The 2023 trout season is officially underway. I hope that you had a chance to slay. The jury is still out for me, personally. All my gear is buried in the garage behind (30) 4×8 sheets of 1/2-inch drywall. I saw some great photos from the week before. Pennsylvania now allows kids to fish with a mentor before the opener. It is a hot topic. Most follow the rules, and it works out great. Remember, this program is for the youngsters and not grown-ups — shame on some. We’ll chat more later.
Tons of credit goes to the STATE and other local organizations. There is one in particular that does a lot for our local waterways. I can’t say enough about the folks of Lycoming Creek Anglers. They continue to make my backyard stream a great fishery.
“We have been doing this for a long time,” Sam Caldwell explained. “We are a small group of volunteers from the area that do a lot. The Lycoming Creek Anglers raise close to 12,000 trout each year. We then stock Lycoming Creek and her many wonderful tributaries around the opener and every Saturday in May. We also give the STATE a hand with some of their stockings.”
My son Jensen and I recently made it to the Angler’s spring meeting. It was so great to see our chums in person. We renewed our memberships and listened to healthy conversations. Sam Caldwell informed the crowd of his intentions. After forty years, he was stepping down. My man has been a staple for many generations. A good friend Dick Packard passed away in February. He was Sam’s co-pilot with the organization. Sam knew it was time as he, too, is getting older. Sam will still be involved, but Dale Shoulder will now oversee the nursery. My new mates Pat and Walt will help fill the void with some of the paperwork. Thanks again, Sam. I plan on doing a feature later this summer.
Mike Kinney of GET LOST PHOTOGRAPHY was our guest speaker. He gave a detailed presentation on some of the critters in the Lycoming. I have known Mike for several years. My friend is super talented. Mike takes amazing photos and records some incredible underwater footage. Jensen has seen many of his clips online. They were even better in person. Insane captures of massive trout and hellbenders. I couldn’t believe the quality and sizes. Most of them came from the Lycoming Creek Anglers nursery. It was grand. Check him out sometime.
“We have been using this BIO-OREGAN feed for five years now,” Sam continued. “Each year’s crop is some of the nicest fish we have raised. This stuff is expensive, but it is a game changer. It helps the fish grow and adds some additional color. You can tell a huge difference between our Rainbows and Browns from others. Some of these trophy fish are only two years old.”
Yes. This new feed is quite salty. The Anglers spend close to $10,000 on it each summer. This is a hefty fee for this nonprofit organization. We solely rely on our memberships and kind donations. We are working on it, kids. But the Lycoming Creek Anglers receive no monies from the County or local Chamber.
“We need some help,” Caldwell pleaded. “Our memberships are down. Our expenses are growing. We are currently doing our best. Holding serve for now. But we aren’t getting any younger. One of the reasons I stepped down. It is only $12 for adults. And $8 for kids. Right now, I’d say we have 500 or so members, but we could use a lot more.”
One of their biggest events is back on the schedule. The annual Lycoming Creek Children’s Derby is slated for Saturday, June 3rd. This showcase brings in hundreds of kids from all over the area. Jensen and I look forward to this special day every season. It is an all-day fishing extravaganza with tons of wonderful prizes. Sheshequin Campground is seven miles north of Trout Run on Route 14. Look for the signs by the Marsh Hill Bridge. Boys and girls aged 3 to 13 are welcome. Remember the date. I will provide more information as we get closer.
“We are hoping for another great turnout,” Sam concluded. “We usually drop 600 fish first thing that morning. Then we restock with another load around lunchtime. Rain or shine. It is a great event. We really enjoy the derby. The smiles from the kids make it all worth it.”
Special thanks to Sam and the rest of the Lycoming Creek Anglers. Bravo, Mr. Caldwell. You will be rewarded. I am extremely proud to be associated with this great organization. Volunteers are tough to find. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation. Your funds will definitely make an impact on our local fishing. Give me a buzz if you want to join. Tight lines. Cheers.
