OCTOBER—1976 ^MSYLVANIA He the,. Keystone State's I Official FISHING BOATING Magazine... ^/ 30* H ng^i Single Copy THE EXTENDED TROUT SEASON

s this issue goes to press, trout anglers in Pennsylvania will be A. enjoying the second year of enlightened Commission policy ex­ tending trout season from Labor Day through October 31 with reduced creel limits. A decision to provide an extended season on all approved trout waters was made after due and deliberate considera­ tion of all the social and biological factors which our staff felt would or could have any bearing on public reaction. The primary reason for an extended season is to provide a better and longer recreational opportunity for the angler who wants to fish from the beginning of the season to the end. We are offering an angling op­ portunity during a season of outstanding natural beauty and relative serenity along our trout streams. We have had some criticism centered in one area that we would open more streams to poaching at this time of year and would disturb the spawning of the stream-bred trout. Perhaps the opposition comes because the idea for that locality is relatively new — but it certainly is not new for the rest of the Commonwealth. Prior to expanding this extended trout season to all approved trout waters, all or portions of 232 stocked streams, or roughly 25% of the stocked trout streams were open for the extended season in 60 counties. Interest in the extended season, shown by requests for more streams, had been growing and there was confusion in the minds of the average angler as to what streams were open during that period. As to the objections on a local basis, there is no reason to believe that poaching will be any greater or any less due to the extended season. Unfortunately, we shall probably always have the poacher or outlaw with us — those people with a different set of rules, attitudes and stan­ dards of conduct than the average sportsman. The poacher is a thief taking a resource to which he is not entitled, but to judge the conduct of the average angler by the misconduct of a minority is unfair. During 1975's extended season we found relatively few anglers taking ad­ vantage of this bonus, but the presence of the honest fishermen on those streams probably acted as a detriment to the poacher. Reduction of the number of brood trout also seems to be a concern. Actually the reproduc­ tive capacity of most trout populations exceeds the ability of the stream to support trout. That means many eggs are produced, but only so many trout will result. Angling pressure in the extended season is normally light, and the creel limit is reduced to three to emphasize the sporting aspect. This, combined with the relatively large number of potential spawners, and the capabilities of these spawners, makes us believe that the extended season will not harm the wild trout fisheries. We think that the members of the Commission were wise in extending the trout season as they did. We think this is a responsible and objective effort to provide more varied fishing experiences for as many anglers as is compatible with the resources. The function of government is not to restrict the many because of the trespasses of the few, but to protect the many from these same few who disregard the law, the people, and God.

Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director Pennsylvania Angler

Pennsylvania's Official Fishing & Boating Magazine

Published Monthly by the PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Milton J. Shapp, Governor

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

Volume 45 - No. 10 October, 1976

CONTENTS

Susquehanna Smallmouths by Gerald Almy 8

Penns Creek by Dave Johnson 11

The Worm is Not Alone by Loring D. Wilson 14

The Bellefonte-to-Chicago String by Ken Corl 21

Conestoga, Small River — Big Surprises by Steve Mellinger 28

Beatitudes for Anglers by Carsten Ahrens 32

Our covers this month portray scenery we anticipate each year along Pennsylvania's waterways. The angler is more fortunate than most passersby in that he can fully contemplate its beauty at a more leisurely pace than can those speeding by on their way to — where? Front Cover: Margaret Nichols fishes the Yellow Breeches. Photo by Sylvia Bashline Back Cover: Powells Creek photographed in autumn splendor. Photo by Ned Smith

MONTHLY COLUMNS

FISHING OUTLOOK 2 ANGLER'S NOTEBOOK 23 LEAKY BOOTS 4 STREAM NOTES 24 TAKING A CLOSER LOOK 6 FLYTYING 26 CO-OP NEWS 22 ASHORE & AFLOAT 30

James F. Yoder, Editor

POSTMASTER: All 3579 forms to be returned to the office of The Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Post Office Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 17120 The Pennsylvania Angler, Copyright 1976, all rights reserved, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Subscription rates: One year -$3.00; three years -S7.50; 30 cents per single copy. Send check or money order payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. E>o not send stamps. Changes of address should reach us promptly giving both old and new addresses, including both zipcodes. Subscriptions received and processed by the end of the month will begin with the second month following. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission will not assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or illustrations while in their possession or in transit. Communications pertaining to the magazine should be addressed to: The Editor, Pennsylvania Angler, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P. O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Unsolicited material, manuscripts, or photos will not be returned unless accompanied by an envelope with sufficient postage attached for its return. The pool at the dam's base gets a crawler and deep running minno>"| lot of attention from anglers who type lures all catch fish. cast their lines from the huge Besides the fat smallmouth aw boulders and chunks of concrete walleyes, he said that muskies in m below it. Bass, walleye, panfish and 40-inch class are being takeO' fishing 1 catfish are taken on minnows, "But," he continued, "some bigge crawlers and size 2 spinners. ones are waiting to be caught!" T< Cast to the face of the breastwork emphasize this, Redline said thai where the water is churning and while recently investigating stream allow the bait to be worked by the conditions during an extreme waten outlook current. When using spinners in the drawdown, he saw a musky that was! same place, start the retrieve as soon at least 50-inches-long in one of the as the lure hits the water. shallow pools. Wading fishermen score high on Helping the fish to reach tackle by george e. dolnack, jr. smallmouth by concentrating on the busting proportions are the gizzard] pools, pockets and faster moving shad that abound in great numbers runs found among the rocks. Min­ on the lower Susquehanna. The shad he cooler weather of fall re­ nows, spinners, humpback type benefit all of the predator fish whicf Tjuvenates both fish and lures and white and yellow jigs all feed voraciously on them. fisherman, spurring each into a catch fish, says Hartle. In the eight-mile-long Lake Aldred frenzy of pre winter activities. On BUT, a word of caution to the pool formed by the Holtwood Dam. our major rivers and streams where wader: the river level rises when very little fishing takes place, say8 the waters are now cooling, this is water is released out of the impound­ Redline who patrols it regularly' one of the most productive times of ment from time to time and the Two-thirds of the lake, he said is less the year for the fisherman. shallows disappear on the way back than 30-feet-deep and very much Seeing few anglers, but deserving to shore. A boot full of water will fishable. more, is the underfished lower Sus­ result, if you're lucky. Because of the natural reproduc­ quehanna River in the Holtwood It's possible to fish the area tion offish in Lake Aldred, it can be area where there is an abundant sup­ between the dam and the bridge considered a huge nursery. And I ply of fish that includes smallmouth from a canoe when the water is not supplies all types of fish to upstrearfl bass, walleye, muskies and panfish. running too swiftly. However, the Safe Harbor. The most popular stretch with the boat will have to be manhandled From the east shore, about two anglers is the tailrace section of the over the rocky embankment. Some miles below Safe Harbor, a public; Holtwood Dam. This fertile water of the other pools along the shore boating access area can be found at runs from the base of the dam to can be fished from the rocky Pequea's Arrowhead Marina. If yoU about 2V« miles downstream to overhangs up from the bridge. Shore put in here, Redline suggests fishing the Fish Commission's newly fishing is also handy below the with minnows among the rocks constructed Muddy Creek Access bridge. below Safe Harbor for smallmoutri Area that boasts a boat launching Anglers launching their boats from and walleyes. ramp, large parking lot and toilets. the west shore's Muddy Creek Ac­ On the west side of Lake Aldred, York County Waterways Patrol­ cess Area off River Road, fish Hartle recommends the Fish Com­ man Bill Hartle picks October and around the rugged islands dotting the mission's Otter Creek Access Area November as the best time of year to river. They also make their way to anglers. Located several miles fish Holtwood. He said that catches upstream towards the bridge which downstream from Safe Harbor, it is of 21-inch bass and two-foot-plus is in sight of the launching facility. a favorite with fishermen. Hartle walleyes are not unusual. Though On the east side of the river, says that anglers haul in nice catches spring fishermen bring in some nice Harry Redline, Lancaster County of smallmouth and walleyes from the catches, fishing tapers off from June Waterways Patrolman, says that creek area. Muskies and northerns to September since little water is tailrace fishing is limited to the are also fair game and they go for big allowed to flow from the dam. This Muddy Run Fishermen's Park which plugs, he said. not only drops the downstream can be reached from Route 372 in At one time, before the power water level, but dampens the fishing Lancaster County. Although no boat dams were constructed, the 43-mile, as well. launching ramp is available, cartop boulder-strewn stretch from Colum­ Access to the west shore from boats can be put into the water bia to the tidewater was fast drop­ Route 372 is convenient. A parking there. ping rapids. Most of these rocks are lot is located just north of the Route Redline also says that anglers are now submerged, but many, particu­ 372 bridge and is visible from the passing up some excellent fishing by larly in the tailrace area, are close to road. The river is but a few minutes not taking advantage of the river's the surface and can make boat han­ walk away. Parking spots for a few generous offerings in the Holtwood dling tricky. And unless your motor cars can also be found along the dirt area. He said that fish takers include is equipped with some sort of a prop road between Route 372 and the dam minnows, jigs, deep running tandem guard, you'll risk tearing up the breast. spinners, June bug spinners with a lower drive unit. PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE* .^>fc

^I^^^Pr§

i Shore fishermen find the pool below the Holtwood Dam (above and below right) attractive for a variety of fishing, fyong Song Oh, below left, displays his smallmouth bass. Catches of walleyes, panfish, and trout are also made. who has only a few hours to spare or the don't see how. The fellow who travel boat fisherman enjoying a day on the from Pittsburgh to Kettle Creek can P] water. only so many times. He has the stockaj The Pennsylvania Angler has done a schedule. Let him schedule his o^ great service by informing the public of opening day. What the tradition* Pennsylvania fishing waters, both new "opening day" system does favor is tffl and old. The photos are proof of the ex­ most infamous of all slobs, the pi*] cellent fish catches. season poacher, a "local" whose nui"; bers increase each year. What I propos'; MRS. MICHAEL J. QUIGNEY would put him out of business. Sportfishing Tackle Let's return the Pennsylvania angle(! Bethlehem to some sort of sanity, to some chance oj THE WHOLE THING! peace and solitude on the mountaM COUNTERPOINT streams. Please find check for $7.50 payable to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission to I think Mr. Bob Gooch in his DONALD R. RODGEP! renew my subscription to the Angler for "Defense of Opening Day" (April An­ Indiana three years. gler), must be writing satirically, that is, I thank you for bringing it to my atten­ with his tongue in his cheek. But just in tion that the subscription was to expire. case he is serious, or in case your Whether Mr. Gooch's article in tD'j You have a great magazine going there. readers are taking him seriously, I am April Angler was sardonic or sincere, onl'j My only complaint, and it is mostly compelled to reply. Mr. Gooch can say. However, just as jj with me, I pick it up and don't set it What takes place on the opening day felt compelled to reply to the article abo"1; down till I finish the whole thing then a of trout season in New York State and in opening day, I feel compelled to reply,,: long wait for the next one. Pennsylvania is an abomination of your letter. You have made some rath''; Yes, I do use it for reference going everything that a real fisherman holds broad generalizations about opening <$ back many times for many reasons. I dear, as everybody knows. to which I would like to respond. want to take time now to express my Mr. Gooch acknowledges the frenzy, I readily admit that the congestion ad1 thanks to all you people of the Pennsyl­ the congestion, the limited space for crowds that are attracted to many streak vania Fish Commission. You do a good parking or camping, or fishing itself. He on opening day are not compatible wi1* piece of work and you do it so well in so admits there is no challenge in trying to the angling ethic that decrees one arrive 1 many different ways. Thank you. catch freshly stocked fish. But he tries to streamside carrying a cane rod, wearing' make sense out of all this. He argues that funny-looking handmade Irish tweed h;l EARL STROUP, JR. fishing for stocked trout on this kind of or a Scottish deerstalker, and crouch 9 Pittsburgh opening day "is not demeaning." And he kneel) on the bank peering intently *| implies that we have to have it this way. some point in space (it helps if you smok' INTERESTING INDEED! Well, I say it is not the way to in­ a pipe but pipe smoking is not essentia" After reading the Annual Report in the troduce a youngster to trout fishing. And and looking philosophical, then rise <<" January 1976 issue of the Pennsylvania I can well understand my many good periousiy and announce to whoev*' Angler, I thought your readers would friends, real trout fisherman, who would might care that it is unquestionably find this information most interesting. never think of going to the streams on Caenis and that the "sipping" rise in<"' As a Fishing License Agency in "opening day," or even during the first cates an 8x tippet will be required. I'm m Northampton County, we also issue two weeks for that matter. saying all that happy nonsense isn't fun! I nonresident and tourist licenses. Al­ There is an obvious alternative to the is and I love it, but I have all summer I though the greater number of licenses horrors of "opening day." That is to thrash about on the streams looking as' purchased are by residents of Pennsyl­ have no opening day at all, but rather I'm posing for an illustration in Gray I vania, "out-of-state" licenses sold in­ trout fishing all year round. I am well Sporting Journal. The opening day com*- cluded residents of: New York, New aware of the Fish Commission's argu­ but once a year. Believe it or not, there's' Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, Ohio, ment that opening day promotes the sale whole world full of folks out there running Minnesota, Indiana, and Seattle, Wash­ of licenses and results in the necessary about unsupervised who enjoy opening ington. Also, Virginia, Alabama, Nash­ revenue; but I say let's try it the other day and some of them are, shocking') ville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, At­ way. Other states which have gone to enough, real trout fishermen. lanta, Georgia, and Florida — all well year-round season have stuck with the If you find opening day objectionable known as "bassin' country"! program. It works! then by all means don't fish on opening Senior Citizens "65 Plus" do not lay Mr. Gooch is right when he concludes day; but — remember opening day is I aside their fishing tackle. A good number that "opening day in trout country is tradition — it is a subjective thing and i of senior licenses were issued to persons Americana that persists in the face of the least some of those who go out and enjo'1 ages 65 to 85; also, two gentlemen whose current collapse of traditions." It is one opening day are indeed real troii ages were 88 and 94. tradition that ought to be abandoned, fishermen. There's a great deal to be sai'1 I believe 1976 will be an even greater and the sooner the better. And besides, for the anticipation, the buildup of '''' year for fishing in Pennsylvania. It there is the matter of utilizing the cold thusiasm and finally opening day. (V'f started with the ice fishing season. More water resource to a greater degree to not referring to license sales but to the if out-of-state people will be visiting our serve a "put and take" stocking program dividual experience which has nothing I historical sites during this Bicentennial and a growing number of fisherman. do with financial gain or loss.) Passing Year. During reproductive periods consider judgment on someone else's valu'" Our neighboring counties have much closing those streams which are known concerning desirable or undesirable as' to offer — not only historically, but in to support a native trout population. pects of fishing on opening day is prett) ;1 the way of good fishing. The new lakes Some say that an open season all year dicey business and boils down to simply are easily accessible for the fisherman round would favor the local fisherman. I matter of opinion. I know that I enjoJ

PENNSYLVANIA A N G L E • °pening day, I look forward to it and I response to trends and not an effort to "FISHING WE LOVE" Sain memories with each one. initiate or promote trends. It is now ap­ I appreciate the general atmosphere parent that we have a responsibility to I am truly sorry about letting my 'hat occurs on opening day can be provide the public with an opportunity to subscription run out. I am an avid distressing to someone who seeks solitude experience and evaluate some alternatives fisherman and I found myself wondering and a "quality" experience. I am sym­ to simply catching a limit of stocked trout. why the Angler stopped coming to my pathetic to your concern — I assiduously Perhaps the tradition that ought to be house. I must not have noticed, or over­ avoid fishing streams that have been very abandoned is not the opening day but looked the renewal notices. It's a great recently stocked simply because in­ rather the persisting misconception that mistake on my part. Consequently, I tolerance of crowding can constitute a all trout come from a hatchery truck or would like to renew my subscription for 'irriit to my enjoyment. This may seem that all problems can be solved by stock­ another three years. I enjoy reading the Paradoxical but what I'm trying to com­ ing more trout. Pennsylvania Angler because you don't have to read about some fancy money- municate is that the real problem you ob­ As you have undoubtedly perceived, rich fellow who charters a big boat to ject to will not be solved by doing away this response is not really a rebuttal. The catch some exotic fish, probably none of Wth the traditional opening day. I like only major disagreement I have is that the us will ever think about anyway. Instead opening day and I don't blame opening problem is not opening day — whether we we can read about the kind of fishing we •*ay for producing the problem of too keep opening day (which I favor) or go to all love and enjoy. I would also like to toiany people trying to fish at the same a year-round season, it won't correct the thank you for your cooperation on print­ |ime. I say let's keep opening day because urgent social problems that are develop­ ing a few articles on eel fishing, which I 't is a tradition many enjoy and it is only ing in relation to the catchable trout had earlier requested. I truly like to read °ne day out of the entire trout season. program. The Commission is aware of the Pennsylvania Angler and all of its these problems and an effort is being Your obvious alternative, year-round articles. season, may not be satisfactory since we made to consider all the needs of the an­ still have the "horrors of opening day" gling public including those social factors Now, I don't know if it's possible but I each time we stock. You have identified which result in reduction in angler satis­ would like my renewal to begin with the the real problem when you mention, faction. I hope you'll be patient and bear February issue. My last received copy • . . there is the matter of utilizing the with the Commission, supporting their ef­ was the January issue. I was looking for­ cold water resource to a greater degree to forts to minimize these negative social ward to a certain article in February's serve a 'put and take' stocking program aspects of the trout program. It's a com­ issue. My appreciation would be with and a growing number of fishermen." plex and intricate problem involving more you people if you could convey this 'ear-round season or closed season, it than simply changing allocations of small request. It's not any major thing, doesn't matter which, the problem will hatchery trout or changing seasons. There as I wouldn't be put out any if this wasn't remain the same as long as angler is no overnight solution. possible but it would sure be a fine thing Pressure fluctuates in direct response to to know I hadn't missed any issues along 'he stocking truck. In many cases, and I DELANO R. GRAFF, CHIEF the way. Thank you truly for your help Saw this during the first week of trout Division of Fisheries and any cooperation. Keep up the good Season this year, very fine trout streams work. 'fe subjected to quite light angling ARLAND ZEILER Pressure except during and shortly after Hamlin an inseason stocking. A year-round season MAKING PROGRESS ^n't going to solve that problem. I just got back from fishing down We do our best to pick up an expired It is evident to those of us involved in below our house at Spring Creek and just subscription where the subscriber re­ determining management policies for our had to write this up for the Pennsylvania quests, Arland, but sometimes we forget trout fishery that some aspects of quality Angler readers. I was fishing a pool with — other times it's impossible (especially if have to be included as absolutely essential. an egg for bait and watching a little girl too much time has gone by). If we've over­ This is no simple task since quality is one on the other side of me watching her rod looked your request, drop a note to °f those things we understand but which tip like a mother hen when I got a soft Eleanor Mutch in our Circulation Section. simply can't be measured or expressed in hit. I quickly set the hook and brought in Ed. Quantitative terms. a sucker. To make along story short, the The Pennsylvania Fish Commission is little girl went wild over the fish so I taking a strong effort for diversity which asked if she wanted it, as I throw suckers will provide the experience desired by all back anyway. She said she did and I NEW SLANT Segments of the angling public. There is n gave it to her. She was so happy she gave In reference to the article on worm ° "right" or "wrong" involved — who me a kiss right there on the streambank! "eviction" you had in the Angler, I J* to say that wild fish are noble or That little girl and the joy she showed found a solution a couple of years ago hatchery fish are demeaning? What is in- v over that fish made my day even though that works as good as your solution. But olved are efforts such as those to extend I didn't get one other hit the rest of the it is much safer for a minor. I found by trout season with a drastically reduced Cr night. For even more good news, I taking black walnuts while they're still eel limit, restrictive regulation and no couldn't find enough litter to fill my litter green, crushing them up in a bucket of stocking (Penns Creek, Big Spring, Le- bag half-full. Just shows what a good job water, and poiiring bits of it on the tort), wilderness trout streams, and cur­ you all are doing. ground where worm holes are, the tailment of stocking in some really fine worms come up like crazy. I don't know ^ild trout streams. BILL BARNHART, JR. what causes it, but I think it burns their The effort the Commission has made to State College m skin so I rinse them off in a bucket of * phasize "quality" or aesthetics has not water and they're as good as the worms always been enthusiastically endorsed by We get the impression that, carrying a lit­ you buy or dig. jffl the angling public. It is a slow and dif- ter bag along, you're doing a rather good l, eult process. In the past our manage­ job yourself! Hang in there, others might KYLE W. GAITHER ment policies have been primarily in catch on. Ed. Coopersburg OCTOBER — 1976 The graceful Osprey, above, the Belted Kingfisher, left, and the Hooded Merganser, right, all depend upon fish as a staple.

But it's a different story when it "fish ducks," are characterized by a comes to Pennsylvania's feathered cylindrical bill edged with sawlike Taking anglers. A great variety of birds teeth that enables them to catch and frequent our state's streams, ponds, hold fishes of rather large size. lakes, and marshes for the sole pur­ Three species inhabit Pennsylvania: pose of catching fish or tasty side the HOODED MERGANSER, the COM­ A Closer dishes of crayfish, frogs, or tad­ MON MERGANSER, and the RED- poles. BREASTED MERGANSER. The latter One of the most familiar denizens two species are almost entirely fish of the waterways is the spunky eaters and their flesh is not too pal­ BELTED KINGFISHER. This long- atable. The HOODED MERGANSER, Look beaked, tousle-headed angler typi­ however, varies its diet with aquatic cally feeds on fish not utilized by insects, crayfish, and frogs and is man — such as creek chubs. It can better tasting than its cousins. by Tom Fegely be a real threat to hatchery fry, Chubs, suckers, and a variety of however, as a pair of these blue-gray minnows are the traditional prey of birds will quickly diminish the popu­ the mergansers although they are lation of a hatchery pond of tiny sometimes able to outswim small PENNSYLVANIA'S trout. trout. FEATHERED ANGLERS Streamside anglers occasionally Pennsylvania's most powerful have the opportunity to watch a feathered angler is undoubtedly the here are probably very few kingfisher dive headlong into the graceful OSPREY. This is the only T Pennsylvania anglers who water and emerge with a hapless fish hawk that is entirely a fish eater. It fish for the sole reason of putting in its beak. As it flys off to some catches unwary fish by a spectacular meat on the table. If we didn't derive overhanging branch on which to sit plunge and is sometimes robbed of fun and relaxation from our sport, and down its catch, the kingfisher's its meal by the more powerful BALD not many of us would even bother rattling call can be heard. EAGLE. picking up a rod. The mergansers, also known as Unfortunately, the OSPREY is a 6 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER A Great Blue Heron pauses, apparently unconcerned, then suddenly dives for a fish it had been watching all the while, above. When alarmed, the Bittern, below left, "freezes," blending perfectly with its surroundings. The American Egret, below right, is often mistaken for an albino Great Blue Heron, but has black legs, yellow bill.

yictim of past pesticide abuse, BLUE HERON. It is entirely white TERN. Even its diet is so varied that Particularly DDT, and its popula­ with black legs and a yellow bill. The occasional meals of fish are in­ tions have declined in recent years. smaller and showier SNOWY EGRET terspersed with mice, snakes, sala­ « has been proved that the pes­ is also an occasional Keystone State manders, frogs, dragonflies and ticides cause the birds to produce visitor. It is considerably smaller anything else small and careless shells so thin that the eggs are unable than the other two birds and is enough to cross paths with it. The ti> hatch. Since the OSPREY is adorned with black legs and bill and bittern is also called the "stake entirely a fish eater, it is one of the yellow feet. driver" or "bog pumper" because of first creatures to ingest the pesti­ The EASTERN GREEN HERON the strange sound that it makes. cides which accumulate in the water seems to have been misnamed for its When surprised in its marshy home, and are in turn taken in by fishes. general coloration is more of a the AMERICAN BITTERN simply The most famous of all fish eating maroonish brown than green al­ raises its bill skyward and freezes — °irds has to be the heron clan. What though it does show some iridescent its streaked breast blending perfectly angler hasn't thrilled at the sight of a green and blue on the crown. Its with a background of marsh grasses. jong-winged heron gracefully cruis- neck is comparatively short for a A variety of other feathered an­ ln8 above a sun-dappled lake? heron and it prefers to live a solitary glers may be found along Penn's The best-known heron family life where it is least disturbed. streams and shorelines. The LITTLE Member is undoubtedly the GREAT The BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED BLUE HERON. It is able to catch and HERON is a beautiful but seldom NIGHT HERON, COMMON LOON, and down fish up to a foot long with a seen member of the fish-eating a variety of waterfowl, gulls, and lightning fast thrust of its sharp fraternity. In fact, this red-eyed bird birds of prey all depend on fish as an °eak. When alarmed it typically with the long, white plumes adorning important part of their diets. yoices its displeasure with a throaty its head includes fish in about 80 per Besides their beauty and the add­ gawk" as it flies off to find some cent of its diet. It is largely a night ed dimensions that sighting one or other, more secluded, place to hunt angler and is not averse to eating fish more give to a day's fishing, these °rrest. that are already dead. "feathered anglers" deserve every The beautiful AMERICAN EGRET is The most unusual of all feathered form of protection that we "un- °ften mistaken for an albino GREAT anglers must be the AMERICAN BIT­ feathered anglers" can provide.

°CTOBER — 1976 7 Susquehanna Smallmouths by Gerald Almy t didn't look like smallmouth sprightly, olive-hued smallmouths. gulfed the tiny spinnerbait and put I water to me. The bronzeback The fish were not large. Two were on wild aerial displays, spraying streams I was used to fishing in Vir­ about 8-inches, one a 10-incher. droplets of water which sparkled and ginia, such as the Shenandoah and But all were thick-bodied plump glistened in the shafts of autumn Rappahannock, were much shal­ specimens and each fought briskly sunlight. lower and dotted with riffles every against the limber ultralight spinning When things slowed up at this lo­ few hundred feet. Yet the Susque­ rod and 4-pound test line. Their cation, I paddled swiftly upstream hanna at the Oakland Access Area healthy, well-fed condition indicated toward an inviting riffle bordered by looked uniformly deep, smooth, and that they did indeed come from a deep green eddy. The spinnerbait devoid of cover. prime smallmouth habitat. was a little light for this deep, rapid However, it was a gorgeous mid- Once I had paddled upstream from water, but I decided to take a couple September day and I had a brand the launch point, this became ob­ of casts with it anyway. spanking new canoe just picked up vious even to me. The bottom was a On my fifth cast the lure vibrated from the factory in Marathon, New maze of stone and rubble. Even a next to a submerged log midway York, begging to be tried out. "Why man-made shoreline rip-rap pro­ back when a fish ripped viciously not give it a go?" I prodded myself. vided prime bronzeback hangouts. into the noisy intruder. Line peeled . Not being able to think of a sound The rocky bar where I connected so from the spool in short, sizzling reason why not, I hoisted off the quickly on the three frisky bass spurts as a maddened fish rampaged shiny aluminum craft, loaded up two extended well out into the river, pro­ back and forth, shaking violently on spinning rods, a tackle box, paddles, viding excellent foraging ground for the end of the monofilament. He and life vest for a quick session and feeding smallmouths in search of fought stubbornly and sullenly to stroked my way a quarter mile up­ hellgrammites, crayfish, nymphs, start, but then made two spectacular stream. and minnows. leaps clear of the river's surface. My So much for my instincts about This was no news to the bass. heart crept into my throat when 1 what looks like smallmouth water! They must have been congregated saw the fish erupt from the water. Three casts with a squiggly tailed Vie on this shoal by the dozens. Before This was the largest river small­ ounce black spinnerbait turned up my luck ran dry at this one spot 11 mouth I had taken in some time- three walloping strikes from a trio of energy-packed smallmouths had en­ When I subdued him and stretched 8 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLES L Taken on ultralight tackle, this beautifully shaped Susquehanna smallmouth provided the author with thrills aplenty.

"Wet-wading" is very popular on the Susquehanna River. A great deal of water can be fished; and, in relative comfort! lhe fish out on the rocks for a quick the whole river to oneself as far as heat while you're fishing. Photo, he measured "a full 16 inches. you can see in either direction. The bulk of smallmouth action ft was an exquisite fish with deep There are many small streams and on the Susquehanna, as on all bronzish-olive flanks and a pale larger rivers in the state which offer bronzeback rivers, will come from creamy belly. The bar markings that high quality smallmouth bass fish­ fish in the 8-12 inch range. These are are sometimes prominent on lake ing, but topping the list has to be the usually fish in the 1-3 year age class fish were subdued on this solid, dark mighty Susquehanna. This river on this stretch of the Susquehanna, river specimen. Its short, squat form ranks with the James, Snake, which indicates a very good growth Suggested a nutritious diet and fast Shenandoah, Potomac and White rate for the smallmouths. Sfowth rate. I released this prize fish among the top bronzeback waters in For fish of this size, light tackle (along with his younger relatives) the country. and small, succulent-looking lures ^ter taking photographs. Numerous access points can be are preferable to heavy gear and big Fishing for smallmouth bass in found along the entire length of the artificials. You'll find you tempt a lot ivers is a marvelous pastime. It's Susquehanna as she snakes her way more bass with these refined bite- free, requires a minimal amount of magestically through Pennsylvania sized offerings and thin lines for equipment, and offers fast light from New York to Maryland. If you river smallmouths are actually more tackle action with one of the greatest find good shallows, wading is an ef­ similar to trout in their behavior than freshwater gamefish in the country. fective way to fish; otherwise, a they are to their relative: the large- With a pair of waders or perhaps a small johnboat or canoe is helpful. mouth bass. They can be ex­ small johnboat or canoe, hundreds Often combining the two methods is tremely finicky feeders and prefer °f miles of prime smallmouth bass the best strategy. You can use a boat tiny, quiet-swimming tidbits to large Waters are available to Keystone an- to reach good wading areas away noisy offerings. Slers. Because there are so many from the roads and then get out and Some productive river small: Sood bass streams in Pennsylvania, cover the water thoroughly on foot. mouth lures include silver-bladed a major side benefit of river small­ In the spring and fall, chest waders spinners, floating diving minnow mouth fishing is solitude. With a are usually required. But in the sum­ plugs in the 2-31h inch class, 4-inch minimal amount of paddle or foot­ mer, wet wading in sneakers is a plastic worms, jigs, and spin- work, it's usually possible to have satisfying way to beat the summer nerbaits. These last lures are

OCTOBER — 1976 «) probably the hottest smallmouth nod in this department. wits by the apparition of a huge pale- tempters on the market today, yet But whatever tackle and methods green snake-like creature which they too should be chosen in the you choose, the Susquehanna is a lunged with his snout half out of the smallest, lightest weights available, good choice of water to try it on. water at my plug more viciously than j 78 and Vie ounces being the best There are plenty of willing any fish I've ever seen. The pri- sizes. bronzebacks, as well as a few other coeval looking fish hooked himself, Fly rodding can be a fun way to eager customers that might jump shook and thrashed raucously at the catch smallmouths if you find them onto your offerings, as I learned side of the boat, threw the hooks, in reasonably shallow water. Small later that September day. and vanished in a matter of seconds. olive and black poppers, hair bugs, Close to two dozen bass had fallen Never having caught a musky, not drab-colored wet flies and stream­ for my spinnerbaits in four hours on in the least expecting one, and day­ ers, and even large trout dry flies this stretch of the river, which I'd dreaming as I was, in the split with bushy hackle will often do the never fished before. But it was get­ second when the fish suddenly ap­ trick. Since you'll be using fairly ting late and I had a long drive peared and struck, it failed to small bugs and flies, no hefty bass ahead, so I started drifting back register in my mind: MUSKY! My bugging rods are needed. Something toward the launch site, casting along instinct, taken by surprise as I was, on the order of a 6V2-8 foot rod tak­ the deep water near a sharp sloping was initially one of fright. The long, ing a 5-7 weight floating line (weight bank with a deep-diving crayfish mean-faced critter appeared so sud­ forward or level) is a good choice. plug. denly and at such close range, and Add a 7-9 foot leader tapering to a 4- I was casting almost hypnotically, struck so violently that I was too to 6-pound-test tippet and you're all absorbed into a reverie by the stunned to react quickly enough. set. beauty of the flowing river and sur­ And he was gone. But the im­ If you're after the really lunker- rounding mountains that already pression is etched permanently in sized bronzebacks, live bait is displayed a touch of autumn color. my head. generally the way to go. Hellgram- On just one such mechanical cast I Take it from one who lost out: mites, madtoms (small catfish), worked the lure back, felt it as it rose never discount the unexpected when crayfish, and minnows, all staple towards the surface at the end of the casting for bronzebacks on the Sus­ items in the diet of river bass, get the retrieve, and was stunned out of my quehanna.

This angler found his canoe to be a great asset while collecting this stringer of Susquehanna River smallmouth bass.

10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER -*H£, •M ';.>%* fm

Penns . . a touch of wilderness for large native brook trout (al­ the propagation and growth of though we still have many remote brown trout. Creek headwater brookie streams where Since the Thirties, I have had the small fish are the rule.) A 1.1 mile chance to fish and study this stream. stretch of this outstanding fishery is Skipping a hitch for Uncle Sam, FISH-FOR-FUN water. 1942-45, I've waded and fished, at The latest victory (early '75) and one time or another, most riffles and by Dave Johnson perhaps the sweetest is the Penns holes on the creek. (And got dunked Creek story. After years of hard plenty too.) bargaining — at times near collapse As a boy, when school was out my — this superlative real estate and brothers, Fred and Van, and I fished walk-in trout water was saved from every day — sometimes all day. he Pennsylvania Fish Com­ threatened private development. Luckily we had a cabin on the creek T mission's committment to an In my judgment, this 416-acre and a father who understood. eXpanded land and water acquisition tract has got to be among the most Oh, we did some other things too Program is a real bonus for Keystone valuable realty owned by the Com­ — even chores, sometimes (Penns sportsmen. Established and pro­ mission. Flowing through a remote does get terrible muddy now and jected Commission acquisition and and beautiful mountain valley is one again!). development of lake and access sites of the mightiest limestone waters in Most of the Project water was un- are solid evidence of this priority. the country. Blue Ribbon by any stocked in those days (still is) be­ Purchasing land suitable as lake standard, its population of wild cause there were no roads. We early sites or access points is tough and brown trout ranks it high among discovered the remote fishing was as competitive, but even harder to find those waters where quality angling is good as the more easily reached and ls a cold water fishery sustaining possible. readily stocked water. good populations of streambred This 3-mile project lies near the The "head" of trout was very trout. They're not making these any­ middle of Penns Creek's trout water. good and fishing pressure less. (We more. Nearly all of the upper 30 miles, never dreamed then that wild trout In recent years the Commission from its source in Penns Cave in populations are repressed when has acquired mileage on two of the Centre County to Glen Iron in Union mixed with large numbers of best: Big Spring in Cumberland County, is productive water and is hatchery stock.) County and Penns Creek in Mifflin regularly stocked with catchable Thousands of anglers who re­ and Union Counties. brown and rainbow trout. joiced that the Commission had ac­ Big Spring is the location of Water temperature seldom ex­ quired the "Winter Stretch" were the Commission's most modern ceeds 74° fahrenheit. An excellent hopeful management could protect hatchery. This great limestoner pH factor of 7.5 and high conduc­ its unique qualities: natural fishing in remains one of the few sanctuaries tivity provide ideal conditions for a remote setting. OCTOBER — 1976 li The Commission received great This special regulations area is terminated, this stretch was under encouragement from environmental open to artificial lures only (spinning statewide rules, permitting all legal organizations to adopt special regu­ gear or fly rods) with a creel limit of angling. The trout really took a lations that would place emphasis on one trout, 20 inches or longer. Wad­ pounding. (1974 was the year of the fishing for sport, rather than creeling ing is permitted, but fishing after 17-year locust in Central Pennsyl­ trout and the necessity of having dark is not — assisting in realistic vania. Anglers made a killing.) catchable trout stocked. enforcement of regulations. This At the same time the new manage­ Trout Unlimited, the national or­ modified FISH-FOR-FUN section is ment plan was established on Com­ ganization dedicated to the protec­ open year-round. mission property, landowners tion of America's remaining cold No legal-sized trout will be downstream and adjoining the new water fishery, spearheaded the stocked. It was originally suggested facility leased their water under struggle to save this resource from a that fingerling trout might be planted similar FFF regulations. With this strictly put-and-take management. in the future if Commission studies added 7/io mile, the special regula­ The local R.B. Winter Chapter, determine that they were needed to tion water spans some 3.9 miles — named for the late Raymond B. maintain an adequate population of making it the longest FFF refuge in Winter, from whose estate the tract resident fish. It is now apparent that, the state! (The boundaries are was purchased, and the Penns Creek precluding a natural catastrophe — identical with the former and once Chapter fought the battle in the such as several poor recruitment popular Fly Stretch.) trenches. years in succession — that will not Now before you tear off for this It was, incidentally, T.U. that be necessary. angling delight I would caution that made possible the acquisition of the Early surveys (summer '75 and Penns Creek is no setup! When it's old Penn Central RR grade (parallel­ continuing this year) were most good it can be very good, but often it ing Penns Creek all the way) by the exciting. Employing the electro- can be as tough as any I've seen. At Department of Environmental shock method, results show the head times it's impossible. Either because Resources from the Nature Con­ of trout averaging over 150 pounds rains in the upstream farmlands have servancy, as a nonmotorized wilder­ per acre of water. painted it red, or, as sometimes hap­ ness trail. That figures to over 350 catchable pens in early Spring, there's just too The Commission's fisheries tech­ sized trout per acre — 2 to 3 times much water. The white water en­ nical nonmotorized staff agreed. In more than would usually be placed thusiasts take over then, so it's not a meeting its objective of providing an in stocked water subject to moderate total loss! enlightened and varied recreational pressure. Wouldn't be surprised to Outside the special regulations fishery, they have initiated a con­ see that increase to over 200 pounds area bait fishing gets the nod. Min­ structive program that recognized per acre, placing it among the very nows take some of the heaviest fish. the need to manage for wild trout best. Here's why: But worms and salmon eggs are with no stocking of catchable size Since 1972, when the former FLY- good early season bets, especially fish. FISHING-ONLY regulations were for the stocked brown and rainbow Penns Creek offers the trout fisherman just about anything he might want in water . . . long placid pools, or . .

*$•*• ? *&-« * m K .¥<•*.' #r 'asf riffles with cover-providing obstructions. Penns Creek provides the angler with an exciting wilderness challenge.

trout you'll find in Penns. When is the best time to fish The famous Greek Drake (locally The special attraction for many Penns Creek? Normally May and called the Shad Fly) hatch may j^glers these days are the superior June and again during September be expected over Memorial Day % hatches. Caucci and Nastasi and October. But nothing's normal weekend, but I've seen flies on the (Compara-hatch fame) told the about Penns Creek. water as early as May 20th and as ^riter they thought Penns Creek had Often it is too much of something: late as June 15th. °ne of the best cross sections and Too muddy, too high, too low, too Fishing in the fall can be most re­ Populations of the mayflies that one cold, too warm, too many flies, too warding. The weather is lovely and c°uld expect to see in the limestone windy or just too bad. the rush and push of early season is breams in Pennsylvania." Charlie Fox, the Letort Squire and behind. And maybe, I think, the Al Troth, noted entomologist and renowned angler-author, frankly ad­ trout are a little less selective and Rationally famous angler, believes it mits Penns has been his "toughest easier to fool with a fly. What's "as the best and most varied insect stream." more, fishing is often best during the 'tfe he's found anywhere. (Troth Dr. Alvin R. (Bus) Grove ("The middle of the day! jhoved west a few years back and Lure and Lore of Trout Fishing") All of Penns is open for the knows what he's talking about — knows Penns Creek well. He extended season (to October 31) and having fished Penns Creek for about considers it about as good a tester of most of it can be good. We have 20 years.) the angler's bag of tricks of any found one place about as productive Caddis fly hatches are the thickest water he's fished in America. as another. 1 ve seen anywhere and the boys in But we all come back because we Last fall my brother Fred made a We know consider the stone flies know the fish are there (what more point to fish various sections of at>out as consistent a producer, year can you ask) and some day we're go­ Penns Creek regularly. His luck was r°Und, as are the mayflies. ing to "hit" it right and have afield about as good one place as another. Plentiful minnows, crayfish, dace, day . . . maybe take one of those He did well far down to Trails End ?hubs, and hellgrammites make old lunkers we're confident are in and Pardee and well up past Coburn ^nns a great natural laboratory for there. — where Penns and Elk Creek meet, lhe production and growth of its Fly hatches occur throughout the and around Spring Mills. Population of brown trout. spring, summer and fall, but the Anyway, give it a try. Remember Better know it can be a real really great emergence for the myr­ though, I didn't say it was easy. I'm °uster. Not only are the currents iads of may, caddis and stone flies hoping it never is too easy. But it's J^cky and deep; but, those rocks! "usually" extends from late April got 'em, that I'll say. u", those goonies! Brother are they through the middle of June. (Last So it will. As long as dams won't s»ck. You'll fall sometime . . . spring was an exception as unusually flood it; channeling doesn't gouge it, make no mistake about that. Hob- mild weather and low water ad­ and people don't pollute it. And nails or carpeted soled boots are vanced most hatches as much as a present enlightened management 0rder Number 1. week or two.) prevails.

°CTOBER — 1976 13

kw the worm is not alone

by loring d. wilson

sk any really dedicated bass an- The end result of this one-sided at­ "feels" a lure, he likes it to feel A. glers the identity of their most tack upon the bass is that I have natural. In the case of very hungry effective lure, and you will in­ outfished him several times, and my or angry bass that smash a lure, the variably hear "plastic worm." Much success has had nothing to do with soft feel isn't necessary, since the of the time this is preceded by the more refined technique. In fact, I fish is well-hooked before he can spit word "purple," but there is suffi­ was using soft plastic lures myself on out the bogus bait. But when bass cient disagreement on the subject of many of the occasions — but the dif­ are feeding more carefully and selec­ worm color across the country to ference between us was that, after tively, which occurs more frequently make the choice more open to the worm hadn't been touched in an than most anglers realize, they only disagreement. Of course, there are hour's casting time, I started chang­ mouth the bait and can spit it out some old die-hards who still prefer ing lures, not just colors. On one of before the angler realizes that a fish plugs, spoons and spinners, but no those days the bass were apparently rather than a weed has interfered real bass man denies that the plastic feeding on baby bullheads, and a soft with the retrieve. That, of course, is worm is very effective. plastic catfish produced by my the theory behind letting a bass run The major problem with this sort search for the right lure turned the with the plastic worm; the soft of philosophy, however, is that it is trick. The imitation accounted for plastic feels alive, so he hangs on to extremely limiting. An angler of my six bass in a little over an hour, and it while he is running, and in the acquaintance (that is, he regularly when the bass hit, they set the hook process will literally chew it into his fishes the same waters that I themselves. mouth so the single head hook can frequent) uses nothing but plastic Surprisingly enough, not many be set. worms. Admittedly, he varies the bass fishermen make full use of the Well, the worm works fine when color to suit the water conditions; tremendous variety of soft plastic bass will take it, but bass feed nor­ but, his tackle box looks like a baits available. Many fly fishermen mally on other types of food. We compost heap gone wrong. It is full are quite familiar with soft plastic don't know why the bass take of worms of all lengths, colors, and nymphs, and use them to great ef­ worms at all; certainly, a worm is textures. Two plastic boxes hold fect, but too many of the larger soft not likely to be crawling along the worm hooks and slip sinkers, and a plastic lures are passed over in favor bottom of a freshwater lake, and plastic envelope contains a few of hard plastic or wood plugs, or where in the world have American weighted weedless hooks and jig metal hardware. The fact is that bass bass seen a purple, fluorescent red, heads. like it soft; that is, when a bass or yellow-and-black polka-dotted 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Conventionally shaped plugs as well as imitations of practically everything that swims, creeps, or crawls are now available in soft plastic material which seems to be appealing to gamefish.

real worm? My personal belief is in front of the tail, either trolled ner of retrieve, the minnow looks that bass take worms solely due to along the shoreline, or cast along the like it is chasing microscopic bits of curiosity; if a bass is actively feeding edges of weed and lily pad beds. food in the water — a very natural he will take the food he is used to, There is also a lead-headed alewife appearance if you have ever had the rather than striking solely out of imitation, which looks quite a bit like occasion to watch live minnows in curiosity. a shad, the hook curving at such an action. Just about all of the natural food angle that the body is bent, and gy­ The soft plastic catfish mentioned can be duplicated with soft plastic rates like a crippled minnow trying earlier is, perhaps, one of the most artificials. In order to simplify mat­ to get to the surface when the lure is effective soft plastic minnow imita­ ters, these soft plastic artificials can jigged along the edges of drop-offs. tions ever developed. Shaped ex­ be divided into four general cate­ The best method of fishing this type actly like a baby bullhead, even gories: Fish, amphibians, insects, of lure is to cast it to the edge of a down to the barbels, these lures take and eels (don't write to the drop-off, and work it slowly over the bass in any waters where catfish are magazine; I am already aware that edge. Bass will often strike the found. They come in green, brown, an eel is a kind of fish — but for the instant the lure starts to drop into and silver, the two former having purposes of this article, we are deeper water. yellow bellies like the real fish. The grouping them differently.) Most of the lure companies manu­ silver is not as effective as the more Fish make up a tremendous part of facture soft plastic minnow imita­ realistic green or brown cats, but the bass' diet. I have opened the tions, from silver shiner to black- works its best in murky water, stomachs of several bass in the nosed dace, in both rigged and where the added brightness catches sPring and summer to find them unrigged models. These minnows the attention of the fish. These lures Packed with partially digested are always effective, and in the have spinners attached ahead of threadfm shad, and at these periods smaller sizes will take not only bass, them, and double hooks which there are several imitations that will but crappies as well. They have no protrude downward from the rear of take bass as nothing else will. inherent action of their own, and the belly. Although the spinners add Realistic shad imitations are avail­ should be retrieved in short jerks of extra flash in muddy water, I prefer able in bulk, without hooks. These the rod tip. Reel sporadically, with to remove them and just crawl the are most effective when fished with the rod tip pointing toward the lure, unadorned baby cat along the bot­ a 4/0,6X long hook threaded through and alternate twitches of the rod tip tom slowly, with occasional side­ the body and brought out V2" to the right and left. With this man­ ways twitches. To do so, in snag in-

OCTOBER — 1976 15 fested water, I rotate the double hooks so that they point upward, making the baby cat virtually snag proof (why in the world their cre­ ators don't manufacture them that way I'll never know; it doesn't decrease the hooking ability of the lure in the least!). This sort of retrieve with the modified plastic cat accounted for a seven-pound bass from a small impounded pond several years ago — a lake that was supposedly "fished out". In addition to the catfish and various other lifelike minnows, there is also a series of soft plastic plugs available. These are made of the same sort of material as the other soft plastic baits, and are fished in the manner of normal plugs. But they do have advantages over their hard plastic or wooden relatives. First, when they hit the water, the sound is more of a soft splat than the louder splash of the hard plugs. Second, I have noticed several instances in which a bass will "nudge" a plug before striking. This is especially true in heavily fished lakes where bass get wise to stan­ dard lures. When the bass nudges Heavy shoreline cover can be fished effectively with plastic imitations. the soft plugs they feel real, and strikes usually come immediately. In order to insure those strikes, watch the retrieve carefully. If the water bulges or dimples anywhere near the plug. Speed up the retrieve for about two feet. This gives the impression, I suppose, that the lure has suddenly noticed the bass, and has decided to hightail it out of there fast. No bass can resist striking a potential meal that is escaping. It is impossible to finish the sec­ tion on minnow imitators without mentioning a soft plastic imitation, very accurately done, of a small bass, a factor that plays upon the cannibalism of the fish. It comes fully rigged, and possesses a wig­ gling plate which contributes to a very natural swimming motion in the water. Since small bass generally stay close to heavy cover, this lure is at its best when fished around the edges of grass and lily pad beds, fallen trees, and in stumpy water. For an exposed hook lure with a wiggling plate, it is surprisingly snag free, but it won't come through pad beds without snagging, so when fish­ ing the pads keep the bass imitation

16 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER to the outer edges. These imitations are made in four colors, but the black and the natural finishes are the only ones I have personally found consistently effective. I wouldn't be caught without them, especially in the spring. Another soft plastic bait, which is currently beating the bejabbers out of the plastic worms, is the grub jig. I'll put it here with the minnow imi­ tations, because I can't figure out what else it could possibly resemble. The grub jig consists of a single hooked lead head, behind which is attached a soft plastic round body With a flat tail. It is jigged along the bottom in sharp, upward jerks, or trolled with a pumping action that |Uakes it rise and fall in the water as it moves along. I have also had ex­ cellent success with the grub jig by Pictured here is just a small assortment of the lure shapes available. crawling it slowly across the bottom of a lake. Apparently bass take this retrieve to be a crawfish. They take the lure gently when it is moving slowly, and although they seem to like the feel of the soft body, if they hit the lead head they'll spit the lure out. Watch for the slightest change of direction in the line at the surface of the water, and the instant it oc­ curs set the hook, hard. You'll lose a few lures to snags, but the lures are inexpensive, and you'll pull out some whopper bass. These jigs come }n sizes from Vs oz. to 1 oz., and in JUst about every color made for Plastic worms. The best colors are White, yellow, purple, chartreuse, and green, and bodies can be Purchased separately so that you can change the color of your lure without Untying your line from the jig head. Since the slow retrieve of the grub jig resembles that crawling motion of the crawfish, let's take a look at the fact, the plastic crawfish was the I reached for my musky rod, which crawfish imitations. These tiny cause of one of my most interesting had seen plenty of service but no ac­ freshwater relatives of the lobster experiences, and also of one of the tion that day. I cast the crawfish are often sold as live bait when they most unorthodox methods of catch­ again, let the bass follow it a fourth are in the soft, shedded stage. ing a bass I have ever used. time halfway to the boat, and Several of the soft lure manufac­ I was fishing Pymatuning Res­ stopped it. The bass lay in the water turers put out crawfish imitations, ervoir in Pennsylvania one summer above it, watching to see what it and since all are modeled from the would do next. I stuck the rod in a r afternoon, and the water was rela­ eal creature, they are all about tively clear. I had had decent luck, holder, and cast an eight-inch musky equally effective. The lure should be plug well past the bass on a slight c and was casting the imitation ast onto the shore and crawled off. crawfish into some brushy tangles diagonal, and began reeling it slowly use a few split shot if necessary, be- in. When I brought it close to the c when I noticed a wake following the ause the imitation should hug the lure. It was a bass, a five-pounder, crawfish, I started cranking fast to bottom all the way back to the boat. and he traced that crawfish back to make it dive. The bass shot down **ass will often follow these lures for the boat three times without taking. and grabbed the crawfish, as I had several yards before taking them. In Finally, with my heart in my mouth, hoped he would, and then turned

OCTOBER — 1976 17 and struck the musky plug! I had one Some of the baits look only vaguely the bass will be used to eating thefli fish on two lines . . . but I finally like real salamanders, coming in the — you can count on it. Just about had him! most outlandish colors you have every company that manufactures In the line of soft plastic insects, ever seen, but they sure work, ap­ soft plastic baits puts out a frog of there are only two of interest to the parently for the same reasons that two. One, a heavy froglike body bass caster — the catalpa worm and the worms work. There are also sala­ with folded, thin, gum rubber legs, the grasshopper. Fishing these lures mander imitations that are far more gives the most realistic swimming is simple. Just cast them up close to lifelike in appearance, and when the action I have ever seen. All of the shore under overhanging trees or water is low, or especially clear, frog imitations will catch bass with rushes, and twitch them on the sur­ these are the ones to use. Bass can regularity, but the frogs with legs face just enough to give the im­ be just as selective as trout, and the that kick when retrieved are the best pression of a struggling insect. These dedicated bass angler should never of the lot. Bass, when taking top lures are at their best in late summer, let that fact out of his mind. water lures, go by the sound and the just about daybreak. At those times Tadpole imitations are fished in silhouette more than anything else, the bass have moved into the the same manner. These are small, and those legs kicking backward as shallow water under overhangs for simple plastic baits, and should be the frog moves forward, and then shade and food, and they are used to threaded on a single, weedless hook. retracting close to the body when it taking insects. Cast them right into weed beds, pauses, simply cannot be beat. In the amphibian category, spring branches, and lily pads, and retrieve Whatever plastic frog you use, lizard or salamander imitations are them in short, sporadic twitches, make certain that it has a weedless readily available, and are excep­ allowing them to sink slightly hook. The best method of fishing the tionally effective throughout the between jerks. These lures are frog is to cast it onto the shore, or on warm weather. Some of these come deadly in the spring when there are top of lily pads or stumps. Flip it off without rigging and are fished on lots of real tadpoles around; their ef­ into the water with a soft splat, and weedless hooks in the same manner fectiveness falls off in midsummer start working it toward you. If the as plastic worms. They are made in when all but the largest tadpoles frog is being worked in a pad bed, let several colors, and the wiggle of the have metamorphosed into frogs. it rest on the pad for a few moments legs seems to attract bottom feeding But the soft plastic frog is a lure before launching it, and whenever it bass even when they won't take whose effectiveness never fails. If comes in contact with another pad, worms fished in the same manner. frogs are anywhere near bass water, pause, as though the frog were de-

Both aquatic and terrestrial imitations have proved to be good "medicine."

K»* 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER I A 4V2-pound largemouth that took a plastic bass fingerling close to shore.

bating whether or not to climb out of imitation which works along the bot­ taken bass on it in the middle of the water. Bass will usually strike tom seductively with a weighted December when the air temperature during those pauses. metal lip providing the sinuous told me I should be home. The chief disadvantage of some swimming motion of a live eel. Al­ The lamprey is a small lure with frog imitations lies in their hooking though they aren't weedless, the up­ no action of its own. It will account arrangement. The legs on some of ward pointing hooks generally keep for bass when the water is clear, and these work the water well, but the them free of snags when used in rela­ when fishing over sandy bottoms. hooks protrude upward between the tively open waters. In places where As it comes from the factory, the frog's hind legs to make them weed- bass make live eels a regular part of hook protrudes from the bottom, but less. This works all right if the frog their diet, these eels are deadly. The I generally change this arrangement lands properly, but if it lands belly gray, the blue, and the black are the so that the hook extends from the UP on a pad or on shore it is going to most effective colors, although the side. This is a lure for open shores hang up. A homemade weed guard red and the amber produce well in and streams rather than cluttered tiay help to alleviate this problem. murky waters. They are the lures to lakes, and, while dynamite for small- In the category of eel-like lures we use in hot weather when the bass are mouths, is not as successful on have, of course, the plastic worm. deep, and they account for some real largemouths as some of the others So much has been written about this lunkers when fished slowly along the mentioned. hire that there is nothing more to be bottom. Don't be suckered into believing said. But other eel imitations can be Finally, we come to the leech and that the worm is the lure for bass. JUst as effective, if not more so, in the lamprey. The leech is a small, Add a selection of the other soft certain cases. In this category, some soft-bodied lure with a weighted plastic lures to your tackle supply — are rather small, and similar to grub head and a bent body that makes it particularly the elvers, frogs, and a Jigs, splitting the difference between look like an inchworm measuring a few minnow imitations — and the the grub and the plastic worm. They stalk of goldenrod. It is weedless, next evening that some worm are fished in the same manner as the and is best fished in very shallow fisherman at the dock grins and says grub jigs, and seem to do better water around stumps and submerged that they "just weren't biting," grin when the water is clear. Similar to trees. Fish the leech even slower back and ask him to help you lift that these, but far more deadly, is the than the plastic worm. Like the min­ lunker onto the dock, because you Swimming elver, or young eel imita­ now and eel imitations, the leech is strained your back playing and re­ tion. This is a 6" to 9" eel effective year-round, and I have leasing so many others!

OCTOBER — 1976 19

; Jfe£f~-— The Bellefonte-to-Chicago String

by Ken Corl, Chief Trout Production Section lost our course. Of course, if you had your "druthers" you could have strung these trout out between Pitts­ burgh and Boston or possibly Philadelphia and Detroit. By the way, "just one more thing," a quote from Columbo, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission had Tn the quiet of a Sunday evening Exit (24) to within approximately 13 to feed these fish in order to produce "*• while the boys were attending a miles of the Pennsylvania-Ohio this Bellefonte-to-Chicago String. *outh Meeting, the wife was visiting border. Westward Ho! On we go Should these trout have eaten exclu­ ? favorite aunt and the tube was be- with the adult trout reared at the sively from a 5/32" pelleted worm, lri8 energy conscious, there was an Benner Spring Station sliding along this worm would have to have been e*cellent opportunity to stretch out for another 77 miles to a point just 10,878 miles long. One would have °n the recliner and relax. It was the west of Exit 11 on 1-80, south of to dig from here to China to find one [bought of stretching out that Cleveland. Add the adult trout from that long. bought this particular fishy subject the Huntsdale hatchery and you can Slam! Bang! The boys are home! l° reflect in my subconscious . . . stop for lunch at Toledo (two miles n I'm certainly pleased there was time °t the tropical fish cavorting in the east of Exit 4). Continuing our to collect that string of trout and ^lUarium at the opposite end of the "trout line," we add those from the ll place them back in their raceways vingroom. Big Spring hatchery and find where they belong — at least until While "zzzz's" were escalating ourselves in the Hoosier State. As a it's time to place them in the streams ,°Ward the ceiling and dissipating matter of fact, we find ourselves 11 for Pennsylvania anglers. Speaking jnto the quietness the subconscious miles beyond the first exit inside the of raceways, the Pennsylvania Fish jwd out the following tale. Just how Hoosier border. Four down and six Commission trout rearing facilities J*f would the trout production of to go; so, once again, Westward Ho! have seven miles of 8- and 10-foot- "e Pennsylvania Fish Commission Stringing out the adult trout from wide raceways in operation now and ?.tretch, from head to tail, in single Reynoldsdale extends us 53 miles by 1980 should add another three jjk. if placed in that manner on 1-80? further west tq a point three miles miles. If you would care to make all p>r one thing, they wouldn't reach east of South Bend. Adding those those raceways one foot wide you 'nimy the Greek for a heads or tails from Corry places us at Exit 5 of 1-80 could have a continuous facility 90 bet! in Indiana. The remaining 68 miles miles long. Anyway, Bellefonte was a likely west are the result of production at Oh well, figures, figures, figures. Place to begin owing to its proximity Oswayo, Pleasant Mount, Tionesta With the household quieting down 0 1-80 and the fact that a hatchery is and the Linesville Silo. Approx­ again, possibly more sweet dreams. °cated there. The nearly one million imately 54 miles of these adult trout Maybe even a dream of catching a ^ult trout produced at Bellefonte will place us in the Chicago Loop. limit from that "Bellefonte-to- would extend from the Bellefonte Ah, a 14-mile bonus just in case we Chicago String."

°CTOBER — 1976 21 CO-OP NEWS by Bill Porter

ake Wallenpaupack, high on a lot I4 of anglers' and boaters' lists, was not on the approved trout stock­ Impounded spring water in the foreground, above, is from eight to ing registers. Something had to be ten feet deep. Below, photo shows series of steel holding tanks. done about that. And something was. The Wallenpaupack Trout Club came into being and had a nursery site approved in 1971 with the intent of making the lake a trout fishery. To put it mildly, the Wayne County based organization has had success with their trout project if nothing more than the pleased fishermen, who have been netting their product. A closer look at the site and physical layout of the nursery is needed. The initial water source is a series of impounded springs. Addi­ tional water is caught and an aerated pipe dribbles it into the main intake system. And a note of caution is in order, a slippery walkway (when it's raining) bridges some gaps over about eight feet of very clear and to distribute its fish, allowing them club members that some natural re­ very cold water before it passes out to find their own homes in the large production will occur. of the cement-walled enclosure into body of water. Helicopters have Now to the second item, thievery: the rearing tanks. been used, probably an "only," as The Wallenpaupack Trout Club has And while on the subject of water, well as a "first" for all cooperative been plagued with vandalism and the club has had some nitrogen and nurseries. The first time the "chop­ "troutnapping," as have most clubs oxygen problems at different sea­ per" was employed, much attention in the program, on an increasing sons of the year. To compensate for was given to the event by area scale. Members added lights to little this gas factor, two minnow-savers citizens and the media — all justi­ avail. A camera setup failed to work have been installed to agitate the fiably so. The procedure was to fill a one time. Later another camera rig water when needed. At the time of "basket" under the aircraft and must have worked too effectively our initial visit in late May, there have it carried out over the lake and and the thieves were aware of its was no need to use them with most lowered into or near the water, re­ presence. Anyway, to make a sad of the trout having been stocked or leasing the fish. This reduced the tale sadder, the camera vanished stolen. And let's treat both of those concentration of fish (and fish­ along with some trout and insult had two items separately. ermen!) as the fish were forced to been added to injury. At the time of First the stocking: According to spread out, seeking their best our visit in late May, Stockier our host, Barry Stockier, all trout habitats. Boats were used by club showed us the remains of ripped and raised by the club go into Lake members in the same pattern. Ap­ torn screens, the work of som^ Wallenpaupack. Now this would proximately 10,000 browns and rain­ vandals on the nearly empty steel seem to be a simple task for the bows a year help fill the anglers' holding tanks. nursery runs its water directly into hopes and successes since the club On to some better issues, the steel the lake. Not so — the club has gone entered the program. Barry ex­ tanks mentioned above are stair' to elaborate and imaginative means pressed the hope for a number of stepped down the hill from the inv 22 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE** THE ANGLER'S NOTEBOOK by Richard F. Williamson

FISH FACT: Members of the pike About 800 species of caddis flies have An open-face spinning reel, with a line family, from chain pickerel to muskies, been identified. Obviously, it would be testing not more than four pounds, will are masters of ambush. They lie quietly impossible to design a fly to match each handle lures weighing as little as VeUh •n weeds or other cover and wait with species. The Adams fly, however, is a ounce. remarkable patience for a minnow or good all-purpose imitation of the caddis. other prey to come within striking Best way to fish a floating plug that distance. Dawn and dusk are top periods for fish­ dives down into the water on a steady, ing for bass with surface lures, but not fairly fast retrieve is to reel it in fast for a Very small minnows, not more than two the only good times. In the middle of the short distance, then stop and allow the inches long, are top crappie baits. Crap-' day, particularly in late summer and lure to come to the surface, then reel fast pies are basically fish eaters. Their early autumn, bass often feed in the again, and once more let it surface. Often Souths are comparatively small, so large shadows of weeds, lily pads, stumps and a strike will come when the lure is near- minnows are not effective. Also, the docks where the light is shaded out and ing the surface or just after it begins minnows must be lively and hooked so where the surface water is comfortably floating. that they can move about in the water. Even a small piece of weed or grass Bearings of a casting reel should be Use the smallest spinnerbaits you can clinging to the hook of a lure will turn the lightly oiled every couple of hours during get in streams, small lakes, and ponds. fish off. When fishing in weedy water, it a full day of fishing. The big models are effective in large is wise to examine the lure frequently, deep lakes and impoundments, for which even after every cast, to make sure it is A fish has a clear view of any lure they were originally designed, but little clean. fished under the surface of the water, so °nes are better in smaller waters. exact imitations of insects and minnows Erratic motions of a spoon used in are effective. But a fish sees the shape To interpret the readings on your pickerel and pike fishing are the key to and size of a surface lure, more than its stream thermometer, remember this the effectiveness of the lure. The actions color, so the floating fly or bug should be simple formula: Fish will be found in of the spoon give it the appearance of an chosen with that fact in mind. deep areas when the water's surface injured bait fish. temperature is colder than 45 degrees Spoons and spinners used in pickerel and also when it is warmer than 75 Hard-braided casting line is better than fishing are most effective when worked degrees. They will be roaming all over soft-braided line in at least one respect. in open water along the outer edges of the water in temperatures of 55 to 70 It is less likely to be damaged by contact week beds or in pockets of open water in degrees. with rocks and stumps. weedy areas.

Pounded springs. There is control of the water levels in them and screens 'Urnish debris and normal predator control. Feeders use pellets and sorne venison, a standard but effec­ tive diet. Sherwood Krum, club president, a«d Ralph Vosburg are some of the » - m °ther key members in the nursery Project. There is good rapport with the community and the visiting sportsmen. Finances do not seem to' °e a problem with labor, materials JtW'jiv^ • ;'§ a«d cash contributions coming along as needed. The only dim light on the whole Project for Lake Wallenpaupack is

'orn screens are typical of the fontinuing vandalism which faces the Wallenpaupack Trout Club.

°CTOBER—1976 23 some work on one of the small streams 1 j!.S* that flow into Ryerson Lake, Ron heard a commotion upstream where he had last seen his dog, "Sue Bear." He saw the **w dog come out of the water dripping wet. and noticed something in her mouth. A NOTES'/rotn tk stwmL closer look revealed it was about a 10- inch white sucker, which was thrashing about between her jaws. Ron goes on to say that during the YOU THOUGHT "JAWS" WAS BAD? When the angler was finished and left the trouts' entrails in the water, the spring months when many trout are While checking fishermen along the ducklings rushed in splashing and gulp­ caught, his dog catches her share too. Swatara Creek, near Jonestown, I ing. They devoured their luscious meal She lies in wait behind an individual who stopped to talk to a family. When I asked in about thirty seconds leaving not a is catching fish, and when one is momen­ the father of the group how the fishing morsel behind. There are hundreds of tarily left flopping on the bank, Sue Beat was, he told me it wasn't very good at ducks in this area and they do a nice rushes up behind the unsuspecting angler all. He then told me why he thought the clean-up job. That is, as long as they and takes off with his fish. fishing was poor. It seems that about a stick to the leftovers and leave the tasty I've been debating whether to charge half an hour before I arrived, he saw part for the fishermen! Ron with using an illegal device to take what he thought was a log drifting gamefish, or charge Sue Bear with fish­ towards the shore. But, to his surprise Fred Mussel ing without a license! the "log" opened his mouth snapped it Waterways Patrolman shut and headed for deeper water. The Lehigh County Gary E. Deiger "log" as sworn to me by him and his Waterways Patrolman family was a small alligator. He then Greene County asked what he should do if the alligator TO WHERE? returned. For the life of me, the best I Here's a little story that Angler BALLAD OF ECOLOGY could come up with was, if he should readers might enjoy, at least maybe by Claude Kanter come swimming back throw rocks at him those readers that are familiar with Lake to scare him off. Or, if he took the bait, Raystown. There once did flow a crystal spring, hang on for dear life. I also explained While on boat patrol on Raystown pure water undiluted. that the alligator is not a native to this Lake, in Huntingdon County, Deputy Alas! This spring has come area of the country. Waterways Patrolman Bob Hoenstine unsprung for it is now polluted. and I approached three fishermen in a Where once clear water, cool and Ralph Price boat who were obviously having a grand free, did gush forth wide filed, Deputy Waterways Patrolman time. During the course of our conversa­ Its mossy brim with sundry trash and Lebanon County tion, we found that they were from beer cans now is piled. McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania and that I hope this song is not too long, nor HOWDY, NEIGHBORS! they were enjoying the fishing and the yet too sad and bitter; scenery on the lake. The men had rented Yet if some day the human race, Anyone whose job requires them to should vanish without e'er a trace move often knows how hard it can be to the jonboat for the day, and were staying at a local motel. They said they were Tis clear its final resting place will be meet your neighbors when you first beneath its litter. move in to a new area. I recently found a enjoying themselves so much that they were planning to stay another night and surefire remedy for this mover's di­ Donald Parrish lemma. Shortly after moving into my inquired as to where they could do some fishing/row shore. Waterways Patrolman new home, I kept the glass-sided fish dis­ Beaver County play truck in my driveway overnight Forgetting that they were not familiar between shows. As you may well with the local area, I suggested that they imagine, I now know every person "go to Aitch" (pronounced "H"), and GO/A/' OUR WAY? within two miles that has the least little they would enjoy fishing there. One of A waterways patrolman's duties not interest in fish or fishing! the fellows in the boat looked at me only include stocking fish and checking square in the eye and said, "The same to creeks, etc., but sometimes arrests are Robert Lynn Steiner you fella!" made for which the violator is other than Waterways Patrolman After a great laugh and an explanation the general public or normal type S/Luzerne County of the "Aitch Access," and that this was fisherman. not meant to be "H" — or whatever he Recently an arrest was made for fish­ CLEANUP CREW— was thinking it meant — we had another ing prior to trout season in a stocked While talking to a fisherman, who was great laugh and proceeded on our way. stream for which the violator paid no in the process of cleaning a limit of trout As we left, we discussed how this job heed to the citation issued to him and a along the Little Lehigh Creek, I noticed can also be a lot of fun, too. warrant of arrest was issued for him. gathered around us about a half dozen In fact, the violator had been in jail anxious looking bystanders. These on­ Rubard T. Hudy several times after the citation was lookers, Mallard ducklings, about six- Deputy Waterways Patrolman issued for numerous crimes such as rob­ weeks-old, had not been in the world Huntingdon County bery, etc., so a fishing violation was of very long but had received good training little significance to him. from their mom. They knew from ex­ QUANDARY! It just so happens he was observed perience that the fisherman was prepar­ Ronald Duke, Ryerson Station State hitchhiking by several of the Armstrong ing a banquet for them and they were Park Superintendent, tells this story County Deputy Waterways Patrolmen ready. about his Samoyed dog. While doing recently. And, you guessed it, he got

24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER lhe ride he wanted: straight to the vey station was in a stretch of water turned to shore, carefully measured and Magistrates office and thence to the that is fished as hard or harder than any weighed their catch and returned them Armstrong County Jail for 67 days! other on the entire stream. A length of unharmed to the water. After seeing about 100 yards was electro-shocked other fishermen over the years measure Jim-Smith to determine what species of fish were and keep nine-inch bass, it was a revela­ Waterways Patrolman present. tion to watch these BASS members Armstrong County Along with the expected suckers and release all of their fish, including a other rough fish and minnows, about 50 couple 3- and 4-pound beauties. These AU OVER! brown trout were recovered. At least 20 fishermen take nothing from the waters Deputy Rich Hendricks and I were on of these trout were in the 14- to 16-inch they fish except a good time and a few "lotorboat patrol of the Ohio and Beaver range, most of the remainder were 9 to memories. That's better than taking a River when we stopped a boat for a 12 inches in length. Along with these fish limit any day. Elinor violation. A woman on the boat were about 10 fingerling trout about 3- to Fred Mussel remarked, "Gee! There are State Police 4-inches long. Two or three 17- to 18- Waterways Patrolman °n the highway and now we got them on inch brownies were also recovered. All Lehigh County '^e river, too!" were released. Rich added, "They have them in the All of these trout were brilliantly oir.too!" colored, indicating that they had been in LONG TRIP! Ed Teck the stream for quite some time. The fin- Due to Blair County's rather close Deputy Waterways Patrolman gerlings indicated natural reproduction. proximity to the new Raystown Dam Beaver County Perhaps some of the large trout were in Huntingdon County, I have been get­ hatched in the stream and raised literally ting a lot of calls for information about BARE FACTS! right before the eyes of the many the fishing and boating at Raystown. fishermen who fish the stream, having Some of the calls have been from pretty Recently, Deputy Waterways Pa­ never been caught. trolman James Rice ran into a rather far away. I had one call the other day On top of all this was a real bonus. As which has to be the topper. A gentleman Unusual situation while on patrol of the team was shocking the water they Tipton Run in Blair County. Jim was from one of the local industries called turned up a real whopper American Eel. to find out where he could get fishing Patrolling the stream when he ap­ This fish, in my estimation, would be a prehended a man for littering and his licenses for four men from Russia. It w new state record of at least four feet in seems that these men were to be in the ife for fishing without a license. The length — if caught by legal angling two violations were not unusual in area on business and wanted to do some methods. It was as big around as a man's fishing. I have been very curious as to themselves; however, the man's attire arm. In fact, it was too big to get into the certainly was. The only thing that he was whether Waterways Patrolman James nets of the team! They couldn't retrieve Valentine, who handles the Raystown Wearing was a smile — more than likely it for measuring, although they tried for a smile which did not last too long! area, checked them out on the lake. about ten minutes. I would have loved to have seen Actually, we could have written up a Because of the presence of this trophy third violation: "Failure to display his his expression when he checked their fish I am hesitant to reveal its exact licenses! t'cense." I might mention in passing that whereabouts. I will say that it is below this same man was prosecuted two times Reedsville, in the stocked area of the Walter A. Rosser last year for fishing without a license; he stream. She probably won't be there for was wearing clothes on both of those oc­ Waterways Patrolman long, though, as her size indicated she Blair County casions! was mature and should start heading Walter A. Rosser downstream to the ocean to spawn, as CLOSE ENOUGH? Waterways Patrolman instinct dictates. Blair County On the opening morning of last trout Larry R. Baker season, prior to the opening hour of 8:00 Waterways Patrolman ^ELATION! a.m., Deputy Waterways Patrolman Ron Mifflin/Juniata Counties Reedy walked to a hole on the North It is always suprising to see how many Fork of Pine Creek, and was standing '•"out hold over in stocked trout streams among several fishermen awaiting the ln REFRESHING this state — even when these streams opening hour to start. ar e supposedly "fished out". The Poor Man's BASS Club, of At about 7:55 a.m. a boy of about 10 The Kishacoquillas Creek in Mifflin Allentown, and the Carbon County years of age was just next to Deputy bounty is probably the hardest fished Chapter of BASS recently held a mini- Reedy and yelled to another fisherman trout stream in my district. This stream tournament at Leaser Lake, in Lehigh nearby, "Uncle Charlie, what time is Js really hit hard by the fishermen up County. We patrolmen would be out of a it?" through the last inseason stocking. Even job if everyone behaved as these Uncle Charlie replied, "5 till8." Would have been hard-pressed to state sportsmen did. Then the boy replied, "/ am going to hat the there were many trout left after All of their boats had registration num­ start fishing anyway because it would be the onslaught of spring and early sum­ bers perfectly displayed. Life saving time to start before a 'Fish Warden' mer- I have had my mind changed and devices were in plain view on every boat mv could get here anyway." eyes opened by an event that took and many fishermen wore them — even Officer Reedy was no more than 10 Place just the other day. though the lake was calm. They fished feet from the boy and had a hard time to ' had a chance to go on a stream very hard for eight hours in the rain, and keep from laughing! survey excursion to the "Kish" with a even though few bass were landed, there team of biologists from DER. This was were no complaints. After fishing under Jim Smith one as part of a general survey of the less than ideal conditions from 6:00 Waterways Patrolman Usquehanna River watershed. The sur­ a.m. until 2:W p.m., all the members re­ Armstrong County

CTOBER — 1976 25 Fly Tying Editor's Note: After a four-month hiatus, Chauncy K. Lively resumes his series of informative and well-illustrated articles on the fine art of fly tying. "Welcome back, Mr. Lively!" A Parachute Sedge mon names in the vast entomology finely woven nets, funnel-like in of our country, I think it is of value shape, which are attached to rocks to the fly dresser, if not to the in swift water, opening upstream. At by Chauncy K. Lively entomologist, to categorize Trich- the rear of the net is a shelter of tiny photos by the author opterans as either sedges or caddis pebbles or vegetable matter, to flies. The tyer is generally interested which the larva can retreat. The net in representing the significant forms not only assists in camouflaging the in any given insect's life cycle and larva's residence but it serves as 3 the applicable designation of sedge food catcher as well. or caddis would indicate whether the The excellent hatch on Slippery larval form is a "naked nymph" or Rock Creek gave me an opportunity n the order Trichoptera the cased larva. to experiment with a new sedge dry I British make a distinction be­ In recent years caddis flies/sedges fly pattern, born of the current tween caddis flies, which build larval have received more than customary hackle shortage, and the results cases — and sedges, which do not. attention from fly fishermen. It is were gratifying. Previously I had American entomologists make no said that Trichopterans can survive tied the tent-winged flies with open- such differentiation between the in water too polluted for the more palmer hackle, clipped above and two, preferring to channel all Tric- delicate mayflies and stone flies; below the body, and they worked hopterans into the single designa­ thus, they are the insects of the fu­ well, indeed. But even the sparsest tion of caddis flies. Of course, ture, at least insofar as meaningful of palmering requires two hackles entomologists are concerned only fishing hatches are concerned. It is a and I discovered that my irreplace­ with the insects' scientific names sad commentary on the deterioration able prime hackle was diminishing at and common names such as Spotted of water quality and in certain areas an alarming rate. The solution was a Sedge, Little Yellow Caddis, etc., this is undoubtedly true. Yet, in rela­ sedge with the hackle dressed para­ are significant only to the fly fisher tively pure streams where a variety chute-style, which makes the most who is interested in general identifi­ of aquatic insects flourish, the Trich­ efficient use of a single hackle. The cation. Descriptive common names opterans receive their share of atten­ hackle is wound around a nylon an­ assigned by fishermen often overlap tion from trout, often in pref­ chor above the thorax in the same several species and generally are ap­ erence to more exotic forms. manner as in several spent spinner plied only to flies of value from an Spring of our Bicentennial Year patterns we have previously de­ angling standpoint. This is fortunate; saw some exceptional hatches of scribed in these pages. in the North American continent sedges and caddis in western Penn­ Not only did the Parachute Sedge there are more than 600 species of sylvania. Not only did we encounter float as well as the previous palmer Trichoptera and if common names them in good numbers but we had ties, it presented practically the were allotted to all, I'm sure total many similar reports from anglers on same light pattern on the surface film confusion would prevail. In the other streams. On the FISH-FOR- and was equally effective. Too, ofl British Isles, where fewer than 200 FUN water of Slippery Rock Creek days when the trout were taking the species are extant, and where the there was a continuous three-week naturals as they skittered across cur­ entomology is rather uniform over period of this activity in May and it rent, I found that the flat, parachute the limited geographical expanse, furnished excellent fishing. Several hackle permitted activating the fly many caddis/sedge species are also species were represented but the without dunking. Although the Para­ known by common names which dominant hatch was a tannish little chute Sedge described here was in' have survived several centuries of sedge of the genus Hydropsyche tended to represent the little Hy­ use by anglers and entomologists which was on the water several dropsyche, the general design lends alike. hours nearly every day. itself to any caddis type, with appro­ Despite the unreliability of com- The larvae of Hydropfyche build priate changes in size and color. 26 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLEK . TYING A PARACHUTE SEDGE: Trim off excess ends of monofilament. Then spiral Roll fur around thread with fingertips and wind ™>Wp a size #16 dry fly hook in vise and bind thread back to bend and wax about 2" of thread dubbing forward to form a tapered abdomen, end­ »ellow tying thread to shank well behind eye. Dou- next to shank. Apply a dubbing of tan fur or ing at monofil. Select a light ginger hackle with I e a 6" strand of 4X monofilament and form a synthetic to waxed thread. barbule length about twice the hook gap. Strip off °°P by knotting the doubled monofil. Bind loop to lower webby barbs and bind stem to shank, as °P of shank as shown. Allow about Vie" between shown, with glossy side of hackle facing down­ Kn°t and shank. ward. Trim excess hackle stem.

rasP tip of hackle with hackle pliers and wind Pull nylon loop forward and down, straddling shank Apply a little more dubbing to thread and form °und monofil, under knot, in counterclockwise and pressing front barbules back. Then tie off thorax in front of hackle. Tie off, allowing space for Action. Make each turn underneath preceeding monofil and cut off excess. winging behind eye. rn and tie off. Trim excess hackle tip.

Foi _. r wings, cut a single section of light turkey quill Fold quill section along its length and tie in by its After whip-finishing behind eye and lacquering u Co° * Vv wide. Hold tip with hackle pliers and uncoated tip. Wing should be tent-shape, extend­ head, Parachute Sedge is completed. The pattern a|i but tip with vinyl cement or acrylic lacquer ing back over body. Trim end of wing at angle, as represents one of the small Hydropsyche species. shown, to create rear notch.

CTOBER — 1976 27 u *

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of war with, but I knew one thing: § wasn't a bass! After a while, the big fish came to the surface. Just inches The Small River . . under the water, my anxious friends and I witnessed a long greenish goW Lu/th the big surprises body thrashing wildly, then making a mad dash downstream. by Steve Mellinger After putting my eyes back in mV head, I knew I was in for a long hard fight with the musky at the end of my t was a warm Sunday in spring 6-pound-test line for these fish. line. Fifteen long minutes of listen' I when a couple of my friends and After the fish was released, I cut ing to my reel scream and the watef I were fishing the Conestoga River in off my plug and put on a little george splashing, the fish started to tire. F| Lancaster County for early season spinner to see how the bass would nally, my one buddy, Drew, dipped bass. We were standing side by side react to it. After making my first the net under the fish and lifted it 0>| casting away our small plugs and cast, I started to retrieve the lure. of the water. At last I reached my spinners into the clear, rocky water, When I made two cranks with the goal of a lifetime, catching a musky on ultralight tackle and I wasn't evefl trying to tempt a hungry bass. reel handle, I had the most shocking, f The action started to pick up violent jolt I ever had in all the years fishing for it at the time. Afte about 4:00 p.m. when one of my I've been fishing. As I set the hooks, measuring and weighing the fish, W^ buddies landed the first fish of the the heavy fish started coming to­ took a few photographs of it, then j released the 16-pound spawning fe' day, a scrappy \2W largemouth on wards me, real slow like, and was e a small darting plug. We were using hugging the bottom like a huge carp. male so her offspring could provid ultralight spinning gear along with I didn't know what I was playing tug more musky action in the years 8 28 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE' c°me . . . at least I hope so! launch canoes there and ride all the many "freak" fish were caught The Conestoga supports many dif­ way down to the Susquehanna Riv­ (meaning fish that were not ferent species offish such as sunfish, er, which is about twelve miles stocked), such as trout and walleyes. Crappies, bass, pike, muskies, cat­ away! The stretch of the Conestoga Trout up to five pounds and walleyes fish and carp. The carp are plentiful I'm telling you about is near the up to five pounds were taken after and grow very large in the river and Lancaster City Water Works, just a the flood. The freakiest of all was a the most popular baits used for them mile east of downtown Lancaster 22-inch bowfin taken on a live chub are doughballs and corn. and is easy to locate. by a local fisherman! What's gonna If it's panfish you're after, try The Conestoga is well known for be pulled out of there next, nobody small plugs and spinners for large its fine bass fishing. Some real nice knows! bluegills and crappies. Fly fishermen size fish were taken there over the For best results, fish the Cones­ "ave a ball with their flies and pop­ years. Just last spring a young boy toga in the spring, summer and early pers. For fast action you just can't caught a 5Vi-pound largemouth. fall. As far as fishing in the winter heat it. Also, some monster smallmouths goes, you can forget it! The water Let me describe the Conestoga a were taken — and I do mean mon­ moves a little too fast for ice to form httle better for you. In most places, sters — like my brother's 24-incher so you can't go ice fishing. I tried 11 averages about three feet in depth. taken on a streamer back in 1967. winter fishing one time and I Some places drop fast — up to Too bad it was out of season, it couldn't get anything to hit. tv^enty feet, so you have to watch might have been close to a state So, next time you get the urge to where you're wading. The bottom is record fish. We didn't weigh it, but I wet your line, be good to yourself focky and some areas are very would say it was pretty close to 7 and give it a try at the Conestoga. "rushy. The water is calm in most pounds! (Editor's note: Formerly known as P'aces but there are two waterfalls The bass school up along the rock the Conestoga Creek, the waterway and below them lie some long riffles walls at the Water Works and are officially became the "Conestoga lc*eal for smallmouths. The Cones- easily tempted. They prefer plugs River" April 23, 1974 as a result of toga is only about 60 to 70 yards at that rattle — like the Rebel Wee R Earl F. Rebman, Conestoga Valley the widest . . . not much of a place and Cordell's Big O. Association, petitioning the U.S. ior a partyboat, but some people do Ever since the flood in June 1972, Board of Geographic Names.) °CTOBER — 1976 29 Speed regulation sign is large months ahead will ring with mem­ so that you not only discover what enough, but some still miss it! ories not so pleasant . . . boating you know but, more importantly, experiences that bordered on the un­ what you don't know!) Simply mail fortunate, if not the tragic. your answer card to the PFC and If your summer boating memories they'll grade it. A certificate and ID fall into the "so-so" or the un­ card is awarded to each successful fortunate category, the months participant. Incidentally, this is the ahead would be ideal for some soul­ same workbook guide used as the ful self-appraisal. Especially if you basis for the Commission's three- are "the skipper" does the responsi­ lesson boating classes. bility for corrective action weigh Since over 170,000 copies of heavily upon your shoulders. When "Pennsylvania Basic Boating" were it comes down to the wire, there can mailed out this past summer, why be one and only one "Ship's bring it up now? For several Master." With ever-increasing num­ reasons. To those of you who had bers of boats on a finite amount of one of the unfortunate summers I water . . . safe and pleasant boat depicted, chances are you never operation is a demanding vocation. read the Guide and this may stir you The clearer the skipper's mind, the into digging it out again. It never more practiced and trained he will hurts to use it from time to time as a be, the greater the chance of safer refresher and even polished skippers and more pleasant boating for all admit finding info and tips they had concerned. What captain would not never learned or had forgotten. feel pride in knowing his crew and Besides, where else can you get so guests have complete confidence in much for so little? A postage stamp both his ability and capability? True, to mail in the answer card to the at times others are expected to people who really care about you. "back up the skipper," but the final Also, it could only be mailed to responsibility rests with the one in those who owned registered craft — command: the one at the wheel. those propelled by machinery. The Ashore Some boat operators have little Commission simply had no names knowledge or appreciation of what and addresses on those with un­ makes a good skipper. Recently, the registered craft such as inflatables, & Pennsylvania Fish Commission took canoes, rowboats, sailboats, etc. a giant step to this end, in an attempt But these folks can get a free copy to reach the mass boating public. In by writing BOATING, Box 1673, a move that rates national recogni­ Harrisburg 17120. If you're really in Afloat tion, the Commission mailed outfree a hurry and can catch up with one of to every registered boat owner in the those fast-moving, hard-working by Gene Winters state, "Pennsylvania Basic Boating; Waterways Patrolmen, he just might A Guide for Better Boating." Not have an extra copy or two with him. just another handout, this Guide is in Again, it's called "Pennsylvania Basic Boating''. ow that summer has become reality an outstanding complete N discarded pages of another home-study course. It consists of an By the way, be sure to carefully year's calendar, the boating season 80-page workbook consisting of 21 read the 17-point summary, "What is over for many. Even for the most chapters. Forgive my unbridled en­ Makes a Good Skipper,'' on the final enduring, telling signs of autumn and thusiasm, but as one who not only page. While not necessarily original the winter that is sure to follow al­ writes about boating but reads or novel, this clear presentation of a ready peep over the horizon. Hope­ everything he can get his hands and good skipper's qualifications de­ fully, you are among those who will eyes on, I consider it the finest ap­ serves thorough appraisal. For when find the chills of winter warmed only proach to mass education ever to you not only understand all points by pleasant summer memories: come down any waterway. Sections but automatically apply them, you'll cruising . . . fishing ... skiing include smallboat handling, safety know you're a good skipper. . . . bankside rendezvous ... a tips, trailering, emergency pro­ One final tip: head for the nearest summer romance. Pleasant recollec­ cedures, navigation, weather, equip­ stationary store and purchase an tions that will tingle cheerfully like ment requirements, boat operation inexpensive plastic pouch to keep bubbly champagne through the sun­ and much more, as well as informa­ your Guide protected. Next season, shine-shortened days ahead. For tion on boating laws and regulations. put it aboard and keep it about. some the season will have been, like The workbook also contains exami­ Great for instant reference or to take most things in life, a labyrinth of ups nations with four separate answer an "on-the-water" refresher course and downs with good memories cards so the crew can join in. (No after you've filled the stringer with most prevalent. But for others the cheating, gang. It's a self-evaluation fish. 39 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER When exploring strange water, do so in the safety of a vest. This young lady had a good instructor! Like swimming, the "buddy system" in boating offers extra safety in numbers as well as more fun.

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CTOBER — 1976 31 Beatitudes for Anglers

Blessed are the anglers who hold their hands close together when describing a fish: for they shall be believed.

Blessed are they who laugh not when their comrades lose a lunker: for they shall receive sympathy in turn.

Blessed are they who keep their tackle boxes in meticulous order; rods in repair; reels oiled; boats caulked and painted: for they shall not be forlorn on opening day.

Blessed are they who carefully remove the hook from a small fish and return it carefully to its element: for one day they shall rehook it as a lunker.

Blessed are they who practice their casting in a desert place: for they shall not be snaggersofmen.

Blessed are the anglers who use barbless hooks and return many fishes to the brook: for they shall never weary of angling.

Blessed are the boat anglers who know how to swim: for they shall go on many fishing expeditions.

Blessed are they who carry no flask on either hip in order to balance their canoes: for they shall live to fish again.

Blessed are they who leave their camp and fishing sites so clean that when they are gone, no one suspects anyone has been there; and especially blessed are they who pick up the debris discarded by others: for they shall have the reverence of their children's children. by Carsten Ahrens

Blessed, too, is he who sayeth to himself: Hath my subscription expired? Check thou thy mailing label; do the numbers "10-76" appear? If so, thou hast had it! I (To put it another way, send us three bucks, your name, address and zipcode. That will keep you in good standing for another year. Or, make it $7.50 and you'll be on our rolls for three more years of reading.)

32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLE*1 PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION DIRECTORY State Headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa. (Mailing Address: PO Box 1673, Harrisburg, Pa. 17120) EXECUTIVE OFFICE Ralph W. Abele, Executive Director

Assistant Attorney General Administrative Assistant Comptroller Peter J. Ressler Howard T. Hardie Edward T. Durkin Office of Information Willard T. Johns, Director 717-787-2579 Conservation Education & Training. Stephen B. Ulsh .... 71 7-787-7394 Pennsylvania Angler. James F Yoder. Editor 717-787-2411 Special Publications, Larry Shaffer 71 7-787-7394 Angler Circulation. Eleanor Mutch 71 7-787-2363 BUREAU OF FISHERIES & ENGINEERING Edward R. Miller, P.E., Director Box 70, RD 1, Bellefonte, Pa. 16823 Tel. 814-359-2754* (•Unless otherwise indicated, all offices within this bureau may be reached at this same address and telephone number.) Fred W. Johnson, Water Resources Coordinator . . .717-783-2808 (Office at State Headquarters, 3532 Walnut Street, Progress, Pa.) Dennis Ricker, Administrative Officer' FISHERIES DIVISION* Delano Graff, Chief Trout Production Section, Ken Corl. Chief Fisheries Management Section. Robert Hesser, Chief Warm Water Production Section, Shyrl Hood. Chief .814-683-4451 Research Section. Courtney C Gustafson, Chief 814-355-4837 Box 1 27. Linesville. Pa. 1 6424 Benner Spring Fish Research Station. Box 200-C, Bellefonte, Pa. 1 6823 Cooperative Nursery Branch, Robert Brown, Chief FISH CULTURAL STATIONS BELLEFONTE. John Bair, Superintendent 814-359-2754 LINESVILLE, Charles Sanderson. Superintendent 814-683-4451 RD 1. Bellefonte. Pa 16823 Box 127. Linesville. Pa 16424 BENNER SPRING. William Kennedy. Superintendent . .814-355-4837 OSWAYO. D Ray Merriman, Superintendent 814-698-2001 RD 1. Box 200-C. Bellefonte. Pa 16823 RD 2. Box 84. Coudersport. Pa 16915 BIG SPRING, Wayne Weigle. Superintendent 717-776-3170 PLEASANT MOUNT. Zenas Bean, Superintendent 717-448-2101 Box 24, RD 1. Newville, Pa. 1 7241 Pleasant Mount, Pa. 1 8453 CORRY-UNION CITY, Tom L Clark. Superintendent . .814-664-2122 REYNOLDSDALE, Ralph Berkey, Superintendent 814-839-221 1 Corry. Pa. 16407 New Paris, Pa. 1 5554 HUNTSDALE.Ted Dingle. Superintendent 717-486-3419 TIONESTA, Charles Mann,Superintendent 814-755-3524 Box 393. RD 5. Carlisle. Pa. 17013 Tionesta. Pa. 16353 FAIRVIEW FISH CULTURAL STATION, Neil Shea, Superintendent 2000 Lohrer Road, P.O. Box 531. Fairview. Pa. 1641 5 814-474-1514 ENGINEERING DIVISION* Wilbert F. Hobbs, P.E., Chief Construction & Maintenance Section, Eugene Smith, Chief Architectural & Engineering Section, K. Ronald Weis. Acting Chief* Fisheries Environmental Services Branch. Jack Miller, Chief*

BUREAU OF WATERWAYS (State Headquarters) Capt. Charles E. Leising, Director Gene Sporl, Administrative Officer

LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WATERCRAFT DIVISION John I. Buck, Chief 717-787-2350 Paul Martin. Chief 717-787-7684 Edward W Manhart. Deputy Chief 717-787-2350 Alan B. Kegerise, Marine Education Specialist 717-787-7684 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES NORTHWEST, Walter G Lazusky. Supervisor 814-437-5774 SOUTHWEST, Thomas F. Qualters. Supervisor 814-445-8974 Mailing Address: 1281 Otter St., Franklin, Pa. 16323 Mailing Address: RD 2, Somerset. Pa. 15501 Location: 1281 Otter St., Franklin, Pa. 16323 Location. On Lake Somerset. Somerset. Pa. NORTHCENTRAL. Miles D Witt. Supervisor 717-748-5396 SOUTHCENTRAL, Richard Owens. Supervisor 717-436-21 17 Mailing Address: Box 688. Lock Haven, Pa. 17745 Mailing Address: RD 1. Mifflintown. Pa. 17059 Location: 129 Woodward Ave. (Dunnstown) Lock Haven, Pa. Location: On Route 22, 3 miles west of Mifflintown. Pa. NORTHEAST, Clair Fleeger. Supervisor 717-477-5717 SOUTHEAST, Norman W Sickles. Supervisor 717-626-0228 Mailing Address: Box 88. Sweet Valley. Pa. 1 8656 Mailing Address: RD 2. Box 1 19-A. Lititz. Pa. 17543 Location: On Harris Pond. Sweet Valley. Pa. Location: On Speedwell Forge Lake, on Brubaker Valley Road. BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (State Headquarters) Paul F. O'Brien, Director Personnel & Employment, Leon D. Boncarosky 717-787-7057 License Section. Mary Stine 717-787-6237 Budget Analyst. Vincent Rollant 717-787-2599 Federal Aid Coordinator. Glen C. Reed 717-787-6391 Real Estate. John Hoffman 71 7-787-6376 Office Services Supervisor. ChesterPeyton 717-787-2363 Purchasing (Harrisburg) Avyril Richardson 717-787-2732 Purchasing (Bellefonte) Budd Sampsell 814-359-2754 *S-rn.

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