Help needed with the annual spawning survey in Cross Fork Creek watershed (tributary to the Kettle Creek, Potter County)! Please contact Shawn Rummel at shawn.rummel@tu.org no later than Sunday, October 21st if you are interested! We are planning to expand the redd surveys to include at least three surveys over the course of the spawning season. Volunteers would be asked to survey a reach of approximately 1-3 miles roughly every two weeks beginning in late October or early November (for a total of three times at each reach) to record the number and location of redds observed. A brief training and/or webinar will be provided to volunteers. Surveys could be completed on your own schedule since multiple surveys make logistics difficult to line up days that work for everyone.

Throughout autumn, tree-lined waterways receive a welcome addition as leaves fall, dumping nutrients that help sustain all levels of biodiversity through the tough winter months. Sugar, pigments, and other organic materials begin to leach out from the leaves as they fall into the water and collect into leaf matts. In-stream microbes such as bacteria and fungi receive immediate benefits. Eventually, shredder insects begin to physically break down the leaves, allowing for small rotting leaf particles to drift downstream and feed all sorts of aquatic insects. With a thriving aquatic insect population, trout will have plenty to eat as their population receives benefit from the leaves as well. Even though the annual leaf fall signals the end of healthy, green leaves, the leaves will now be recycled into the next ecosystem to play a fundamental role in maintaining healthy trout populations.

Taken from Potomac Headwaters Iniative – Trout Unlimited Facebook page

Hunting season is upon us in Pennsylvania and we want you to be safe. Although many people stop fishing when the fall / winter seasons arrive, there are others who fish year round. You can still enjoy fishing in your favorite mountain streams if you keep a few things in mind when heading out.

1. Know when the hunting seasons are. The main hunting seasons are from now until the end of January 2019, and there is no hunting on Sundays with a few exceptions. There is a spring turkey season and limited hunting opportunities throughout the entire year so become familiar with when the seasons are so you are prepared.

2. Where Blaze Orange or other brightly colored piece of clothing that sticks out. Hunters are required to where this to identify themselves and so should you. If you fish on Pennsylvania State Game Lands be- tween November 15 and December 15, you are re- quired by law to wear fluorescent orange.

3. Make noise when you are moving about. You don’t need to scream but normal talking will let others nearby know you are there.

4. As a general rule, hunters go out early and stay out late. Many go back to their camps or else where for lunch and mid day breaks so heading out late morn- ing and early to mid afternoon may reduce your chance of encountering hunters.

5. Probably the most important thing to remember is to be respectful. Everyone has a right to be outside and doing what they want to do. If you come upon a hunter, try to be quiet so that you do not disrupt their hunt.

Alternatively, you can go fishing some- where hunting is not allowed or fish areas closer to towns or other places that hunters are not likely to go.

If you have ever thought about taking a trip to fish for salmon, grayling, rainbow trout, and dolly vardon in Alaska, you are invited to a special program on October 10th at 7 pm at Covenant Central Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, rear of 807 W 4th Street in Williamsport. Chapter members including Jim Latini, Dave Wonderlich and Walt Nicholson will highlight their favorite rivers, fisheries and scenery of the 49th State. Each summer, millions of salmon run up Alaska’s rivers to spawn, creating an incredible natural bounty of food resources for other fish species, wildlife, and the local populace. Surprisingly, it is possible find spectacular angling opportunities which are accessible by car along the basic network of highways. The public is invited to this program which will discuss current salmon conservation issues as well as the how and where to go for an unforgettable “bucket list” experience.

The October issue of the Susquehanna Ripples is now available.  You can download your copy here

2018-10 Susquehanna Ripples

The angling world has lost another true leader and champion. The Chapter sends our thoughts and prayers out to the family and friends. The following obituary was taken from https://m.legacy.com/obituaries/centredaily/obituary.aspx?n=charles-r-meck&pid=190272030&referrer=0&preview=false

“Charles R. Meck May 28, 1932 September 18, 2018 Charles R. Meck born May 28, 1932, (age 86), passed away peacefully on September 18, 2018, surrounded by family at Fairport Baptist Home in Fairport, N.Y. Born in Cressona, to the late Ted and Mary Meck. Charlie was a life-long resident of Pennsylvania until the past five years when he resided in Macedon, N.Y. Predeceased by his wife, Shirley Wert Meck, whom he married in 1956. Also predeceased by his brothers, Harold and Jerry; and sister, Beverly. Charlie served in the Army during the Korean War in Fort Bragg as an artillery man on the atomic cannon. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Penn State, and received his Masters in Administration from the University of Scranton. Charlie worked at Penn State in Continuing Education for over 25 years. His life-long love was enjoying the outdoors, especially fly-fishing. Charlie was a noted author and fly fishing expert. He wrote 15 books on fly fishing, as well as numerous magazine articles. He loved teaching others the sport of fly fishing and the appreciation of the beauty of the natural world. Charlie was inducted into the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Outdoor Writers Association and PA Outdoor Writers Association. Surviving are his two children, Bryan Meck and wife Julie, of Palmyra, N.Y.; his daughter Lynne Nowaczek and husband Rick, of Hillsborough, N.J.; three grandchildren, Lauren (Zack) Dendler, Matt Nowaczek, and Pierce Meck; his brother, Dennis Meck, of Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Sonia Meck, of Ohio; brother-in-law, John Miller, of Pennsylvania; and many friends and family. There will be a visitation on Sunday, September 23, 2018, from 3-6 p.m. at the Koch Funeral Home in State College. On September 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m, there will be a memorial service at Koch Funeral Home with the Reverend Carl Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Centre County Memorial Park. If desired, donations can be made to Little Juniata River Association (LittleJuniata.org) or Project Healing Waters.org.”

Published in Centre Daily Times on Sept. 20, 2018