Author: Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

The following is a news release from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

“Moving to protect wild trout beset by high water temperatures and low stream levels, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) officials temporarily have posted two sections of Penns Creek to prevent fishing and disturbance of massed fish by passersby.

“The prolonged combination of little rainfall and steadily climbing water temperatures has left wild trout massing at two locations in Bald Eagle State Forest where mountain streams are supplying needed oxygen and cooler water,” said State Forester Dan Devlin. “The goal is to prevent additional stress by limiting angling pressure and the chances of others needlessly spooking them.”

Both located in Mifflin County, not far from the Union-Centre County line, the posted areas affording trout thermal protection are along Penns Creek at the mouths of the Panther Run and Swift Run tributaries. As temperatures soared and stream levels dropped, trout have increasingly sought out these tributaries’ cooler waters.

“In an effort to gain support and protect this valuable resource we sought cooperation from the Fish and Boat Commission, and its bureaus of law enforcement and fisheries responded rapidly,” Devlin said, “clearing the way for a joint effort that will limit disturbance to fish in these areas. This limited and temporary closure is based solely on the need to provide areas of thermal refuge.”

This is not the first time the premier trout stream, harboring a unique, wild trout fishery that draws anglers from around the world, has been taxed by severe weather conditions. In 1999, trout were forced to congregate by the hundreds in coldwater tributary mouths along Penns Creek, and reports of harassment surfaced.

The Mifflin County postings, to be enforced by DCNR Rangers and PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers, will remain in effect until Penns Creek water conditions improve — and that may take some time. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) early this week issued a drought-watch declaration for 34 Pennsylvania counties, including Mifflin, Union and Centre counties. All are reporting low stream flows, declining groundwater levels and below-normal precipitation. Rainfall deficits of as much as 6.0 inches have been noted over the past 90 days.

More details and updates can be obtained by contacting the Bald Eagle State Forest District, 18865 Old Turnpike Road, Milmont. Tel.: 570-922-3344.”

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to stress the importance of high water temperature and the effects on the trout.  In addition to Penns Creek, all anglers should observe similar care to not disturb schools of trout seeking thermal refuge near cool bottom springs and mouths of cold water tributaries on our larger streams such as Pine Creek and Loyalsock Creek. Take the 70 degree pledge to not fish for trout when water temperatures go over 70 degrees F and try to educate other anglers about the relationship of water temperature and dissolved oxygen. Water temperatures up in the seventies and higher doesn’t have enough oxygen for trout (particularly brookies) to survive.

The July issue of the Susquehanna Ripples is out and you can read it hear!

2016-07 Susquehanna Ripples

On your mark. Get set. Fish! Come to the Youth Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail, 601 Pepper Street. Bring the family to the park and spend the morning fishing and participate in interactive and educational fishing-oriented activities, sponsored by Muncy Historical Society, Trout Unlimited and Lycoming College.

The event was planned in part, with the help of Lycoming College communication students Bethany Adamski, Michael Amaya and Malcolm Bell, in collaboration with Rebecca Holler, education coordinator, of the Pennsylvania Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program, Trout Unlimited, and the Muncy Historical Society.

Children under age 16 are eligible to participate and must be accompanied by a parent. Only one fishing pole per child is allowed. Participants must provide their own fishing equipment. All legal baits are allowed. An artificial lure will be given to each participant, donated by Wertman’s Fish and Bait Shop, 173 W Water St, Muncy. 

Any fish caught with or without a tag are eligible for prizes. Each fish must be measured, and unharmed fish must be then released. Length of fish will determine the prize.

The catch-and-release fishing contest is the star of the show with prizes awarded for 1st place winners in three different age groups. Prizes include three fishing kits with lures, bait, rod and reel: a Shakespeare Bass complete fishing kit; a Shakespeare Walleye complete fishing kit; and a Shakespeare Trout complete tackle kit.

There will be food and drinks available in a picnic atmosphere. 

Registration is free and will be held on the date of the event. This is an all-outside event so dress appropriately. The decision to cancel the day’s activities because of inclement weather conditions will be made by 8 a.m. For more information call (570) 546-5917.

The following is the obituary for Bob that appeared in the Sun Gazette on Tuesday June 21. After clarification since our last post, visitation will begin at 11 am at Phelps Chapel and the service will begin at noon.

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Bob Rinn passed away on Tuesday June 13, 2016.

Bob was one of the founding members of the Susquehanna Chapter and served in many capacities over the years.  Most recently he had been our Chapter Advisor.

There will be a memorial service at Phelps Chapel on Pine Creek (near Jersey Shore) on Saturday June 26 at noon.

We will post more information about  Bob in the near future.  The above picture was provided by his daughter Melanie.  Our deepest thoughts go out to Bob’s family and all his friends.  He will be missed!

Over the past year, the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) has made significant progress toward chipping away at the backlog of streams awaiting formal Wild Trout Stream and Class A

Trout Unlimited, through the local office in Lock Haven, is doing culvert assessments throughout the Pine Creek Watershed. They are assessing road stream crossing to determine if they are barriers to aquatic organism passage (AOP). If fish cannot get through these crossing it limits their ability to seek thermal refuge and spawning habitat. If you would be interested in learning more, or would like to help collect data, please contact Phil Thomas, Habitat Coordinator for TU.

Phil Thomas / Habitat Coordinator
Pennsylvania Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program pthomas@tu.org

tel:814-242-2696″>814-242-2696

Trout Unlimited  18 East Main St, Suite 3 Lock Haven, PA 17745  http://www.tu.org

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in seeking volunteers to assist with a riparian buffer restoration along Little Kettle Creek near Germania, PA May 9-12, 2016

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in seeking volunteers to assist with a riparian buffer restoration along Little Kettle Creek near Germania, PA May 9-12, 2016.  Interested volunteers can contact Eli Long elong@paconserve.org for more information. Please share with anyone who may be interested in helping out.

A riparian restoration project involves planting approximately 200 tree and shrub seedlings per acre. All planting are done by hand and plants can be bare-root, live stakes, and/or small (approximately 1-3 year old) potted trees and shrubs all native to Pennsylvania.

 Prior to planting, volunteers are educated about the importance of trees for water quality and wildlife and how the Watershed Program of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is implementing projects to help improve areas in need of stream restoration. A demonstration will be done on how to plant the trees properly and safely.

 Volunteers should plan to be outdoors for the day, roughly 4-6 hours, and dress accordingly based on the local forecast. Sturdy shoes or boots should be worn and gloves are recommended. Stream side areas can be wet, so waterproof/resistant gear is advisable.

Volunteers should pack a field lunch and have enough water to stay hydrated for the day.

 Dress and Gear Check-list:

 Suggested Protective Gear

• Work gloves, gardening gloves are acceptable
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant

 Proper Dress

• Dress for the weather, layers will help regulate body temperature depending on activity
• Pants, long sleeves, and hats protect from the sun and insects
• Sturdy work boots (preferably waterproof) will help keep feet dry and comfortable

The Wine, Women and Waders event was held on Monday April 25 at Pier 87.  Chapter President Walt Nicholson gave a brief overview of TU and what we do as a chapter to the groups of ladies.  It was a great time and we would like to thank Kandy Weader (PATU Women’s Initiative), Brad Russell (Pier 87), and all the volunteers that came out to help.  It was a great event and we hope that all the women that participated learned something.  The Chapter is here for you should you have any  questions or need further help in this great sport.

Below are pictures taken by our friend Bill Kosmer.

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank everyone who came to our fishing sale on Friday and Saturday.  Because of your generosity, we were able to raise over $8,000 (it was previously reported as $11,000 but there was an error in tabulating the final amount) that will help us meet our goals of protecting and restoring the cold water fisheries of North Central PA.

We must give special recognition to Ken Beane of the former E Hille Fly shop for his donation of the remaining inventory from the store.  Because of Kens generosity, as well as the donations of many other people, we were able to use these donated items to sell to raise funds for the Chapter.

And finally, thank you to the Chapter members who made this happen. Hundreds of hours were spent sorting, inventorying, and preparing the materials for sale.  This process has taken almost a year to accomplish and some very long days leading up to the sale. We will have more information on the future about the sale.