Special thanks to those who gave me some love. I received several notes and thank-yous from readers about some recent columns. Most were nice. A few were not. No worries. Your feedback is amazing. Appreciate the support. You make this worthwhile.
Fishing has always been my passion; my lovely bride would say I am somewhat obsessed. I would fish every single day if I could, and I came awfully close during the pandemic. Lycoming County provides hundreds of exceptional opportunities. We are so very blessed with several different types of water to target all kinds of species. All fishing is noble.
My son is following in my steps. He also loves to fish. Jensen has been with me on many adventures. He is getting older, and now he would rather fish with his friends — the circle of life. Many of our favorite spots are just a short drive or walk from the homestead. The Spencers reside in the 17728. Lycoming Creek serves as our backdrop. We fish certain stretches year-round, and now that hoops are over, we are out and about.
Trout season hasn’t “officially” started. The opener is slated on Saturday, April 4th. Mentor Youth Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 3/28. More on those soon. Certain areas still allow you to fish for trout. Jensen and I will head up to Powys, a delayed harvest stretch. We also fish the Heshbon and Memorial Park. Something I have done since high school. We are legal and legit. These sections in the Hood of Lycoming aren’t in the so-called stocked waters. Everything north of the 973 Bridge to Ralston is now closed.
Hundreds of anglers from all over the Commonwealth will flock to our great region in a few weeks. It is a tradition like no other. Many generations of kin. The goal is simple. Catch a few fish and commune. Some are much nicer than others. But let’s do our best to make them feel cool. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock three million trout this year. Several groups like the Lycoming Creek Anglers and the Loyalsock Men’s Club will lend a hand. Thousands of these poor fish are now residing in Lycoming County’s streams and lakes. It is a special time of year. These little guys have no chance. People will be everywhere with an abundance of scrumptious flies, lures, and baits. It is madness.
I am always on the fence about sneaking out for the opener. I don’t do well with crowds. Jensen and I had an awful experience a few years back with some dudes from New Jersey. No worries. We are now chums on Instagram. But we vowed. Never again. Last season, I wrote an article on the fishing dos and don’ts. The Seven Commandments of Opening Day Trout Fishing to help. Bear with me. We are simply trying to bring common sense and etiquette back to our favorite sport.
A stationary fisherman has the right to remain where he is. Especially if he is routinely catching fish. Don’t expect him to leave his spot just for you. Leave him alone and walk around. Do your best not to disturb his stretch or pool.
Please don’t throw rocks. They scare fish. The critters and birds get freaked out, too. Kids will get a warning. But adults. NO. Don’t.
A fisherman working upstream has the right of passage over someone coming down. Again. Be very careful and courteous to others. Don’t be that guy who splashes. Yield to those who actually know what they are doing.
Don’t crowd other fishermen. Give them space. Do not cast directly in front of them. You would be surprised.
Stay away from beavers. Don’t feed bears. Watch out for kayaks and canoes.
Many streams flow through private property. Kindly respect all postings. Remember that stream access is a privilege and not a right.
Give a hoot. Don’t pollute. Get in the habit of picking up old fishing lines, cans, and other trash. It will make a major impact. I am okay with funneling those Genny Lights. But remember to clean up your mess.
Tight lines, boys and girls. Please respect our waters and the others who enjoy it. It is so important to get the next generation involved. Teach them sound fishing etiquette. Much love, folks. Cheers.
