Hunting and Fishing

Source: Google images, www.tristateoutdoors.com

Fishing has been a great American pastime for generations, and with thriving populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass in many of its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, Pennsylvania is an ideal state for bass fishing.

Many waters across the state of Pennsylvania have healthy bass
populations. Locally, waters of the Susquehanna River, Gray’s Run, Rose more»

The Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to summer. Although nighttime temperatures can drop quickly back to uncomfortable levels, a late morning shower of sunshine will once again warm the air and lift the angler’s spirit for a fruitful day on the water. more»

Google images

Somewhere in the depths of Lake Wallenpaupack a largemouth bass, walleye or a rainbow trout may be swimming with a $1 million tag and waiting for a juicy worm as part of the nationwide "Wanna' Go Fishing for Millions?" contest sponsored by Cabela's®, a leading outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor equipment. more»

The Rose Valley/Mill Creek Watershed Association (RVMCWA) presents the Sixth Annual Cane Pole Fishing Derby (catch and release) on Monday May 30. The event will be held at Rose Valley Lake from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (North Access off Lake Rd. is the Derby Headquarters and where you need to go to register at 8 a.m.). more»

Wild turkey feathers have a wide range of application for fly tying. Different feathers can be used for wings, tails, wingcases, abdomens, and legs on a number of flies. Turkey feathers are applicable to a variety of fly tying techniques and have spawned countless productive fly patterns. These cleverly crafted patterns become popular “go-to” flies for many fishermen.  more»

Once the cameraman is ready, lift the fish for the photo. It is not always necessary to remove the fish completely from the water to obtain a pleasing photo.

Catch-and-release fishing has become more popular and a commonly accepted practice with sport fishermen. It is also incorporated into fishery management through specially regulated waters. more»

It was a chance meeting. I was walking into The Old Trail Tackle Shop, Shamokin Dam; he was at his truck in the three-stall parking lot. It began with a common fishermen’s greeting: How’s the fishin’? After a few minutes of idle chitchat, the older gentleman invited me to look in a cooler in the bed of the truck. more»

Trout spend considerable time feeding on subsurface foods. Mayfly and stonefly nymphs, caddis and midge larvae, and other aquatic insects live their immature life on or near the stream bottom. more»

On the wall facing the foot of my bed hangs a fishing print by famous late 19th-early 20th century artist A.B. Frost (1851-1928). The print, titled “A Two Pounder,” depicts an angler of the time standing on a mid-stream boulder fighting a fish. The occupied fisherman in floppy hat and hip boots has a creel harnessed over his shoulder. more»

For most fly fishermen the visual orientation of dry fly fishing is the major attraction. Experts tell us, however, that trout get 90 percent of their groceries subsurface. The vast majority are nymphs (mayflies, stoneflies, etc) or larvae/pupae (caddis, midges, craneflies, hellgrammites, fishflies, etc). Getting our flies to the fish is the fundamental foundation of success. more»

Harrisburg – Anglers visiting Upper and Lower Hereford Manor Lakes in Beaver County can enjoy a special “Opening Day” on Saturday, March 5, and fish for stocked trout one last time before the lakes are drawn down in spring in anticipation of breaching the dams.
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New Book Helps Anglers Identify Insect Hatches
And Tie Fish-Catching Flies more»

I have to admit, when it comes to fly fishing for trout, I’m a streamer junkie. This stems from the desire to catch above-average size fish. Trout the typical angler doesn’t catch with consistency, or at all. If there is truth of the three stages of a fisherman’s development -- catching more fish; catching bigger fish; catching the most challenging fish -- I’m eternally rutted in stage two. more»

It has been said that the next best thing to being “there” is dreaming about being “there.” This axiom is especially true with fishing. What better start for those winter-dreaming fishermen than the 27th Annual Fishing Expo and Boat Show to be held Jan. 13-16 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md (about a 3-hour drive from Williamsport and easily accessed from Int. more»

For fly fishermen, certain flies become reliable favorites. Obviously productive, these patterns are fished with a high degree of confidence. One I’m partial to is the Muddler Minnow. Fly fishermen seem to have mixed attitudes toward the Muddler, the accepted shortened name of this streamer-type fly. Many use it religiously believing it will most assuredly entice strikes. more»

Fish have been around for about 500 million years, which is longer than dinosaurs. There are an estimated 25,000 different species identified today, with an estimated 15,000 more yet to be discovered. The following are some interesting facts about a wide range of fish species. more»

HARRISBURG – With the two-week statewide general deer season closed, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe is encouraging hunters to take the time to report harvested deer. more»

I’m not sure what put “Mother Nature” in such a bad mood, but she wasn’t happy! Her latest rampage in early December distributed more than 4 inches of rain to our region; almost 3 on Dec. 1 alone. Flooding occurred in local communities as the West Branch Susquehanna River and area streams reached levels above carrying capacity. The West Branch crested at 23.2 feet on Dec. more»

Hunters may not think of themselves as boaters, but with hunting season underway, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding them to wear their life jackets when they are on the water.
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Many fish feed on eggs. Their own relatives might even supply these meals. Deposited by salmonids and other species, the eggs are either freely distributed on the streambed or washed from spawning redds, providing a significant food source. more»

Given a choice, I know of only a handful of fly fishermen that would opt not to fish a dry fly. With the ring of the rise spotted, the average fly fisher needs little more encouragement. Many feel this is the ultimate challenge; deceiving a trout with an imitation of nature while delighting in the full visual display. more»

Anyone who has ever experienced the thrill of following a competent bird dog knows this is one of hunting’s consummate delights. Exceptional bird dogs are few. It has been said that a hunter only gets one in their lifetime. But what is one to do if they aren’t afforded the opportunity to hunt birds with a dog? more»

The jig navigated the river floor, sliding across stones and hopping over boulders. Influenced by the angler, the current and its own weight, the alluring animation did not go unnoticed. Lying in ambush, a big bass lost all instinct for caution and quickly seized the lure. more»

Sept. 25 marks the 39th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day. The celebration is held to establish a better understanding of hunting and fishing by creating greater public awareness of the importance outdoorsmen have played in conservation and in improving our natural resources. more»