Pennsylvania
MARCH 1983
/ STRAIGHT TALK Recently we called attention to our assessment of sedimentation, mainly from soil erosion, as the worst pollutant in Commonwealth streams and lakes. A great deal of the problem comes from agricultural practices. And with changing agricultural land use and practices and an increased demand for food and forest products, there is great pressure for increased production, and thus, increased stress on our land and waters. Many of these changed practices have effects on fish and wildlife habitats, and many of those impacts are negative. The major trends include more intensive and efficient use of existing cropland, conversion of pastureland and forests into cropland, and the loss of prime farmland to other uses. We are extremely concerned about the use of some agricultural chemicals. Many of these chemicals are toxic to some species and can disrupt ecosystems by eliminating certain plants or animals necessary to support wildlife. Some forestry practices decrease plant species diversity, and we see a conversion of some forests of hardwoods to conifers. We advocate zoning that protects streams, steep slopes, and other sensitive areas, and we encourage silviculture treatments that will retain a variety of vegetation zones, enhancing habitats and resulting in a greater diversity of wildlife. The channelization of streams to prevent flooding changes the diversity and abundance of both fish and wildlife. Chemical runoff from farms tends to alter the ecological balance in ponds, lakes, and streams by killing certain plants or animals, or in many cases enriching the waters so that AGRICULTURE there is high production of algae, which occludes sunlight and eventually AND decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen. The future offish and wildlife and the habitats they require are in danger CONSERVATION where intensive agricultural practices are employed. This points up the absolute need to balance the value of using the most efficient and economical agricultural practices with other values. The Commonwealth, in fact, the whole nation and the whole world, has to make the best possible use of all our resources instead of maximizing the output of agriculture alone. This will require some changes in attitudes and in public policies.
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2 Pennsylvania Angler 'Pennsylvania MARCH 1983 VOL. 52 NO. 3
4 A Pennsylvania Walleye Primer by Jim Bashline Fishing slow and deep is the ticket to taking walleyes. The author offers other useful ideas.
7 Jumping the Gun on the Yough by Mike Sajna Get a jump on the trout season by trying out your tackle on this waterway right now.
10 Build a Marker Buoy by Mike Bleech Draw an "X" in the bottom of your boat, right? The author shows you a better way.
12 SINKERS by C. Boyd Pfeiffer This article gets down to the basics of sinkers. Using them properly can help you increase your catch.
16 Jigging Happily Ever After by Don Shiner Here is a step-by-step description of how to make these effective lures.
25 PFC — In the Air Everywhere by Lxirry Shaffer The Fish Commission is livin' on the air in Pennsylvania, up and down the dial. Here are the details. 26 Low-Head Dams by Virgil Chambers Did you know there are about 2,000 low-head dams in Pennsylvania? Read this article to protect yourself against a river's self-operated drowning machine.
28 Acid Precipitation Update by Fred Johnson This article details the latest information on what many people think is the most important bill awaiting the action of Congress.
Straight Talk 2 Anglers Notebook 22 The Cover Currents 20 jviail 23 The Law and You 20 Boating 26 Book Review 21 Profile 30 The trout on this month's cover, painted by Mark Acid precipitation pi Anderson, is waiting for a meal to drift by at the^ bottom of his pool. You can begin curing your Staff cabin fever in March, but before you run to a EDITOR/Art Michaels stream, check your summary of fish laws and ART/Tom Duran regulations, and turn to page 7 for additional PHOTOGRAPHER/ Russ Gettig details. CIRCULATION/Eleanor Mutch PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION BOATING ADVISORY BOARD
STAFF ASSISTANT/Jayne Calvin J. Kern. President John A. Hugya Clavton Buchanan. Chairman Povleski Whitehall Johnstown Pittsburgh J. Wayne Yorks. Vice Ross J. Huhn Nicholas Apfl POSTMASTKR: Send .1579 forms to Pennsylvania Benton President Saltsburg Fairless Hills Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Pennsylvania Angler (ISSN 003I-434X),® Marilvn Black Robert L. Martin Charles Chattaway 1983. is published monthly. Second class postage paid Meadville Bellefonte Monongahela at Harrisburg. PA. Subscription rates: one year. S5: Walter F. Gibbs Jerome E. Southerton Sherwood Krum three years. % 14: single copies are 5(k each. Send check Titusville" Honesdale Hawley or money order, and all correspondence to Pennsyl vania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg, Leonard A. Green Leon Lyon PA 17105-1673. Carlisle Bellefonte A Pennsylvania Walleye Primer
by Jim Bashline
alleyes, according to most pounds will put up a dogged battle, Allegheny below the Kinzua Dam is gourmet anglers, are the and catching one is not a foregone full of sizable fish, and they spawn W finest freshwater table conclusion by any means. I can't there with good results. The fare. In Pennsylvania, though, the think of a more moody fish in fresh Susquehanna River has long been a walleyed pike for many anglers is an water, and that may be part of the walleye hotspot with the fish having almost incidental species—something reason for the walleye's low position been known as the Susquehanna to be fished for when nothing else is on the preference polls. Deride the Salmon since colonial days. Walleyes available, or as a chance fish caught moon-eyed one if you wish, but the introduced into Lake Wallenpaupack while fishing for something else. The fact is, few fishermen do well and into the Delaware River have walleye, like Rodney Dangerfield, pursuing it on a regular basis. They thrived, and many other lakes and deserves more respect. don't come all that easy. rivers offer excellent walleye The walleye doesn't come to the populations. Given deep water for surface to slam a floating lure or fly Walleye whereabouts winter cover and a plentiful supply of as might a bass, musky, or trout. It Pennsylvania fishermen have food, the walleye takes care of itself doesn't jump when hooked, nor does plenty of walleye water—this relative quite nicely. It is a good forager and it make sizzling runs like a salmon or of the perch is found in all three of can do well in a wide variety of water shad. But a walleye over three our major river systems. The middle temperatures up to 80 degrees. Here's how to locate and catch these critters.
Favored depths early morning hours, late evening, or about trying to overcome a baitfish The most common mistake anglers at night. When walleyes are taken with sheer speed. It simply lies in make when trying to catch walleyes is during the middle of the day, you can wait on the bottom, blending in with they fish too fast and don't fish deep usually bet that they'll be found in its surroundings perfectly, until a enough. Walleyes will occasionally water deeper than eight feet. minnow comes within range. A quick rise from the bottom to hit a trolled snap of the head and the minnow bait or lure, but to get their attention Minnows on the menu finds itself impaled on a mouthful of the offering has to be close to the Walleyes are predominately needle-sharp teeth. bottom in the first place. Those big, minnow eaters, and they aren't too The same fate awaits crayfish, chalky-colored eyes serve a special selective about which species. Many small frogs, leeches, and some other purpose: They gather the low light of anglers think that muskies, trout, and creatures that move in an entrancing deep water and let the walleye feed bass are the most effective predators, way. The walleye is not all that fussy, and move confidently. Shallow water with their flashing speed and nervous and large nightcrawlers trolled with its resultant bright light attitudes, but the old yellow and behind a spinner or small spoon will apparently causes some bother, and brown walleye might be a better do the trick as well. If the live bait is as a result walleyes prefer to do most minnow catcher than any of them. deep enough and moving slowly of their serious feeding during the The walleye doesn't race and dash enough, the walleye will seldom miss a chance to investigate. Walleyes are school fish, so Why not simply dunk a minnow when one is caught, you'll hooked through the back down to probably tangle with more. A the bottom and allow it to hang there walleye of 36'h inches and 17 until a walleye cruises by? Such an pounds, 9 ounces is the current approach will indeed catch walleyes if state record. The monster came the fish happen to be where you're from the Allegheny Reservoir, fishing, but too often the fish won't and was fooled with a live shiner. be there. Walleyes are not solitary The minimum weight re creatures as trout, bass, or muskies quirements for walleyes in the tend to be in stream situations. There Angler Recognition Program are may be the odd fish here and there in 10 pounds for senior awards and rivers, but not usually. Walleyes are five pounds for junior awards school fish and move in "hunting (persons under 16 years of age). packs" in constant search of food and For complete details, contact a comfortable water temperature. If Angler Awards, Office of you locate a school of fish, you'll Information, Pennsylvania Fish probably catch more than one. If you Commission, P.O. Box 1673, find them really "on the take," you'll Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. catch a bunch. Moody marauders Finding them and catching them are not always synonymous. Underwater observations in a number of lakes have proven quite conclusively that walleyes are highly prone to moody behavior. There can March 1983 5 be baitfish or other food forms all about them, and not a fish will stir they need no additional weight. Sling and on into the night. Once you until some inner time clock reaches the plug into the hotspot. and wait locate a good night spot, chances are the magic hour. Much learned prose until it touches bottom before the fish will come there every night to has dealt with this idea, and best beginning the retrieve ... and make feed. Cast a countdown lure or a guesses seem to have something to do that a slow retrieve! I've found that I bottom-hugging crayfish imitation with barometer, moon phase, have better results if I crank the lure close to the bank, and work the lure temperature, and wind direction. back with a waltz-like cadence: 1-2-3, into the deeper water when fishing Fisheries scientists have long 1-2-3, turning the reel in jerks rather from a boat. When fishing from the concluded that all fish are affected by than with smooth rotation. The jerky shore, cast obliquely along the these factors, but walleyes appear to movement seems to be much more shoreline and bring the lure back in a be more highly sensitive to them, and attractive to walleyes. parallel fashion. the clincher is that not all walleye The same movement works with When using live bait in lakes and schools react the same on any given jigs. A pronounced stutter in the ponds, the best bet is to use a large day! retrieve works much better than bobber and rig the hook to ride Searching for walleyes by moving smooth pulls or steady retrieve about six inches off the bottom. A up and down the bank of a walkable speeds. When trolling, keep the rod sliding bobber allows quick river or shoreline or slowly trolling a in your hand and pump it a time or adjustments to be made for different lure or natural bait from place to two every five seconds or so. depths. A walleye usually takes a place is good fishing strategy. I can minnow or nightcrawler with gusto. recall puttering around with a small Live bait As soon as you feel solid tension, set trolling motor for the better part of With live bait on or near the the hook and take up the slack six hours on the Allegheny bottom, no additional motion is quickly. No need to allow the fish to downstream from Warren one day necessaary if the bait is lively and the make a long run as you might with a before hitting the first walleye. I leader to which it is attached is not bass that is merely "mouthing" the wasn't sure exactly where the strike too heavy. For spinning or bait bait before deciding to swallow. took place, so 1 had to troll back casting, line stronger than 12-pound Remember, these are school fish and through a section of river four more test is too coarse for best results; competition for food is keen when times before hitting another one. eight would be a much better choice. there are other hungry mouths From then on it was a fish on every When walleyes are fired-up and in a around. seventh or eighth cast after taking mood, heavy line will not For nearly 100 years in the walleye anchoring. I used a jig head with a deter many strikes, but when the fish coves of Canada, the old June-Bug fluttering plastic tail. Finding the fish are taking delicately, which is much spinner armed with a nightcrawler or required trolling slowly enough to of the time, the resistance and feel of minnow was considered the top allow the lure to bump along the heavy mono will spook them. Don't walleye catcher. The lure is not seen bottom. worry about not being able to handle much these days, but if I were a big walleye on eight-pound line. If interested in putting meat in the pan. Walleye rigs and lures the fish are netted instead of lifted I'd certainly go for this old-time Until a school of walleyes is into a boat or onto the bank, even combination when trying strange located, the bump-the-bottom six-pound line will do the job. water for the first time. Cast or routine is the best strategy to follow. trolled, the June-Bug spinner moves And this applies no matter what the Spring strategies slowly and has the right flip-flop bait or lure happens to be. Some In the spring, look for the edges of action that intrigues walleyes. Move lures won't perform this drill well eddies where the current is it just fast enough to keep the blade unless some weight is added. For intersected by still or nearly still turning the barely off the bottom to floating minnow-type lures, such as water. Walleyes like such places keep it from hanging up. the Rapala, Rebel, or small Heddon where they can hang in the still water You are going to lose some tackle Tiger, a good plan is to tie a three- and watch for schools of minnows on rocks, limbs, and assorted way swivel onto the leader at a point and grubbing crayfish. They are not flotsam, but that's why you will be about 30 inches ahead of the lure. To fast-water fish, but will lie in slowly successful. If you aren't hung up on one ring of the swivel attach a short moving water if the food is there or if the bottom at least one-third of your piece of leader material (about eight spawning activity draws them to it. fishing time, you're not seriously inches long), and to this add a Walleyes prefer deep water, and any fishing for walleyes! C*3 teardrop or dipsy sinker. The idea is spot less than six feet deep will hold to allow the sinker to bump the few fish. bottom while the lure wobbles along In ponds or lakes, locate the rocky Writer-photographer Jim Bashline is behind it. This outfit is extremely shorelines that might hold crayfish an expert Keystone State fisherman. difficult to cast but trolls perfectly. and offer some cover for minnows. He writes a monthly feature for Field Count-down or sinking minnow Fish these areas early in the morning & Stream. plugs are best for casting because 6 Pennsylvania Angler This waterway provides some excellent early-season trout fishing. Jumping the Gun on the Yough
by Mike Sajna
River in Blair and Huntingdon wilds and are now just beginning to he poet T.S. Eliot once counties, and the Raystown Branch offer what many anglers think is described April as "the of the Juniata River in Huntingdon some of the best trout fishing in the T cruelest month of all." If he County. state. had fished for trout, he surely would The Yough winds a total of 133 While the majority of these trout have known that March is the cruelest miles from its origins in Maryland are still only in the 10-inch class, fish month — the time of year when through Somerset. Fayette, and of 14 inches are fairly common, and winter's grip is finally loosening, cabin Westmoreland counties until it joins a scattering of 20-inch and larger fever is at its peak, and the only sure the Monongahela River at fish are taken every year. cure for the trout angler — opening McKeesport in Allegheny County. It Anglers should keep in mind that day — is still a good month away. is open to trout fishing year-round these 10-inch fish have grown to that "The water looks good," 1 said, as along its entire length. Only the first length in the river, not in a hatchery. my father and I got our first look at 27 miles, from the tailrace of the Thus, they really are wild fish, and the upper Youghiogheny River in Youghiogheny Reservoir in Somerset anyone who has caught a wild trout over six months. "It doesn't look County to the South Connellsville knows that one of 10 inches can put much higher than it did at the end Dam in Fayette County, are managed up a fight worthy of a hatchery fish of the season the last time we were by the Fish Commission as a trout two and three inches longer. here." fishery. "What do you think?" 1 asked "Yeah, it looks nice," my father Of this 27-mile stretch, only about apprehensively. quickly agreed. "Where do you want one mile, from the reservoir to the "It's up to you," was all my father to go?" Casselman River, is stocked with said. "How about the flat with the adult trout. Except for a pair of kayakers on riffle? Let's take a look at that," I the bank, the flat was deserted. My said. Excellent fishing first thoughts were that the fishing Within the river's 27-mile trout must be bad if nobody was on the Year-round angling fishery there is one stretch in flat. I grabbed my stream The Youghiogheny River, whose particular — between the town of thermometer from my vest, told my Indian name means muddy banks, is Confluence and Ohiopyle State Park father to stop, jumped out of the one of only four rivers or sections of — that offers some excellent angling truck, and ran down to the water. It rivers in Pennsylvania that is open to opportunities. was only 38 degrees. I knew the fish trout fishing on a year-round basis This seven-mile section has been would be holding right on the with any type of lure or bait. The stocked with thousands of fingerling bottom. If we were going to do any other three are the Allegheny River trout over the past decade. Many good, we would have to find some in Warren County, the Little Juniata have survived the rigors of life in the holes.
March 1983 7 Methods of fishing the Yough center on getting the bait or lure down deep where the fish are lurking.
and failure when you are trying to About two miles downstream tempt slow-moving spring fish. "Let's take a ride up to the dam," from the reservoir, the river and the my father said, seeming to know road that parallels it in the Baits what I was thinking. Confluence area part company. While March trout sometimes take "Might as well," I said. Access to the river from that point spinners and nymphs, the bait all the way to Ohiopyle is basically fisherman is the real king. Where to fish limited to walking or rafting. Mealworms, maggots, nightcrawlers, While the entire tailrace is stocked Although this area contains some of and small crayfish are all good baits. with adult trout and some fish are the best trout fishing the Just make sure you use enough taken all along its length, the best Youghiogheny has to offer, its weight to get whatever you are using spots seem to be near the outflow remoteness discourages many anglers down where the fish are holding. pipes of the dam. Anglers take fish from giving it a try. If you plan on using bait, it would most often in this area by working be wise to bring it along because few either directly into the current or Remote hotspots places in Confluence sell bait. close to its edge. The good spots in this remote area Remember also that the creel limit Anglers who choose to wade near are numerous. Only a few hundred on the Youghiogheny drops to three the outflow pipes should be very yards from where the river and the fish per day during the extended careful. The powerful current, rocky road part is a narrow area of rapids, season, which includes March. bottom, and strong, swirling winds which often produce fish. Following I flipped my big nymph into the that can hit the area in the early these rapids downstream is a stretch pool and felt the current take it. The spring can quickly combine to give of deep flats that is also good, and sun appeared through a break in the the careless wader an icy dunking. then maybe a mile farther clouds. I looked up and noticed a The main complaint about the downstream is a group of islands crow drifting off over the mountains. tailrace is probably the crowd it can around which some nice catches A crowd of onlookers that had attract when the word gets out it has have been recorded. gathered above the outflow was been stocked, or when rains and the Probably the best way to watching my father and me. runoff from the Casselman River approach this remote stretch is "Everybody is dying to get out," I and Laurel Hill Creek turn the river simply to walk until you find a likely thought, and then I heard my father muddy below Confluence. Even looking spot and then stop and try call, and glanced over my shoulder though the water in the tailrace does it. An abandoned rail bed follows to see his rod bending. rise somewhat in the early spring, it the river, so the walking is not "You get one?" I asked. does not often get muddy. difficult. "He's small," my father said, but Directly below the Confluence he could not hide the excitement in bridge is an abandoned railroad Fishing tactics his voice. "I thought it was a chub." bridge and some small islands Methods of fishing the I walked over to him and looked around which I've caught fish. Youghiogheny during the early down at the fish, a rainbow of about Casting live bait right in against the spring are basic and center around 10 inches. bridge abutment is one favorite getting the bait or lure down deep "Well, at least we got one," my method. where the fish are lying. March trout father said, as we watched the fish Downstream from the railroad are not active. They will not move swim away. bridge, the Youghiogheny becomes a far to take a lure or bait. Likely March was no longer so cruel, nor river of mostly wide, shallow flats looking spots need to be worked opening day so far away. F*l and riffles. The vast sameness of slowly and repeatedly. Casts do not these stretches makes them especially have to be long, but they have to difficult to fish in early spring, when cover an area completely. Only a Mike Sajna is a staff writer and you need to look for holes and deep six-inch difference in a cast can outdoor columnist o/The runs. mean the difference between success McKeesport Daily News. 8 Pennsylvania Angler ^atch B to A
CONFLUENCE
L To Ohiopyle ^C0rpsof ^p lO Miles Engineers Campground \YOUGHl(3t5HENY RESERVOIR
March 1983 9 191&1 Here's how to make a helpful device for better fishing. by Mike Bleech
Materials required (See photo 1.) Cut the pattern five You can spend some of your inches long, and to the width of H• ave you heard the story spare time building a marker buoy your board. Anything from three about the fisherman who put an for your boat. Here's what you inches to five inches wide is fine, "X" in the bottom of his boat to need: but wider boards require a heavier mark a hotspot? If you have fished • a half-inch board three inches weight. Next, cut a notch in each for long, you have probably long of the long sides of the pattern. discovered a hotspot or two along • a can of spray paint The dimensions of the notch are the way. That choice place may be • a spool of braided fishing line not critical—its only purpose is to a break in the weeds, an • a one-gallon clear-plastic jug store the line neatly. 1 notch mine underwater hump, or one of many • a six-ounce weight and a two- %-inch deep and 2'/2 inches long. If other fish-attracting structures. In pound weight you do not have a saw capable of any case, your casts have to be The only necessary tools are a cutting sharp corners, just make a right on the money to catch fish. saw and sand paper. simple "V" notch. (See photo 2.) The simplest way to get all your Now mark the board for cutting, casts on target is to mark the spot First steps leaving about a one-eighth-inch gap with a buoy. Then you can cast to Start by marking heavy paper or between markers to allow for the the precise spot even if the wind is cardboard, which saves you a lot of width of the saw blade. It is easier blowing your boat around, and you measuring. You can save this to work with the full length board, can line up that buoy with objects template to make more markers so before you start cutting, cut out on shore to get a permanent fix on whenever you need them, or when the notches before you cut the the location of your hotspot. your buddies ask you for a couple. markers for length. After all the
Photo I. Photo 2.
Pennsylvania A ngler cutting is done, sand the markers Photo 3. enough so that the fishing line comes off easily. Completing the job To get the brighest color possible on your markers use white paint for a base coat. The marker's primary function is visibility, so for the final coats use a loud color such as fluorescent orange or yellow. (See photo 3.) Finally, measure about 35 feet of braided line—almost any line will do. Tie one end to the notched part of the marker and the other end to the six- ounce weight, and wrap the line around the marker. It's now ready to use. The one problem with this marker is that it disappears from sight quickly in rough water. This makes it almost useless on large expanses of water. Here is where the jug comes in. It will be visible for hundreds of yards even in rough water. The jug buoy is easy to make. Just be sure the inside of the jug is clean and dry, and then paint it on the inside with the fluorescent paint. Give it time to dry, then seal the lid. Painting the jug on the inside ensures that the color will hold up a lot longer, because it will not be exposed to wear. For even better visibility, stick on a few strips of prism tape, and it will shine as a signal mirror. Measure out as much line as you will need. Tie one end to the throat or handle of the jug and the other end to the two-pound weight. Then wrap the line around the jug. I store my jug marker in a plastic bucket to keep the line from unwinding. Both markers are ready for use. (See photo 4.) Simply throw them in the water, and the weights will pull the line off. Because of the wooden marker's shape, only enough line to reach bottom will be pulled off, and it will rest right over the spot you want to mark. The jug marker is not as precise, but you can use it in deeper, rougher water, especially for drift fishing and trolling. [PA]
Mike Bleech is editor of Drop Off, the newsletter of the Pennsylvania B-A.S.S. Chapter Federation.
March 1983 11 SHI^rf-
by C. Boyd Pfeiffer
inkers come in many styles, eachforadiffer- ent, specialized type of I fishing, and each with features designed to carrSy out that specialized job properly. But the low cost of sinkers, compared with the cost of rods and reels, makes many anglers pick any old sinker for any fishing task. Actually, there are more kinds and styles of sinkers than there are breakfast cereals, and there are specific categories of sinkers, each designed to do a specific task with each category encompassing several different styles. Thus, using the right kind of sinker can help increase your catch. Here is the bottom line in the basics of Familiar types A mental image of a sinker sinker selection. This lowdown can probably brings to mind the basic bottom-holding type that is used to help you increase your catch. keep a bait or lure near the bottom or suspended to reach schooling fish. These types include the popular bass-casting, bank, pyramid, snagless, and bait-walker sinkers. All come in a variety of sizes and all have a simple eye or snap for attaching the line. Some, like the teardrop-shaped bass-casting sinker, are the most
C. Boyd Pfeiffer is the author of Tackle Craft. 12 Pennsylvania Angli T Photo 1. Photo 2.
1. Sinkers for trolling. At the top are bead chain sinkers of the torpedo and keel types. Below left to right are a rubber core sinker, clinch sinker, two sizes of regular torpedo sinkers, and a planing-type trolling sinker. 2. Sinkers for plastic worm fishing are basically slip type, but come in a variety of styles. Vertical rows left to right are standard lead bullet sinkers in several styles and sizes; clear rattle-type sinkers, plastic covered; propeller sinkers; and plastic-covered rattle bullet sinkers. 3. Slip-sinker rigs usually involve egg sinkers (top two rigs) with a stopper of either a splitshot or a swivel. Special bullet-shaped sinkers are used for plastic worms, and at the bottom is a walking sinker that can be used as a slip sinker or fixed sinker. The small plastic sleeve in the eye of the walking sinker allows it to be used as a slip sinker and removed from the line without dismantling the rig- 4. Fixed sinker rigs with the hook on the same line as the sinker. Leaders from sinkers to hooks are much longer — shortened here for illustrative purposes. Top to bottom are a clinch sinker (note that the line is around the sinker to prevent slippage), a rubber-core sinker, and two splitshot. 5. Bait rigs for rocky areas allow these sinkers to be pulled free if hung up without losing the whole rig. The splitshot holding sinkers in place will pull free with force. Leaders from lines to sinkers are longer to hold hook and bait up higher off the bottom — shortened here for illustrative purposes. March 19X3 13 Photo 6. popular for freshwater fishing, but the bank sinker is also popular because its hexagonal cross section makes it less likely to roll when fishing in a strong current. The four- sided pyramid sinker is typically used for saltwater surf fishing, but it also comes in very small sizes for freshwater fishing in currents to prevent the sinker and bait from rolling. The snagless sinker is a specialized flat sinker designed for rocky or gravel areas, where a regular sinker might become wedged in rocks. Its wide, flat spoon shape keeps it sliding along the bottom. Almost all these sinkers are rigged the same way, with either a single-hook or two-hook bottom rig, in which the sinker is placed at the end of the line with one or two snelled hooks or hooks on the end of a leader attached to the line above the sinker. Photo 7. Inline varieties Inline sinkers are usually used on the line above the hook and bait in a single-hook rig. They are useful when you want the bait to lie right on the bottom or when you want only a little weight to get the bait partially down in a current. Types include the clinch sinker, with ears on each end to hold the line; rubber-core sinkers, which have a rubber plug in the center that grips the line; and splitshot, crimped onto the line with pliers. Small splitshot are popular with trout fishermen — one or two are used to get a fly down into a deep hole or to sink a fly in the pull of the current. While these sinkers are typically used on the main line, they can also be used on a drop line or leader in 6. Trolling rigs. Top, trolling those rocky areas where a caught planer sinker in line with bait and sinker might cause the loss of the hook. Second, keel-type sinker in whole rig. In these cases, the line. Note that other sinkers, splitshot, clinch sinker, or splitshot including torpedo sinkers, can be holding several egg sinkers will pull used in place of the keel sinker. off the dropper line when snagged to Bottom, drop sinker rig with the prevent loss of the hook, bait, or typical bottom sinkers (several styles line. shown) on the end of a leader running from a three-way swivel in Trolling sinkers the line. Trolling sinkers, widely used for inland lake fishing with bait or lures, 7. Typical single-hook bottom rig. are designed to keep a bait or lure at A variety of sinker types can be a certain depth. Most are designed used, depending on bottom as inline sinkers; that is, they are conditions. incorporated in the line or at the end Pennsylvania Angler Photo 8. of the line with a long leader running from the sinker to the business end of the tackle. While both the clinch and rubber- core sinkers with their tapered torpedo shapes can be used, most of these are made with eyes at each end. Several sizes are available. In addition, torpedo and keel-shaped sinkers are designed with bead chain swivels both fore and aft to help prevent line twist. Most of these have snaps on the leader end to aid in changing leaders and lures while trolling. For those baits or lures that cause a lot of line twist, the keel types are best because they prevent the line from twisting above the sinker. Another type of trolling sinker looks like a small, chunky bat or diving plane with wings slanted downward to utilize water pressure with weight to get the lure down. Slip sinkers Slip sinkers are designed to slide on a line so that a feeding fish can take the offering and run with it without dragging the sinker. Dragging a sinker often causes many fish to drop the bait before you can hook them. Egg sinkers are the most common, although a bait walker sinker, shaped like a bent, flattened bank sinker, also works well, particularly when fishing a bait slowly along the bottom. Typical rigs include an egg sinker above a splitshot or swivel to keep the bait six to 18 inches off the bottom. Some types of bait walker sinkers also come equipped with plastic sleeves and open eyes so that weights can be changed without dismantling the whole rig. Tapered bullet-styled worm weights are also slip sinkers used to fish 8. Rubber-core sinker can be plastic worms. Different sizes are placed on any line or leader by available and styles include regular turning the rubber core around the unpainted lead, painted lead, line. propeller, and rattle sinkers (with a 9. Specialized bait walker rig, often rattle in the head for added used for walleye fishing with bait. attraction). Line to the reel is to the left; leader Remember — sinkers vary widely to the right goes to the hook. This in appearance and purpose and must special sinker holds the bait off the be selected properly for the job at bottom in rocky areas. hand. They might be relegated to the bottom of the lake in use and the bottom of the tackle box the rest of the time, but the proper choice can make a big difference in your fishing success. [PA] March 1983 15 16 Pennsylvania Angler Jigging Happily Ever After
N^ Tying these lures yourself can help you save money and greatly increase your catches.
by Don Shiner the only lures to be used while Pattern improvements any anglers are fishing in his boat. Needless to say, The series of pictures on the next discovering that his clients rarely fail to catch some pages shows the Muddler or hopper Muddler and Le- heavy stringers of fish. pattern being dressed on a lead- -tort Hopper pat weighted hook. The dressing is ternMs are among the best flies for Advantages changed slightly to include long trout from midseason through early Those who have used jigs of this saddle hackle feathers, which add a autumn. Their enthusiasm is well- pattern usually think that the stubby bit more action when used on long founded because the flies do take hair collar, found just to the rear of lines in deep water. lots of trout. The patterns most the molded lead head, gives the The feathers are topped with deer likely resemble choice late-season appearance and "feel" of something hair of the kind found on the body trout foods including grasshoppers edible. Walleye and northern pike rather than on the deer tail. Deer and crickets that find their way into that grab these jigs usually hold onto body hair, of course, is hollow. streams. The patterns also bear some them longer. Fishermen have a bit When compressed by the tying resemblance to minnows of the more time to detect the hit and thread, the hollow centers collapse, sculpin variety, and to crayfish and strike with more determination and and the hair ends flare upward. A other crustaceans. confidence. portion of this stand-up hair is then Regardless of how fish view them, Fishermen who work lures at trimmed to form the stubby collar the two patterns are most effective depths of 25 to 40 feet or deeper behind the lead head. Vary the hair on trout and smallmouth bass, know that weighted jigs can catch color to achieve different hues of particularly those in the Susque quantities of fish. There are, these patterns. hanna River. More than that, when however, drawbacks. It is not Those who use jigs of this kind for tied on heavy, lead-weighted hooks, unusual to have a half-dozen or the first time usually discover that the patterns are outstanding lures for more tear-offs each day, when lures they are effective on walleye and walleye, northern pike, and lodge among rock crevices or bottom northern pike. With or without a muskellunge. debris. Lure loss can run high. A sweetening of worms or minnows, One guide 1 know spends most of pocketful is sometimes needed to the weighted ties put fish on the winter holed up in his lodge in keep going for several days. stringers. upper Ontario fashioning lead-head Thus, tying your own jigs can save Those anglers who are into this flies from hair taken from the thick a bundle. Cost is reduced to pennies, kind of fishing ought to make their hide of a bull moose that fills his with a further reduction possible own jigs, if they are not doing so larder each fall. His ties, resembling when weighted hooks are made from already. They can go a step further the Muddler and hopper trout melting scrap lead. The costs arc and mold their own weighted hooks patterns are made available to his much lower than those sold if scrap lead is available. To do so is clients with instructions that they are commercially. to jig happily ever after. March 1983 17 1. Here's how to tie jigs to resemble those outstanding patterns. Begin by clamping the weighted hook in the jaws of a vise. Tie on four to six of the longest saddle hackle feathers available, and allow the ends to extend beyond the hook point.
18 Pennsylvania Angler 2. Snip off the surplus ends of the feathers. Then hold a generous amount of deer body hair, color of your choice, parallel to the hook shank. Arrange the hair evenly around the shank, and make several turns of thread around the hair and weighted hook. 3. Pull the thread tightly to compress the hollow hair. The ends of the hair will flare upward. 4. Trim off the ends of the hair to form the stubby collar. The "haircut" is complete, and your jig is ready for fishing.
March 19H3 ANGLERS CURRENTS —
Trout Production Up The LAW and YOU In 1983 1. Q: A person I know was others to treat your property. The Trout production for this year's arrested by a waterways patrolman owner may withdraw your fishing stocking will be about 4.7 million and told that he could pay the fine privilege at any time. according to Ken Corl, Chief of the to the officer. Is this allowed? Pennsylvania Fish Commission's A. Yes. The Fish and Boat Code 3. Q: Is it lawful to spear suckers? Trout Production Section. "Numbers provides that any person A: Yes. Only carp, gar, suckers, and will be higher than last year's," Corl apprehended for a violation may pay eels may be speared in inland waters. said, "and barring unforeseen the fine to a salaried officer and On the Delaware River, catfish and difficulties, trout fishermen are in for receive a receipt from any salaried herring (shad excepted) may be a banner year in 1983." officer of the Commission after taken. However, the use of a spear Corl's announcement dismissed having signed an acknowledgement or gig in approved trout water is fears by those who insisted the of guilt. Additionally, the defendant prohibited. Consult your summary Commission's new management may choose to make the payment by of fishing regulations for more program. Operation FUTURE, mail after being issued a mail-in information. would bring about a reduction in the acknowledgement by any officer. number of hatchery fish. The 4.7 4. Q: How can I determine if the million trout to be stocked, 2. Q: The Fish Commission stocks equipment on my boat meets U.S. according to Corl, do not include a stream that flows over a section of Coast Guard approval? fish set aside for fall and winter private property near my home. May A: Only certain items are required to stocking. Numbers for the later I fish there? be U.S.C.G. approved. These are stocking will be announced when A: Yes. The Commission stocks only personal flotation devices (PFDs), estimates become available. waters open to public fishing. Your fire extinguishers, backfire flame Furthermore, news about the fishing on private property is at the arrestors, and marine sanitation estimated average size of next year's discretion of the landowner. devices (MSDs). Approved items plants is encouraging. Trout that will Remember to treat his property in a bear a tag with an approval be planted in the Commonwealth's manner that you would expect statement and number. streams and lakes beginning March l should average 9.7 inches in length, better than last year's 9.5- inch average. ,' crappie fishing in the Lower we'll put you on the river for a According to Ralph W. Abele, an be an supervised four-hour fishing Executive Director of the exciting sport. To acquaint anglers session, concluding with a fish fry Commission, "Even though the with the techniques used in on shore. Commission will make stocking 'chi; of these The cost of the seminar is $20, alignments (increasing and and reservations will be accepted decreasing stocking rates for R on a first-come-first-served basis. individual bodies of water), we are client panfish. the Pennsylvania Here's a chance to add a new not cutting production, and the h Commission will be dimension to your fishing, as well estimated 4.7 million trout slated for Ilucting a crappie fishing as discover a beautiful fishing area stocking is a measure of the inar at Pennsylvania Power & in Pennsylvania. Commission's sincerity in providing it's Otter Creek Campground Just complete the application Pennsylvania anglers with the finest Saturday, May 14 (rain date. below, and send it with your check fishing available today." The seminar will start at 8 a.m. or money order payable to the with Fish Commission field officers Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Moore Named Law program on the best We'll reserve a space for you and Enforcement Officer baits and techniques for successful send you additional details that rig in the Susquehanna. include information on directions, of the Year After the instructional session lodging, etc. J. Gary Moore, a waterways patrolman of western Erie County, was named Law Enforcement Officer Age Phone Number of the Year 1982 by Edward W. Approximately how long have you been fishing? Manhart, Chief of the Commission's Law Enforcement Division. Send to: Crappie Fishing Seminar, Office of Information Moore has been a waterways Pennsylvania Fish Commission patrolman since 1980. He earned a P.O. Box 1673 bachelor of science degree in fish farrisburg, PA 17105-1673 and wildlife management from the 20 Pennsylvania Angler University of West Virginia. Book Review Rivers of Pennsylvania Tim Palmer, 230 pages, The Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, PA $12.95 paperbound.
Rivers of Pennsylvania addresses the recreational uses of the 45,000 miles of rivers and streams in the Commonwealth. It is easy reading and highly informative. The novice as well as the experienced boater, camper, hiker, angler, and conservationist will find this publication worthwhile reading because the author speaks from experience when he discusses the rivers' recreational and environmental aspects. Sections of the book specifically on waterways include "The Susquehanna Basin," "The Ohio Basin," and "The Delaware Basin." Other chapters include information for river people on hiking, camping, fishing, safety, and traveling. The text is illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, depicting the type of river activities and scenic beauty that are intricate parts of Pennsylvania's rivers. An excellent detailed canoeing and fishing map is beautifully printed on the inside front and back covers. In addition, the back of the book has practical suggestions for on-the- river enjoyment, listing where to go for what types of recreation and what to expect when you're there. Any publication on the waterways of Pennsylvania would be incomplete if a discussion of the past were not included. Palmer's book reveals just enough information to send your thoughts back to those days when the flowing rivers were the livelihood and way of life for a great many Pennsylvanians. Whether you need ideas for a float trip or you want to explore places, this book is a guarantee that your appreciation of the rivers of Pennsylvania will continue to flow. - Virgil Chambers Catch a big one Subscribe today and sign up a friend!
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D New MAIL TO: Pennsylvania Fish Commission • Renewal Angler Circulation Please photocopy this form it you don't P.O. Box 1673 wish to cut your magazine. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673 Angler Seeks Oral History Contributions "Notes From the If you can contribute, send us a Streams" Returns Are you 60 years of age or older postcard that includes your name, Back by popular demand, "Notes and have you been fishing in address, telephone number, age, and From the Streams" will again appear Pennsylvania for at least 50 years? If a brief description of your earliest in the pages of Pennsylvania Angler. so. Pennsylvania Angler would like fishing experiences in Pennsylvania. The column will not be published to talk with you about your earliest Also let us know the best time of every month, but will be included as memories of fishing in the Keystone day for us to call you. a feature article in the magazine, State. Our goal is to compile an oral Address postcards to The Editor. thus providing more thorough history of fishing in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Angler, P.O. Box coverage of topics. Look for it this the first of its kind, and we'd like to 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. spring. tape record your recollections. The deadline is March 31.
Anglers Notebook By Richard F. Williamson Big, bushy dry flies like bivisibles are Walleyes are wanderers, traveling from fine smallmouth bass lures for river and area to area in a waterway instead of creek fishing. They should be fully holding in one favored place. In hackled in a variety of colors and addition, most walleyes travel in schools dressed on hooks in sizes four through rather than alone. They feed at various eight. depths, depending on water temperature and light conditions. Thus, you have to hunt for them and learn their favorite Dedicated to the sound conserva locations. When a hotspot has been tion of our aquatic resources, the located, you can be confident that protection and management of the state"s diversified fisheries, and to walleye schools will be found there often. the ideals of safe boating and optimum boating opportunities.
Spinners are productive stream EXECUTIVE OFFICE producers. Because a stream current Ralph W. Abele. turns a spinner blade, they can be fished Executive Director Mayfly nymphs are regarded by most slowly with good results. anglers as strictly trout food, but many Howard T. Hardie, panfish feast on these nymphs as much Administrative Assistant Dennis T. Guise, as trout. Chief Counsel Ross E. Starner. Catching bluegills with surface lures is Comptroller great fun, but underwater Hies are more BUREAU OK ADMINISTRATIVE effective than floaters. Good patterns SERVICES 717-787-6487 Paul F. O'Brien. include the black gnat wet fly, wooly Director worms, and nymphs in dark colors. Allison .1. Mayhew. Personnel Fishing for bass with deer hair, wood, John Hoffman. Real Estate Yellow perch are deep-water fish, or plastic surface lures is difficult if even Glen Reed. Federal Aid except during the spawning period. They a small portion of the leader sinks Mary Stine. Licensing rarely feed on the surface, so lures like beneath the water's surface. A line and BUREAU OF FISHERIES very small spinners and spoons, which leader floating all the way make it AND ENGINEERING 814-359-2754 Edward R. Miller. P.E.. attract fish by their glitter and shine, are possible to impart a very delicate action Assistant Executive Director to the offering, and this kind of fishing the best offerings when used with Delano Graff, Fisheries ultralight spinning tackle. provokes bass strikes. Carl H. Nordhlom. Engineering BUREAU OF WATERWAYS Marabou, used to dress jigs and other 717-787-2192 lures, does not come from the marabou Gene Sporl. stork — it comes from turkeys. Marabou Assistant Executive Director Edward W. Manhart. Law Enforcement can be dyed in any color, but its natural Paul Martin. Boat Registration hue is white. Virgil Chambers, Boating Education OFFICE OF INFORMATION In casting a dry fly upstream, gently 717-787-2579 pick up the slack in the line as the fly Michael J. Bickler, Director floats downstream. If you don't pick up Larry Shaffer. Publications Stephen B. Ulsh. Education the line, it will drag the fly and make the Dave Wolf, Media Relations offering ineffective. I think there should be a $5 facility. Why must I wait to use the salmon stamp in addition to the site? By registering my boat I have ri required Pennsylvania fishing actually paid for the facility, and license. 1 believe that's a small price all the canoes were unregistered. to pay — I am an unemployed steel worker, and I will find the Hamilton Fisher MAIL extra five bucks. Scranton, PA Salmon fishing is getting more popular all the time. Increased We welcome reader I recently read an advertisement numbers of anglers, higher daily comments on the pros and in The National Enquirer for limits, and fewer stockings add up cons of registering non- "Action Lure," and I'd like your to a decreasing chance for a powered boats. comments on the effectiveness of fishermen to land a chinook. this lure. Before you tell me that additional Concerning the article, "Does charges to fishermen is an Competitive Fishing Have to Be so George K. Harrison unpopular subject, why not let the Divisive?" (November 1981), 1 Alfred R. Harrison anglers of Pennsylvania decide? I'd think fishing used to be a relaxing Philadelphia. PA like you to put this question in and enjoyable sport, but Readers who have tried Pennsylvania Angler, and see if tournaments will be the ruination readers think that beefing up the of fishing in the future. Everyone this product may want to seems to have gone bass help the Harrisons by salmon stocking program and improving the management of the tournament-crazy. If there's a writing to Pennsylvania resource with the additional fee is a tournament on your favorite lake, Angler. We'll forward the good idea. your best bet is to stay home for a information to the Harrisons. few days. Jack Schwer 1 have a suggestion for trout Clyde Starr season. I have three children who N. Versailles, PA Satsuma, FL like to go fishing with me. If we all We agree that the caught our limit of trout, we could question should be put to We wonder how many remove from the stream 32 trout, the readers, and we all from the purchase of one fishing other readers share welcome comments on this strong sentiments on this license — mine. I'd like to see the topic. creel limit for all non-licensed subject. We'd like to hear children reduced to four trout per from those who do. day. If kids want to take a full Pennsylvania Angler is a limit of trout, let them buy a terrific magazine made better We'd like to express our deepest license. since you redesigned it and appreciation for the invaluable refocused the editorial content. I services you have rendered to our enjoy reading the technical David Rapo River Rescue & Water Safety features and the short subjects in Kennedy Township, PA Training Program through your the "Currents" section, and I like River Rescue Conference. contributing to your solicita The number of unlicensed Your teaching the latest water anglers in Pennsylvania is tions for readers' pictures and tips. 1 have a few suggestions for safety innovations and rescue estimated to be more than techniques has helped us add a high 1.1 million — more than the articles I'd like to see in Pennsylvania Angler: how about degree of safety, efficiency, and total number of license professionalism to our operations. buyers. Your ideas on a some articles on controversial junior license are held by subjects and articles on cartop boating. Robert D. Heck, many anglers. We invite Captain comments — pro and con — Telford Diving Unit from readers. Lee Trennerich Allentown, PA Norristown Volunteer Fire Department I have a comment on chinook stocking, which had to be Last summer I arrived at a Fish suspended temporarily because of Commission boat launch site on federal budget cuts. I think that the Delaware River near those of us who fish for this fine Narrowsburg, New York. At the species should take up the slack, time, I had to wait nearly an hour because most fishermen don't even to launch my boat because get a chance to fish in Lake Erie. canoeists were tying up the launch March 1983 23 m Meet the Commission's order). Make checks or money SPRING Herpetological Advisory orders payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and send orders Committee to: Publications Section, The Herpetological Advisory Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. BY FRED GUARDINEER. Committee is a nine-member group Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105- 1673. ONE OF THE FIRST FISH of unpaid citizen volunteers who TO BITE IN THE SPRING 15 THE meet formally no more than twice SUCKER,WHICH MAKES ITS yearly to advise the Pennsylvania SPAWNING RUN WHEN WATER Fish Commission on matters TEMPERATURES MOVE INTO THE concerning the Commission's juris 40'S.THEY ARE BEST EATING diction for amphibians and reptiles. AT THIS TIME. THOUGH BONEY The Committee's recommendations THE MEAT IS FIRM, SWEET greatly assist the Commission in AND THE ROE seeking protective legislation and DELICIOUS. designing management plans destined to benefit these animals. Current members of the Committee are Dr. C.J. McCoy. Curator, Section of Amphibians and Coming AVERAGE Reptiles, Carnegie Museum of 12 IN- WITH A RECORD OF 40 IN. Natural History (chairman); Mr. GO 6-8 LBS. IN LAKE ERIE NET5. Walter L. Pomeroy, Regional Vice President, National Audubon m Society, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office; Mr. John Groves, Curator of D Reptiles, Philadelphia Zoo; Dr. M. Pennsylvania Graham Netting, Director Emeritus, H Carnegie Museum of Natural -Jl History; Mr. Malvin L. Skaroff, Esq., Past President, Philadelphia • April. "Pennsylvania Sleepers" ITS UNDER- Herpetological Society; Dr. Gilbert shows you how to find and fish the SLUNG MOUTH VACUUM-CLEANS L. Twiest, Professor of Biology, little-known but highly productive LAKES AND STREAMS,SEEKING Clarion State College; Mr. Paul G. small streams. LARVAE AND VEGETATION .WILL Wiegman. Director, Natural Areas BITE ON BAITED GARDEN WORMS. Program, Western Pennsylvania • April. "Fishing Freestone Trout .A'ZO-INCH FEMALE WILL Conservancy; Mr. Howard Reinert, Streams with Nymphs" offers Ph.D. candidate. Department of SPAWN 20,000 EGGS technical tips for anglers with better- AND MOST WILL Biology, Lehigh University; and Dr. than-average fishing skills. HATCH Cyril J. Zenisek, Professor of TO,,, Biology, Indiana University of • May. "Streamer Fishing for Trout" Pennsylvania. is a detailed, thorough accounting of BECOME A how to improve your trout catches MEAL FOP, Angler Volumes with streamers. OTHER FISH. ONLY A COUPLE Available • May. The Green Drake hatch on WILL MAKE IT A very limited number of bound Penns Creek often spurs wide-eyed BACK TO copies of Pennsylvania Angler anglers to this waterway. In "Classic SPAWN. Volume 51 (January 1982 through Flies for a Classic Hatch" you will December 1982) is available. They find local fly tying adaptations that contain the year's 12 issues and are over the years have provided anglers hardbound in black with gold- with consistent success. colored inscription. Bound volumes are offered on a • May. "Your Underwater Eyes: A first-come-first-served basis. Each is Guide to Depth Sounder Use" THE STATE RECORD G0E5BACK available for $20 for nonsubscribers explains everything you need to TO 1938 WHEN ERNEST KEMPER, and $15 for subscribers (include know to purchase and use a depth JR.,OF BUTLER CAUGHT A 9 LBJ202. magazine mailing label numbers with sounder. (28 IN.) SUCKER.ON A WORM IN FRENCH CREEK, VENANGO CO. 24 Pennsylvania Angler PFC — In the Air Everywhere
by Larry Shaffer
'he Pennsylvania Fish FUTURE, what it is and what it informed accurately to understand TCommmission is in means to the sportsmen who enjoy their environment better and allow the air . . . everywhere. We don't Pennsylvania's vast water resources; them to make proper decisions mean to imply that the Fish pollution, its sources and effects; and about it. Commission has begun using aircraft we'll talk about fish and the other We think radio can help, and that in the performance of its duties, but cold-blooded animals — reptiles and a regular series of broadcasts is a rather that it has taken to the amphibians — for which the Fish logical medium to reach the million- airwaves: statewide radio broadcasts. Commission is responsible. We'll plus anglers and boaters who Chances are we're heard over a investigate their natural history, their excitedly call Pennsylvania one of station near you. habits, and their peculiarities. We'll the best states in the nation for Begun several months ago, the offer tips on panfishing in the varied fishing and boating Fish Commission has been providing spring, trout fishing at night (some opportunities. a weekly three-minute program to say that's when the real biggies are If you haven't heard these Fish more than 40 AM and FM radio caught), bass fishing during the Commission programs, check with stations throughout the autumn months, winter angling for your local station for broadcast Commonwealth. As we progress into muskellunge, and much more. We times. If they are not now carrying the traditional start of our fishing plan to research boats, pursue the these programs, ask them to get in season, we expect the number of growing popularity of boating, and touch with us. We'll be delighted to stations carrying these informative stress boating safety. Into float trips? add them to our network and help broadcasts will increase We can tell you about some of the provide their listeners with this substantially. According to a survey best, too. important service. F*l of radio stations we conducted, our The interest in waterborne "network" will grow to more than recreation in Pennsylvania is very 100 stations across the state. high, and it continues to grow each Larry Shaffer is the Fish Why radio? Because most year. In addition, environmental Commission '.v Information Specialist everyone listens to the radio at least awareness today is on the minds of in charge of special publications and during some part of the day, every nearly everyone. People need to be broadcast media. day. There is at least one radio in nearly every home and in nearly Radio Stations Airing Pennsylvania every car and truck. When we need Fish Commission Weekly Reports or want information, we've become accustomed to turning on the radio. WESB (Bradford) WMBT (Shenandoah) WARO (Canonsburg) So what better way is there to reach WASP (Brownsville) WESS (E. Stroudsburg) WDBA (Dubois) the anglers and boaters of WISR (Butler) WMAJ (State College) WLEM (Emporium) WWCH (Clarion) WNAE (Warren) WEDA (Grove City) Pennsylvania? WWCB(Corry) WBZT (Waynesboro) WNPV (Lansdale) Each taped program distributed to WFRM (Coudersport) WYZZ(Wilkes-Barre) WBCB(Levittown) the participating stations addresses WJET(Erie) WRAK/WKSB (Williamsport) WJUN (Mexico) an issue of concern to Keystone WLKK(Erie) WQTW (Latrobe) WPEB (Philadelphia) State anglers and boaters, provides WSKE (Everett) WTGC(Lewisburg) WYEP (Pittsburgh) information of interest, and WHP(Harrisburg) WVCC (Linesville) WTRN/WAMN (Tyrone) WWBR'(Johnstown) WMLP/WOEZ (Milton) WPQR (Uniontown) otherwise keeps listeners up-to-date WACB(Kittanning) WMGW/WZPR (Meadville) WT1V (Titusville) on information such as fishing WDAC (Lancaster) WPHB(Philipsb'urg) WPSU (Wilkes-Barre) hotspots and boating opportunities. WLSH (Lansford) WPXZ (Punxsutawney) WRlE(Erie) We'll cover topics like Operation March 1983 25 Boating -Head Dams oa * More than 2,000 of these self-operated V drowning machines span Pennsylvania waterways. Here's how they work.
26 Pennsylvania Angler Rivers present a great threat to an recirculating victim. If rescue is not unwary boater: low-head dams. These immediate and the victim is to survive structures claim the lives of an and escape this water trap, he must go increasing number of sportsmen down with the current coming over the annually. Of all the things on a river face of the dam, stay as close to the that are dangerous, the low-head dam bottom as possible, and try to get past is the most dangerous. In fact, if an the crest of the boil before resurfacing. engineer designed an efficient, This maneuver is very difficult, and unattended, self-operated drowning few have done it. machine, it would be hard to come up Another method of escape, with with anything more effective than a rescuers available, is for the victim to low-head dam. attempt a lateral movement across the Hazards exist not only from going dam after each cycle. This involves over the dam, an obvious source of proper breathing control and great danger, but also below the dam in the endurance. If the victim is able to work backwash, where the power of water is his way to the side of the dam, rescuers frequently overlooked. Much of the then may be able to assist him out of problem originated in the past when the powerful backwash. This the good fishing that exists below maneuver is also difficult. In either dams was promoted without clearly case, the chances of survival are much emphasizing the hazards involved. greater if the victim is wearing a life Unfortunately, anything caught in jacket (PFD). this backwash below the dam is Dams do not have to have a deep trapped and recirculated round and drop to create a dangerous backwash. round, making escape or rescue most During periods of high water and difficult. A person caught in the heavy rains, the backwash current backwash of a dam will be carried to problem gets worse, and the reach of the face of the dam, where water the backwash current is extended pouring over it will wash the victim downstream. Small low-head dams down under and back beneath the boil. that may have provided a refreshing When the victim struggles to the wading spot at low water can become a surface, the backwash again carries monstrous death trap when river levels him to the face of the dam, thus are up. continuing the cycle. There are an estimated 2,000 low- To complicate matters, these dams head dams in the Commonwealth, and are usually loaded with debris such as if river travel is something you plan for tires and logs on the surface and rocks this year's recreation, whether fishing and steel bars on the bottom, posing or cruising, be familiar with the river's another serious problem for the dangers. [7*]
THE DROWNING MACHINE
"interface" Hydraulic air is drawn in and mixed with water water "hill"
Upstream component Downstream component by Virgil Chambers
Virgil Chambers is a Fish Commission Boating Education Specialist.
Illustrated above is the hydraulic backwash current action characteristic of low-head dams. Boaters and anglers often get too close to the downstream side of the dam, become drawn or sucked into the backwash current that takes them to the base of the dam, and are then forced underwater. Victims are then pushed away from the dam underwater. When the victim surfaces, he gets drawn back in toward the base of the dam, starting the cycle over again. ACID PRECIPITATION UPDATE by Fred Johnson
In the May 1981 Angler article, "Acid Precipitation: The Ultimate Threat to Future Fishing in Statewide average Pennsylvania." the phenomenon of acid precipitation was presented precipitation is 1,000 how it originates as SO2 and NO from the smokestacks and times more acid than automobile exhausts, how these gases chemically react with moisture neutral water. 2 4 to form acids (H S0 and HNCT). and finally, how the earth functions
to neutralize (buffer) these acids" before they reach the streams and lakes. This article noted the expanding area in the Northeast that is affected by increasingly acid precipitation, and focused on Pennsylvania, the downwind side of the industrial Ohio Valley. A close look at our mountain trout streams, our most vulnerable resource, revealed an alarming trend to acidification and weakening of the buffering capacity of our mountain bedrock during the past several decades. Have we discovered anything new that casts a different light on the A Senate bill extending the Clean views expressed in that provocative Hundreds of moun Air Act was reviewed and passed by article? committee. This bill, known as the tain streams are Mitchell-Stafford bill (S 1706), The answer is not comforting. The 2 Department of Environmental would have reduced SO emissions Resources has been monitoring probably marginal by eight million tons by 1995. It was precipitation for the past two years for survival of wild not acted on in 1982, but will almost and provides confirmation of this certainly be reintroduced in 1983, as agency's contention that brown trout will a similar bill in the House of Pennsylvania's precipitation is populations. Representatives. comparable to the most acidic in the While there is no certainty that world. Statewide it averages pH 4.0 this scale reduction of the precursors to 4.1 year-round — 1,000 times the of acid precipitation is enough to acidity of neutral water. PH resolve the problem resulting from the fallout in Pennsylvania, it is an Purging and updating our data LYE BATTERY ACID from stream files and other sources "mod IA ACIDRAlM important step in the right direction, and deserves the active support of all reveal that the alkalinity of 90 T SEAWATESAM D M05 ^i MsTATES percent of our stocked mountain BAKlMCSOPA M0> ErapKNSTATES concerned citizens. Let your repre freestone trout streams has declined ADIRONDACK 1Fr.nijT1,.rE sentative or senator in Washington during the past two decades; none VINEGAR know where you stand on the Clean Air Act, considered by many as the most important bill awaiting the
14 J3 12 11 10 9 6 3 4 3 2. 1 O action of Congress. Ls*J ALKALINE ACIDIC
compared has shown an increase. We also have discovered that perhaps 100 or more of the stocked mountain streams in the state have pH 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 required management changes Fred Johnson is the Fish Com SMAUMOUTH 4* (stocking less acid-sensitive species BASS •*- OS mission '.v Water Resource Coordina and elimination of preseason or all LAKE tor. •*K *K •*< o stocking) due to the increased acidity TROUT — of waters, not including those •*M *>« -»»-
March 1983 29 PROFILE
The White Sucker
by Robert E. Moase
attain a length of 16 to 18 millimeters. At this phase of The white sucker, Catostomus commersoni, is a their development the mouth moves from a terminal member of the Catostomidae (sucker) family. This large position to a ventral position, and bottom feeding begins. group consists of about 65 species. Members of this As bottom feeders, the major portion of their diet family occur in lakes and rivers of North America, consists of insect larvae and mollusca. The bottom eastern Siberia, and China, but the white sucker is not as feeding behavior of the white sucker has brought about cosmopolitan as many of its relatives; its range is its condemnation by some sportsmen as an egg and fry restricted solely to North America. It is widely feeder causing great damage on the spawning grounds of distributed throughout the United States and occurs more desirable species. There is actually little evidence within each of the major drainage systems of Pennsyl that such predation is harmful to gamefish populations. vania. The female white sucker grows faster, lives longer, and Members of the sucker family are easily identified by attains a greater length than males. The maximum their toothless mouth, located under — rather than at the attainable age has been reported as 17 years. Even end of — the head. Still, most anglers would have though fish of 25 inches and seven pounds have been difficulty identifying separate species of this family reported, the growth rate of this species is quite without the aid of an identification key because colora consistent throughout its range, but varies from dwarf tion varies. In adults the back and upper sides are populations that never reach a length of more than 10 generally coppery brown with the ventral surface creamy inches to normal-sized populations. white to silvery white. The bodies of spawning Some anglers consider the white sucker to be an individuals appear golden in color with males displaying undesirable catch, but many Pennsylvania anglers think a wide, black, lateral band often bordered by a pinkish otherwise. One group of bait fishermen uses the white stripe. sucker as bait for gamefish, especially for muskellunge Because it is abundantly distributed, much has been fishing. Another group of anglers fishes for suckers. As learned about the white sucker's life history. Sexual spring approaches, many cases of cabin fever are cured as maturity is reached within five to eight years, with males more and more anglers discover early-season sucker usually maturing at an earlier age than females. fishing. Not only are suckers quite sporting on light Spawning takes place in the early spring and adults tackle, but the white flesh is delicious if properly migrate into streams when water temperatures first prepared. approach 50 degrees. White suckers do not build nests, All in all, this Keystone State critter is providing fine, and they make no effort to guard the eggs or young. The early-season sport for a growing number of Pennsylvania yellow eggs adhere to the substrate and hatch in about anglers. [f*] two weeks, depending on the water temperature. Numbers of eggs vary with the size of the female, but will usually be about 10,000 per pound of body weight. Young fish Robert E. Moase is a fisheries technician in the feed on plankton and other small invertebrates until they Commission's Fisheries Management Section.
30 Pennsylvania Angler White Sucker Illustrated by Tom Duran You've got a friend