BROOK TROUT TEN CENTS OFFICIAL STATE APRIL, 1940 PUBLICATION 'ANGLER* Vol. 9—No. 4

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA by the BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS jfilk

Publication Office: 540 Hamilton Street, Allentown, X^g^MOWjS^ Penna. Executive and Editorial Offices: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Board of Fish Commis­ CHARLES A. FRENCH sioners, Harrisburg, Pa. Commissioner of Fisheries • MEMBERS OF BOARD Ten cents a copy—50 cents a year CHARLES A. FRENCH, Chairman • Elwood City

ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor MILTON L. PEEK South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. Radnor

•• HARRY E. WEBER Philipsburg NOTE Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER SAMUEL J. TRUSCOTT should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either Dalton by check or money order payable to the Common­ wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. EDGAR W. NICHOLSON Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. Philadelphia

• J. FRED McKEAN PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu­ New Kensington tions and photos of catches from its readers. Proper credit will be given to contributors. H. R. STACKHOUSE All contributions returned if accompanied by first Secretary to Board •lass postage.

••

Entered as second class matter at the Post Office C. R. BULLER of Allentown, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefontc

*»* s== ; 9 -*>- IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give old and new addresses Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Ahf 0<^ m L. Vol.9. No. 4 ^ANGLERrM^IV7LCI\. / APRIL 1940

SPRING DISTRIBUTION OF TROUT

ITH our fleet of thirty-six trucks on the road night and day, we will have W most of the trout streams stocked prior to the opening of trout season, April 15th. Normally, 75% of the stocking would have been completed by this time, but unfavorable weather and water conditions have completely upset our program this year. The records show that in the past twenty-five years, our trout streams were never as low as last fall. Some of the streams the Fish Commission classed as major trout waters were so low that it was considered too dangerous to stock. Normally, spring distribution commences the latter part of January, but with the very heavy snows, hundreds of roads leading into streams were impassable, and therefore early stocking was impossible. Our distribution program has been under way since the first of March, and we are faced with a mammoth task of distributing over 700,000 trout in six weeks time. Many streams will not be stocked prior to the opening of trout season, as roads leading to them have at the present six to eight feet of snow, and we don't believe this will be gone in time to get our trucks to the streams by April 15th. We sincerely appreciate the wonderful cooperation we have had from hundreds of sportsmen's groups throughout the State, as they have been of great help in our stocking program.

Commissioner of Fisheries PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRli Trout Forage Common To Pennsylvania Waters By W. R. WALTON, Senior Entomologist, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, United States Department of Agriculture

//A LL flesh is grass", the Prophet Isaiah ditions unfavorable either to aquatic plant Since it is apparent, from what has been r\ tells us but this assertion is quite as life or to the small creatures dependent upon said, that natural trout food in many of out true of the fishes as of man and the ter­ it, and upon which the trout subsist, should streams may be in a greatly depleted state. restrial mammals. concern seriously every Pennsylvanian wKb every trout fisherman who has the welfare Water-dwelling plants form the original loves the incomparable sport of angling. of the sport at heart will resort to artificial source of sustenance for all game fishes, even Apropos of this, there is every reason to fear lures rather than be guilty of further re' ducing the breeding stock of trout food W though most of these receive this nourish­ that the protracted drought of the summer of using it as bait. Where it becomes neces­ ment second-hand; in other words after the 1939 may have so depleted many of the trout vegetable matter has been converted into sary to resort to the use of a natural bait waters of the state of their fresh forage as to the ubiquitous and ever present earthworm. | flesh by the zooplankton, or minute crusta­ lower their trout carrying capacity seriously, ceans and insects of stream and pond. or "garden hackle", is practically always perhaps for some time to come. available during the trout season and is never Evermann and Clark 0) found that a few Although it is true that many kinds of in danger of extinction. of the game fishes, such as the bluegill sun- aquatic insects possess marvelous powers of fish, feed at certain seasons directly on the survival because of their enormous powers Remember, for instance, that it takes tender portions of water plants. Likewise, almost three full years to produce a fuB 2 of reproduction and may thus overcome dif­ Dr. Paul Needham ( ) found vegetation in ficult environmental conditions, this is by no grown helgramite and furthermore that ma" the stomachs of rainbow trout so frequently means true of all of them. and the fishes are not this vigorous creature's that the he leaned toward the idea that this only enemies, as will be explained later. was taken voluntarily rather than incidental Some of these insects, like the smaller to the ingestion of creatures dwelling on such The following brief account of some of the crustaceans, are fitted by nature for survival principal creatures that constitute the forage plants. Nevertheless, it is abundantly evident only in cold or at least moderately cool water l that to the majority of the game fishes the of trout is presented with the hope that i and perish like the trout when its tempera­ may stimulate interest in the natural history minute living creatures of stream and pond, ture rises beyond their power of endurance. 8 such as the water fleas, crustaceans, insects, of these creatures and assist those angler and small, coarse fish, are both meat and On the other hand, the crayfish can with­ who are interested in fish conservation to im­ bread. stand great changes in temperature and, prove the trout-carrying capacity of their favorite streams by conserving these crea­ furthermore, will migrate overland at night e With this fundamental fact in view it be­ from pools that become unbearably warm or tures that are so important to the welfar comes perfectly apparent that water con­ lacking in nourishment. of the trout.

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flffer fmms W* 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

Trout Food in General furnish much more abundant food in waters The largest of the scuds belong to the genus suited to their existence. Gammarus (Fig. 2; enlarged about 3 times) Although it is known to fish culturists that The crayfish is known under various local and may become nearly an inch long, but 'rout kept under artificial conditions can most of them do not much exceed one-half subsist on a considerable variety of animal names, including crayfish, crawdad, and sim­ Io°d, studies both quantitative and qualitative ply as crab in some communities. The species inch. jnade in typical trout streams in this country most commonly found in trout streams is the According to Dr. J. G. Needham (*) the by Dr. Paul R. Needham (2) and others have smooth-shelled crawfish (Gambarus bartoni) possible progeny of a single pair of scuds may demonstrated that by far the greater bulk (Fig. 1; about natural size), which likes to exceed 24,000 annually but he considers this a °f the food of wild trout consists of sub­ make its home under rocks in the somewhat low rate of increase as compared with that of surface aquatic forms of animal life. Of these quiet pools of cold streams but which can many insects. We most important were the nymphs, or exist in almost any waters of ordinary tem­ The scuds carry their young about with larvae of caddis flies, may flies, and two- perature. It is partial to streams having a them after hatching, in a brood pouch con­ staged flies, or Diptera. high content of lime and is known to mate cealed under the chest, until they are well and spawn all the year round. Its eggs are able to care for themselves, and a fresh brood The species of fish studies were the brook, carried on the slender leglike swimmerets occurs every 6 weeks in summer. Scuds are brown and rainbow trouts, respectively. With under the tail and the young when hatched generally absent from streams that do not 'be rainbow, no less than 93 percent of its attach themselves to these appendages. They food consisted of the insects mentioned. The are thus transported for about a week, after contain abundant plant life and they quickly brown trout was next, with 91 percent of which they are compelled to shift for them­ succumb when exposed to high temperatures. sUch food, and the brook trout last, with 66 selves and may become fair prey for small Scuds swim well and swiftly, often on their Percent. With these facts in view it is easy trout and other fish. sides, from plant to plant, and thus frequently 0 understand why the use of artificial become the prey of trout, from small finger- lymphs, by well-informed fishermen in the The larger crayfish are freely eaten by the lings to pot-bellied lunkers. They are gray, early season, has become so popular in recent big trout, which capture them at night when greenish, or yellowish, and one cannot easily years. the crustaceans leave their burrows to forage see them by gazing at the surface of the for food. water. Dr. Needham's studies very properly were c The mud chimneys, or towers, often Other common crustacean inhabitants of °nducted in such streams as were fully observed in the soft banks along streams watercress beds are the water sowbugs of the stable for the permanent residence of trout are made by a quite different, large crayfish, genus Asellus (Fig. 3; enlarged about 2 times). aid show most admirably the character of Gambarus diogenes, so called because it lives These have much the same food habits as the ,°od consumed under these conditions. When, scuds but are somewhat addicted to decaying ho' alone in its burrow for most of the year. It Wever, adult trout are stocked in streams is not of much importance as food for fishes. as well as living plants. They live in quieter "at contain insufficient sub-surface insect The crayfish, like the insects, can make waters and are grayish, flattened creatures ^d other life, they feed on any floating food space for its growth only by shedding its much like the ordinary land sowbugs seen so Mailable. In making this statement I have hard shell at more or less frequent intervals. often hiding under boards on the surface of 1 rnind a beautiful woodland stream of cool, c At such times it becomes wholly defenseless damp soil. Those living in the water, how­ lear water, fully ten miles of which has a and would become instant prey to the fish ever, are more hairy, larger, and have the shifting, white-sand bottom. This brook is were it not for hiding in its burrow until the front two pairs of legs fitted with claws for °tally devoid of small fish life, supports shell hardens. grasping. They dwell among the plants on Practically no submerged plant life, and con- the oozy bottoms of spring pools and are ains very few subsurface insects. In order Such soft-shelled crayfish are highly effec­ said by the Needhams to be excellent trout 0 supply at least some fishing for local tive bait for game fish, and anglers often inquire whether this soft condition of the food. In witness of this fact, the fattest and urban enthusiasts, a charitable State Fish heaviest trout for its length ever taken by Ornmission stocks it each year with limited shell can be produced artificially. The answer is that it cannot, but where crayfish are fur­ the writer came from a commercial water­ ^Umbers of adult trout. Fish taken from this cress bed that contained literally millions of tr nished with abundant food and grow rapidly eam by the writer contained such poor water sowbugs. The stomach of the trout ra they shed their shells most often. ° ge as numbers of adults of the larger was full of them and its flesh approached Whirligig Crayfish are most carnivorous and, although in color that of the Atlantic salmon. beetle (Dineutes), water striders scavengers by nature, will devour any living 'Qerris), and even May beetles (Phyllophaga), creature they can overcome, including smaller Insects hat had fallen from trees overhanging the crustaceans, insects and fish. It therefore is As has been previously shown and as all .'ream. In other words, like human beings probable that they take their toll of trout observant trout fishermen know, the greater jjjj similar circumstances, when hunger urged, fry where opportunity offers. However, the proportion of food taken by trout consists _"e trout ate any food available. This fact big trout in turn devour the larger crayfish of insect life that originates in the stream. , as further emphasized in my experience and thus follow the rule described by Dean The kinds, or species, of insects eaten neces­ y hauling a one pounder out from under a Swift in his oft misquoted verse: sarily varies considerably with the character Ubmerged brush pile and finding in ity of the stream inhabited. Cool streams, rang­ '°mach a half-grown short-tailed field "So naturalists observe, a flea ing in temperature from 50° F. in winter and "°Use (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Has smaller fleas that on him prey; not to exceed 65° F. in summer, having rocky in fact, the versatility of the trout as a And these have smaller fleas to bite 'em, or gravelly bottoms and supporting abundant rericherman has become too well known to And so proceed ad infinitum. submerged plant life are almost certain to j^h culturists to be at all disputable. Adult Thus every poet in his kind teem with insect trout forage. °Ut in captivity are now fed wholesale on Is bit by him that comes behind". Conversely, streams bottomed with shifting °°ked, canned fish, liver and cereal mush, sands and containing little plant life, no ^l thrive on this unconventional food. It In cold streams rising from limestone matter how clear and cool they may be, are jj^y truthfully be said, however, that such springs, such as many of those in the Cum­ invariably poor in submerged insect life. sh furnish poor sport and even poorer eat- berland Valley, the trout have abundant, rich Until the publication of the quite competent "6 Until they have been permitted to range food in the shrimplike creatures commonly 5 studies by Halford ( ) in Great Britain, little, ne streams for a period and thus Decome called "Scuds" or "fresh-water shrimp" definite or accurate, was known about the Properly conditioned on their natural forage. although they really are not true shrimp. Another common name for these little crea­ identities of insects eaten by trout, although Crustaceans tures is "spring keeper", that is to say, Ronalds (•) as early as 1856 had endeavored The crustaceans, or crablike animals, form guardian of the spring, from the idea that to elucidate the subject. Similar studies, . Very important portion of the food of trout they preserve the water from pollution. How­ much more extensive quantitatively and *nany streams of Pennsylvania. Of these ever, scuds feed entirely on rooted water vastly more so geographically, made in this 6 crayfishes are best known to anglers, not plants such as watercress and sometimes are country by the Needhams and others during e the last 25 years have amply confirmed the cause they are most numerous but rather present in astonishing numbers. Dr. Paul ^ving to their large size, which renders Needham (2) tells of finding no less than findings of Halford. tftee m conspicuous. The smaller crustaceans, 5,000 of these little crustaceans in a single Recently statements have gone the rounds hoWever , such as the scuds, water sowbugs, square foot, in the center of a bed of water­ of the public press to the effect that the trout hd shrimp, are far more numerous and cress. (Please turn Page) ft •

PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIl

•;:^;^r^^?v^ 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

orage insects of this country are so different spreads a net across the current to catch the shedding the nymphal skin and becoming a 1 J species and appearance from those of minute things upon which it subsists. The winged creature, it rests for a short period r ^ itain that totally different artificials must other group, and one very important to the and again sheds a complete skin before being s tied to be successful here. Such stories trout, constructs a portable case which is able to mate and lay its eggs. The first winged nould be taken with at least several grains dragged about with the insect, somewhat like form is known as the subimago and, accord­ 0r age insects of this country are so different the shell of the snail. In fact, some caddis ing to Halford, these are the prototypes of °* salt because the truth is that not only worms (Helicopsyche) build spiral cases out the numerous "duns" of English fly fisher­ re some of our trout insects identical with of tiny pebbles that might easily be mistaken men. The perfect adults, or imagoes, are nose of England but most of the remainder for those of a snail. imitated by the so-called "spinners" of British fly fishermen, although this term is °* them are so similar in appearance that Among the commoner of the roving caddis applied to imitations of the crane flies by °^ly the entomologist with his microscope can worms are those shown in Figures 8 and 9, American writers. Some May fly imitations distinguish them. belonging to the genera Psilotreta and are fairly close to nature, especially those Had trout such exquisite powers of dis­ Brachycentrus, respectively. These kinds in­ known as "detached" flies having the body crimination as is alleged, they never would habit swift water and are swallowed by trout e caught on such universally successful, but free from the hook shank except near the in great numbers, case and all, especially eye. The entomologist, however, can scarcely ^itomologically impossible, artificials as the during April and May. ft suppress a quiet grin when told that the °yal Coachman and Silver Doctor. The cases of caddis worms are made of well-known pattern "black gnat" is an imita­ The most important insects included in the silk and covered with all sorts of indigestible tion of the flies of the genus Bibio or, worse ^enu of trout belong almost entirely to a objects such as sand grains, pebbles, twigs, yet, as Ronalds alleges, a dipterous fly of Sroup known entomologically as the Neurop- leaves, and small shells, but these merely the genus Rhamphomyia of the family Em- er oid, or net-veined insects. form healthy roughage for the trout. pididael The truth is that they look about The biggest of these and the one most When about to pupate, the caddis worms as much like these insects as a dog looks like Generally known, in its larval state, to fisher- fasten their cases to some rock or, as in the a turkey. j^h is the helgramite (Gorydalis cornuta) case of Brachycentrus (shown in fig. 8), to

OR THE PAST TEN YEARS I HAVE These flies belong to the family Bibionidae, from the water but as most of them were F been keeping a diary of all my fishing genus Bibio, and apparently do not rise from still in the subimago stage, I decided to re­ trips, and the following accounts appear ex­ the water, since I have seen many crawling turn a few days later. actly as they were originally written. I have out of small holes on the clay banks of the picked out those entries which I thought to stream. Having no monograph, I am unable May 21 be the most interesting, without regard to to identify them as to species, so am sending Fished Kettle Creek today with Kenneth the year, but the dates are in all cases given. a few to Mr. Cresson of the Academy of Nat­ Wykoff and caught one brook trout and one After all dates are the most important. ural Sciences. (1) When opened, the stomach fallfish. In the afternoon, drove to Beaver- Year after year, certain flies appear over contents of these trout revealed an amazing town to visit Dad, and in the evening, ran, the water, and always at practically the quantity of these flies. into an enormous hatch of the Pale Evening same time. Weather conditions may influ­ Spinners. All were females, and the wind- ence their arrival somewhat, being hastened May 1 shield of the car was completely covered by heat and retarded by cold, but in general Jack Fetterholf and I fished the North with the yellow egg sacs. In a distance of j the period of emergence should not vary by Branch today. No luck, yet there was an less than a mile, I had to stop and wipe off more than ten days or two weeks at the most. abundance of flies over the water. Hundreds the glass three times. These flies were lost. At some places they were as much as a quar­ This is for extreme temperature variations. of Light Stoneflies and Alder flies were con­ ter of a mile away from the water, and ap­ In the usual case, one can calculate the gregated on the bridge; in the eddies, the parently could not locate the stream due to ( emergence date to within three or four days; Red Legged March fly was still struggling on the rain. and in many cases, they appear year after the surface. Today the trout simply would year, exactly on the same day. not take the imitation. Fished wet flies, dry flies and bucktails with no success, but late May 26 A record then, of trout fishing trips ex­ in the afternoon, I managed to turn over a Weather hot and muggy. Spent the fore­ tending over a period of years, should prove nice trout with a quill nymph. Apparently valuable, since, by reference to the notes, noon on Fishing Creek in Sullivan County- he was hooked rather deep, for he would not No sign of fly life abroad, but apparently one can anticipate the fly that will probably come again. be found over the water at certain times. the Brown Quill was hatching out, since many cracked and empty nymphal skins May 4 April 13 came floating down with the current. Under­ Fished White Clay Creek below Landen- neath the covered bridge below Benton, I Spent the evening tying Red Quill nymphs burg this evening and took three trout on tried to interest that old lunker with all i and wet flies, also a few Little Black Stone the Edson Dark Tiger bucktail. Few flies kinds of flies, nymphs and bucktails, but he flies. Tomorrow night I am going home to over the water. would have none of them. No fish rising fish with Dad on the opening day, and the anywhere, so drove over to Spring Creek- Red Quill should prove A-l. A few years May 14 Chatted for a time with Art Snyder, and my ago I took 9 trout on Young Woman's Creek Fished Spring Creek today. The small old friend Jake Knisely at the Paradise, who with the Red Quill, and I'm hoping that I'll cranefly, commonly known as the Yellow informed me that the Shad Fly (2) hatch be able to duplicate that performance on the Spider was on the water, but today few fish was well underway; then wandered out to opening day. were rising to it. Returned to the water two the stream where I encountered "Dutch" trout, and kept two—one of which was plump April 15 Derr. "Dutch" and I fished together the and well proportioned. Met Bob McCafferty balance of the day. No flies abroad, and Dad and I fished Swift Run above Troxel- and Alex Sweigart on the stream. Cold and few trout rising. Towards evening though, ville, Snyder County, today. Weather very rainy all day. the Shad Fly came on in great numbers, and cold with occasional snow flurries. Stream the trout simply went wild. These flies were very high. A few Little Blackflies over the May 19 all in the imago stage, and the majority were water, but the Red Quill was conspicuous by Stayed last night at Al Goodlander's cabin females, commonly known as Grey Drakes. its absence. Both Dad and I fell in, and our up Weiker Run. Fished Penns Creek from clothes were frozen stiff before we arrived Cherry Run upstream towards the Paddy May 29 home. Mountain Tunnel. Weather, warm and cloudy Alex Sweigart and I fished the N. B. of i with occasional showers—ideal for dry fly the Middlecreek today. Quite a few Fish April 22 fishing. The Black Quill, the Pale Evening flies abroad, but the fishing was poor- Clark Kepner, his son Allen, and I fished Dun and the March Brown were all out in Caught a number of Iron Blue Duns that had the Yellow Breeches at Huntsdale, also Big good numbers, and the trout were rising Spring at Newville. Water temperature 45 well. Noticed some Alder flies and Yellow just emerged from the water. Kept a 1&# degrees, and trout very sluggish. Only saw Spiders that were still unexpectedly abroad. alive in a jar, but was successful in raising three trout caught all morning. In the after­ Took eight fish, five on the Pale Evening only one of them to maturity. (Three days noon, "Kep" and I went to Fishing Creek in Dun, and three on the Black Quill. About a later, this fly cast its skin, and the resulting Lancaster County where we caught three mile below the tunnel, I tied into a mon­ imago was almost an exact duplicate of the j trout. The Little Black Caddis, as well as strous brown trout, which ended with the Sherry Spinner of Ronalds). Along Weiker the Red Quill were out in fairly good num­ fish swimming away with my Black Quill, Run, Alex secured for me a male Brown bers on this stream, and their imitations were and part of the leader. Fried fish at the Drake or Drake Mackerel, which apparently i responsible for the fish above mentioned. hunting cabin, and again stayed there over­ is the imago stage of the Dark Green Drake Fished wet flies, using the Red Quill on the night. found last week in almost the same locality- point. May 20 May 30 April 30 Fished Weiker Run this morning. The Dad and I fished the North Branch this '. Dad and I fished the North Branch of the Dark Green Drake, a mayfly which after­ evening. A big hatch of Ginger Quills were Middle Creek today. Weather rather cold, wards turns into the Brown Drake was just over the water just before dark, but the jin# \ with rain in the morning, but towards noon, emerging from the water. The trout had was on us, for neither of us caught a trout- the Black Quill began to appear over the not yet become accustomed to it, and were June 9 water. Immediately the trout started rising, not rising. Returned to the water four small and in a short time I took five nice fish. The trout that were taken on the Black Quill, Fished Spring Creek today. Caught three trout though were rising to the Red Legged then drove over to Spring Creek. At Spring small trout, all of which I returned to the March Fly which was everywhere struggling Creek, I returned to the water five nice water. Fishing poor; creek cloudy, and on the surface, and it was this imitation that fish. The shad flies were just coming on. weather hot. The Spotted Sedge was on the was responsible for the taking of the fish. Here and there they could be seen rising (Continued on Page 31) 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER

Ginger Quill Ginger Quill Black Quill Pale Evening Pale Evening Dun Spinner Dun Spinner ?

Ginger Quill Ginger Quill Black Quill Pale Evening Pale Evening Dun Spinner Dun Spinner Yellow Moogemane Black Moosemane

Tying Silk Tying Silk Tying Silk Fig. 'V Fig. "BM Fig. HC" Jungle Cock. Feather- Nail

Tying Silk

Fig. "D" Fig. "I'TTIE " Fig. "F1

MooBemane Tying Silk

Fig. "G" Fig. "H' Fig. "J"

Section A-A

Fig. "K" Fig. "L*

to*$J>. 1-J2-VO l9< PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRlI REVIEW FOR BEGINNERS By R. W. McCAFFERTY

OLLOWING up on our article of last F month, we are now confronted with actual fishing. Here we should acquaint our­ selves with aquatic insects, the fishes, the streams in general, knots, etc. The illustrations show an easy method of attaching leader to line as well as numerous knots for attaching flies or adding tippets to the leader. These knots should be prac­ 1—Chator Knot (Loose). ticed with string until proficiency is attained. I prefer the looped line end for easy and begin with that. Yellow or brown are pretty and begins working against the current. This quick changing of leaders; the Major Turle staple, everyday patterns and these are often too is a common occurrence when fishing knot for secure fastening of the fly and the my choice. If the water is very discolored, nymph or wet flies. Chator knot for tying leaders. a black fly is my favorite. In a stream filled with large rocks there Before actual fishing is begun it is well to is apt to be found many small pockets, espe­ study the tying of knots and get a little cast­ The casting should be tried in every direc­ tion and all conceivable methods of retrieve cially in the riffles seemingly of insignificant ing practice. We know that an ordinary size. Don't pass these up. Many nice size "granny" or square knot may serve the pur­ should be employed. Downstream or down and across stream casting, retrieving against fish inhabit them and the working of the fly pose but those in the illustrations best suit from one to another of these pockets is in' the job for which they are intended. To the current, will probably become easiest but don't let it become a habit. The apparently teresting and often exciting and productive become familiar with them now will prevent sport. many anxious and perhaps regretful mo­ slight difference in direction of casts and ments later. retrieves often means the difference between catching and not catching fish. Nymphs The job of choosing the type of fly to begin Nymph fishing has come into its rightfully fishing cannot be definitely outlined here. If If a fish is raised but has not struck, change earned niche in the last few years. It is you have chosen not to be a "purist" and to a smaller size of the same pattern before more delicate than bucktail and streamer have obtained dry flies, bucktails, streamers giving up or changing to another pattern. fishing and not quite as easily learned but and nymphs your first decision must be— This often does the trick. that shouldn't be discouraging. Offsetting the which type fly? If it is early season and the Those are my basic rules for using this added study and effort one must give to la water is high and possibly discolored, buck- type of fly. If any particular method of learning nymph fishing is the fact that this «a tails and streamers will likely prove best, fishing them has brought the most outstand­ type of fishing very often is the only way ifl ar nymphs and wet flies next and the dry flies ing results it has been the across stream ar very doubtful. Suppose then we start with method. In this method the cast is directly the former. across current and with a long line. The fly is sometimes worked as the line is slowly Bucktails taken in. The current causes a belly in ==GQ$D= After some experience you will develop a the line and the most strikes occur at the strong liking for some pattern and usually moment the fly reaches the end of this arc 2—Chator Knot (Drawn Tieht)

which fish can be taken. Numerous anglers each season waste hours fishing dry flies over fish which appear to be taking floating flieS ft] but which are actually taking nymphs at ot n- near the surface. Remember, fish breaking water are not necessarily taking floating flies. More often they are feeding on nymphs and have inadvertantly broken water in the act of catching a nymph. The more seasoned angler realizes that the genuine surface feed­ ing trout, especially the nicer fish, cause little commotion. The actual "taking in" of a fly • is done quietly and is often attended with a sucking noise and the appearance of a slight dimple on the surface where the fly has dis­ appeared. This discourse on differentiating between a fish feeding on nymphs and floating flies is necessary at this time to help you in deciding which type fly to use. Referring to the first article you will notice one of the chief requisites for fishing nymphs is a long, fine leader. Under no circumstances do I use leaders shorter than 9 feet and rarely that short. Twelve feet is to be pre­ ferred. The question of imparting action to a nymph arises whenever two or more anglers get together and discuss this fishing. Ex­ perience long ago taught me that anything pertaining to angling should be entered into with an open mind. Having a pet method is all right just so long as it is not so solidly A. good box for streamer*, eyed wet flies and nymphs. set that you can't change it in a moment. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 9

and solidly. All this occurred on the bottom and the nymph had not been caused to rise more than an inch or two in any of the twitchings. This brings to mind another trout in my early experiences of nymph fishing. I was trying the method of making the nymph swim about four or six inches, then letting it pause for about fifteen seconds. As this occurred in clear water I had previously spot­ ted a fish and could study its reactions. On the first cast the nymph dropped about five feet upstream from the fish and as it drifted to within two feet of him I began the actions. As it was passing, his fin motion increased but he did not move after it until it was well past him. Then, as he approached it I stop­ ped the action and the fish immediately stop­ ped and turned away. Seeing this refusal, I began the actions promptly and the fish again turned and this time took the nymph but it was moving when he took it. Evidently he was not sure enough that it was food after his first inspection but when it again started swimming and continued to do so the act of deceiving him was com­ pleted. Of course these experiences cover just the fish I was successful in taking. I've been able to use the knowledge gained from these ex­ periences in taking numerous fish in later years. Handy line carrier. In fast water the most common method is the natural drift. Used in upstream fishing, So it is with these nymph movements or time vibrated the rod. The result was a fast ia it is very similar to dry fly fishing except ck of movements. Regardless of which swimming or scurrying nymph which I have that the lure is invisible and requires some Method is most simply produced by the since found to be rarely effective. After experience in learning when to set the hook. atlgler, the fish's desire is of utmost import- several retrieves of this type without success a A flash of light, a momentary retarding of nce. All this is idle chatter of course, if I changed to the following method. the drifting leader and line or a minute When the nymph came to a stop on the splash on the surface, all these and more bottom where I figured it to be within vision are signal enough to set the hook. You of the fish I let it lay there for two or three should train yourself to strike at the slightest mwiwuiur .=» minutes. At the end of that time I twitched provocation. This method is used also in it slightly and let it lay again, this time about conjunction with the up and across stream eight seconds, then another twitch. The trout casts in which case the nymph is allowed to 3—Leader I,nop had now come out of hiding and as he did- drift past you and, when the line straightens so I again twitched it and he took quickly (Continued on Page 26) you don't have a subject in full view for the first dozen or more experiments. Locate your nymph feeding trout first, then go to work. My notes reveal an incident concerning a w inch brownie that knew just how his nynrph was to be dished up. ' His hide-out *as a huge sunken stump which was partially ^sponsible for his exacting feeding habits. •"• Ay or nymph floating or drifting over him ^ould likely go untouched as the stump pre- vented an upward view. However, when really on feed he probably had another lo­ cation from which these flies could be seen. * noticed nevertheless that if he used the stump as a resting place only, he was not averse to taking on occasional free wander- ltlg natural if it ventured within two or three feet of him. I saw him emerge from his lair suddenly °ne day, take what was probably a nymph ahd retreat as quickly as he appeared. Be­ muse of the location of the stump, I believe l* Was used as a rest station in all but his •host active feeding periods. The water at lnis point was about five feet deep and very slow, being at the tail of a long pool. By casting about ten feet upstream from the stump, the fly sank and came to rest on the bottom about 18 inches from where the fish arst appeared. After a moment's pause I retrieved the line quite fast and at the same A practical dry fly box. . 19' 10 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIt FIRST DAY By Don Miller equipment and fish in the streams to catch HOSE of you who are going out on April with it. But to get back to the story. 15th for your initiation into that great T After the gods had decided that we had fraternity of "Oatcha Lotta Trout", the sport done a sufficient amount of suffering to make of kings—and presidential candidates—that us appreciate that little ten or twelve inch bane of all good wives, and wrecker of trout, the rain stopped—before which we had peaceful firesides—lend me your ear—or both managed to inveigle a little seven inch should I say eyes. For here on these very rainbow to accept our worms for what they pages I am about to unfold a tale that comes thought was going to be their breakfast. My straight from the vault of valuable mem­ conscience has often irked me for keeping ories in the life of a fisherman. those piscatorial infants—but forgive us— It was a typical "first day"—cold, rainy in brother fisherman—we were young. After that annoying drizzly way that makes one this, we decided to be smart, and avoid the feel as though he would like to do anything crowd, by moving upstream where there but fish—but then it was the "first day". Bob were fewer fishermen, and as we have often and I—Bob's my brother, and a better fish­ discovered since—fewer fish. Well, after erman never cast a tapered fly line this side trying every likely looking spot, with no re­ of the rockies—like all beginners, we suffered sults, I suddenly got a bright idea, which was greatly because of our lack of knowledge of soon to prove what I have many times since things that all good fishermen come to know learned about trout fishing—namely, that you after a few years' experience on the stream. have to think to catch trout—use your head, We didn't know, for example, that our bait there is a great deal more to it than just boxes should have been filled before leaving casting a fly. Anyway, this idea of mine had home, our leaders knotted and looped ready to do with a small stream, evidently the out­ to put on the line, and our reels filled all let from some farmer's spring-house, and ready to slip on the rod. Consequently, we when I say small, I mean it was really small, suffered, and because we suffered, we learn­ ed. Now, you beginners who are thinking of not more than three feet wide at the widest profiting by our experience—don't try it— part, and the deepest pool about two feet you might remember the things just men­ deep. But it was nice clear water, and very tioned and forget a million others; to be a inviting looking, and I thought that if I were good fisherman you will have to suffer like a trout, I would surely choose such a spot we did, you will have to learn by experience. for a hideaway. So I said to Bob, "Bob," I Go right ahead, get your line tangled—and said, "I have an idea, I'm going to sneak up French Creek in Chester County. Ui along the bank of that creek, and drop my then stand waist deep in forty-degree water L for half an hour regretting your folly while line in, just to see what will happen." Bob didn't say a word, but just looked at me with you try to untangle it—go ahead—hang your SLATINGTON CLUB TO PLANT TREES ai fly up in an overhanging branch before you that half-disgusted look in his eyes, like the tc learn to cast sideways on a wilderness time I tried to catch a butterfly with my The annual meeting of the Slatington Skeet stream. These things are all part of learning landing net. But I was undaunted, and I and Sports Association was held at Roberts °J to be a good fisherman, and one who ap­ stole silently up the bank of the brook, and restaurant with John Craig, vice-president ^ preciates the value of having good fishing I was so cautious, that, Bob told me after­ in charge in the absence of President Allen ward. I looked as though I were playing Krum. hide-and-seek with the grasshoppers. Reports offered at the meeting disclosed Q, After a slow and arduous journey of about that the organization had distributed 48 rab- C ten feet, I finally reached a likely looking bits, received from the State, 72 purchased by pool, and standing back about ten feet from themselves, and 98 woodcock, also donated rr the bank I cautiously dropped the baited hook over the bank. Well, brother fisher­ by the State. Four hundred brook trout were a: men, I no sooner lowered that worm into the distributed in adjacent streams by the State P water than my rod started to vibrate so during the past season. It was also revealed R violently it actually made my teeth rattle. that the club's reforestration program in 1939 a r Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to resulted in 1000 new trees being planted > take my time, and in a few seconds I was bringing their total to 3500. unhooking a beautiful twelve-inch rainbow. ai Well, that was the beginning of a very en­ Election of officers for the new year was I 0; joyable first day, for a couple of amateur held with the following members being se­ fishermen. Before we decided to quit that lected to serve: Allen Krum, president; John little brook, and leave a few fish for some Craig, vice-president; LeRoy Yenser, secre- ^ other enterprising fishermen, we had man­ tary, and Herman Miller, treasurer. The aged to capture nine beautiful brookies and board of directors includes: Dr. Harry B- t rainbows, ranging from ten to thirteen Kern, Allen Behler, E. - H. Gelton, Dewey inches, and every one taken from this tiny Lentz. Earl Evans and Victor Deibert. trickle of water, hardly big enough to be ' \« rightly called a brook. So you see, that was Authorities on wildlife spoke during the ri social program of the evening. District Game t] one bright idea that really got results. Protector William Moyer of Allentown talked C on game refuges and urged hunters to send r in their game reports. Charles Neff, Field t: If you tie your own leaders for wet fly Sports columnist of the Allentown Morning fishing, tie in the dropper loops to point Call, addressed the members on conservation , toward the line end. This will cause the of game and also pointed out the advantages I i, loop to stand away from the leader when of game refuges. Entertaining motion pictures, p taken on a hunting and fishing trip in j in use, thereby avoiding the annoyance of Canada, were presented by E. H. Graver- having the dropper flies winding themselves The meeting was concluded with a luncheon t about the leader. That small stream and refreshments. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 11

Question: Recently, while discussing trout Question: There is a meadow stream near Measurement, the question was raised on what my home that used to be mighty good brook Procedure a fish warden followed in measuring trout "water but of late years the bottom has trout while astream. Are trout measured from become covered with silt. It has gone back fast. tne base or fork of the tail to the tip of the What would be a good method to scour out the snout?—J.S. silt from the bottom?—J.F. Answer: Trout are measured from the tip Answer: V type deflectors or wingwalls of I bin areadin, so much erbout this here fly °f the tail to the tip of the snout by fish either stone or logs to speed up and concen­ fishin' fer trout thet I sent away an' got me hardens. trate the stream current in narrow channels a fly fishin' outfit an' I'm agonna taik it up should prove helpful. this yere. Reckon mebbe it'll be sorter comic Question: What will be the rules governing ter sum o' the boys ter see an ol' coot like fishing on Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia me, thet alius fished worms, minnies, crickets Question: Have heard the brown trout re­ this yearf—W.G.K. an' 'hoppers tryin' this new fangled game, ferred to as German brown trout and Loch Answer: It has been announced that fly but we all gotta lern sumtime an' this yere Leven trout. Who was first responsible for im­ fishing for trout will be permitted in the Wis­ I figger is a gude time ter start. porting it to this country? How did the latter sahickon on Wednesdays and Saturdays dur­ Got the idear last seezun in May watchin' ing the open season. Since these days have species derive its name?—J.L.H. b a young feller fishin' dry fly in the medder een specified the opening date for fishing Answer: The first shipment of brown trout run. I hed ketched a cupple nice speckled that water will be Wednesday, April 17, two was received in the United States in 1884 by trout, eround a foot long, on crickets erly in ^ays after the regular trout season opening the United States Fish Commission from Herr the mornin' but when the sun got high the °*i other state streams. Live bait may be VonBehr of the German Fish Commission.' Us trout quit comin' fer me. Then I sees this ed only below the high bridge at Walnut Two years later, the first brown trout eggs feller fishin' upstream. They wuz a good Lane and above Bells Mills Road and flies to be hatched in Pennsylvania were hatched hatch o' flies cumin on an' I sees him ketch °nly may be used betwen Bells Mills Road at the Corry hatchery in Erie County. Ship­ one an' then start checkin' in a leetle box he and Walnut Lane. If more details relative ments of brown trout eggs were later receiv­ to hed bin carryin' in his basket. The trout regulations on the Wissahickon are desired ed in this country from Great Britain. The shure wuz raisin' by thet time and' did he go Set in touch with Hon. Edgar W. Nicholson, Loch Leven trout derives its name from that ter town. Durned ef he didn't ketch 12 nice Member of the Fish Commission, 815 Land beautiful lake in Scotland. Skilled fish cul- speckles whilst I watched him, an' them trout turists, since its introduction claim that ex­ "Title Trust Bldg., Philadelphia. musta a bin frum eround 8 to 13 inches. treme difficulty would be had today in dif­ Whut I liked erbout it tho wuz the gude sport ferentiating between the German and the Question: In addition to Penns Creek, what he showed out ter be. Outer thet 12 trout, a Loch Leven. ''e some of the larger streams in Centre all o' them legul, he only killed two, both County f—M.K. eround 13 inches. An' when yer talkin' 13 Answer: The list of streams 10 miles or Question: Am planning to do some trout inch speckled trout, brother, yer talkin' fish ^ore in length includes Elk Creek, reached jest erbout ez nice ez they cum from our at fishing in waters in Pike County this year. Like Millheim on Highway Route 45, Little big streams for my fishing and am wondering runs. Most o' the trout he hooked he never Fishing Creek, reached at Mingoville on about a good location to stay. Could you give so much ez lifted outer the water, takin' Route 220, Little Moshannon Creek, reached me this information?—N.L.V. the hook out an' lettin' 'em go. Man, the way at Philipsburg on Route 322, Pine Creek, he laid thet leetle fly, he called it a ginger reached at Woodward on Route 45, Spring Answer: Pike County boasts some of the quill, size 14, on the water wuz purty ter Creek, reached at Bellefonte on Route 220 largest trout waters in Pennsylvania. Offhand watch, an' no mistaik. a nd Sinking Creek, reached at Potters Mills we might list the Lackawaxen and Big Bush- Well, we start atalkin' an' I sez ez how I °n Route 53. kill. The former, having a stream length of reckoned it ud taik a whale o' a lot o' prac- 27 miles, flows 11 miles through Pike, while tis fer a feller ter lay out a fly like thet. Question: This is drawing the line pretty the latter, 21V2 miles in length, offers 6 miles Nuthin o' the kind, he cums back at me. fine, but if you had your selection of dry flies of fishing in Pike County. There are also Here, taik this rod an' try it. Well, Elick "arrowed down to three patterns, what would a number of good smaller streams including at fust ahandlin' thet outfit I felt like a over- they be? How about hook sizes?—R.G.W. Dingmans Creek, Shohola Creek and Middle growed calf tryin' ter stand on its back laigs. Answer: Man, is that a tough one, but Bushkill Creek. Accommodations can be had But then I seed ez how, with him showin' *hat fisherman doesn't have his pets? We'd at Milford which is nicely located for the me how whippin' out the line wuz mostly in dominate (hold everything) the Ginger Quill, trout fishermen planning to fish county the rist, an' tellin' me ter hold my castin' waters. the paie Watery Dun and the Black Gnat. arm like I cude hold a book under it, puttin' 0n the first two patterns, hook sizes would thet fly on the water wuz rite eezy. Then he range from 12 to 16 and on the last men­ Question: I hear that the new copy of the give be the dope on the rod, sed ez how 8% tioned from 14 to 20. South Bend catalog is now out and that it con­ foot wuz a gude length, thet it shude be tains some mighty fine illustrations of fish and erbout 5 er 5% ounces an' fair stiff, an' thet Question: I have an 8 1/2 foot rod weigh- tackle hints. How would I secure a copy?—J.R. a level C line ud be gude fer a starter. Give in9 5 3/4 ounces with a pretty stiff action, Ant Answer: If a copy is desired, write to me dope on leaders an' sum gude flies, tew, Planning to -get a good level line for it. What South Bend Bait Company, South Bend, Ind., an' now I got a outfit thet handles mitey nice. ***e would you suggest?—H.G. addressing your request attention Len Hof- Shure am set ter taik up this fly fishin' Answer: Our guess in this instance would mann. We understand a copy may be had this yere fer sartin. Be lettin' ye know how be a C level. for the asking. it's cumin' one o' these days. a PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL THIS TROUTING GAME A Discussion of Problems Pertaining to Present Day Trout Fishing By ALEX P. SWEIGART

NCREASING popularity of trout fishing as it does not seem like stretching the point to I a sport with the angling public in recent say that perhaps 250,000 joined the first day years has been one of the most noticeable invasion of our trout streams. Assuming that trends in freshwater angling. In Pennsylvania this was the case, there would have been and other densely populated states on the approximately 120 feet of water stocked with eastern seaboard, the problem of furnishing legal size trout for every fisherman. Obvious­ good trouting in waters being fished so in­ ly, this congestion of fishermen does not tensively is a major one. It all simmers apply to all streams, for better known and down to a question of supply and demand, highly popular waters draw most heavily. with a splendid system of hatcheries owned Now let us turn to a second factor having by Pennsylvania fishermen furnishing the strong bearing on the season fishing. In pre­ supply for public waters and the fishermen paration for the first day rush to the trout the demand. streams, suppose 600.000 brook trout, brown Certain factors that have very real bearing trout and rainbow trout of catchable size on the problem of meeting this demand are have been stocked during the spring. This not to be overlooked. First is available mile­ would mean, if 250,000 fishermen were age of cold water streams suitable for carry­ astream on the first day, that each angler's ing trout in the Keyston* State. While Penn­ share would be approximately 2% of these sylvania has a number of "heavy water stocked fish. Here again it would be virtually streams", (the Brokenstraw in Warren Coun­ impossible to strike an average as to catches, ty, Penns Creek in Centre County, the Brod- but limit creels of 10 trout are not uncommon heads in Monroe County and the Little Le­ on opening day. It is reasonable to assume high in Lehigh County, to mention a few of that with the intensive fishing to which our this type) a majority of our trout streams streams are subjected early in the season, the are smaller waters in mountainland and trout population in such waters is bound to be cut into heavily during the first week. farming country. The stream survey con­ Trout stocked from the hatcheries have proved a ducted by the Board shows that 5700 miles A third factor, vital to every fisherman major contributing factor to the Pennsylvania ang­ of trout waters in the state are now being who has the welfare of his sport at heart, is ler's sport on many of our waters. stocked with trout of legal six inch size and the threat of posted land. A mighty sizable over. Of approximately 400,000 fishermen portion of our best trout waters flow through landowner toward the fishermen is to be licensed to angle in Pennsylvania last year, agricultural sections and the goodwill of the reckoned right at the top of the "must" list for better fishing. Fishermen as a class are square-shooting sportsmen, but unfortunately in any large group a very small minority, perhaps not more than two or three percent, can play merry ned with goodwill efforts. This issue must be met squarely for its bear­ ing on future angling in our waters is in­ creasingly important. Additional mileage of trout streams available to the angling public is a goal well worth striving to attain. Natural Factors Amazing and a deserved tribute to the splendid trout production of Pennsylvania's hatchery system is the fact that, despite un­ favorable natural conditions during the past ten years, our anglers have continued to find sport on our trout streams. Since the drought of 1930, stream levels have been generally low during the summer months, last year's drought capping the climax. Coupled with the fall in stream levels so unfavorable to the natural food supply was the disastrous flood of '36. Walls of water in high banked streams gouged loose good sized boulders, scoured the bottom and in some extreme instances formed new channels. Probably no other single factor during the past 25 years had a .more drastic effect in changing general stream appearances or in destruction of avail­ able trout forage. The drought last year also exacted heavy toll on trout stream organisms as shrinking water levels in many streams exposed large sections of riffles and shallows to air and sun. The threat of trout stream predators under low water conditions prevailing last summer This creel of brook trout was taken while the daily creel limit was still 15 a day. Sentiment prevails and early autumn is not to be taken lightly- with some fishermen that a further cut in the present daily limit from 10 to 5 a day would not be excessive. Watersnakes in particular took heavy toll 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 13 from trout in waters severely affected by drought. Campaigns to control this predator staged by sportsmen throughout the state Paid big dividends to the fishermen last year. Any discussion of natural factors affecting °ur trout streams would be incomplete if we failed to take into consideration erosion which has been in progress on many of our low temperature watersheds for many years. Unchecked run-off of surface water in areas where much of the timber has been removed has undoubtedly contributed heavily to pres­ ent unfavorable natural environment for our trout in streams affected. The effect of civilization upon modern trout Waters is, we believe, forcefully summed up by Wilson H. Armistead, noted British fish culturist, in the following words relative to English streams: "Year by year the food supply is getting less in the headwaters of many trout streams. Land is being better drained: Flood water, Which used to cause a welcome spate lasting several days, now runs off in a few hours and sweeps the streams clean. Unless all these contrary influences are intelligently counteracted, their effect on the fishing will not be long in making itself felt. There is every inducement to be on the lookout, and every scrap of care bestowed on a stream Trout nursery ponds at the Reynoldsdule Hatchery in Bedford County. Will bring its own reward. Look around and see what the moorland and waste places Produce. Nature is at work there and doing scientiously, always finding out the meaning Raise the minimum size limit on trout. "er best, and even on good soil the value of of this or that, and passing nothing by which Those in favor argue that a six inch trout, her crop is small compared with what man is not understood". size and weight considered, is hardly worth °an accomplish when he takes her into part­ carrying home. They contend that by raising nership. It is precisely so with streams and The Angler's Forum the limit to eight inches, smaller fish could lakes. Nature at her very best cannot do be carefully returned to the water thus in­ ^hat man can accomplish with her aid; but Having discussed in a sketchy fashion a few suring a possible carry-over stock in the ^an must remember that she is the senior of the problems bearing on present day trout streams for the next season. , Partner with all the knowledge, all the capi­ fishing, let us turn to the fishermen and tal, and most of the directing power. He some of the suggestions they have made Close small nursery waters tributary to •fcust follow her directions carefully and con- relative to bettering the sport. We list the major streams to all fishing. It is contended following for your consideration: (1) Reduce that such streams carry a stock of trout the daily creel limit on trout from 10 to 5 ranging in size from around three to 5 or 6 a day; (2) Raise the minimum size limit on inches, although admitted that occasionally trout from 6 to 8 inches; (3) Close small cold larger fish are to be caught. The tendency of these fish to drop into heavier water as water feeders, suitable as nursery waters, to" all fishing; (4) Have organized sportsmen's (Continued on Page 29) clubs in the various counties appoint com­ mittees to actively cooperate with landowners in pressing charges against those who violate property rights; (5) Increase the natural food supply in trout waters; (6) Reduce the age limit for those taking out a fishing license from 16 to 14 years; (7) Close waters listed for stocking with legal size trout to all fishing except during the open trout season; (8) Establish a reasonable season limit on trout. That's the list and we now give you the arguments of those backing these sugges­ tions. Reduction of the daily creel limit. In view of the intensive fishing to which our trout waters are being subjected, it is argued, the present creel limit of 10 trout a day is en­ tirely too high. If water conditions are at all favorable during the first two or three days of the season, it is not an unheard-of feat for a fisherman to take his legal quota of 30 trout in the first three days. No matter how heavy the stocking, it is ridiculous to think that a stream can continue to provide good fishing later in the season when fisher­ man after fisherman takes his limit of 10 fish. By cutting the present creel limit in half, at least some progress would be made in over­ coming a fished-out condition by later in the ** typical trouting scene on one of Pennsylvania's season. Furthermore, five nice trout should °°l>ulur trout waters. This picture was taken on A brace of trout like this should satisfy the the Little Lehigh in Lehigh County. satisfy the average sportsman. sportsman-angler, it is argued in some circles. 14 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL w

Pop and I were friends so, never rapping. I TRY NIGHT FOR TROUT I opened the door and walked into the\ kitchen. By JOHN J. MAHONEY "Holy Mackerel", I exclaimed. Laying on the table were seven splendid trout, all over HE night was dark, breathless. Faint started for shore. I judge the trout was over a foot long. I fondled the biggest one in my T moonlight filtered thru the treetops cast­ two foot. Sudden panic gripped me. I hands. Just then Pop entered. ing grotesque shadows on the stream. Above couldn't resist the temptation any longer so the piercing voices of insects could be heard taking my net I waded in after him. 'How do you like those, Jack? That one the whistling of a line back and forth thru "Come back, come back", Pop yelled, but is over 21 inches. I've been after him all the air. Two figures stood knee deep in the on I went. season. I finally landed him last night". water. One was motionless, the other was "At night", I interrupted. "Is that when wading slowly forward. Because of the The water was up to my neck as a silver you caught these trout?" thick growth so close to the edge of the streak went past me. Dipping my net under­ neath him I lifted up. A sagging weight in "Sure I catch all my trout at night. That's stream and the swift water the wader was the best time to fish. Sit down and have having difficulty. A few muttered words my net as the line slackened. A flop and he was gone. some coffee. I suppose you want another and then his line whipped ahead of him. payment on my insurance policy. Don't you , "Say, Pop," I grunted, "he must not be "You dumb-bell", Pop was jibbering. "You collectors ever fish at night?" made me lose him. What in the world pos­ there. We've been here long enough. Let's "No", I answered. "Dusk is my limit. I've go upstream?" sessed you? Come out of the water before you drown". been fishing a lot this season but the only "Have patience, Jack, and be quiet. He's worthwhile thing I've got so far is the exer­ a fussy devil. Come up baby and get your In the depths of despair I waded out and cise. Oh, sure I caught a few trout". then Pop slapped me on the back. "Boy, dessert". Pop snorted. "You modern fishermen. If The words no sooner left his mouth than wasn't that great. We'll get him some other night, Jack," he grinned. "You're a pitiful luck is with you alright; if not you come baby did come up and smack he took the home empty handed. That biggest trout bait. Pop set the hook and the battle start­ sight. We'll go home and come out again tomorrow night". wasn't born that way. He was smart and ed. I shined my flashlight on the water to clever but I finally outwitted him. Last night watch the struggle. It was a magnificent I often laugh as I look back at that inci­ was a good night to fish. Remember it was trout. His first lunge nearly broke Pop's dent. I had gone over to see Pop the prev­ dark and cloudy, raining a little. I knew rod. My arm swung like a pendulum try­ ious morning about an insurance policy. He this trout stayed under a waterfall. The fir ing to follow his antics with my flashlight. lived in a shack on the outskirts of town. trees grew close to the edge of the bank and Twisting and darting he tried to get under Grizzled and short of stature, his age about the only possible way to fish this hole was some jammed logs at the head of the pool. 70, he still had a lively step. An ardent wading in from the lower end. My bait was Failing in this the trout swerved and came sportman he was known as an authority on just plain worms. You know when you first straight toward me. Pop, reeling his line in, fishing and hunting. dig worms out of the ground they are soft, flabby and no life. But I keep them in moss for a week. Say, this hardens them and when you put them on a hook, they are lively and full of pep and will stay on in the swiftest current. I changed worms every few min­ utes and it must have been 30 minutes before that trout struck. My pole quivered like a reed in the wind but I had hooked him good and his final struggle ended on the bank"- The final outcome of this conversation was that we went fishing that night. As I said before, we had poor results because of my excitement but Pop had promised to take me out the following evening. He also told me to carry a bigger variety of flies. I only had one type with me called the Heather Moth- I had quite an array of these in brown and gray colors. Proudly I had displayed these to Pop. He swore and then laughed. "No I wonder you never catch any trout. Any old j fly will never do. Take notice of the natural flies above a stream. Catch a few in your i hat. Out of your artificial flies pick the ones that resemble these the closest. Don't ever j forget that and you'll have better luck fly fishing. Come around after me tomorrow j night at five". We arrived at the stream early that night- The other fishermen were just going home- Pop and I rigged up ready to fish. There was a hatch of flies above the stream and Pop had some artificial ones that resembled | these exactly. "Sit down, Jack", Pop said, "and have pa­ tience. We have the whole night ahead oi us. Turn on your headlights until I fasten these flies. Put this fly on the end of your leader and this White Miller about three foot & from that. Now you notice there were no White Millers on this stream, but I always 'JtPj> put one on my hook. It's the only thing visible in the dark. You can tell by its posi­ 'Dipping my net underneath him I lifted up. A sagging weight in my net as the line slackened. A flop and he got away." tion where your other fly is. Ready, let's go"- 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 15

As we waded into the stream, Pop turned to me. "Take your flashlight out and put it °n your belt. It's always ready for instant Use, but don't shine it on the water unless you absolutely have to. Did you hear that sPlash? There's one jumping over there. Now be careful and move a little away from Ole". I could hear Pop's line whizzing thru the air but I couldn't see where he was throwing it. Another splash, then Pop's voice. "He's °n, Jack. Don't shine your flashlight". Faintly I could see Pop's outline. He was forking his way to shore. As I watched him ftiy line went upstream. Suffering Catfish. There was some thing on the end of it. I fumbled my pole as the reel started to sing. It reminded me of fishing with a blindfold over your eyes. Trying to take in slack I found was impossible so I just held firm, and Pop came to my rescue. How he could see was beyond me. "Steady, Jack, steady", Pop encouraged me as he waded into the stream. Another re­ sounding splash then Pop's voice. "O.K. Jack, I netted him and I'm not all wet either." On the shore we laid the two trout, both brownies over 16 inches. Turning to me Pop said, "Jack, you don't need to use that much line at night. My belief is trout can't see ^u then. All the line you should use is ten feet beyond the tip of your rod. Sometimes there are a few exceptions. Why I've been fishing in the dark and had trout jump right at my feet. Let's go upstream". During the next three hours we caught fiight more trout. Pop was certainly a wiz­ ard. Out of all the trout he hooked he only lost one. It was after midnight so we sat °n the bank and ate a little lunch. 'It was a magnificent trout. His first lunge nearly broke Pop's rod.' "Well, Jack, it looks like rain. What say *e try to catch the one you were in swim­ FIRST TROUT HATCHERY licious persons, at night time, blew open all. ming after. I got some worms with me. the dams and the entire lot of fish escaped Maybe we can hook him again". IN UNITED STATES and were lost. This novel exhibition could So saying he reached in his pocket and (From bits of History by S. R. Beard) not then be completed. Pulled out a can. I shined my flashlight. It was full of worms packed in moss. They About 1871, Dr. J. F. Schirner, then Dr. Schirner's office and residence were Were wriggling and squirming around and prominent physician in Tamaqua, constructed located on West Broad Street, Tamaqua, on that moss was certainly a tonic to them. the first hatchery in the United States for the same premises now occupied by his. It started drizzling as we waded upstream, the propagation of brook trout. The hatchery daughter, Mrs. Annie Lineweaver. In 1936, Thomas O'Hara of the Fish Com­ ^op Was whistling a marching tune and I was located on the Owl Creek on the farm Was keeping up with him. Once a deer of Dr. Schirner in the Owl Creek Valley, mission visited the Tamaqua Rod and Gun snorted close by and I nearly fell in the Rahn Township, Schuylkill County, about Club and looked over the remains of the- Water again. two miles from Tamaqua, which farm is now old hatchery. He was impressed by the num­ Suddenly Pop cautioned me. "Alright, owned and conducted by his grandson Asa ber of native trout in the stream and sug­ Jack, here we are again. Now come over by F. Schirner. The series of small dams was gested that we build the dams and pools with ^e. Bait your hook and don't put any sink­ built along the wooded section of the stream the aid of W.P.A. In 1937 we succeeded in ers on the line. Cast it carefully and draw east of the present location of the bungalow getting started and had the project completed 't across the hole like a fly". of S. R. Beard and south of the present site in time to fill it with trout in the spring of As I started to throw my line it caught in of the Tamaqua Rod and Gun Club, and as 1939 when we received 24,000 brown trout *he trees above me. "You fool", Pop snorted. the fish grew in size after hatching, they about one inch long from the Federal Hatch­ "Don't look at it. Untangle it". Mortified I were transferred downstream through the ery, at Lamar, Pa. In October, 1939, with reached up and broke it off the limb. series of dams to the largest enclosure. the aid of the Isaak Walton League of Maha- "Now don't get excited", Pop said, "and noy City, we distributed about 10,000 nice fry it again". At the end of the dams toward the east , trout all close to the legal size, and we esti- Carefully I threw the bait ahead. Time was located a stone hatch-house and other " mate that we will have about 10,000 more Passed but neither Pop or I had a strike. I small frame buildings used in connection for Spring stocking. finally put on a few heavy sinkers and let with the hatchery. Calves heads and other Our pools are fed from a supply dam hold­ ^y bait in the hole. There was a gentle meats were suspended in boxes above the ing about 350,000 gallons of spring water. hibble, then a hard tug. I jerked and started water in the dams and allowed to rot and Even thru the drought of 1939, we had plenty reeling my line in. Shucks, it was just a the grubs and worms falling into the water of water to keep a nice flow going thru our little sucker about ten inches long. provided feed for the fish. pools and Mr. Tannar, of the Lamar Hatchery Neither Pop or I ever caught that trout. Dr. Schirner had arranged for a display of inspected our project and complimented us •Possibly the idea of me diving in after him the various sizes of brook trout at the Cen­ on the size and condition of the fish. The scared him away. As far as we know he is tennial held in 1876 in Philadelphia and feeding was taken care of by volunteer labor- still there. But since that time I am a con­ had purchased the glass tanks and other of several of the club members, including firmed night fisherman. TRY IT SOME­ apparatus for the display, when shortly be­ Bill Yost, President; Bob Gerber, Treasurer;, TIME. fore the exhibition was to open some ma­ and Franc Ulrich, Secretary, is the report. • fc

TAMAQUA ROD AND (£L (Photos lAesi

A $30,000 project, sponsored by the*** Creek Valley, two miles southeast of Tama^ra and federal supervision. Last year, the first ^rat planted in public fishing waters. This hat^n been built by Dr. J. C. F. Schirner in 1871.

LOOKING EAST ON MAIN SUPPLY OAM BSOpOO GALLONS OF PURE SPRtNG WATER

IKE WALTONS AND CLUB MEMBERS WITH SEINE RAISED

LOOK/A/G MS JEST ON MAIN SUPPLY OAM >LUB TROUT NURSERY lAesident) e0" and Gun Club, is located in the Owl lafl^ated by members of the club under state t *ration, 24,000 brown trout were raised and it/'ginally the first in the United States, having

WE HAD LOTS OP HSJLR THtS JOAV TO DISTRIBUTE 10,000 BROWN'IBS

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mi "'§r ~*$f~

THE WAT&R WAS COLD BUT HI £ HAD i-OTS OF WORKERS

MAHANOY CITY AMD TAMAQt/A FISH A £> U&T SSSKV

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"») TWO HAPPY WAITOHIAHS FROM MAHANOY CITY 18 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

When such a capture was made the fly was killed by pressing its head only and the From Worming To Dry Fly, carcass was then set in a drinking glass body downward. Brown would set up his home­ made vice and I would hold the glass and its All Trouting is Sport contents over his head as he sat down to match the materials to duplicate it. The only By "SCOTTY" colors Brown saw looking up through the glass were the colors the trout saw. NE reads a great deal these days about with the left hand. The angler soon learns This job of matching nature as closely as O trout fishing and its art, each specialist by the feel or touch whether the trout is possible was not done in a hurry, as the claiming his particular way to be the more ready to retrieve. When you start to bring material to do the job had to be matched for scientific. The so-called purist holds fast him in you must do so very carefully and color only after it had been wet. I learned to his dry flies. Others hold equally fast be ready for another run. then how useless it was to try to duplicate to wets; some to nymphs and some to the This second run the trout is forced to take a natural fly with dry material and today humble worm. under slight pressure, as the angler keeps when I attempt to duplicate a natural fly I I claim to write impartially, because I earn­ the line running between the forefinger and always do it as Brown did. On behalf of all estly believe any kind of trout fishing calls thumb of his left hand, but pressure is ap­ wet fly fishermen may I ask their critics, is for art and science. Please let me try to plied only according to the strength left in there any science in wet fly fishing? the trout. This is repeated until the fish is qualify my assertions—not as an expert but Let us step over to nymph fishing. I have in the hope I can persuade some of the worn out. Only then is he carefully brought back to the landing net. read many articles on it, some with a great fraternity to see the other fellow's way, at deal of pleasure and others with an equal least in part. I have .fished for trout for 40 I have seen many trout brought to net in amount of disgust. years, part of that time in my native Scot­ that fashion, on their sides, completely whip­ Not so long ago I read of a fly fisherman land and the balance in the United States ped. Before one criticizes wet fly fishing as who openly stated he would as soon fish with and Canadian waters. I was initiated into the not sporting or scientific let him try horse­ live bait as with nymphs. Another explained sport by my dad and some of his cronies hair fishing. nymph fishing as follows: "The only prac­ and later in my life I fished with some of tical way to fish a nymph is across and the best "trouters" in Auld Scotland. There was an old chap in my home town named William Brown (better known in down." One advised: "Allow the water only I have read, and still read, virtually every Scottish angling circles as Wull Broon). I to work your nymph. Do not agitate it." fishing magazine offered on our book stands personally have fished with that grand old And yet another wrote: "Fish a nymph as and am always interested in what each fellow exponent of fly fishing on many occasions. you would a streamer." has to write, if it pertains to trout. However, I have seen Brown land trout up to 2% If that were all there was to nymph fish­ I burn up slightly when I read of anyone pounds on horsehair as explained above. ing, I can assure you every trout stream who criticizes the other fellow's methods as within 100 miles of a large town would be "not sporty" or unscientific. Many times I have gone with him when all he had along in the shape of lures was entirely fished out. The nymph is the trout's In my early days in Scotland dry flies were an old cigar box full of the makings. I was most natural food It is my opinion the unknown and the popular method of fishing a lad then, and my job was to shake the nymph is probably the one lure that can­ was with wet flies. The novice usually not be fished by any set or given rule. I dry grass along the river bank until I scared have taken some of my best catches on started with a two-fly leader of about six out some fly or flies. He had a close mesh feet, 2x level, but as he became more expert artificial nymphs but never by any fixed or landing net which I used to swipe around concrete method. In nymph fishing I use a he would increase his cast to either three, until I captured a fly. four or five flies on a 9 to 10 foot, 3x or 4x 12 to 14 foot tapered gut leader, tapered to 3x usually, but in very clear water and low gut leader. From that point on he would water I use the same length of leader tapered graduate to a horsehair leader running about to 4x. 12 feet long and with 4 or 5 flies. The two top strands of a horsehair leader, Shadows must be avoided on real clear that is about two to three feet of leader days and it is really better to fish towards nearest the line tie, were pleated horsehair the sun. This may call for fishing a nymph and from that point to the end was single upstream and, by the way, that is my favorite strand horsehair. Each otrand was joined way to fish nymphs. You can, of course, fish together in the same manner we now use in up and across, or across and down. making a fine gut leader. Last year on the AuSable below Grayling The hair was selected from gray horse in New York State I was fishing a nymph tails and each strand (single hair) was care­ upstream when a friendly chap on the bank fully selected to match in strength the others approached and called "How's luck?" to be used in making up the "cast" or leader. I replied they were hard to take and he The drag or ratchet is taken out of the reel came right back with "What ya fishin'?" to be used. Otherwise a horsehair "cast" "Nymphs," I answered. would not survive the first decent strike. "Why, that's no way to fish a nymph," he I believe you will agree it takes an artist went on. "You should fish broken water, to cast a 12-foot horsehair leader, mounted across and down." with say five flies. Yet in a moderate wind I went out on the bank and chatted with a good hair fisherman can control his casts this new-found friend and when he looked with accuracy. Fingers must be kept clear into my creel and saw 13 trout, ranging from of the line and the reel has to be free run­ 9 to 13 inches, he said with certainty, "You ning, so the moment a trout strikes the reel - didn't catch those trout fishing nymphs that will run without any obstruction. way." You do not dare strike at a fish when He was merely relating what he had read using horsehair. The trout hooks itself and and admitted he never had caught a trout no check must be made on the line as the on a nymph. fish runs or you meet with immediate dis­ In fishing nymphs upstream one uses aster. various methods. A small fly can be tied When the trout carries the line to the end three feet from the nymph, which of course of his first run great care must be taken is tied on the end of the leader. This fly before you dare try to retrieve the fish. This Flthole Creek in Venango County yielded this fine is not tied on with a view to catching any­ catch of brown nnd rainbow trout to Bruno Birsa of is done by stripping in the line very slowly Oil City last season. thing but as a marker for your leader to tell X940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 19 you where your nymph is. I use a size 14 is known as "penal tackle." It is made up of Or 16 dry fly as marker but make no effort 2 hooks. I prefer size 14 fly hooks. The to float it. bottom hook is tied onto a 3x leader and Carry the tip of your rod high and cast about three-quarters of an inch further up above as you would a dry fly. Strip line as in the leader the second hook is tied on. dry fly fishing, so there is virtually no slack. Care should be taken in baiting these The second your guide fly stops or moves hooks. Impale the worm about a quarter or Under you must strike, but this you cannot an inch below its head on the top hook and do unless you are carrying the rod tip high. twist the worm once around the leader. About Some nymph fishers use dry fly grease on one-quarter or one-half inch from the tail their gut leader all the way down from the of the worm set the lower hook. I use only line to fly (marker). This floats your leader small garden worms or manure worms, about and you strike the moment your leader starts one inch to one and one-half inches long. Under, but by this method, in my opinion, Using such a rig it is easy to see how the there is too much slack and most of your bait works. The worm can act naturally on strikes will be lost. account of flexibility of the gut and will re­ Try a few casts over a likely nymph spot main alive indefinitely, since it is pierced by the first method I explained and allow the in only two places by those small hooks •water to carry the nymph naturally, along­ and not killed almost immediately as is the side logs or over rough stones or rocks. case with a single bend hook on which it is If you do not meet with success try a cast strung from head to tail. or two as follows before you move upstream: Cast as explained and allow the nymph to Fish do not have intellect but they do have settle until the marker is just submerged. As natural instinct and as in all trout fishing the current catches your nymph give it a we must keep the bait acting as naturally as slight lift and then allow it to settle again we can. Very clear, low water in the heat and repeat until the nymph passes you. of summer is the best time to fish by this Nymphs come from the bottom and rise up method. That may seem odd to those of you and down in the water and such a movement who have never fished this way but such copies their actions, but you must not forget has been my experience. to strip in slack as the lure comes toward In such low, clear water, I do not use any you and to carry your rod tip high. buckshot. Where the water is fast a small buckshot is necessary. You must be the Fishing nymphs up and across one uses Snappy action here as Bruno Birsa slips the land­ slightly different tactics. I usually cast across ing net under a fine rainbow trout in Pithole Creek. judge as to whether the water warrants a and about six feet upstream and the first few small buckshot. I personally use the size casts I simply allow the water to carry the found in a shotgun shell, but in fast water Rymph along. Keeping the rod tip high and If that fails (and I am still talking about only. ready to strike the moment the leader halts very fast water) try this one: Cast across Cast your worm with as much care as you in the slightest degree, I allow the water on and about six feet upstream, with a tiny would a dry fly and allow the water to work such casts to carry the nymph until my line buck shot about eight inches from the lure. it around rocks and logs and down a clay Allow it to submerge deeply, then give a or grass bank, but fish all sides and the mid­ straightens out below me. From that point sharp upward lift. Allow it to submerge On I hop the nymph with short, infrequent deeply again and repeat until the cast is dle directly above you. Here again, as in Jerks (very slight) until the cast is com­ fished out. One of these methods usually upstream nymph fishing, you must strip line pletely fished out. will get fish with streamers. as the lure comes toward you, without drag If a few casts like the above do not bring on the worm. Carry the tip of the rod high Results try this: Cast up and across again Under ordinary stream conditions or in and strike on the slightest touch. and immediately the nymph settles under quieter waters you can use the same pro­ If you think there is no skill in worm fish­ Water start giving it a little lift, allow it cedure as above but you will have to work ing, just try this out. You'll be surprised. your fly a little faster, enough to give it the to settle again, then repeat the lift and so Volumes have been written on the sub­ °n until the cast is fished out. Do not take effect of a minnow trying to get into safe water. ject of dry flies and it is away beyond me the nymph out until you have completely to add one word to that already written, be­ fished the cast out, as many a trout will fol­ I personally would not call it a day without yond saying it perhaps is the most fascinat­ low the lure almost to the shore before it trying the foregoing methods with streamers, ing of all trout fishing. Will hit. because of one thing: It takes skill to work In extremely fast water or rising water I There is something about watching that them but it pays dividends consistently in floater sail along and the anticipation is Use a small buckshot but this practice is getting big trout. Unnecessary unless the water is very swift. tremendous. The average dry fly angler is Try nymph fishing if you doubt it is an art. The subject of bait fishing ought to dis­ an artist. He is a good sport, using the Various methods are used in streamer fish­ qualify me in the eyes of many trout fisher­ "lightest possible tackle." The trout has as ing and all of them will take fish. Some­ men and may cause more than one purist to good a chance as he has, but in that respect laugh but, believe it or not, there is an art times not all in the same day, but one of the dry artist is neither more nor less of a in fishing worms. Not by the old method of sport than the fellow using horsehair on them usually does the trick. plunking, with a pound of lead and pint can Across and down is the easiest way with wets or a 4x tapered leader with other lures. of night crawlers, a heave-in and a wait-and- What we all should do, in my opinion, is streamers and with perseverance will take see. trout. Cast across and work the streamer diversify our fishing and try to become according to how swift the water is. If it is I do not refer to such fishing although I scientific in all its branches. Too many of very fast water cast across to begin with and do not begrudge the relaxation and no doubt us pick our own favorite way as the only Work your lure very sparingly, with short the thrills such a method gives some old chap right way and criticize the other fellow's Jerks at intervals until the fly is directly and also the many city dwellers who get only methods. That is all wrong. We should be below you. Then work it right up to the a few days on the stream or lake once a broad enough and take time enough to study •hore with short sharp jerks until it is almost year. Such relaxation is a tonic to them and the other fellow's ways and methods before beached. Do not forget to fish out each cast for my part I never will be one to condemn we criticize or condemn them. and carry the rod tip fairly low in such such fishing or to laugh at those who never There is one glorious fact remaining, that Water. had the chance to learn more scientific ways. we are all members of the angling fraternity. If that doesn't take trout in fast water try The artist with the worm is the fellow who As brothers of the rod we may scrap a little this: Cast across and immediately start the knows how to fish it upstream. Here again between ourselves, but the Lord keep the streamer back, thus making it skitter on top. an angler should use a 12-foot leader, tapered fellow outside our sport who condemns any This aften produces many rises but it is not to 3x or on a bright, hot summer's day in branch of it. In that we are united. Let the so effective in getting the fish. Carry the rod very low water to 4x. The best hook for password of the fraternity be: "Sportsmen tip high in this cast. bait fishing I have been able to get is what All." 20 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

LANCASTER ANGLERS IN WORM The audience turned their heads to see Contestants withdrew numbers from a large CAN QUIZ "Little Horace" come in the entrance whist­ worm can and were asked the question with ling, fishing pole over his shoulder with a a corresponding numeral. If the person could Did you ever see a worm can walking? fish (celluloid) dangling from the line. He not answer, the group were asked generally. Well, here's one seen promenading on a cold wore blue overalls, had his sleeves rolled up, "Do you know the difference when you blustery day of January in the downtown wore a tiny straw hat held in place with a hear a frog or a toad during the summer section of Lancaster. People paused to look rubber band, and was bare-footed (imitation evenings?" The unsuspecting entree said, at this strange apparition, even automobiles bare-feet over his shoes). "Yes". "Little Horace" with a twinkle in his slowed up to read the big white letters on "Have you had your supper 'Little eye said, "Will you imitate a frog croaking?" the can, "Worm Can Quiz" and on the back Horace'?" asked the Chairman. "No", the The attempt was an embarrassed croak that of the man-size can an invitation to sports­ barefoot fisher-boy answered, "Mother sent set the audience laughing. It was all in good men to attend a meeting that evening. me out to fish and I ain't been home yet- fun and questions continued that were sim­ The assembly attending the meeting of the but I've got my bait", and he held up a can, ple, but tricky, and designed for humor. Lancaster County Fish and Game Association reaching in pulled out a worm, held it above When it was all over, the judges quickly gave was a buzz of curiosity. The Chairman an­ his mouth, devouring it as he would spaghetti. the scores of the five contestants. Each one was called to receive a small can with 1st nouncing the Quiz said, "It was difficult to He offered some to the startled spectators, but none relished his meal, (strips of Leb­ Prize Worm Can Quiz, 2nd prize, etc., painted secure a quizzer for our contest this even­ in gold letters on the label. ing, but we finally obtained 'Little Horace' anon Bologna). Little Horace then encour­ who has been fishing all day and consented aged three women and two men to come up The other members chuckled, thinking that to do it for us." on the stage for the quiz. was the contestants reward, but the smiles of the five who had weathered the barrage of humor showed their appreciation of the prizes given them for selection according to their number on the prize winning cans. Everybody had fun and was in good spirits.

ONTELAUNEE CLUB ADDS TO TRACT The Ontelaunee Rod and Gun club has purchased the former Turner property of about one acre at the foot of the Blue Moun­ tain along the old Tamaqua road about three- fourths of a mile north of Raberts Corner in Lynn township and will be added to the club's original tract of 27 acres which it ad­ joins. The purchase was made by a commit­ tee appointed by the president, Deputy Sheriff Ernest Kistler, consisting of Homer Snyder, Levi Fatzinger and Clarence Snyder. The purchase of the property adjoining the original gun club tract gives the club some new facilities. The house on the new tract will be converted into club quarters. There is also a garage and other outbuildings as well as a small stream which is to be stocked with fish. The club already had developed a picnic grove on its original tract and had built trapshooting and target ranges which have been in use for a number of years. The club has a membership of 160 and for years has been active in the stocking, propa­ gation and feeding of animals and birds in the Blue mountain region. This work is to be carried on in larger degree in the future. In order to accomplish this the club will conduct a membership campaign.

TIOGA SPORTSMEN TO RAISE RINGNECKS The Asaph Sportsmen's Club held its regu­ lar meeting on February 12 at the Asaph Grange hall. The important item of the meet­ ing was plans for raising ringnecks for the coming season. After considerable discussion it was decided to order 400 baby chicks and to erect a brooderhouse to care for same. President Milan R. Butler gave a report on the State Federation meeting in Harrisburg. Following the regular business the follow­ ing men were elected as officers for the coming year: President, John Compton; vice- president, Arthur Confer; secretary-treasurer, William Doyle. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 21

A gentle tightening and slackening of the line is the signal of a carp bite. The fish must be given plenty of time to work the bait into its mouth, and the time to strike is when the fish begins a steady run with the lure. The hook should be set firmly, for the carp is a hard battler.

A good way to toughen worms: Put them in bran for about six hours (longer will be apt to kill them); then take them out and put them in damp moss. They can be used within an hour after this treatment. In getting the tackle box ready for serious tip of the rod as the current pulls the slack fishing ahead, give a close inspection to lead­ line through the guides. This action permits ers, snelled hooks, and flies that have been the bait to drift with the current and to sink lying in storage all winter. Many of them toward the bottom without the drag of a tight It's always wise to fish a pool upward from will be found to be defective and had best line. The more swift the current, the more the lower, or downstream, end, moving to­ be thrown away. Keep a sharp watch for line has to be stripped off if the bait is to ward the head of the pool rather than to rusted spots on hooks, for frayed places on move any distance without being pulled to float a fly or bait down into it. This maneu­ leaders and hook snells, and for flies that the surface of the water. ver gives the angler a chance to cover the show evidence of the work of moths. It is best water before it is disturbed. better to replace them now than to lose a lice fish some day on the stream. If you catch a nice fish at one certain spot in a stream, go back to that selfsame place The perfect wet fly should have light wings, an extremely slim body, and sparse Bait fishermen can get along without a later, and the chance is that you will hook another. Fish think alike when it comes to hackles. Another point: The hackle should leader, it is true, but even worm fishing will lie well back toward the point of the hook. improve if the angler uses at least three feet selecting spots for feeding, and when one fish °f gut between the line and the hook. Later is removed from such a place another quickly in the season, when the streams are lower takes its place. A certain sunken log on and the water clearer, it's not beyond reason Lycoming Creek, in Lycoming County, yield­ A new use for discarded woolen socks will to use a leader six or even nine feet in ed us five fine bass during a single summer. prove a boon to worm fishermen who dis­ length. like carrying tin cans. Merely place the worms in a sock and attach it to the belt. The worms will remain alive much longer Springs at the bottom of a stream always Trout should never be wetted after they than if they were carried in a can. ai"e taken from the water and placed in the attract fish. In summer the water is cooler creel. Soaking will make the flesh flabby there, and in winter, strange as it may seem, and soggy and create slime. Clean the fish, the water is warmer. One afternoon on Wash them inside, dry them with a soft cloth, Wyalusing Creek, in Bradford County, the Do not allow the fishing rod to lie on the then place them on their backs in the creel, writer caught a fine mess of bass by casting ground. Dampness and the fragility of the Using damp dock leaves or moss as a bedding. a lure at a clump of weeds sticking up in rod in contact with heavy boots are obvious the middle of a shallow hole. Later a farmer reasons. Dampness will very quickly ruin revealed that there is a cold spring in the even the very best rod—if it lies long enough hole just at the spot where the weeds were without being broken by folks walking Local conditions govern the selection of growing. around near it. trout flies, but for wet fly fishing sizes 4 and 6 are large, sizes 8 to 10 are medium, sizes 12 and 14 are small, and "tinies," or very small, run all the way to size 22, which is ftot much larger than an anemic mosquito but which just the same is very effective Under certain conditions.

The best nails for wading shoes are of s°ft iron, since they grip better than nails that are made of hard steel.

Cold hands annoy fishermen, yet gloves are a nuisance when it comes to handling delicate fishing tackle. An old-timer suggests that an aPplication of heavy machine oil will do much to protect the fingers from the cold of raw, rainy spring days.

Soak the wet fly along with the leader before using it. A wet fly is not effective Unless it sinks, and the more it is soaked the quicker it will begin to function properly ln the stream.

In fishing a swift riffle with a worm, cast uiagonally upstream, then quickly strip off Fish early in the mountain streams for trout, for a bit later in the season they will be pretty shallow and clear and the trout will be wary. This angler is "worming" for trout on Hoagland's Run, a tribu­ Une and follow the drift of the bait with the tary of Lycoming Creek, in Lycoming County. •11 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

Bucks County TROUT STREAMS STOCKED Brown and rainbow trout, Mill Creek; and WITH LEGAL TROUT brook trout, Cooks Creek. Butler County In answer to numerous requests, the Beaver County Brown trout, N. Br. Slippery Rock Creek ANGLER lists the following streams in Rainbow trout, Brady Run; and Brown and and Little Connoquenessing Creek; brown Pennsylvania stocked with legal size trout Rainbow Trout, Big Traverse Creek. and rainbow trout, Bear Creek, Silver Creek, and Thorn Creek. for the coming season. This covers only Bedford County major waters in the various counties. Other Brook trout, Beaver Creek, Deaner Gap Cambria County smaller streams are also scheduled for Run, Flintstone Creek, Maple Run, Potter stocking. Creek, and Beaver Run; rainbow trout, Koon Brook trout, Beaverdam Run, Bender Run, Lake; brown trout, Bobs Creek, Cove Creek, Bens Creek, S. Br. Blacklick Oreek, Cedar Adams County Run, Beaverdam Run, Duclos Run, S. Fork Cumberland Valley Run, Imlertown Run, Lt. Conemaugh River, Big Laurel Run, and Brook trout: Carbaugh Run, Toms Run, Raystown Br. of Juniata River, Shermans Noels Creek; brown trout, N. Br. Blacklick Little Marsh Creek; rainbow trout, Cham- Valley Run, Yellow Creek and Wills Creek. Creek, Chest Creek, Clearfield Creek, and bersburg Reservoir; brown trout, Conewago Berks County Slatelick Run; rainbow trout, Curtis Run and Creek, Middle Creek and Conococheague Ebensburg Water Co. Dam. Creek. Brook trout, Back Creek, Mill Creek, Mos­ lem Creek, Mill Creek, Northkill Creek, W. Forest, Warren, Elk & McKean Br. Pine Creek, Swamp Creek and Furnace Cameron County (Allegheny National Forest) Run; brook and rainbow trout, Furnace Brook trout, Brookes Run, Clear Creek, Brook and Rainbow trout, Bear Creek and Creek; rainbow trout, Manatawney Creek; Hicks Run, E. Br. Hicks Run, Hunts Run, Big Mill Creek; brook trout, Beaver Run, brown and rainbow trout, N. Br. Perkiomen Upper Jerry Run, Lick Island Run, Lush- Blue Jay Creek, Brown Run, Little Coon Creek, and brown trout, Hay Creek. baugh Run, Mix Run, Portage Creek, Sterl­ Creek, Farnsworth Creek, Four Mile Creek, Blair County ing Run and Wykoff Run; brown trout, Minister Creek, Ross Run, Six Mile Run, N. Brook trout, Bells Gap Run, Blair Gap Run, Driftwood Br. Sinnemahoning, Portage Oreek. Br. Sugar Run, Two Mile Run and Wilson Bobs Creek, Sinking Creek and Van Scoyoc Run; brown trout, East Hickory Creek, E. Run; brown trout, Bald Eagle Creek, Canoe Carbon County Br. Tionesta Creek, S. Br. Tionesta Creek, Creek, Clover Creek, and Piney Creek. Brook trout, Aquashicola Creek, Drakes W. Br. Tionesta Creek, W. Br. Tunenegwant Creek, Fawn Creek, Hunter Run, James Run, Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Salmon Bradford County Lesley Run, Mauch Chunk Creek, Pine Run, Creek; rainbow trout, Chappell Fork, Mill­ Brook, brown and rainbow trout, Schrader and Stoney Creek; brown and rainbow trout, stone Creek, and Spring Creek. Creek. Mud Run, and Pohopoco Creek; brook and rainbow trout, Big Bear Creek and Quakake Creek; brook and brown trout, Hayes Creek. Centre County Brook trout, Benner Run, W. Br. Big Run, Black Bear Run, Fields Run, Lt. Fishing Creek, Laurel Run, Big Sandy Run, Lt. Sandy Run, and White Deer Creek; brown trout, S. Fk. Beech Creek, Cold Stream, Marsh Creek, Poe Creek, Sinking Creek, and Six Mile Run; rainbow trout, Poe Valley Dam; brook, brown and rainbow trout, Elk Creek, Lt. Moshannon Creek, Penns Creek, and Spring Creek; brook and brown trout, Pine Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Bald Eagle Creek and Logan Branch. Chester County Brook trout, Beaver Run, Lt. Broad Run, Doe Run, Indian Run, Mathews Run, and West Valley Creek; brown trout, French Creek, and M. Br. White Clay Creek; brook and rainbow trout, Birch Run, and Valley Creek; brook and brown trout, White Clay Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Officers Run. Clarion County Brook trout, Canoe Creek, Lt. Piney Creek, *s~-~-J. and Lt. Toby Creek; brook and rainbow trout, Deer Creek and Toms Run; brown and rainbow trout, Mill Creek. Clearfield County Brook trout, Anderson Creek, Bilger Creek, Curry Run, Deer Creek, Gifford Run, Hock- enberry Run, Hazelett Run, Mix Run, Mont­ gomery Creek, Moshannon Creek, Mountain Run, Sawmill Run, Upper Three Runs, Trout ir Run, Whiskey Run and Wilson Run; brown 2&F$? 25£ trout, Bell Run, Lick Run, Mosquito Creek, .-*.-;** * Sugar Camp Run, N. Wilmer Run and South Wilmer Run; brown and rainbow trout, Laurel Run. Picturesaue fly water on the Brodheads Creek, Monroe County. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 23

Clinton County Fulton County Lawrence County Brook trout, Antes Crek, Beaverdam Run, Brook trout, Brush Creek, Lt. Brush Creek, Brown and rainbow trout, Big Run, Deer Big Run, M. Br. Big Run, Swamp Br. Big South Brush Creek, Oregon Creek and Wood­ Creek and Hickory Run; brown trout, Taylor Run, Birch Island Run, Cedar Run, Cooks en Bridge Creek; rainbow trout, Cowans Gap Run. Dam; brown trout, Lt. Augwick Creek. Run, Hammersley Forks, Hyner Run, Rattle, Lebanon County snake Run, Sandy Creek, and Trout Fork; brown trout, Lick Run, Paddys Run, Tan- Huntingdon County Brook trout, Bachman Run, Indiantown gascootack Creek, N. Br. Tangacoostack Brook trout, Laurel Run, West Licking Creek and Snitz Creek; brown trout, Evening Creek, Young Woman's Creek, R. Br. Young Creek, Nine Mile Creek and Saddler Creek; Branch, Gold Mine Run, Hammer Creek, and Woman's Creek and W. Br. Young Woman's brown trout, Black Log Creek, and E. Br. W. Br. Hammer Creek. Creek; brook and rainbow trout, Kettle Standing Stone Creek; brook and brown Lehigh County Creek, and Baker Run; brook, brown and trout, Spruce Greek; brown and rainbow Brook trout, Big Trout Run, Cedar Creek, rainbow trout, Big Fishing Creek. trout, Standing Stone Creek; rainbow trout, Iron Run, S. Br. Saucon Creek and Swabia Whipple Dam. Columbia County Creek; brook and brown trout, Lt. Lehigh Indiana County River; brown and rainbow trout, Jordan Brook trout, Coles Creek, Lick Run and Greek; rainbow trout, Mountain Creek; Brook trout, S. Br. Twolock Creek and Lt. West Creek; brown trout, Mugser Run; brook brown trout, Trout Creek. and brown trout, Roaring Cretk; brown and Yellow Creek; brook and rainbow trout, rainbow trout, Fishing Creek. Laurel Run; brown and rainbow trout, Yel­ Luzerne County low Creek. Brook trout, Arnolds Creek, Balward Run, Crawford County- Bowman's Creek, Maple Creek, Phillips Brook trout, McKaughlin Run; bro'.vu trout, Creek, Pine Creek and Shade Creek; brook, Lt. Sugar Creek and Thompson Run. brown and rainbow trout, Wapwallopen Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Lehigh Cumberland County River, and Lt. Wapwallopen Creek; brown Brook trout, Alexandra Run; brown and trout, Harveys Creek, Huntingdon Greek, rainbow trout, F' % Spring, Letort Spring, and Kitchen Run, Linesville Creek, Lt. Nescopeck Yellow Breeches, brook and brown trout, Creek, Lt. Shickshinny Creek and Wrights fountain Creep; brook and rainbow trout, Creek. Trindle Spring; rainbow trout, Furnace Run Dam. Lycoming County Brook trout, Lt. Bear Creek, Black Hole Dauphin County Creek, English Run, Fourth Gap Run, Hog- Brown trout, Manada Creek, N. Fk. Powells land Run, McMurrin Run, West Mill Creek, Creek, and S. Fk. Powells Creek; brook and Lt. Muncy Creek, Upper Pine Bottom Run, rainbow trout, Stoney Creek; brown and rain­ Plunketts Run, Trout Run and Trout Run; bow trout, W. Branch Rattling Creek. rainbow trout, Rock Run; brown trout, Blockhouse Creek, Grays Run, Larrys Creek, Delaware County Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming Creek, Muncy Brown trout, Ridley Greek. Creek, Lt. Pine Creek, Roaring Branch, Spring Creek, Wallis Run and White Deer Elk County Hole Creek. Brook trout, Belmuth Run, Big Run, Crooked Creek, Hicks Run, B. Br. Hicks Run, McKean County island Run, Kersey Run, W. Br. Kersey Run, Brook trout, Bell Run, W. Clarion Creek, Laurel Run, Maxwell Run, Medix Run, Mix Comes Greek, Five Mile Run, Seven Mile Run, Paige Run, Spring Creek, Straight Run; brown trout, Marvin Creek and Potato Creek, S. Br. Straight Creek, Vineyard Run Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Portage and Wolf Lick Run; brown trout, Driftwood Creek. Netting trout from one of the pools at the Corry Branch; brown and rainbow trout, E. Br. trout hatchery in Erie County for stocking. Mercer County Clarion River, W. Clarion Creek and Trout Brown trout, Lackawanna Creek, Mill Run. Creek, Mill Creek, E. Br. Wolf Creek, N. Br. Erie County Jefferson County Wolf Creek, and W. Br. Wolf Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Deer Greek, Lt. Neshan- Brown and rainbow trout, Beaverdam Run, Brook trout, Callen Run, Camp Run, Coder nock Creek and W. Br. Lt. Neshannock Creek. Conneautee Creek, Lt. Conneautee Creek and Run, Horam Run, and Mill Creek; brown 8. Br. French Creek; rainbow trout, Pleasant trout, Big Run, N. Fk. Red Bank Creek, S. Mifflin County Fk. of N. Br. Red Bank Creek and Lt. Sandy Lake. Creek; brook, brown and rainbow trout, Brook trout, Havice Run, Laurel Run, Lin- gle Run, and Treaster Valley Creek; brown Fayette County Clear Run; brown and rainbow trout, Mill trout, New Lancaster Creek, Honey Creek Creek and Lt. Mill Creek. Brook trout, Back Creek, Beaver Run, Buck and Licking Creek; brook, brown and rain­ Run, Laurel Run, Mill Run, Morgan Run, Juniata County bow trout, W. Br. Kishacoquillas Creek. fountain Creek and S. Fk. Mountain Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Dunbar Creek, and Brook trout, Horning Run and Liberty Val­ Monroe County Big Meadow Run; brown trout, Big Sandy ley Run; brown trout, Horse Valley Run, Brook trout, Aquashicola Creek, Buckwa Run. Licking Creek, Lost Creek and Willow Run. Creek, Cherry Creek, Dotter Creek, Forest Hill Creek, Kettle Creek, Lake Creek, Mc- Forest County Lackawanna County Michaels Creek, Middle Creek, Mixsel Creek, Brook trout, Lt. Hickory Creek, and Tubbs Brook trout, Choke Creek and W. Br. Wal- Pensyl Creek, and Scott Run; brook and Run; brook and rainbow trout, Coon Creek lenpaupack Creek; brown and rainbow trout, brown trout, Big Bushkill Creek and Poho- and Hemlock Creek; brown and rainbow Lehigh River and S. Br. Tunkhannock Creek; poco Creek; brown trout, Middle Brodheads tt-out, W. Hickory Creek and Maple Creek. rainbow trout, Roaring Brook. Creek, Pocono Creek and Tunkhannock Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Brodheads Franklin County Lancaster County Creek, Tobyhanna Creek and Lehigh River; Brook trout, Bear Valley Run, Broad Run, Brook trout, Lt. Conestoga Creek, Donegal rainbow trout, Snow Hill Dam and Weir Dennis Creek, Red Run, Trout Run, and Creek, Hammer Creek, Middle Creek, Long Lake. Run, Muddy Run, Pequea Creek, Rock Run, Trout Run; brown trout, E. Br. Lt. Antietam Montgomery County Creek, Conococheague Creek, W. Br. Con- and Trout Run; brown trout, Big Chickies °cocheague Creek and Muddy Run; rainbow Creek and Fishing Creek; brown and rain­ Brown trout, Deep Creek and Mill Creek. trout, W. Br. Antietam Creek. bow trout, W. Br. Octoraro Creek. (Continued on Page 30) 24 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

FAIL TO AGREE ON SPRING CREEK OPENING Although a three-hour meeting of the Spring Creek Land Owners' Association members and representatives of the Centre County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs was held at the Guy Stearns home near Lemont no agreement for removing the fishing ban on Spring Creek was reached. Following another owners' meeting, the date of which was not decided, representa­ tives of the county sportsmen's groups will again hold a combined meeting with the resi­ dents along the stream. It was agreed by the Spring Creek Associ­ ation that delegates from the affiliated clubs of the county sportsmen's federation would be present at all other meetings. Among the proposed regulations discussed was that of Sunday fishing, which never has been permitted on the Rock-Oak Hall area of the stream. Regulating the hours of fishing was also brought up as one of the means of control­ ling nuisances in the area. Prohibiting the building of camp fires and camping on private properties was also given consideration in the list of rules discussed. Here is T^atort Spring, Cumberland County trout stream fed by limestone springs as it appeared to the Erection of stiles by conservation associa­ photographer on February 14 this year. Year round high water temperature keeps it virtually free of ice. tions and vigilance on the part of the organi­ zation members regarding destruction of property were discussed. The representa­ Harner; First Vice-President, Ernest C. Ren- Show, in cooperation with the farmers, tives of the various groups favored such a ner; Second Vice-President, W. E. Stites; which proved to be one of the most outstand­ move and assured co-operation of their indi­ Secretary, Walter Crouse; Treasurer, Clar­ ing events held here. vidual organizations. ence Schwartz. During the coming year they plan to erect The club has fostered many projects since a recreation building near town, which will organization in 1937. Among their activities house an indoor rifle range, and the sur­ rounding land will be used as a game refuge. LITTLESTOWN CLUB SPONSORED has been cooperation in the farm game pro­ gram; distributed over farm land nearly 1000 The club in the past years has held a ban­ SHOW rabbits for restocking, and approximately 250 quet in the fall, but plans are now under­ pheasants; raised and released 25 pair quail; way for their first spring banquet which One of the most active organization in the they hope to make an annual affair. State is the Littlestown Fish and Game As­ and stocked small streams of the county with Bluegill sunfish and smallmouth black bass. The club is most fortunate in having had sociation of Adams County. since its inception a secretary who has been At their January meeting all officers were Perhaps their first really big undertaking most faithful and one of the hardest workers re-elected which follow: President, Harry O. was the sponsoring of the Farm and Game and would like to take this opportunity to show their appreciation to their secretary, Walter Crouse.

KILLED 25 WATERSNAKES Writes Charles Reichelderfer of Tamaqua: Killed 25 watersnakes last season. The largest snake I shot was four feet long and two inches in diameter. At least I know this will save me a lot of trout for the coming season and I wish every fisherman would do the same. My buddy, Ed. Brode, also bought himself a .22 rifle for watersnake killing last season.

ISELIN ANGLER TAKES BIG TROUT Said to be one of the most consistent takers of big trout in the state is Joseph Patrick, Jr., of Iselin, Indiana County. Patrick was raised in the vicinity of Black Moshannon Creek in Centre County. In ad­ dition to fishing fly, he also is an expert min­ now fisherman and on occasion uses grass­ hoppers and crickets. His pet streams include Spring Creek, Logan Branch of Spring Creek, Bald Eagle Creek, and Black Moshannon Sherman's Creek, a typical central Pennsylvania warm water creek, in the grip of winter ice. This photo was taken on February 9 this year. Creek in Centre County. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 25

HIGHLIGHTS IN PROCRAM OF A lifetime membership to the organization REPORT WATERSNAKE DRIVE was extended to all members of three years SUCCESSFUL PIONEER FISH AND GAME or more, 65 years of age or over. The Pioneer Fish and Game Protective As a conservation measure, the Pioneer The Annual Meeting of the West Chester Association was organized in Allentown in Club took the initiative and obtained prop­ Fish and Game Association was held in the 1935 and in the ensuing five years has in­ erty owner consent and the cooperation of Municipal Building, West Chester, on March creased its membership to a peak of 891. The the City of Allentown Parks Department in 4th, and a capacity crowd was in attendance. success that the organization now enjoys closing the Jordan Creek to all fishing until The Secretary read the minutes of the can largely be attributed to the time and ef­ the opening of the trout season. A delicate previous meeting, and the Treasurer's re­ forts of Harry Paff, who up until this year situation through intelligent publicity and port showed a healthy balance. served as the organization's President. In diplomatic approach was very well handled Roland S. Grubb, Esq., was re-elected as reviewing the minutes of the organization to the satisfaction and benefit of all fisher­ President; Vernon L. Hoffman, Vice-Presi­ for the past year, following are the highlights men concerned. dent; Fred C. Dutt, Secretary; and C. Eugene of the organization's efforts and accomplish­ Several bits of legislation affecting the Walton, Treasurer. For the Executive Com­ ments in behalf of the sportsmen and citi­ sportsmen which received the active support mittee for a two-year term, the following zenry as well of Allentown and Lehigh of the organization last year was one, the members were elected: Joseph S. Webb, County. Tallman Bill, which called for a fifty cent Hayes Battan, Harold W. Tate, Brinton Ross January, 1939, saw the inauguration of a increase in the fishing license fee. Two, and Harry Singer. rabbit trapping campaign within the Allen­ endorsed Federal Pollution control as pro­ President Grubb gave a detailed report of town City limits that accounted for 127 rab­ vided for in the Mundt Bill (HR-7971). the activities of the Club during the past bits trapped and released in open territory. To assure all sportsmen of the opportunity year, commenting particularly on the healthy This year sees a continuation of that pro­ of voicing their opinion on the Federation's condition of the Club and the interest of gram profiting by the experience gained in proposed night fishing, pre-season fishing in the members. He suggested that the mem­ the initial attempt. trout streams, and aquatic life removal from bers keep in mind the stream improvement The Club's standing order of 4,000 trees trout streams, movement, the Pioneer Club work being carried out on Little Valley annually were purchased and planted in conducted a meeting open to the public. In Creek and when weather permits, the work Weisenburg Township along the Jordan line with this policy the organization, learn­ will be continued. Creek. Boy Scout Troop under the super- ing ol the dissatisfaction among leasees of During the year a water snake killing v ision of Howard Stump ind Leo Bateman, property under the control of the Pennsyl­ contest was held by the Club, with the idea co-chairmen of the Forestry Committee, did vania Department of Forests and Waters, of conservation of fish. Five cents per head the planting. profferred its offices to coordinate the com­ was offered to youngsters for each snake The organization in addition to distribut- plaints of said leasees and assist in a settle­ killed, resulting in a total of 463 snake heads lng the fish and game allocated to the terri­ ment of the controversy. being presented. In this connection, the Club tories controlled by the club, assisted in the The cooperation and support of the Dis­ secured from the Fish Commission, State removal of thousands of fish stranded upon trict Attorney of the County was obtained Conservation Badges for the youngsters kill­ the drought affected portions of the Jordan to assist the Game Warden in controlling the ing ten or more. Creek. indiscriminate shooting of small bore rifles Alfred Penrose, Chairman of the Game Re­ Recognizing the value of providing recre- by minors along the streams on the City's stocking Committee, submitted his report of ational centers for underprivileged boys, the outskirts. game stocked during the year, which includ­ Pioneer Club contributed $10.00 to the boys' ed 170 pheasants raised by the Club. club of Allentown organization fund. Once there was a girl who was staying at Marshall T. Brown, Chairman of the Fish Materials for the construction of bird a hotel, and she phoned the desk clerk that Restocking Committee, reported that through houses were furnished by the Club to prison there was a rat in her room. "Make him the cooperation of the Fish Commission we inmates. come down and register," replied the clerk. had received a liberal stocking of trout, bass, catfish, bream and minnows during the past year. President Grubb reported that the pollu­ tion problem has been vigorously followed during the past year, with gratifying results. The meeting was then turned over to Prof. John C. Johnson of West Chester, who gave an interesting talk on conservation in con­ nection with all forms of animal and plant life, illustrating his talk with pictures taken in the West.

NURSERY WATERS The Fish Commission announces closing of the following streams as trout nursery waters to and including July 31, 1943. McKean County—North Fork of Colegrove Brook, or Nigger Run, tributary to Colegrove Brook. Four miles of stream. Potter County—East Fork of First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, to be closed from Camp Beaver, where Route 52001 leaves the main stream going toward Cherry Springs, to the headwaters. Stonelick Run, tributary to the East Fork of First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, to be closed from bridge on Route 52001 to head of stream. Birch Run, tributary to East Fork of First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, to be closed Officers of the Pioneer Fish and Game Protective Association of Allentown for 1940. Xieft to right, from Wycoffff's line to the head of the James Bier.v, vice president, James Savase, financial secretary, C. Robert Glover, recording secretary, stream. William Talbot, president, and Leo Bateman, treasurer. 36 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

Entries are coming in early for the Prize Club members and their friends to display Fish Contest held annually for members only; their skill. Middle Atlantic competition in this contest promises to be Casting Club Notes the keenest in years. PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND GAME At the last meeting of the delegates it was At the Philadelphia Sportsmen's Show this decided to hold the annual casting tourna­ HOLMESBURG FISH AND GAME year the club's plug casting team won first ment on Sunday June 9th. A grounds com­ PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION place in the % oz. plug casting event. Those mittee was appointed to visit Willow Grove casting with the team were Raymond Neirle, From the enthusiasm shown by the mem­ Park at an early date and select the best pos­ Hobart Lavin, George DeGorgue, Charles bers of this club in their early spring casting sible sites for the necessary events. Mr. Stocker, and Thomas Greed wood. The indi­ practice it looks as though there will be a VanDergriff of the Pennsylvania Fish and vidual championship for the same event at lot of scientific anglers whipping the streams Game Protective Association spoke on the this show was won by our fellow member in this section of Pennsylvania with the necessity of having the different courts all George DeGorgue. The boys are practicing opening of the Trout and Bass seasons. The laid out as close together as possible in order two nights every week and expect to be in Plug Casters are going to work in earnest that the gallery could view the different fine shape by the time the outdoor Spring on the % oz. accuracy courts and some really events without walking all over the park. Tournaments are held. good scores have been chalked up. With Surf casting seems to present the main dif­ spring weather now assured the casting field ficulty due to the large amount of room in back of the Club House offers excellent needed for the lead heavers to do their stuff. recreation and good sport for members who The Park Management is giving excellent want to get tuned up for the approaching REVIEW FOR BEGINNERS cooperation and have placed their complete season. publicity department at the disposal of the (Continued from Page 9) association. With the exception of the The improvements to the club house dur­ out downstream you begin a retrieve with a weather they guarantee that all conditions ing the winter have added much to its com­ slow, swimming motion against the lesser will be just right for casting. fort and attractiveness and the rifle range currents. Mr. Arthur Clark o tfhe Holmesburg Fish erected several years ago by the members has been put in first class condition by the This is by no means a thorough coverage and Game Protective Association was placed on all the methods of fishing this lure but is in charge of membership. local police department who are now sharing it with our club in their efforts to attain something on which the beginner can start. perfect marksmanship. There is practically no end of methods to The secretary is busy arranging the annual try and only by the trial and error method DOVER FISHING CLUB OF field day, the actual date to be announced will you ever learn to execute the most PHILADELPHIA later, sporting events to include fly, bait, effective methods. Book learning helps but and surf casting; archery contests, pistol only actual experiences complete the course The Moving Pictures shown at the March shooting, and skeet will all be on the pro­ and fortunately experiences never cease. meeting of fishing and big game hunting in gram. Alaska were exceptionally interesting and Dry Flies educational. Mr. E. Bud Marter of Edge- water Park, N. J. who supervised the taking So much has been written about this type of the pictures, was the projectionist and also of fishing that it seems to me that only the acted as commentator and told of some won­ LOWER MERION ROD AND GUN CLUB fundamentals should be mentioned here. Dry or floating flies are artificials tied to repre- derful fishing in America's Last Frontier. The Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club will The next meeting of the club on April 17th hold its regular monthly meeting on the eve­ will be the annual Base Ball Night with the ning of Wednesday, April 17th, at 8 o'clock current American League Picture on the P. M., in the American Legion Hall, Nar- screen. Several old time ball players includ­ berth. Following the business meeting, ing Ira Thomas and Chief Bender will ad­ there will be moving pictures of interest to dress the members. our sportsmen and refreshments will be The official date for the intraclub casting served. This Club will hold its Annual tournament has been set for May 12th. As Spring Picnic and Outing early in June on usual this will start the regular Wednesday the farm of William D. Ridgway in Beth- night casting practice at Cedar Park Field ayres. In addition to the usual picnic on which will continue throughout the summer that occasion, such events as fly, bait and concluding with the Club's sanctioned tourn­ surf casting, as well as trap and small bore ament in September. shooting, will furnish an opportunity for the 4—Turle Knot (Loose).

sent (we hope) the natural adult aquatic in­ APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP sect. The materials used in making them Mr. Arthur Clark, and the way they are constructed help in 9 Kirkwood Ave., making them a floating product. To further Fox Chase Manor, Pa. their bouyancy, a fioatant of oil or grease is applied to them. Enclosed find $5.00 covering the application fee for affilliation with the Besides hundreds of standard patterns M. A. A. C. C. Kindly send full instructions. named for insects, streams, originators, etc., there are styles such as Bi-visibles, spiders Name of Club and variants. The most difficult task con­ fronting the beginner therefore is the selec­ Headquarters tion of a group of dry flies which will bring at least moderate success and still be easy Secretary's Name on the pocketbook. A few standard patterns

•v in sizes 12 and 14, some plain hackle pat­ Mailing Address terns in sizes 16 and 18 and a small selection of spiders and variants should suffice. In If this application is accepted the amount enclosed will apply as the first fact the beginner might do well to purchase year's dues. Otherwise it will be refunded. only a few bi-visibles to start, say black, brown, grey, white and yellow in sizes 12, 14 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 27

4nd 16. These latter flies float well and are ersford; Souderton Game, Fish and Forestry easily seen and are to be highly recommend­ Association, Souderton; Tri-County Fish and ed for beginners. Most every experienced Game Association, Pottstown; Upper Perkio­ angler carries them, which fact alone attests VETERAN WARDEN DIES men Fish, Game and Forestry Association, to their merits, in my opinion. After he has In the recent passing of Harry Moore Red Hill; Upper Providence Fish, Game and •Mastered these well hackled flies, the tyro Forestry Association, Oaks; and Wissahickon can then turn to the former list. of Bedford, the sportsmen lost an Field and Stream Association, Ambler. esteemed and popular warden and For general conditions a leader of nine feet (These pheasants were liberated by the tapered to 3x is to be desired. Shorter or the Fish Commission one of its most above-named clubs on ground in Montgomery longer ones can be used according to con­ capable and practical field men. He County which is open to public hunting). ditions but rarely should it be necessary to was particularly well known on waters Of the pheasants liberated, 113 had been Use a heavier tippet than 2x. in Bedford and Somerset Counties* to trapped by Game Protector Gerhart from which territory he was assigned, and various game refuges; while 535 of the birds had been furnished, when tiny "chicks", by was a familiar figure to anglers fishing the Pennsylvania Game Commission and had for the giant largemouth bass in Lake been raised to maturity by inmates of the Gordon, Bedford County, a body of Eastern State Penitentiary under the guid­ water he knew like a book. ance of Ira J. Mills, Director of Agricultural Education at the prison. In addition to in­ The ANGLER takes this opportunity creasing the supply of birds for our hunters, to pay tribute to a veteran of the this work at the Penitentiary each year pro­ vides a means of occupation and education -streams whose passing leaves a void in for prison inmates. The pens and houses in 5—Put hook through loop. the hearts of those who knew him well which these birds are raised on the Peniten­ and to extend to his bereaved family tiary grounds have been built through funds sincere sympathy in their hour of grief. donated to the Federation by its member Drag is the bug-a-boo of the dry fly fisher. clubs. These funds are used to purchase It is caused by the fly floating on current building materials only. The labor is fur­ *hich is faster or slower than that on which nished without cost by the prison inmates. the line and leader are drifting. This can (Two weeks before the sportsmen's clubs Usually be remedied by studying the currents CLUB FORMED before casting and using a shorter cast. of Montgomery County also received ring- Westfield has a newly organized Rod and neck pheasant cockbirds direct from the No other kind of trout angling can boast Gun Club with a membership of more than Pennsylvania Game Commission's farm at °i a greater number of purists than dry fly 50. Schwenksville—also for liberation on open fishing. To many it is the most exciting of hunting ground in Montgomery County.) aU methods. It is my personal opinion that The officers are: President, Rev. W. F. Bumsted; vice-president, Eldon Ackley; sec­ The next quarterly meeting of the Mont­ too much time is spent in trying to take gomery County Federation of Sportsmen's trout on dry flies when some other method retary, Roy Nelson; treasurer, Allen Pride. w Clubs will be held on the third Monday in ould be much more effective. Therefore, I Directors are Lawrence Root, Carl Pearson, Jack Graham, John Zurfluh, George Haxton, April (April 15th), when the delegates from Robert Swetland and Arlie Skinner. the fifteen member clubs will be guests of the Wissahickon Field and Stream Associa­ A committee has been appointed to locate a tion in Ambler. permanent club house and rifle range where there will be skeet, trap, rifle and pistol shooting. Leslie Wood, Tioga County Game Protec­ WHY DOES A FISHERMAN FISH? tor, and W. E. Smith, Deputy Game Warden, By David Leroy Yount both of Wellsboro, and Leland Cloos, of Mid- 6—Jam loop tight at hook eye. dlebury, Tioga County Fish Warden, have been helpful in organizing the new club. Why does a fisherman fish, I ween, And why does he dally astream? believe the beginner should be admonished He catches no fishes that ever I've seen to do all in his power to refrain from be­ MONTGOMERY CLUBS DISTRIBUTE Except in a fisherman's dream! coming a purist, regardless of whether it be And why does he idle the long, lonesome day W'et, dry, or what have you. CAME With fishin' worm, spinner, and fly? Nevertheless there are times when the fish On Saturday, March 9th, at the Eastern I guess its because it's a fisherman's way— are feeding on the surface only and are ex­ State Penitentiary, Graterford, William Because he loves fishin'—that's why. tremely selective. At such times a good selec­ Stoneback of Colmar, President of the Mont­ In a clear crystal pool does he dangle his lure tion of different sizes in several shades are a gomery County Federation of Sportsmen's To inveigle with infinite care Necessity. The times you'll remember longer Clubs, and Irwin R. Clemens of Royersford, The wild wary trout though he's really quite are those when you took a few fish through former President of this association, were on sure figuring what the fish wanted. These days hand with sixty other members of the Fed­ w That there isn't a single trout there. ill be remembered long after those when eration to help Montgomery County Game If to peer in the depths of the clear, crystal any fly in the box would take fish. Protector Ambrose Gerhart, of Souderton, in pool Through these pages we have tried to the distribution of 648 pheasants to represen­ Were he given a magical eye:— convey to you the necessities and activities tatives from the following fifteen member f Sees it empty—keeps afishin'—the gamblin' °r taking trout with artificial flies. It must clubs of the Federation: Boulder Valley fool— be understood that we have only attempted Sportsmen's Association, Sumneytown; Because he loves fishin'—that's why. t° give you advice which we hope will start Bucks-Montgomery Coon Hunter's Associa­ J'ou on the right path to successful and en­ tion, Skippack; Douglass Rod and Gun As­ The fisherman fishin' loves fishin' I'd say, joyable trout angling. sociation, Gilbertsville; Huntingdon Valley Because in the depths of his soul Actual experience will teach you much Fish and Game Association, Huntingdon Val­ Swim the shades of the fishes of some anci­ •hore than volumes of reading material can ley; Lansdale Sportsmen's Club, Lansdale; ent day ever accomplish. Lower Merion Rod and Gun Club, Narberth; Where the ages still over them roll; Montgomery County Fish, Game and Fores­ He knows not the reason, nor is he concerned, try Association, Norristown; Perkiomen Val­ He just sees with a magical eye; We may ridicule and condemn the fools, ley Sportsmen's Association, Graterford; In his soul is the flame which for ages has but how dreary and monotonous life would Pottstown's Sportsmen's Club, Pottstown; burned— be without them! Royersford Hunt and Fish Association, Roy­ Because he loves fishin'—that's why! 38 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APItlL

e TROUT FORAGE COMMON TO book is Ann Morgan's ( ) Field Book of 1 PENNSYLVANIA WATERS Ponds and Streams. For the information of those desiring to go further into the subject, (Continued from Page 5) a list of reference books is given at the end adult are illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, of this article. greatly enlarged. In some types of trout streams, earthworms Regarding the importance of these midges of aquatic and semi-aquatic species, which to fish life, Dr. J. G. Needham (») says: "If dwell in the soft, low banks of the stream, it were not for the superabundance of these may form an important part of trout forage, minute, seldom observed larvae, it is safe especially during . freshets. It is true that to say that fewer fresh water fishes would in the studies of trout food made by examina­ ever attain maturity. They are extremely tion of their stomachs earthworms were important in the diet of young fishes. This found in rather small proportion. In con­ is equally true in pond or stream, for midge sidering this, however, it should be realized larvae occur abundantly in both". that earthworms are rapidly digested and The adult fly bears a general resemblance quickly become unrecognizable, whereas the to a mosquito but it does not bite and the bodes of crustaceans and insects are some­ male is equipped with a pair of proportion­ what protected by their horny, chitinous ately immense, plumed antennae as shown armor and digest much more slowly. In any in Fig. 17. event, every experienced trout fisherman knows the ability of old "squaretail" to At times these flies emerge from lake and recognize instantly the lucious quality of a stream in vast swarms that not infrequently have been mistaken for clouds of smoke. At fat nightcrawler. least one instance is on record where a fire Minnows such as the black-nosed dace department was called out to fight a sup­ which inhabit cold, clear streams are eaten posed fire in a church steeple, but the quite largely by the trout. According to Paul "smoke" seen encircling it proved to be Needham: "In brook trout waters in the merely a huge swarm of Chironomas flies. eastern United States, various minnows, The larvae of this group are slender, suckers, sculpins, etc., are usually abundant delicate creatures that swim about at times and furnish large amounts of food to the by wriggling in the form of the figure 8. trout. The trout in such waters may main­ Many kinds are bright red and this has tain themselves fairly well in spite of fishing gained for them in Britain the name of as long as such natural associations are un­ "blood worm". However, the bloodworm of disturbed by the introduction of exotic forms. This catch of fullflsh, 14 to 20 inches in length, was scored lust season on plug in the Susquehanna the fisherman along the American, Atlantic Many careless and unintentional plantings River near Port Trevorton by Charles M Wetzel. coast is a totally different creature, a true have been made by anglers in throwing un­ worm of marine origin, some 4 to 6 inches used bait minnows into waters when they long belonging to genus Rhyncobolus. were through fishing". Although indulged in SUGGESTS REFUGES FOR STOCKED The larvae of CMronomus, according to J. by many unthinking fishermen, the use of G. Needham, live mainly in tubes fastened minnows as bait is an almost inexcusable TROUT from bits of sediment bound together with habit, especially in States where there is a continual struggle to keep trout waters One of the most ardent conservationists in silk. These are fastened to the bottom or Pennsylvania, a sportsman who draws his constructed in crevices, between leaves, or stocked sufficiently to afford real sport. conclusions from actual observations while attached to stems and stones. Their food consists of diatoms and other minute plant Publications Referred To astream, is F. C. Hoch of Butler. For that life. These larvae are eaten not alone by reason we feel that ANGLER readers will l. Evermann, B. W. & Clark. H. "W., Lake Maxin- find plenty of food for thought on his follow­ baby trout, but Dr. Needham says that "of kuckee, a Physical and Biological Survey, 1920. ing suggestions relative to trout stocking. 25 trout taken at random from one of the *2. Needham, Paul H., Trout Streams, Conditions best natural ponds of the New York State that Determine their Productivity and Sugges­ We quote: Game Commission, at Saranac Inn, had in tions for Stream and Lake Management; Corn- their stomachs more than 100 bloodworms stock Publishing Co.. Ithaca, N. Y., 1938. Price "I have a particular stream in mind that is $3.00. about twenty-five miles long. It' has been a each". «. Needham, J. G. & Lloyd, J. T., The Life of Inland Waters, second edition, 1930; Comstock good trout stream for many years and is still The larvae of many crane flies or Tipulidae Publishing Co., Ithaca, N. Y. Price $3.50. good because of the cover and rough, hard are found in trout streams and some of these •*. Needham, J. G. & Needham. P. R., Guide to the going which affords a protection for the fish. of the genus Tipnla (Fig. 18; enlarged about Study of Fresh-Water Biology, second edition. There is about five miles of stream that three times) are of large size. The largest 1930; Comstock Publishing Co., Ithaca. N. Y. seldom sees a fisherman from one season's of all T. abdominalis, is found crawling among Price $1.00. s. Halford, F. M., Dryfly Entomology, London, 1897. end to the other. The five miles mentioned the leaf debris upon which it feeds, in cold is located at about the middle of the stream spring brooks, and is nearly two inches long. °. Ronalds, Alfred, The fly flshers Entomology. 1856. and not at the upper end as would be gen­ Other fly inhabitants of such streams are 7 erally supposed. If conditions stay the same the spindle-shaped larvae of the pestiferous . Howard, L. O., The Insect Book. *8. Morgan. Ann Haven, Field Book of Ponds and it will be good ten years hence. I would say deer flies (Chrysops) that buzz in swarms Streams; G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. Price that the five miles mentioned is its greatest around the face and puncture the neck of $3.60. protection. If sanctuaries of a mile or two the patient (if profane) fisherman in May and •Especially recommended to fishermen. June. were established where all the stocking was done and no fishing allowed at any time, I In point of fact, the insect inhabitants of believe that it would afford the stocked trout the trout stream are far too numerous for time to become acclimated and they would mention in an article so brief as this. For later work their way out and into the balance those anglers who desire to know the identity of many of these, nothing is more convenient of the waters. The good results would not be or economical than the brief Guide to the immediate but would get better in the course Study of Fresh-Water Biology by J. G. Need­ of a few years. It seems to be a shame to ham and P. R. Needham (4) sold by the put a lot of fish in a stream and have some­ Comstock Publishing Company of Ithaca, N. one take them back out again a short time Y., at one dollar ($1.00). This is brief, illus­ after planting. The sanctuary is good for trated, and easily carried in the pocket of a game, therefore, why is it not good for fishing coat. A more elaborate and expensive trout?" 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 29

THIS TROUTiNG GAME the water during the season than to brag URGE MINE SEALING about the number killed. Those favoring a (Continued from Page 13) season limit on trout put the figure at any Approximately 80 Union County sportsmen they achieve larger size, it is argued, is one place from 30 to 50 legal fish, with the were in attendance at a meeting held in the of the best types of insurance in providing a majority favoring the 30 figure. They believe Court House, Lewisburg, at which time a good stock of trout in the larger waters. that such a plan would be given cooperation resolution was approved calling on Union Furthermore, exponents of this plan say, the and definitely better the trout supply in our County Commissioners to reconsider their catch of trout in small nursery streams is streams. action in refusing to meet a quota for the Predominantly undersize fish, many of which sealing of abandoned mines along the West are seriously injured or killed when taken Branch of the Susquehanna River. A move­ from the hook. In reporting these suggestions from anglers ment has been started to seal the mines as relative to trout fishing, one fact stands out. part of a WPA project, with the various Sportsmen's goodwill committees to work Pennsylvania fishermen, as a group, are in­ counties along the West Branch sharing in with the farmer. This, it is pointed out, has creasingly conservation-minded. Their dis­ the Sponsorer's expenses. been tried in some sections of the state with cussions today apparently center not only Advantages of this work and other dis­ notable success. The idea would be, as ad­ about tackle and fishing methods but also cussions on association activities were pre­ vanced, to have a committee of this type branch out to include methods by which their sented by Assemblyman Charles R. Reagan, establish contacts with farmers on all fishing sport may be bettered. In the final analysis, Fish Warden Arthur Snyder, Game Warden waters. Upon receiving established evidence for more tight lines, the angler himself holds Fred Fisher, Forester Raymond Winter, Rev. of willful destruction of property from the an important key. V. D. Naugle, Colonel Samuel B. Wolfe, A. farmer, and the license number of the fisher­ J. Sholter, and John Heim. man responsible, the committee would then Prosecute the case vigorously in a legal way It was decided to organize as "The Union insuring justice for the landowner. Another ANGLERS CAN HELP THE County Sportsmen's Association" and mem­ Phase of its activities would be the placing WOODCOCK bership will be taken in the Pennsylvania °f goodwill signs along streams in farming Sportsmen's Federation. sections. Game Land Manager Earl E. Smith, Elk Officers were elected as follows, president, County, makes a very excellent suggestion Attorney Clair Groover; vice presidents, R. Building up the trout food supply. Ex­ or improving food conditions for woodcock S. Diehl and Elmer Herring; secretary, Dr. ponents of forage planting argue that, in which we are glad to pass along to fisher­ Amos B. Smith; treasurer, Weber L. Gear- view of the drought and unfavorable natural men. hart; directors: Attorneys W. N. C. Marsh, conditions for forage production in many Mr. Smith suggests that fishermen using Assemblyman O. R. Reagan, Federal Judge trout waters, steps should be taken to build angleworms, especially those who fish for Albert W. Johnson, Judge C. C. Lesher, At­ back this supply of forage at as early a date bullheads in the ponds, swamps, and bayous, torney Harry M. Showalter, Colonel S. B. as possible. which are always close to good woodcock Wolfe, Judge D. R. Pursley, Daniel Green, • Joseph Seebold, William Busser, and Rev. cover, can help the woodcock and the wood­ Reduce age limit for licenses from 16 to V. D. Naugle; executive committee, Joseph cock hunters by dumping the worms left years. It is argued that this would bring Snyder, Benjamin Specht, and A. J. Herbster. into the Fish Fund vital added revenue with over from their fishing along the shore, on which to expand the hatchery system and grassy locations where most of the worms Organization matters were considered and general program of the Fish Commission. will survive and multiply, and in turn fur­ it was decided to form committees for field Those in favor of the plan point out that nish food for the birds. trials, fish, small game, big game, conserva­ tion, trap shooting, target shooting, member­ the minimum age limit for purchasing hunt- Frequently cans with hundreds of worms ship, and program. 'ng licenses is now 14 years, and claim that a are left in the sun to die, and later to become similar age limit for fishing licenses is reas­ a nuisance to other anglers who fish in the onable. vicinity. The worms could just as well be Close waters scheduled for legal size trout planted without much effort for the benefit A man has finally reached the age of dis­ stocking to all fishing save during the regular of the woodcock which eat these worms in cretion when he thinks he has the world by open trout season. Exponents of this plan preference to almost any other food. the tail, but is no longer sure he can swing it. °ffer the following arguments. Many miles °£ warm water streams are available to the sucker fisherman who finds his sport in early spring. In sucker fishing, small hooks and worms are standard equipment and, even if a hooked trout is released as carefully as pos­ sible, the chances are heavy that it has swal­ lowed the hook, and removal very often will mean its death. After being heavily stocked m trout streams early in the spring, trout are frequently ravenous upon becoming accli­ mated to their new environment, hence fall- 'ng quickly to the lure of a worm-baited hook. Finally, it is contended, by closing regularly stocked trout streams save during the open season, no excuse would exist for fishing such waters and, on opening day, all fishermen would have an equal chance to test their skill in taking the stocked trout. Season limit for trout. While admitting that the success of this plan would depend m major part on the cooperation given by the fishermen, exponents argue that there is every bit as much reason to put a season limit on game fish as there is for establishing season game kill limits. A strong trend is developing among fishermen, it is pointed °ut, to set their personal size, daily creel and Season creel limits in taking trout and bass. It has also been noted in recent years that ahglers are inclined to talk a great deal more a One of Pennsylvania's most ardent anglers is G. Albert Stewart, secretary of Forests and Waters. bout the number of legal trout returned to This photo was taken as he tried his luck for trout at the Spring Creek project last year. 30 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

TROUT STREAMS STOCKED WITH bow trout, Kooser's Lake; brown and rain­ Venango County LEGAL TROUT bow trout, Clear Shade Creek, Laurel Hill Brook trout, Cherry Run, Hemlock Creek, Creek, and Whites Creek. Horse Creek, Mill Creek, Porkey Creek, (Continued from Page 23) Sullivan County Prather Run, Tarr Kill Creek, and Stewart Northampton County Run; brown trout, Sugar Creek, E. Br. Sugar Brook trout, Bertsch Creek, Coffeetown Brook trout, Black Creek, Double Run, Elk- Creek, East Sandy Creek, S. Br. Sandy Creek Run, Greenawalts Creek, Indian Creek, Jaca- lick Run, Glass Creek, Lewis Creek, Lick and Lt. Sandy Creek; brown and rainbow bus Creek and Waltz Creek; brook and brown Creek, N. Br. Mehoopany Oreek, Mill Creek, trout, Upper Two Mile Run, Pithole Creek, trout, Monocacy Creek; brook, brown and Pigeon Creek, Pole Bridge Run, and Rock West Pithole Creek, Scrubgrass Creek, Lt. rainbow trout, Sucon Creek, brown and rain­ Run; brown trout, Elk Creek, E. Br. Fishing Scrubgrass Creek, N. Fk. of Lt. Scrubgrass bow trout, Bushkill Creek and Catasauqua Creek, W .Br Fishing Creek, Hogland Branch, Creek and S. Fk. of Lt. Scrubgrass Creek. Creek; brown trout, Lt. Bushkill Creek, Hok- Kettle Creek, Lopez Creek, Loyalsock Oreek, endauqua Creek, Martins Creek and Lt. Lt Loyalsock Creek, Muncy Creek, Ogdonia Warren County Creek and Sullivan Branch Martins Creek. Brook trout, Ben Jeorge Creek, Blue Eye Perry County Susquehanna County Creek, Coffee Creek, Hemlock Run, Lamb Run, Perry McGee Run, McGuire Run, Phelps Brook trout, Browns Run, Green Valley Brook trout, Mitchell Creek, Nine Partners Creek and Riley Creek; brook, brown and Creek, Rock Hollow Run, N. W. Br. Spring Run, Laurel Run, Liberty Valley Run, Mon­ Creek, Tidioute Creek, and Wilson Run; tour Run, McCabe Run, Shaffer Run and rainbow trout, Starrucca Creek; brown trout, Butler Creek, Gaylord Creek, Gibson Creek, brown trout, West Hickory Creek, W. Br. Shermans Creek; brown trout, Horse Valley Caldwell Creek and Caldwell Creek; brown Creek, and Lt. Juniata Creek. Harding Creek, Harmony Creek, W. Br. Lackawanna Creek, E. Br. Lackawanna and rainbow trout, Lt. Brokenstraw Oreek, Creek, and E. Br. Tunkhannock Creek; brown Brokenstraw Creek and E. Br. Spring Creek; Pike County brook, brown and rainbow trout, Pine Creek. Brook trout, Lt. Bushkill Creek, Middle and rainbow trout, Tunkhannock Creek. Bushkill Creek, Dingmans Creek, Dwarfkill Tioga County Wayne County Creek, Indian Ladder Creek, Kellam Creek, Brook trout, Babitville Creek, Beaverdam Middle Branch Creek, Millrift Creek, Panther Brook trout, Elk Run, Fall Brook, Long Run, Mill Creek, W. Br. Mill Creek, Phoenix Creek, Calkins Creek, N. Br. Calkins Creek, Brook, Raymondskill Creek, Sanvantine S. Br. Calkins Creek, Big Br. Dyberry Creek, Creek and Twin Lake Creek; brook and Run, Sand Run, Straight Run, Left Br. Straight Run and Right Br. Straight Run; S. Br. Equinunk Creek, Shad Pond Creek and brown trout, Big Bushkill Creek; brown E. Br. Starrucca Creek; brown trout, Butter­ trout, Big Bushkill Creek; brown trout, Sho- brook and brown trout, Tioga River, and Asaph Run; brown and rainbow trout, Pine nut Creek, Lackawaxen River, Middle Creek, hola Creek, Wallenpapack Creek and E. Br. Shehawken Creek and Wallenpaupack Creek; Wallenpaupack Creek. Creek; brown trout, Blacks Creek, Block­ house Run and Stoney Fork Creek. brook and rainbow trout, W. Br. Dyberry Creek; brook and brown trout, Lt. Equinunk Potter County Union County Creek, and Lehigh River; brook, brown and Brook trout, Bailey Run, Cushing Creek, Brook trout, Bear Run, Beaver Run, Half­ rainbow trout, Johnson Creek, W. Br. Lacka­ Dingman Run, Left Hand Br. Dingman Run, way Run, Sand Spring Run, and Spruce Run; waxen River and W. Br. Wallenpaupack Dodge Brook, Dry Run, Eleven Mile Run, brown trout, Buffalo Creek, Lt. Buffalo Creek; brook, brown and rainbow trout, Johnson Creek. Fishing Creek, E. Br. Fishing Creek, W. Br. Creek, N. Br. Buffalo Oreek, Laurel Run, Fishing Creek, Genesee River, Lt. Kettle Rapid Run, Spring Creek, Weiker Run, and Creek, Lyman Run, Big Moore Run, Nelson White Deer Creek; rainbow trout, Halfway Westmoreland County Run, Nine Mile Run, S. Br. Oswayo Creek, Dam; brown and rainbow trout, Penns Brook trout, Baldwin Run, Camp Run, Oswayo Creek, Genesee Fk. of Pine Creek, Creek. Furnace Run, Mill Creek, Middle Fk. Mill E. Fk. Portage Creek, W. Fk. of Portage Creek, North Fk. Mill Creek, S. Fk. Mill Creek, Sartwell Creek, Reynoldstown Creek, Creek, Pike Run, Powder Mill Run, Roaring E. Fk. of the First Fk. of Sinnemahoning Run and Shannon Run; brown trout, Indian Creek, Trout Run, and S. Fk. of the First Creek, Jacobs Creek, Loyalhanna Creek, Tub Fk. of Sinnemahoning Creek; brown trout, Mill Run and Linn Run. Cowanesque River, Cross Forks Creek, Kettle Creek, Mill Creek, Pine Creek, W. Br. Pine Wyoming County Creek and First Fk. Sinnemahoning Creek; Brook trout, Leonards Oreek and Beaver brown and rainbow trout, N. Br. Genesee Run; brook and rainbow trout, N. Br. Meho­ River and W. Br. Genesee River. opany Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Bow- mans Creek; brook, brown and rainbow Schuylkill County trout, Mehoopany Creek. Brook trout, Bear Oreek, Beaver Creek, Black Creek, Neifert Creek, Pine Creek and York County Pine Creek; brown trout, Evening Branch, Brook trout, Beaver Run, Fishing Creek, Fishing Creek, W. Br. Fishing Creek and Kaltreiders Creek, Leibs Creek, Orson Run, Locust Creek; brown and rainbow trout, Lt. Rambo Run, Rehmayer Hollow Run and Toms Catawissa Creek, Deep Creek and Lt. Swat- Run; brown trout, Furnace Run; brown and ara Creek. rainbow trout, Otter Creek; rainbow trout, Haldeman Pond. Snyder County Brook trout, Aigler Run, Brickhart Run, Krepp Gap Run, Kuhn-Hooven Run and Swift Run; brown trout, N. Br. Middle Creek; LICENSE NECESSARY ON PRIVATE brook and rainbow trout, N. Br. Mahantango WATERS Creek. John C. Youngman, of Williamsport, as­ Somerset County sisted by W. M. Rosenfield, Towanda, repre­ Brook trout, Beaverdam Run, S. Fk. Bens sented the Fish Commission in a test case Creek, Blue Hole Run, Brush Creek, Clear in Bradford County in which the commis­ Run, Shafer Run, Iser Run, Jones Mill Run, sion's contention that fishing licenses are McClintock Run, Sandy Run and Tub Mill necessary even when fishing in private Run; brook and rainbow trout, Drakes Run; waters inside the commonwealth was upheld. brown trout, Beaverdam Run, Piney Creek, Three defendants alleged they did not Beaverdam Run, Deeter Run, Flaugherty need licenses because the lake on which they Creek, Raystown Br. Juniata River, Big Piney were fishing is privately owned and they Hieh water prevailed in Stoney Creek. Dauphin Creek, Stoney Creek and Wills Oreek; rain­ County, on opening day of the trout season last year. had paid a fee to the owner. 1940 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER 31

NOTES FROM A FISHERMAN'S DIARY Imitation, Black Quill: Hook, #14 or #16; brown moosemane. To get the correct shade, hackle, light black; wings, coot; body, dark the latter two colors should be dyed. Suppose Continued from Page 7) peacock quill; tail, light black hackle fibres. we tie a stonefly nymph, which will illustrate Water in fairly good numbers, but failed to NOTE: This Black Quill is in many locali­ the method of procedure. So far as I know, interest the trout. ties known as the Blue Dun. the method of tying, and the material used Description, Pale Evening Dun: Length of for the legs and wing cases, is essentially June 11 wings, one-fourth to three-eighths of an inch my own. Ben Baird and I fished Fishing Creek above long; wings, dark grey; legs, pale yellowish; Mill Hall, Clinton County, this evening. No tails, three, yellowish white,' about three- The Stone Fly Nymph luck. Then went to Lick Run, where we eighths of an inch long; body, yellowish Start the nymph by fastening in the moose­ caught three brown trout on bucktails. A white. mane tail and feelers, Figure "A". Then with few caddis flies over the water. Imitation, Pale Evening Dun: Hook, #16, padding cotton, or silk, form the body to the shape indicated in Figure "B". wings, dark starling; hackle, pale yellow, or June 28 light ginger; body, pale yellow floss silk; Near the bend of the hook, fasten in the David Baird and I camped last night along tail, light mandarin fibres. dark brown and yellow moosemane, see the Hammersleys and almost froze. Fished Description, Pale Evening Spinner: Wings Figure "C" then bring the tying silk forward the forks today, but the stream was high and clear and glassy; tails, white. Balance of de­ and let it hang near the eye of the hook discolored. The Golden Spinner, and the scription, same as for the dun. with hackle pliers attached. stone fly, commonly known as the Yellow Now wind on the light moosemane first, Sally, were both over the water but the trout Imitation, Pale Evening Spinner: Hook, #16; hackle, pale yellowish; wings, light and fasten at eye; then return, and spirally Would not rise. Then tried the quill nymph, rib with the darker brown. Cut off the on which I took three small brook trout. Re­ starling; body, pale yellow floss silk; tail, white hackle fibres. excess ends. Figure "D" represents the fly turned these fish to the water. at this stage. If you desire a lighter color NOTE: In addition to the above, the egg sac for the belly of the nymph, a few additional July 2 of the female should be represented by a strands of light moosemane are fastened in Ran into an enormous hatch of Yellow ball of yellow chenille placed near the bend near the bend, at the same time the body Drakes this evening on Middle Creek. The of the hook. material is fastened. After the body is form­ flies appeared just at dark, and in a short ed, these fibres are brought forward on the Included with above imitations, one should time, I took three nice trout on the dry fly. underside, and fastened near the eye of the possess a few quill nymphs. When fished These insects appeared exactly on the same hook. close to the bottom, these flies will often day the year before, only not in such great produce results when the trout are not feed­ From two Jungle Cock feathers, detach numbers. ing on the surface. To get them down to the nails which are used for forming the this depth, my practice is to fasten a split wing pads. See Figure "E". July 4 shot sinker, size BB, to the leader, about a Camped last night along Kettle Creek and Fasten these wings or nails in on the top— foot above the nymph. one slightly in front of the other—by a few Ashed the "Cannonading Hole" and the Forks turns of the tying silk. When pressure is today. Took two rainbow trout on the quill Quill is an ideal material, especially for exerted, these nails will split in the center, nymph, and in the evening took two more those nymphs fou*nd under stones like the forming the wing pads, but if they fail to °n the Yellow Sally. The White Gloved Red Quill, Ginger Quill and the majority of open readily, split them apart with a knife. Howdy, the Scorpion fly, the White Miller, the stoneflies. In many cases the ribbed quill a from the eye of a peacock feather is too Figure "F" illustrates the nymph with the nd many green and yellow stoneflies were wing pads tied in position. °ver the water just before dark. short, and I have dispensed with it almost altogether, in favor of black, yellow and In forming the legs of the nymph, moose­ ***** mane is used. Cut off a short tuft, hold it in position underneath, then take a couple of In looking back over these notes, the flies loose turns around it with the tying silk, herein mentioned are especially worthy of see Figure "G". imitation. From numerous autopsies I have Now with the thumb and first finger guid­ ttiade, all of them were found in the stomachs ing the tuft, so that it will not creep around °f fish—indisputable evidence that trout feed towards the top of the hook, pull vertically °n them. I have given the dressings of quite downward on the tying silk. The pressure a few in the January and former issues of of the silk cutting into the moosemane, will the ANGLER; and a few more, that are es­ cause it to spread apart; after which, a few pecially noteworthy, are described herewith. more turns are made to further secure the The following are all mayflies. legs in position. Now fasten off with the whip finish, and tear off the excess end of Description, Ginger Quill (Dun): Length the tying silk. With the scissors trim out the °f wings, one half inch; wings, brownish, excess legs, then finally coat the winding With conspicuous dark brown veins; tails, 2, with liquid lacquer cement. Figures "H" and ginger; legs, ginger, with dark brown bands "J" represent an elevation and a plan view °n the femurs; abdomen, brown and yellow, of the fishing nymph. The natural nymph is conspicuously ringed. shown in Figure "K". Imitation, Ginger Quill (Dun) : Hook, #12, hackle, ginger; wings, speckled Mandarin The Mayfly Nymph ^Uck, tied either fan wing, or rolled wing In tying this nymph, the method of pro­ style; body, peacock quill; tail, ginger hackle cedure is quite similar to the above. fibres. After the body is formed with the padding Description, Ginger Quill (Spinner): Wings cotton, it is then swabbed with lacquer olear and glassy; tails, light brown, about one cement. Now take a pair of pliers, and •hch long, with dark brown joinings. Bai­ flatten it to the required shape, after which lee of description, same as the dun. it is left to dry. From here on follow the same methods as outlined for the stonefly, imitation, Ginger Quill (Spinner): Hook, with the exception that only one pair of #12; hackle ginger; wings, pale starling; wing cases is used. The finished mayfly D°dy, peacock quill; tail, mandarin fibres. nymph is shown in Figure "L". The natural Description, Black Quill: Length of wings, mayfly nymph is shown in Figure "M". three-eighths to one-half an inch; wings, a dark bluish black; legs, greyish black; ab­ J. I.. Brissler of Johsonburff with a 19 inch brown domen, black with dark brown bands; tails, trout he landed in Water Mile Run, McKean County, "Know yourself" says the philosopher. Yes, in June. When opened, a ground squirrel was found three greyish black. In the stomach of this fish. but who is going to introduce us? 32 PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER APRIL

A HERE ND THERE 'N ANGLERDOM

Harry Baumgardner, special warden of H. S. Ahlborn, RFD No. 4, Dallas, caught Ranking with topflight smallmouth bass Lewistown, writes: "My brother, Carl, caught a pickerel, weight 3% pounds, length 26*4 taken in central counties during the 1939 a 16% inch smallmouth bass on dry fly in inches, in Harveys Lake, using a spinner and bass season was the splendid fish caught by Tuscarora Creek late in August. I also had a pork rind, on August 19, 1939. Frank Yesson, Elmer White of Harrisburg in the Juniata few good days on Tuscarora last season. On 18 Eno St., Kingston, caught a pickerel, River. Elmer's catch measured 21 % inches one occasion caught nine pickerel, the smallest weight 3% pounds, length 24 inches, in in length and' tipped the scales at 4 pounds being of legal 12 inch size. Had one that Harveys Lake, using a live minnow, last 12 ounces, a lot of smallmouth in any fisher­ measured 17% inches, another 18 inches and season. man's language. The catch was scored on a the rest ranging around 14 to 15 inches. Only crayfish. kept the two largest fish, letting the others go". That's the spirit, Harry. Members of the Galeton Sportsmen's Club C. E. Young of Pittsburgh is an ardent have been carrying through a well-rounded advocate of watersnake control for better conservation program affecting both fish and fishing. He makes a timely suggestion that Edward Mahon, 593 Carey Ave., Wilkes- game, according to a report received from organized sportsmen cooperate throughout Barre, caught a smallmouth bass, weight 2 Warden Kenneth Aley of Galeton. Included the state during the coming year with the pounds 2 ounces when cleaned, length 18 in the group are Arthur Anderson, Albert Fish Commission in staging drives against inches, in Harveys Lake, using a grasshopper, Nordquist, G. Pisquadio, John Meyers, Joe this predator. "I have killed plenty of water- on July 6, 1939. Harry Edwards of Hunts- Finch, Walter Long and John Olson. snakes," he writes, "and in many cases have ville, caught a smallmouth bass, weight 4 found from one to three trout in ^hem". pounds, length 19 Vz inches, in Harveys Lake, using a pork rind lure, on July 26, 1939. Leroy "The following incident may prove as in­ Taking a 19-inch brown trout on a No. 20 West, 42 Gillegan St., Wilkes-Barre, caught teresting to you as it was to me," writes Dr. midge fly is an accomplishment of which any a smallmouth bass, weight 3% pounds, length Don S. Leet of Pittsburgh. "While sojourn­ angler may be proud. Sam Daddow, veteran 19% inches, in the North Branch of the Sus­ ing this summer at the shore of Findley Lake, St. Clair fisherman, had that distinction dur­ quehanna River, using a spinner, on Septem­ N Y.. my wife's attention was attracted to ing the past trout season, according to Jack ber 10, 1939. Joe Sarnecki, 288 Moffat St., a commotion in the road that ran just in front Richards, when he landed the fish after a 20 Plains, caught a smallmouth bass, weight 2 of the cottage. She ran closer to ascertain minute battle while fishing at High Bridge pounds and 14 ounces when dressed, in the the cause and was astonished to find a frog in Schuylkill County. North Branch of the Susquehanna River, and a chipmunk locked in deadly embrace, using a live minnow, on September 4, 1939. kicking and clawing each other in a most belligerent manner. An approaching car alarmed the chipmunk who left the combat and leaped into the grass while the frog, apparently dazed, remained as the car sped by, when he too took to the tall grass. My wife remained to see if hostilities might again be resumed but the contest was over. Perhaps just a little diversion for both in keeping with the spirit of the times."

John Crowe, editor of the livewire column "Afield and Astream in Erie County" in the Erie Dispatch-Herald, ranks muskie fishing as a tough game and adds the pertinent thought that very few anglers are willing to spend the time or display the patience necessary to catching this tiger of the freshwater. He lists among the famous muskie fishermen of Erie County "Chet" Comer, "Doc" Shipley and Fish Warden Bill Briegs.

Quite a few largemouth bass have been taken from the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of Harrisburg in recent years. A jointed plug accounted for a fine fish of this species for Frank Ulrich of Middletown. It was 22 inches in length and weighed 4 pounds 9 ounces. Old timers on the river frequently refer to largemouth bass as "grass bass", an Piney Creek in Blair County yielded this giant appropriate term, at that, since they seem As nice as they come, these bluegill sunfigh caught brown trout to Mike Conrad of Ganister last season. generally to be caught in the immediate by Thomas Gathers and John Kay in Crystal Lake Measuring 26 inches and weighing 7Ms omuls, it fell at Hartstown last June. They ranged in length to the lure of a minnow. vicinity of grass patches. from 7Mi to 8 inrhes. ANTICIPATION

By ROBERT F. KEAGLE

Anticipation is all very well as a prelude to a fact Though rather dull and empty as a substitute I vow; For many months I temporized with wishful thoughts and dreams But am ready for some real trout-fishing now. My rods have been revarnished and ferrules tightened up, Reels are oiled and lines are dressed like new, My pocketbook depleted replacing wornout flies Which somehow, every season seem to number quite a few; But now my heart grows lighter because I know that soon Anticipation will have had its day And I will be along some stream in April's sun or rain Thankfully trout-fishing in my accustomed way.

It will not matter greatly if streams are high or low Nor will the weather be of grave import! No vagrancy of Nature is ever so severe That it robs me of my opening season sport; Besides, the inner hunger to view familiar scenes And to revel in the new spring's glad return Is ever more important than the limit of my creel And always more compelling than discomforts I may earn. Let those who will remain at home, comfortable and warm, Foregoing all the happiness I'm sure to realize For I'd not be contented until a day is spent Along some well beloved stream under April skies. MAY CONSCIENCE DICTATE A SPORTSMAN'S CREEL