We are getting close to the opening day of the 2026 trout season. Jensen and I snuck out this past weekend. Delayed Harvest. The water was high, and the temperatures were rough. We are hoping for better luck. Pennsylvania now allows kids to fish with a mentor the weekend prior. Most folks follow the rules, and some take advantage. Remember, this program is for youngsters, not grown-ups. Urgh.
My friends at the Lycoming Anglers were recently honored. I was away on another bad golf weekend. State Representative Joe Hamm gave the club a fancy citation as we are celebrating our 50 years of service. Special thanks to Camp Susque and its staff for hosting our annual Spring Kickoff. There were several in attendance. Much love to the Lycoming Anglers. They continue to make our backyard a great fishery.
They have been doing this for a very long time. A small group of volunteers from the area that does so much for our local waterways. The Lycoming Creek Anglers raise close to 12,000 trout at their nursery near Bodines. They then stock Lycoming Creek and its wonderful tributaries. The Anglers have been out a few times already. My guys are out there this morning. They continue to release fish every Saturday in May. They also give the State a hand with some of their stockings.
Jensen and I have helped on many occasions. We are so proud to be a part of this great organization. I feel bad because I often leave my friends hanging. Thankfully, a few of the elders pick up the slack and then some. The fish they raise are outstanding. The Anglers have been using a new feed for a few years now. It is expensive, but this has been a game-changer. Each year’s crop is better than the last. This feed brings out some amazing colors. You can tell a major difference between the State’s fish and those coming from the Lycoming Creek Anglers. Healthy and massive. Some of the brutes are only two years old.
Yes. This new feed is pretty salty. The Anglers spend close to $12,000 annually. This is a hefty fee for this non-profit organization. It is so important to maintain a healthy membership. We are working on it, but the Lycoming Creek Anglers receive no funding from our state or local governments. They solely rely on memberships and donations.
One of their biggest events is back on the schedule. The annual Lycoming Creek Children’s Derby is slated for Saturday, June 6th. This showcase brings hundreds of kids from all over the region. Jensen and I look forward to this special day every season. It is an all-day fishing extravaganza with tons of wonderful prizes. Squarewood Acres Campground is the spot. They are seven miles north of Trout Run. Route 14. Look for the signs by the Marsh Hill Bridge. Boys and girls aged 3-13 are welcome. Remember the date. I will provide more information as we get closer. The Anglers are hoping for another great turnout. They drop 600 or so fish in the morning. Another 500 around lunchtime. Rain or shine. It is fantastic. Everyone goes home as a winner. The old timers and I really enjoy the derby. The smiles and laughs from the kids make it worth it.
Special thanks to my man Walt, Joe Knerr, Pat Johns, Dale Sholder, Buzz Boyer, and the many members. We are so blessed to have these guys in the neighborhood. I would also like to give Sam Caldwell some love. Sam has been the guy behind the scenes for many years. He is getting older, and he has scaled back. Sam had a tough winter with his health. I am glad to see that he is back on the mend. He is a staple. The guy is a legend. Volunteers are tough to find these days. My generation is full of shame. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation today. Your funds and support make an immediate impact on our local trout fishing. Give me a buzz if you want to join.
I also wanted to say a few words about a friend this week. Coach John Brink was the man. John passed away last Tuesday. He was an educator, coach, and mentor to thousands of Muncy Indians. I enjoy getting to know him both on and off the court. We had some great talks. Coach Brink was such a great dude. He would often reach out after one of these columns. John sent me a note two weeks back. I gave him the usual thanks. But I would have told him so much more. Cheers.
