of Erie to back his argument. SUCKER FISHERMAN LANDS the problem of pure water would be much According to Schacht, a party of his PIKE-PERCH nearer solution. friends were on the ice at the upper end of Wall-eyed pike, otherwise known as pike- While holding no brief for industrial pol­ the Bay early in February watching a large perch or Susquehanna salmon, are rarely lution, which ~is usually the most serious number of fishermen trying their luck. The taken by sucker fisherman in early spring. and concentrated of all forms, I think it is anglers had congregated in a comparatively But George Rice of Lebanon upset the prec­ high time for the people of Pennsylvania small area and were having good luck in edent, or near-precedent, while fishing for to revise their ideas that watercourses are fishing through the ice. Presently the roar suckers at the juncture of Big Chickies Creek graves for all undesirable things and begin of an aeroplane motor was heard, and the and the Susquehanna River in Lancaster right at home in their clean-up campaign. crowd noticed a plane swooping low over the County. At the time he was using the stand­ When we have clean hands as individuals frozen surface of the lake. ard sucker bait, angleworms, and had just and as corporate groups by correcting the Taxiing to a halt, the plane stopped near made his first cast when the wall-eye took first two types of pollution, we can with the fishermen. Two anglers in the crowd the bait. It was only 12 inches in length, and much better grace demand that industry immediately pulled down their wind-breaks, was released immediately when Warden cease polluting our waters. and gathered up their fishing-gear. Boarding Frank Sanda of Steelton identified it and ex­ the plane, they were soon lost to sight. This In the meantime there is a large field that plained that it was not in season. new method of transportation to fishing needs only intelligent and concerted action grounds aroused keen interest on the part of for accomplishment. There are many hun­ onlookers who immediately recognized the dreds, if not thousands, of abandoned in­ advantage an aeroplane offers in quick WHOSE TROUT? dustries in Pennsylvania that are not fur­ transportation when that fishing urge gets One of those incidents that make the nishing employment or any income to a too strong to be denied. first day of the trout season unforget­ single individual, but which are nevertheless table occurred shortly after midnight polluting many hundreds of miles of streams in the Yellow Breeches Creek, near to the detriment of many thousands of our SEALING MINES Huntsdale, Cumberland county. Trout People. The greatest single example is that Work is already being pushed forward fishermen were literally swarming on of abandoned coal mines. Sufficient re­ along the Big Moshannon and Clearfield the stream even before midnight, pre­ search and actual tests have been made Creeks in Centre and Clearfield Counties to pared for that first cast of the season along this line definitely to determine that seal abandoned coal mines, according to a when the clock struck the hour that the great majority of these mines can be recent report. Both the Big Moshannon and permitted legal trouting. effectively sealed so that the water issuing Clearfield Creek have, in the past, been sub­ Grouped about one of the smaller from them will no longer contain a serious jected to much acid drainage from aban­ pools were fifteen fishermen, and lines acid content. Mine sealing by the Federal doned mines, and this C.W.A. project is a swished into the water almost simul­ goverment is now being actively carried for­ step in the right direction for clearing up taneously. Presently an ardent first ward in a number of sections of the Com­ pollution in the area they drain. day angler had a strike. The trout, a ten-inch brownie, darted wildly about the pool as it attempted to escape. And believe it or not, the observer, who witnessed the catch, said that when it was brought from the water at least eight lines were tangled around the fish. After that, it was necessary to separate the lines to know just whose trout it was. A great game, this trout fishing.

A Fly-and-Spinner Catch Dr. F. R. Knaub, of Chambersburg, fur­ nished proof last summer on Tuscarora Creek, Juniata County, that fly-and-spinner fishing yields unusual catches of smallmouth bass and pickerel, according to Warden Charley Long of East Waterford. In one day's fishing, Dr. Knaub caught 19 bass and pickerel. Of nine bass, all were over 12 inches in length, while the 10 pickerel taken ranged in size from 15 to 19 inches.

Stream improvement and fly fishing are the two most effective methods by which the fisherman may improve his sport. A few hours work on favorite streams by fisher­ men, installing dams and deflectors will pay big dividends in better trouting in the years to come. Fly fishing not only will save many small trout, but it's sport supreme for SAWMILL ON PADDY RUN, CAMBRIA COUNTY TROUT STREAM. THE OWNERS PAID A FINE FOR POLLUTING THE STREAM the angler. 16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Trout Streams in Northeast Counties

THE LOYALSOCK CREEK FORESTS AND WATERS PHOTO

N the northeastern counties of Pennsyl­ trout can't be taken with it the fisherman Forkston on highway route 87 either from I vania, Wyoming, Bradford, and Sullivan might as well go home. This fly can be pur­ Tunkhannock on route 6 or from Dushore on counties are a number of fine trout streams chased only, I believe, through Dr. H. W. route 220. that annually attract hundreds of fishermen. Lyte, 427 North Street. Allentown, who Bowman's Creek, another favorite trout Most of these waters are good producers of makes it. Hooks, numbers 10, 12, or 14, are stream, may be reached on route 92, off route fighting brook or brown trout. principally used." (! at Tunkhannock, or from Wilkes-Barre on In commenting on the trouting in these route 309, turning to route 92. The creek counties. Warden Myron E. Shoemaker of Wyoming County- liows through Noxen. Laceyville, Susquehanna County, terms the Four trout streams in Wyoming County lly lisliing excellent from May until the close are outstanding, Mehoopany Creek, North Good meadow fishing is available on Me­ of the season for trout on July 31. Individ­ Branch Mehoopany Creek, Bowman's Creek. shoppen Creek and its two tributaries, Riley ual taste, of course, dictates the patterns and Meshoppen Creek. Mehoopany and the and White Branches. These streams flow of flies that are effective. His own exper­ North Branch are both mountain streams, chiefly through meadow land, although their ience in fishing flies for trout, and he is an swift and rocky. The trout fishing in banks are brushy. Brook trout predomin­ excellent tly fisherman, causes him to favor Mehoopany Creek is all above Forkston, ate. They may he reached at Meshoppen on the blue quill, hare's ear quill, ginger quill, where brook trout predominate. To reach Route 6. Wickhnm's Fancy, cahill, female beaverkill, the best fishing in this stream means plenty Bradford County and orange Ann for early season. However, of walking to the upper waters, which may Shrader Creek, a mountain stream, is the in suggesting the patterns, he declares a pre­ be reached over highway route 487, turning only outstanding tro.ut water in Bradford ference to the orange finn and cahill for off route 220 at Dushore. From Ricketts on County. While brook and brown trout are general fishing. route 487 it is necessary to walk. present in this stream, the brookies predom­ "This orange finn," he writes, "is a fly While the North Branch of Mehoopany inate. Absence of roads near it makes stock­ which many fishermen are not acquainted Creek is somewhat similar to Mehoopany ing from the railroad necessary. It can be with. It is made up as follows: Pure white Creek in character, it is not so swift and reached from Towanda, which is located on wing, orange silk body, and orange and black drains some cultivated land. Brook trout route 6 and 220, via Monroeton to Powell, hackles with the tips being orange. It is and occasional brown trout are takeu from then taking a dirt road paralleling the stream very effective for both brook and brown its waters. The lower waters of Mehoopany to Laquin, a distance of 10 miles. All of the trout and, personally, I think that if brook Creek and the Branch are accessible at trout fishing is above Laquin. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 17

Sullivan County In Sullivan County are the famous Loyal- sock, the Little Loyalsock, Double Run, Lopez Creek, Hogland Branch, Glass Creek and Black Creek. These streams are all swift- flowing mountain waters in which brook trout predominate with the exception of the Loyalsock and Little Loyalsock where brown trout are numerous. They may be reached on route 220 from Dushore.

FOOD SUPPLY INCREASED BY STREAM IMPROVEMENT Upon an abundant supply of natural food in Pennsylvania trout streams hinges to a major degree trout fishing of the future. This food supply is a determining factor on the size and number of trout in any stream. Fre­ quently fishermen think of trout forage in the form of minnows, small suckers, craw­ fish, and larger types of aquatic life. Essen­ LANCASTER COUNTY FISH AND GAME ASSOCIATION MEMBERS tial though this source of food supply may IMPROVING TROUT STREAM be, an equally important factor is the pres­ ence in our trout streams of minute aquatic An excellent method by which cover may to trout waters, providing not only shade, organisms and availability of insect life. be increased, the placing of trees, with all but a harbor for insect life, a valuable source While larger trout prey upon minnows and their branches in streams, has been suggested of food supply for trout. other types of forage fish, growing fry and by E. R. Hewitt, noted authority on stream fingerlings rely upon smaller organisms for improvement. When such cover is intro­ their existence. duced, it is advisable to stake the tree firm­ ly. If the branches are resting in a position LEGAL SIZE TROUT STOCKED Stream improvement is generally recog­ counter to the current, drift lodging against HEAVILY nized as an outstanding method for increas­ them will increase the effectiveness of the ing the supply of natural food in trout shelter for trout. In preparation for invasion of trout streams. Fertile beds of silt are formed streams by the anglers on April 16, hatch­ and serve as breeding grounds for smaller With replenishment of the underground eries of the Fish Commission released organisms, as do sunken logs, brush and water supply, the importance of small spring 311,330 trout of six-inch legal size or over other material. Through the building of runs, or feeders to the main trout streams, during the months of January, February dams, retards-, and current deflectors on our has been increased. Not only do these and March. streams, production of trout forage is greatly feeders furnish a supply of cold water, thus Another significant feature in the stocking enhanced. In more quiet pools and eddies, aiding in keeping the temperature of the program for these three months was distri­ on sand bars formed by the current, and on main stream at low level during hot weather, bution of 1,008,000 minnows to serve as ad­ water-soaked brush and logs, this vital but they serve as ideal spawning grounds ditional forage for game fish in Pennsyl­ source of trout forage is harbored, where it for trout. vania streams. is available as food for the trout. These Improvement of the feeder streams is a Following is a list of waters in the various quiet waters may also serve as resting places vital feature in stream betterment. During counties stocked during the first quarter of for trout after they have been feeding in the prolonged drought, many of these feeder the year: the current. streams became clogged with brush and Adams—trout, Little Marsh Creek, Cone- While current deflectors in some of our muck. This condition not only served to wago Creek, Toms Run, Carbaugh Run, Con- Pennsylvania streams are quite practical, eliminate them as spawning grounds for oeocheague Creek or Irvin Run; minnows, the building of dams and retards, whether trout, but resulted in warming of the tem­ Little Marsh Creek, Marsh Creek, Conoco- boulder or log, is in many instances highly perature through slowing of the current and chcague Creek, Conewago Creek, Carbaugh desirable. In a former issue of PENNSYL­ in places forcing the water into wider shal­ Run. low areas exposed to the sun. Planting of VANIA ANGLER the manner in which boulder Allegheny—minnows, Allegheny River. shade brush on the banks of spring runs, and log dams may be erected, and current Armstrong—trout, Hauling Run, North deflectors constructed, was described. An­ and cleaning them out, where necessary, will benefit many of our trout streams. Fork Pine Creek, Mill Run or Rinker Run, other type of current deflector is known as Scrubgrass Creek, Glade Run, Patterson Run the I-deflector, which may be used to advan­ Major trout streams, having few or no or Little Buffalo Creek. tage in splitting the current. Michigan has feeders, may be greatly improved by intro­ Heaver—trout, Big Traverse Creek, Brady made notable progress in recent years in duction of brush shelters. These shelters Run or North Brady Run. stream improvement, and deflectors of va­ serve as ideal protection for young trout. Bedford—trout, Yellow Creek, Potter rious types have been tried. In streams of this type, protection is of pri­ Creek, Three Springs Creek, Shermans Val­ When installed in mid-stream, the I-de­ mary importance, for the fingerlings require ley Run, Flintstone Creek or Bean Cove flector serves to deepen two pools. This type protection not only from natural enemies, Creek, Laurel Run, Cumberland Valley Run of deflector, erected with boulders, or logs, but from adult trout. or Shobers Creek, Bobs Creek, Deeters Run, placed crosswise at midstream, throws the Brush shelters may be composed of entii-e Shavers Creek, Beaver Creek, Raystown force of the current toward both banks. Im­ bushes, or loosely woven bundles of brush, Branch of the Juniata River, Buffalo Creek; mediately below the logs, sand bars may wired firmly to stakes to hold them in place. minnows, Raystown Branch Juniata River, form in the comparatively quiet water. The Green brush, owing to the fact that it lasts Yellow Creek, Wills Creek. top of the I-deflector should be flush with longer, is most suitable for this type of Berks—trout, Trout or Powder Valley the summer water level of the stream. If shelter. Where a side channel in a stream Run, Northwest Branch Perkiomen Creek, logs are used they should be firmly anchored. may be found, brushing is particularly effec­ West Branch Pine Creek, Pine Creek or Midsummer is regarded as the most satis­ tive. Brushing at the juncture of tributaries Oysterdale Creek, Mill Creek, Rauch Creek, factory and effective time for the work of is desirable, for the brush serves as shelter Northkill Creek; minnows, Northkill Creek, stream improvement. Generally in July or for fingerlings dropping into the larger West Branch Pine Creek, Pine or Oysterdale August, streams are low, revealing areas stream from spawning areas. Creek, Northwest Branch Perkiomen Creek, suitable for improvement. From the angle The effectiveness of dams and current de­ Manatawney Creek, Maiden Creek. of comfort, a day's work in the cold water flectors on trout streams may also be in­ Blair—trout, Bald Eagle Creek, Tipton of a trout stream is not so chilling at that creased by introduction of brush shelters. Run, Shaw Run, Bells Gap Run, Blair Gap time. Overhanging brush and foliage is important Run, Big Fill or Woomer Run, Van Scoyoc 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

River; minnows, Clover Creek, Piney Creek, Sandy Run. Bradford—trout, Schroder Creek, Mill­ stone Creek, Daggett Creek, Seeley Creek; minnows, Seeley Creek, Sugar Creek. Bucks—trout, Cook Creek or Durham Creek, Beaver Run, Tinicum Creek; min­ nows, Queen Anns Creek or Bendix Creek. Butler—trout, Black or Jacksville Creek, Hogue or West Liberty Creek, Little Conno- quenessing Creek, North Branch Bear Creek, Bear Creek, Silver Creek, Chauncey or Chances Run, Little Buffalo Creek, Blacks or Furnace Run; minnows, Wolf Creek. Cambria—trout, Beaver Dam Run, Findley Run, Big Laurel or Laurel Run, South Branch Blacklick Creek or Williams Run, Rogues Harbor Run, Beaverdam Run or Killbuck Run, Hinckstown Run, South Branch of Little Conemaugh River, Spring Run, North Branch Rlacklick Creek, Bens Creek, Stewart Run, Duclos Run, North Branch Little Conemaugh River or Branoff Creek, CANNIBALISM ILLUSTRATED Bender Run, Mud Lick Run; minnows, A BIG PICKEREL AND ITS PREY Hinckstown Run, Findley Run, Mudlick Creek, OF THE SAME SPECIES Beaver Dam Run or Killbuck Run, Chest or West Branch Young Womans Creek, Creek. Kettle Creek, Long Run, Big Fishing Creek, Cameron—trout, Mix Run, Portage Creek Chatham Run, Monument Run, Twin Run, or Cowley Run, Lower Jerry Run, Brooks Right Branch Young Womans Creek, Hnm- Run, Sterling Run, Clear Creek, Sinnema- mersley Forks, Antis or Rauchs Creek, Big tain Creek or Pine Creek, Mill Run, Little honing Portage Creek, Driftwood Branch or Fishing Creek, Paddy Run, Hyner Run, Sandy Creek. Mill Run or Big Mill Run, Driftwood Greek; minnows, Wycoff Run, Cedar Run, Tangaseootack Creek; minnows, Dunbar Creek. Mill Run or Ramcat Run, Sinnemahoning Portage Creek. Bald Eagle Creek, Big Fishing Creek, Long Laurel Run or Morgan Run, Big Meadow Run, Kettle Creek. Run. Carbon—trout, Wild Creek, Big Bear Creek, Aquashicola Creek, Quakake Creek, Columbia—trout, Little Fishing Creek, Forest—trout, Hemlock Creek, The Branch Pine Run, Mud Run, Pohopoco or Big Creek, Coles Creek, Roaring Creek, Fishing Creek; or North Salmon Creek, Spring Creek, Maple Hickory Run, Hayes Creek, James Run; minnows, Coles Creek, Huntingdon Creek, Creek, West Branch of Blue Jay Creek, minnows, Pohopoco or Big Creek, Aquashi­ Fishing Creek, West Creek, West Branch Little Hickory Creek, Little Coon Creek, cola Creek. Bashing Creek. Johns Run, Otter Creek, Blue Jay Creek, Bobs Creek, Ross Run, Fork Run, Beaver Centre—trout, Spruce Creek or Rock Crawford—trout, McLaughlin Run, North Branch Sugar Creek, North Branch of Middle Creek, East Hickory Creek or Big Hickory Spring Creek, Cherry Run, Little Fishing Creek, Lamentation Run, Bear Creek, Hunter Creek, Pine Run or Sterling Run, South Branch of Sugar Creek, West Branch Cusse- wago Creek, Mosey Run, Federal Run, Run, Salmon Creek or Big Salmon Creek, Fork of Beech Creek, Rapid Run, Lick Run, West Branch Millstone Creek, Watson Mountain Branch, Black Bear Run, Elk Gravel Run, Wolf Run, Muddy Creek, East Branch Muddy Creek, Kelly Run, Stearns Branch, Tubbs Run, Blue Jay Creek; min­ Creek, Cold Stream, Little or Black Mosh- nows, Spring Creek, Blue Jay Creek. annon Creek, Marsh Creek, Laurel Run or Run, Patrick Run, Thompson Run, Little Potters Stream, Pine Creek, Logan Branch, Sugar Creek, Brannon Run, Negus Run, East Franklin—trout, Falling Springs Creek; White Deer Creek, Sinking Creek, Penns Branch Muddy Creek, Middle Branch Sugar minnows, Carbaugh Run, East Branch Little Creek, Six Mile Run or Forge Run, Hosier Creek. Antietam, Conococheague Creek. Dam, Spring Creek, Poe Creek, Bald Eagle Cumberland—trout, Big Springs Run, Old- Fulton—trout, Nine Mile Creek, Spring Creek; minnows, Laurel Run, Synagogue town Run, Bird Run, Trindle Springs, Alex­ Valley Run, South Fork Brush Creek, Oregon Stream, Penns Creek, Sinking Creek, Six andria Springs Run, Mount Rock Run, Crock- Creek, Little Aughwick Creek, Wooden Mile Run. leys Run, Green Springs, Hogestown Run, Bridge Creek. Mountain Creek, Letort Springs Run, Big Chester—trout, Rock Run, Valley Creek, Huntingdon—trout, Licking Creek, Spruce Springs; minnows, Conodoguinet Creek, French Creek, Chester Creek, Pusey Run, or Rock Springs Run, Nine Mile Run or Yellow Breeches Creek. Black Horse Run, Doe Run, Lyndell Creek, North Branch Little Aughwick Creek, Little Two Log Run, Birch Run ; minnows, Chester Dauphin—trout, Stony Creek, Rattling Aughwick Creek, Saddler Creek, Shavers Creek, Brandywine Creek, East Branch Oc- Creek, East Branch Rattling Creek, West Creek, Spruce Run or Springs Run, Laurel toraro Creek, Buck Run. Branch Rattling Creek; minnows, Clarks Run; minnows, Spring Valley or Big Spring Creek, East Branch Rattling Creek, West Run, Aughwick Creek. Clarion—trout, Buck Run, Mahles Run, Branch Rattling Creek. Deer Creek, Toms Run, Mill Creek or Big Greene—minnows, Enslow Fork of Dunk- Mill Creek, Step Creek, Little Piney Creek; Delaware—trout, Ridley Creek; minnows, ard Fork Creek, South Fork of Dunkard minnows, Red Bank Creek, Deer Creek. Darby Creek. Fork Creek. Clearfield — trout, Upper Three Runs, Elk—trout, Medix Run, Big Run, East Indiana—trout, Little Mahoning Creek, Hackenbevry Run, Wliiskey Run, Deer Creek, Branch Spring Creek, Hicks Run, East Brush Creek, North Branch Little Mahoning Sawmill Run, Sandy Creek, North AVilmer Branch Clarion River, Mohan Run, Island Creek, South Branch Twolick Creek, Little or North Witmer Run, Montgomery Creek or Run, Maxwell Run, Wilson Run, Trout Run, Yellow Creek; minnows, Little Mahoning Run, Moshannon Creek, Bennetts Branch Straight Creek, Kersey Run, Belmuth Run, Creek, Mudlick Run, Little Yellow Creek. Sinnemahoning Creek, Mosquito Creek, Trout Laurel Run, East Branch Millstone Creek, Jefferson—trout, Little Mill Creek, Horam Run, South Witmer or Wilmer Run, Bigler Bear Creek, Hunters Run, Mosquito Creek; Run, Rattlesnake Run, North Fork Red Run or Hughey Run, Laurel Run, Lick Run, minnows, Kersey Run, Trout Run. Bank Creek, Clear Creek, Callen Run; Little Clearfield Creek; minnows, Mosquito Erie—trout, Little Conneautee Creek, South minnows, Red Bank Creek, East Branch Ma­ Creek, Montgomery Creek, Laurel Run, Trout Branch French Creek, Beaver or Beaver honing Creek. Run. Dam Run, Crooked Creek, Bear Creek, Trout Juniata—trout, Lost Creek, Big Run, Clinton—trout, Trout Fork or Trout Run, Run ; minnows, South Branch French Creek. Licking Creek or East Licking Creek, Liberty Cherry Creek, Backer or Baker Run, North Fayette—trout, Laurel Run, Back Creek, Valley Run; minnows, Licking Creek, Tusca- Branch Tangaseootack Creek, Shingle Branch Buck Run, Rubles Run, South Fork Moun­ rora Creek. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 1!)

Lackauamw—trout, Gardner Creek, Roar­ Creek, Mud Run, Coffeetown Run, Little Sullivan—trout, Mill Creek, Elklick Run, ing Brook, Lehigh River: minnows, Lehigh Bushkill Creek, Martins Creek, Hokendau- Big Muncy Creek, Double Run, Hoagland River. Roaring Brook. qua Creek, Bushkill Creek, Monocacy Creek, Branch. Lopez, Creek, Loyalsock Creek, Glass Lancaster—brook trout, Donegal Creek, Saucon Creek. Indian Creek or Birch Creek; Creek, Pole Bridge Run, Black Creek, Lick Gladfelters Creek, Climbers Run or Stein- minnows, Bushkill Creek, Delaware River, Creek : minnows, Loyalsock Creek. man Run. Big Chickies Creek, Charles Run, Saucon Creek, Indian Creek, Hokendauqua Susquehanna—trout, Harmony Creek. Rock Run or Sawmill Run, Muddy Run, Seg- Creek. Tioga—trout. Cedar Run, Bailey Creek, log Creek, Fishing Creek, Stewarts Run or Northumberland—minnows, Chillisquaque Mill Creek, Big Run, Long Run, Pine Creek. Bone Mill Creek, Indian Run or Trout Run, Creek. Union—trout, Buffalo Creek, Rapid Run, Hammer Creek, Swarr Run or Governor or Perry—trout, Horse Valley Run, Laurel North Branch Buffalo Creek, Beaver Run, Snipe Run; minnows. Big Chickies Creek, Run, Houston Run; minnows, Shermans Spring Creek, Half Way Run or Pine Swamp Conowingo Dam. Safe Harbor Dam, Holt- Creek. Run, White Deer Creek, Laurel Run, Penns wood or McCalls Ferry Dam, Conestoga Philadelphia—trout, Wissahickon Creek. Creek, Weikert Run, Bear Run, Corls Run, Creek, Cocalico Creek, Middle Creek. Pike—trout, Big Bushkill Creek, Indian Slide Hollow Run; minnows, White Deer Laicreitce — trout, Right Branch Little Ladder Creek, Little Bushkill Creek, Ray- Creek, Buffalo Creek. Neshannock, Taylor Run, Deer Creek, Jami­ mondskill Creek, Shohola Creek, Sawkill Venango—trout, Richy, Cherry, Panther son or Elliott Creek, Big Run, Little Nesh­ Creek, Twin Lakes Creek, Middle Bushkill or Prather Run, South Fork Sandy Creek, annock Creek, Hottenbaugh Creek; minnows, or Saw Creek, Shohola Creek, Kellam Creek, Hemlock Creek, West Pithole, Mud Branch Big Run, Taylor Run, Little Neshannock Mill Rift Creek, Dwarf Kill Creek; minnows, of Sugar Creek, East Sandy, Little Sandy, Creek. Dingman's Creek, Middle Bushkill Creek. Lower Two Mile Run, Tarkill Creek, Mill Lebanon—trout. Mill Back or Mill or New- Potter—trout, East Fork First Fork Sin- Creek, Horse Creek, East Branch Sugar mantown Creek, Snitz Creek, Hammer Creek, nemahoning Creek, Little Kettle Creek, First Creek, East Branch Wolf Creek, Tipper Two Indiantown Creek; minnows, Snitz Creek, Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, Genesee Fork Mile Creek. Swatara Creek. of Pine Creek, Cross Forks Creek, West Warren—trout, Coffee* Creek, Phelps or Lehigh—trout, Little Lehigh River, South Branch Pine Creek, Cowanesque River, Left Spencer Run, Jackson or Ackley Run, Perry Branch Saucon Creek, Cedar Creek, Big Hand Branch or West Branch Dingman's McGee Run, McGuire Run, Dunns Run, Trout Run; minnows, Jordan Creek. Run, Dingman's Run, West Branch Genesee Mead Run, Matthews Run, Willow Creek, Luzerne—trout, Harvey's Creek, Nesco- River, Nine Mile Run, West Branch Portage Four Mile Creek, Upper Sheriff Creek, peck Creek, Bowman's Creek, Wapwallopen ('reek, East Branch Portage Creek, Cushing Lower Sheriff Creek, Tionesta Creek, West Creek, Huntingdon Creek, Hunlocks Creek, Creek. Middle Branch or Gold Branch Gene­ Hickory Creek, East Branch Tionesta Creek, Bear Creek, Pine Creek; Shades Creek, see River, West Branch Fishing Creek, Dry Brown Run, Pine Creek, Ben George Creek, Stoney Run ; minnows, Pine Creek, Hunting­ Run, Allegheny River, East Branch Fishing Rock Hollow Run or Arcade Run, Tidioute don Creek, Philips Creek. Creek, Eleven Mile Creek, Luddington Creek, East Hickory Creek, Four Mile Creek, Lycoming—trout, McMurrin Run, Nippen- Branch, Fishing Creek, Pine Creek. Kettle Upper Sheriff Creek; minnows, Allegheny oise or Raunch Creek, Black Hole Creek, Creek, Mill Creek; minnows, Kettle Creek, River, Tidioute Creek, Phelps Creek or Grays Run, Little Bear Creek, Fourth Gap Mill Creek, Oswayo Creek, Cross Fork, Al­ Spencer Creek, McGuire Run, Little Broken- Creek, Trout Run, Pleasant Stream, Larrys legheny River, Pine Creek. straw Creek, Conewango Creek. Creek, Muncy Creek, Upper Pine Bottom Schuylkill—trout, Deep Creek. Flicker Wayne — trout, Lehigh River, Middle Run, West Mill Creek, Hogland Run, English Creek, Bear Creek, Black Creek, Spieee Run Creek, Little Equinunk Creek, West Branch Run, Blockhouse Run, Muncy Creek, Little or Spangler Run, Little Catawissa Creek, Lackawaxen River, Johnson Creek, Moss Pine Creek, Lycoming Creek, Loyalsock Neifert Creek, Cold Run. East Branch Little Hollow Run, Dyberry Creek, Lackawaxen Creek, Wallis Run; minnows, Loyalsock Schuylkill River, Locust Creek, Tumblin River, Wallenpaupack Creek, Big Branch Creek. Run, Rouchs Creek, Mahoning Creek. Big Dyberry Creek, North Branch Calkins Creek, McKean—trout, Two Mile Run, Fuller Creek or Moss Glen Creek, Fishing Creek, Big Branch Dyberry Creek, Shehawken Brook, Sugar Creek, North Branch Sugar West Branch Fishing Creek, Rattling Run ; Creek, Waymart Branch Lackawaxen River; Run, West Branch Tuneneguent Creek, Large minnows, Bear Creek, Big Creek or Moss minnows, West Branch Lackawaxen Creek, Kun, Marvin Creek, South Fork Kinzua Glen Creek, Little Catawissa Creek. Dyberry Creek. Creek, Seven Mile Run, Kinzua Creek, .Snyder—trout, North Branch Mahantongo Westmoreland—trout, Powder Mill Run, Chappel Fork Creek, Bell Run, Comes Creek, Creek, Swift Run, Briekhart Run or Mit­ Camp Run, Loyalhanna Creek, Linn Run, West Clarion Creek; minnows, Sugar Run, chell Run, Trout Run or Shawerville Run, Pike Run, South Fork Mill Creek, Furnace West Branch Tuneneguent Creek, Two Mile Kuhn-Hooven Run, Aigler or Schrader Run, Run. Roaring Run, Indian Creek, Middle Run. Chappel Fork, Kinzua Creek. Krepp Gap Run; minnows, Middle Creek, Fork Mill Creek, Shannon Run, Jacobs Creek, Mercer—trout, West Branch Little Nesh­ Peons Creek. Little Pucketa Creek; minnows, Indian annock, Blocks Run, West Branch Wolf Somerset—treat, Tub Mill Run, Shafer or Creek, Loyalhanna Creek. Creek, Lackawannock Creek, Mill or Pardoe Lohr Run, South Fork Bens Creek, Elklick Wyoming—trout, Meshoppen Creek, Me- Creek, Mill Run, Hanna Run, Johnson Run, Run, Big Piney or Piney Run, Sandy Run, hoopany Creek, West Branch Meshoppen Deer Creek, Mill Creek, Big Run, Probst Breastworks Run, Clear Shade Creek, Brush Creek, North Branch Mehoopany, Bowman's Run. L'ttle Neshannock Creek, Wolf Creek, Creek, Koozer Run or Hoozer Run, Negro Creek, Riley Creek; minnows, Meshoppen Sandy Creek, Little Sandy Creek; minnows, Glade Run or MeLintock Run, Blue Hole Creek, North Branch Susquehanna River. Little Shenango River, Little Neshannock Run, Deeters Run or Laurel Run, Wills York—trout, Orson Run, Rehmayer Hol­ Cree , Xeshannook Creek, Shenango River, Creek. Jones Mill Run, Laurel Hill Creek; low Run: minnows, North Branch Bermu- Sandy Creek, Little Sandy Creek. minnows, Laurel Hill Creek. dian Creek, Bermudian Creek, South Branch Mifflin—trout, Musser Run, Licking Creek. Codorus Creek. Strodes Mill Run. Long Meadow or Weber Run, Kishacopuillas Creek. Monroe—trout, McMichaels Creek, East BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS Branch Tobyhanna Creek, Cherry Creek. HARRISBURG, PA. Aquashicola Creek, Hotter Creek, Tobyhanna Creek, Pocono Creek, Buckwa Creek. Big SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Bushkill Creek, Buckhill Creek, Pohopoco Enclosed find fiftv cents ($.50) for one vear's subscription to PENN­ Creek, Brodheads Creek, Middle Branch SYLVANIA ANGLER. Brodheads Creek, Sambo Creek, Paradise or Analomink Creek, Lehigh River; minnows, Name Cherry Creek, Brodheads Creek, Aquashi­ cola Creek, Big Bushkill Creek, Pocono (Print Name) Creek, Pohopoco Creek, McMichaels Creek. Montgomery—trout, Mill Creek; minnows, Street and Number Perkiomen Creek. City Northampton—trout, Jacobus Creek, Waltz 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

HERE \ THERE '. ANGLERDOM

ner, cahill, and willow. Good early season day's fishing, Harry Mattern, Philipsburg, catches on the Genesee Fork of Pine Creek 20 suckers in McCoy's dam, Chester Emil, were made with minnows. Bellefonte, seven, and Forrest Young, Belle­ fonte, 11 suckers. Bob Strause, Summit Station, caught 10 trout from Bear Creek on opening day, ac­ From Warden W. E. Wounderly of Read­ cording to Warden Anthony Lech, Shenan­ ing comes word that Berks county sucker doah. The trout ranged in size from 7 to 10 fisherman also found their streams offering inches. Other catches were Jake Chebinsky, an abundance of suckers. Ed Houck caught 18 trout, 8 to 15 inches, Still Creek dam; 25 in the Conestoga Creek, near Morgantown, Joe Hama, Smiler Young, Joe Hardy, Harry and James Spatz, 21, at the mouth of Willow Gibson and Mel Elliott, Shenandoah anglers, Creek. Special Warden John Rothermel re­ caught 20 trout apiece from Dill's Town ports that John Garret and his two sons of beaver dam at Albrightsville. Wernersville caught 300 suckers during the winter months while fishing in the Tulpe- Great trout fishing has been reported by hocken near Blue Marsh. Warden J. Albert Johnson, Bradford, in the North Branch of Sugar Run. The following Eighty-four suckers in four days' fishing anglers made splendid catches during the is the record set by Harry Dewey of Gaines, first week, their trout ranging in size from Tioga County, writes Warden Horace Boyden six to 17 inches; Clyde Johnson, Harry of Wellsboro. In three of the trips he caught Johnson, and Morris Greenbury, Bradford, his limit of suckers. and Victor Ericson, Corydon. Word has been received of heavy catches ED. BOSLER. PIKE COUNTY. WITH A 22-INCH BROWNIE The famous Big Spring, Cumberland Coun­ of suckers in the North Branch of the Sus­ ty, had its quota of anglers on opening day, quehanna River. Warden M. E. Shoemaker While April trout fishing was in the an­ according to Warden George James, Carlisle. reports a typical catch from the river near gling limelight last month, splendid catches Some of the anglers making outstanding Wyalusing. Gulio Toni and Pasquale Fonti, of other fish, particularly suckers and yellow catches were C. McCallister and Jacob of Exeter, Adolph Pisaneschi, Joe Carpenter perch were also reported. High water which Fahenstock, Springfield, Bill Hemminger, and Joe Biogotti of Wyoming had a total greeted the anglers in their initial invasion Newville, Charles Hefflinger and Ben Davis, catch of 40 suckers and one catfish. Some of the tromt streams receded somewhat, and Shippcasburg. A magnificent 14-inch brook of the suckers weighed four pounds apiece, early season catches indicate that a banner trout was landed by Fred McCallister of while their average weight was two pounds. season for the speckled kings is in the mak­ Shippensburg. ing. The largest trout reported to the Fish During March the bullhead catfish in Big Commission was a four pound brownie, 22 Fifteen nice brown trout were taken on Chickies Creek, Lancaster County, were bit­ inches in length, taken on the Yellow opening day near Bookers Mills on Tionesta ing freely and some good catches were made. Breeches creek in Cumberland county. It Creek by Harry Hetrick of Clarendon, ac­ Charles Barclay, Columbia, caught five big succumbed to the lure of a minnow presented cording to Warden R. C. Bailey of Youngs- fellows, and Huston Greider, Columbia, two by McClay Gibson, veteran Carlisle angler. ville. Frank Aberg. Youngsville, made a nice large catfish and one sucker, according to catch in Irvine Run. Warden Frank Sanda. Steelton. Fifteen Inches of ice on Lake Wallenpau- paclc on March 31st did not prevent George Hainuiersley Fork, one of the outstanding Wardens Dewey Grant and George Sper- Long of Scranton from taking a banner trout streams in Potter County, lived up to ring both vouch for this one, so it must be catch of yellow perch from that famous fish­ pre-season predictions of great trout fishing right. They were fishing in Pine Creek sev­ ing ground. Long's catch numbered 24 perch, on the first day, according to Special War­ eral years ago. Suddenly a 10-inch bass ranging in size from 10 to 14 inches, accord­ den George Cross of Renovo. The best zipped frantically over the water into the ing to Warden John Schadt, Lake Ariel. catches were made by minnow fishermen, he shallows a short distance from Sperring. writes. The 53 fishermen he interviewed had And following in its wake was the largest The best trout fishing on the upper waters taken a total of 545 trout. Exceptional bass that Sperring says he ever saw. The of Kettle Creek in the memory of old time catches were made by Leo Rhoney and Stan­ monster bronzeback, every inch of two feet fishermen who annually try this famous ley Cumming, Renovo, and Ed. Munn, War­ in length, he says, plunged into the shallows stream is reported this year by Horace Boy- ren. Fishing in Trout Run Richard Wylocker, in pursuit of the smaller bass, and finally, den, warden at Wellsboro, Tioga County. L. Hammersley Fork and Leonard Mulligan, near shore, almost trapped itself. Plowever, H. Wood, district game protector, who pa­ Williamsport, also scored heavi.'y on opening it succeeded in turning- back again to deeper trolled the stream on the first day of trout day. water. season reported the following amazing catch. Of 3C fishermen interviewed, 23 had taken Late March and early April sucker fishing Remember in fishing fast mountain the individual limit of 20 trout. The 36 in the lower waters of Spring Creek yielded streams, that a stone overturned or moss anglers who braved conditions on opening some fine catches of these fish, according to torn from a rock in passing sends just enough day had a combined catch of 652 trout. Warden Dave Dahlgren of Philipsburg, cloudy water downstream to alarm timid Centre County. Some of the outstanding mountain trout. For tins reason, when try­ Favorite flies on north tier waters, partic­ catches were made during March. Dave ing small trout streams, don't wade in the ularly in Tioga County, are the golden spin- Miles, Bellefonte, caught 25 suckers in a water more than necessary. HIGHWAY DEPT. PHOTO FISHIN' IN MAY PAUL L. SWANSON R . D. NO.2. POLK. PA. P-A Sec. 562, P. L .&R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Harrisburg, Pa. Permit No. 270

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Angling World's in Tune' FlyFishing Time is Here