Against the odds and due to adverse weather conditions, many streams received their allotment of fish ahead of opening day.
It took some juggling of the regular stocking schedule, however the PA Fish & Boat Commission did make its appointed rounds and streams were stocked.
While accompanying the stocking truck it was nice to observe the quality of fish being placed in the water.
The brown and brook trout looked to be in excellent shape. Also the length and girth of the fish seemed to be exceptional. They were a product of the PF&BC’s hatchery at Oswayo located in northern Potter Co.
At each location where the stocking truck stopped fish were off loaded. Trout were placed in buckets and deposited in the stream. It was also interesting to note that each holding tank held an equal amount of trout of various age classes. By fish being distributed in this manner nice fish hit the water at each stop.
It was also refreshing to have a good number of sportsmen on hand to assist in the stocking. Waterways Conservation Officer Pete Mader was pleased to have interested anglers on hand to help with the stocking effort.
As in the past, anglers were advised that the number of trout being stocked would be lower in number. And that was the case again this year. However quantity was replaced with quality.
Rain fell across the region prior to the regular trout opener producing some turbidity in the streams. However it wasn’t enough to affect catching fish on the opening day. Fact is that during opening day weather conditions were just plain gorgeous across the region.
The first day of trout season is an exciting time. While some try to avoid the crowds associated with the first day, others love the opportunity to cast a line with the anticipation of catching a trout.
An hour or so after the opening hour I spent some time with a father working with his two daughters. The girls were paying attention to the bobbers that had suspended below them small worms that had been delicately threaded on hooks.
After a while one of the bobbers began to shimmy and vibrate. Dad cautioned, “Just wait, be patient, and let the fish take the bait.” It wasn’t long until the bobber was pulled underneath the surface of the water. The younger of the two girls reacted with a tug on the line, and the fish was hooked.
As the fish was reeled in it was obvious the catch was a bluegill. “How many fish have you caught today?” was my question.
With a broad smile on her face she said, “One trout and three bluegills.” For some the small fish may have been a distraction, but for this young lady it appeared to be the catch of a lifetime, or at least that’s what her smile reflected.
The fish was eagerly thrown back into the water, and after seeing it swim off it was back to fishing. This youngster was into it big time. A cup that contained worms was accessed and threaded on the hook. The line was cast and it was back to watching the bobber.
It was amazing how many times smiles were exchanged between the two girls and their father. Dad continually worked to mentor each of his girls as needed. It was a neat experience to witness.
Chances are that on their way home the details of the day were recounted from the water’s edge all the way home. And then when reaching their destination their mom was treated to more of the same.
While opening day is exciting, when you take a kid fishing every experience can be like opening day. It’s the excitement of a fish on the other end of the line making the thin line of monofilament vibrate producing a smile on a young angler’s face. Simply put, there are a multitude of opening days, especially when you take kids fishing.
MENTORED YOUTH FISING DAY
The Mentored Youth Fishing Day is slated for May 10. The days were originally scheduled for March 22 and April 5, however are combined due to the late winter weather.
The program is designed to encourage adults to take kids fishing, to show them that fishing is fun, and to promote active, outdoor recreation.
To date the mentored fishing program has received positive comments. The program is exciting and a special day for kids. The change in the date will go a long way to keeping it that way.
To participate in the Mentored Youth Trout Days anglers 16 years of age or older (adult anglers) must possess a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and current Trout/Salmon Permit and be accompanied by a youth (less than 16 years of age) who has obtained a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission.
For all the details regarding the Voluntary Youth License and details regarding the Mentored Youth Fishing Days, go to the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s website at www.GoneFishingPa.com
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Charlie Burchfield is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America. To contact Gateway Outdoors the e-mail address is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
