Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, along with TCO Fly Shop and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited, held the Pennsylvania Wild Trout Summit on August 26 in Pleasant Gap. The first of its kind in the state, it was attended by over 240 people and attendees were provided with a tremendous amount of information. This summit is only the first of hopefully many more gatherings where all parties concerned about wild trout can come together so that we (the anglers, conservationists, biologists, etc) can work to protect and further enhance the wild trout. For those who were not able to attend the meeting, the PFBC has posted videos and documents of the entire summit on their website.

Trout Summit Page

An additional opportunity is coming up on September 20, 2017. A Sportsmen’s Forum: Protecting PA Wild Trout will be held at 7 pm at the Monroe Township Fire Hall ( 1225 Peffer Road, Mechanicsburg, PA). This event is being hosted by the Cumberland Valley TU, Adams County TU, Codorus TU, Doc Fritchey Chapter of TU, and the Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club Falling Springs Trout Nursery. PFBC Executive Director John Arway and Commissioners Richard Lewis and B. J. Small will be the moderators of this event.

Want to learn about fly casting as a first-timer or sharpen your skills under the instruction of experienced fly fishers? Anglers and everyone interested in experiencing what it is like to cast a fly are invited to attend the Wednesday, September 13 outing of Susquehanna Trout Unlimited. The fly casting instructions and demos will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the “Gram and Pap” Lundy Memorial Pavilion and pond located on Pleasant Valley Road, 0.4 miles north of Warrensville (north of the Warrensville Road and PA Rt. 973 east intersection). A picnic will follow with hot dogs, corn on the cob, beverage and other goodies provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels and line, but a number of outfits will be available for those who do not have them.

Map to Lundy Pond

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that it will host a wild trout summit and is open to the public.

“This is the first time the agency has hosted a meeting to discuss wild trout,” said Andy Shiels, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Fisheries. “This will bring agency, academic and Trout Unlimited experts together to present and discuss the past, present and future of Pennsylvania’s wild trout resources.”

The event will be held at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, located at 540 North Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap, Pa. 16823. This convenient location is one exit (Exit 80 ) north on I-99. (Please note this is a change in location).  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. The program will start at 10:15 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.

Speakers will present information on the history of wild trout management in Pennsylvania, the Unassessed Wild Trout Waters Initiative, special regulations for wild trout, and how environmental permit review affects wild trout protection.
In addition, there will be presentations on the potential impacts of climate change, the PFBC’s wild trout stream habitat improvement priorities, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wild Trout Management Plan, and Implications of Genetics on Wild Trout Management.

New information on several Penn State University trout radio-tracking studies will also be provided.

Finally, there will a panel discussion at the end of the day to bring the presenters together for a question and answer session with the attendees. A tentative agenda can be viewed on the PFBC website.

The Wild Trout Summit is open to the public, but registration is required. Attendees may register online.

“This will be an informative event and an opportunity for wild trout enthusiasts and supporters to spend a day learning about a truly unique Commonwealth aquatic resource,” added Shiels.  

Taken from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Website http://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/fish-and-Boat-Commission-Details.aspx?newsid=149

     The 2017 Cane Pole Derby will be held on Monday, May 29, at Rose Valley Lake (north access area).   Last year 150 kids participated! The purpose of the derby is to provide kids with an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the natural resources of the Watershed.  The kids have a chance to compete for awards for the largest fish, the most fish caught, and the most trash gathered.  Tackle/ bait are provided and many prizes are awarded.  Every year local artist Ron Beach designs a patch to commemorate the Derby and each participant will receive a patch. Collectors can purchase the current patch plus patches from previous years.        Please note: all children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please mark the date on your calendar and spread the word about the Derby to your friends and relatives. Your help (donations, manpower, etc.) can make this come true and would be appreciated.  Here is what we need:    Before the Derby:  We need gifts of new fishing/outdoor related items for prizes, or cash donations to offset the cost of everything the kids need to take part in this fun, free day.  We would like to see every child receive a prize.  On Derby Day (Monday, May 29th):  6:00 – 7:00 am: help with setting up tables and tents ·  7:30 – 9:30 am: help with registration; registration starts at 8:00 am, but eager anglers arrive early ·  9:00 – 11:30 am: help with food service ·  9:00 – 11:30 am: help the kids!  Some children arrive with parents who have little experience with fishing.  Having some people just walking around to help and encourage would be much appreciated ·  11:30 – 1:30 pm: take down tents; load tables and tents onto trucks If you would like to help with this project, please contact Jon Larson at 570-971-9153

Tomorrow is the day that we wait all winter for.  If you go out, have a great day and good luck.  There is much more to being out on the stream than simply catching fish.  Take in everything that nature has to offer and please consider taking a kid fishing or introduce a non fishing adult to this great sport.  As always, send us your pictures and stories to susquehannatu@gmail.com.

Senate Bill 30 authorizes the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to establish fees charged to anglers and boaters, namely fishing licenses and permits and boat registrations and titles. The Senate has passed SB 30 and it now moves on to the House of Representatives. We are asking you to please contact your representatives with your comments and / or support of this very important Bill.

Letters are also needed to be sent to the House leadership and their contact information is given below.

House Speaker:                                                Majority Leader:
Hon. Mike Turzai                                             Hon. Dave Reed
139 Main Capitol Building                             110 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202028                                                  PO Box 202062
Harrisburg, PA 17120                                      Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-772-9943                                                     717-705-7163

This bill is at a CRITICAL point. Last year the House leadership let the bill die. Local Representatives Jeff Wheeland and Garth Everett support the bill. Please contact your local Representative and urge them to vote on SB 30.

If you are not sure who your representative is or where to contact them, you can go to the following web page and get that information: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

For your convenience, we have provided some talking points to refresh you of the importance of SB 30 and to mention when you contact your Representatives.

Senate Bill 30 Talking Points