Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Hughesville High School has just started a fly fishing club. We are proud to be able to share our love for conservation and the great fishing that is a result of that conservation work with them. We have already spoken to the class and will be offering fly casting instruction later this week and look forward to working with them in the future. Check out their facebook page as they are doing fund raising to be able to purchase gear and fly tying materials. If you are able to donate to them, please contact them because they would appreciate your support. Click the link below to go to their facebook page.

HHS FLY FISHING CLUB

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on draft stream evaluation reports for Slab Cabin Run in Centre County and Lycoming Creek and Lycoming, Tioga and Sullivan Counties.

The Slab Cabin Run evaluation was conducted in response to the Fish and Boat Commission Class A wild trout classifications and an existing use evaluation associated with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

DEP is recommending much of the watershed remain High Quality, but a portion in the Roaring Fund basin be designated Exceptional Value Waters (see page 31 for full recommendation).

The Lycoming Creek evaluation was conducted in response to a rulemaking petition submitted by the Lycoming Creek Watershed Association and accepted by the Environmental Quality Board on August 18, 2009.

DEP is recommending much of the stream be designated Exceptional Value Waters.

Comments are due March 6.  Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.

Questions should be directed to Mark Brickner, Water Quality Division at mbrickner@pa.gov  or (717) 787-9637.

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper’s HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) youth kayaking and fishing program days are scheduled for June 22, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28 at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia (Union County). The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has agreed to be the primary sponsor for the event again this year. These program days are for young people ages 9 to 14, introducing them to important skills in both kayaking and fishing with the goal of building confidence in these outdoor skills while developing a vested interest in protecting our river’s resources.  Learn more about the program and fill out the early registration form now for this free program as spots typically fill quickly.  Also, we could use help in covering lunches for participants and volunteers for the week. If your business would like to provide one — or the money to help us purchase lunch — please contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites all fishing enthusiasts to a special presentation by PA Fish & Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officers Justin Boatwright and Hunter Shoemaker, Jim Latini of Susquehanna TU, and Ethan Albright of Slate Run Tackle Shop.  They will highlight trout stocking plans and where to find stream access and special regulation fishing areas on our local streams.  There will be a special focus on Lycoming Creek and Big Pine Creek in the Slate Run area, as well as some tips on fly casting.  The meeting will be held on February 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church, 807 W. 4th Street, Williamsport. Parking and entrance to the Church is at the rear of the building with access off of Campbell Street. The meeting is free and public is cordially invited to attend.

We had a full house at the first fly tying class last night. Thank you to everyone who signed up and to the many instructors who came out to help. In the photo, Dave Rothrock (lead instructor and coordinator) discussing why we tie flies and the insects that we try to imitate

Here is an article about the TU Costa 5 Rivers Club at Bucknell University. These clubs are TU Chapters and sponsored by an active TU Chapter. The Susquehanna Chapter has been trying to establish a similar club at Lycoming College and Penn College, but have not had much interest from the schools.

If you know of any students or staff at either of these colleges, share this article with them and have them contact us if they are interested in starting a chapter at their school.

TU Costa 5 Rivers Club Spotlight: Bucknell

Below is an article in the January / February issue of the Pennsylvania Angler and Boater. This is an interesting article about the fly fishing program at Penn State that was started by George Harvey.

To see more from this issue of the magazine, go to https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/AnglerBoater/AnglerBoater2023/Pages/January-February-2023.aspx