Streamside on Line
Volume 10 |
The
Quarterly On Line Newsletter |
Spring |
In this issue:
Notes
from the Tying Bench (Bob Molzahn)
DJL Website
Needs your Attention
Editorial (Roy Cubbler)
French
Creek in Line for "Exceptional Value" Status
Book Review
DJL
Members Asked to Participate in "Walk for your Watershed"
DJL Sponsors Campers
PBFC Fights Merger
New
Executive Director of PA Fish and Boat Commission Named
Fall Raffle Extended
to April
"Streamside"
Under New Management
Stream Improvement (Larry
Heimes)
T.A.P.
Action Threatens Tulpehocken Fishery
Articles, news and fly tying tips are gratefully accepted. Please e-mail them to us using the Feedback section shown on the left.
| Notes from the Tying Bench by Bob Mozahn |
It has been more than six months since our last issue of STREAMSIDE was sent out. During this time, our former editor and chief, Chuck Hodgson, had a family emergency that took him to Kansas for several months. He recently informed me that he was taking early retirement from his job and, with his wife, was moving back to Kansas. Obviously, we wish Chuck all the best and would like to thank him for his two years of service as our Editor.
That being said, my email plea for help was answered by a few folks. Roy Cubbler, a retired high-school English teacher and a relatively new member of the club, has indicated his desire to become our next newsletter editor. Walla...this is his work. Thanks Roy for stepping forward. I hope he will be with us for a long time.
At our April meeting we will be holding our election for Club Officers. Joe Flather, our Treasurer of 18 years has indicated his desire to step down. Fortunately, I was able to twist the arm of Joe Vasile who is willing to take over this position. Likewise, I have been the President of the League for 8 years and would like turn the crown and some of my responsibilities over to an enthusiastic and computer savvy individual. If you have a hankering for the limelight and can spare a few hours a month, I would very much like to hear from you. You don't have to be an expert fly fisher to be President.
I would also like to find someone who can act as our Membership Coordinator. The duties of this position are to receive membership applications and renewals at our post office box, send out welcome letters and new member cards, keep our MS Word database up to date, send the checks received to our Treasurer and send out a dues renewal reminder notice out on a yearly basis (October). All expenses are paid for. Again, if anyone can spare a few hours a month please contact me.
The following was to be included in the fall newsletter but never got that far. I thought I would include in this issue even if it is out of date.
July 2003- Many thanks go to Ted Nawalinski, Joe King, Roy Cubbler and Jack Kane who helped me out in taking parking donations at the Kimberton Fair in late July. The call for help went out on very short notice. Thanks to their help the club will not need to pay the $15 per hour room rental fee for our monthly meetings this season. Hopefully, we will be able to do it again next year and some more of you will be able to help. I actually found it to be an enjoyable evening and it does support a good cause, the Kimberton Fire Company and its volunteers!!
September 2003- I would also like to thank everyone who participated in and bought tickets for the Something for Everyone" raffle that the Mid-Atlantic Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers sponsored as part of their Fly Fishing Festival on September 27. Not only did DJL gross $895 in ticket sales, a record for a club in this Council, but two members, Bob Moser and Lori Bonis, were winners. The proceeds from this raffle are put towards MAC's conservation and education programs. Your participation was an incredible benefit to the Federation of Fly Fishers.
October 2003- It is the first week in October and rains have abated for the time being. Our local streams are still high for this time of year but are very fishable. Fishing this fall should be very good if conditions continue to be favorable. Reports are that there is a good holdover population of stocked trout in French and Brandywine Creeks. Upstate streams are also doing
well. Joe King and I ventured up to the Little Juniata in mid-September, the weekend preceding the infamous Henri deluge. The Saturday we arrived there was a good blue winged olive hatch interspersed with some Isonychia adults. Although it was rainy, we caught a number of really nice browns up to 16-inches, mostly on dry flies. The Little J should fish really well this fall as it has been so high for so long that fishing pressure has been light, and there are many nice size trout that have yet to be caught. The Farmer's Almanac predicts a tough winter so get out and fish while you can.
December 2003- Our third annual Christmas Party was scheduled for December 6 at the Victory Brew House in Downingtown and was blown out (cancelled) because of bad weather. Nevertheless, Joe and Regina King were there to greet a very few number of DJL'ers who didn't receive the email message. I couldn't make it myself and I would like to sincerely thank Joe and Regina for being there. They are the best!
2004- We have some great meetings coming up this winter and spring. We hope that you will take advantage of them and attend. I hope to see you there!
| DJL Website Needs Membership Attention |
| Editorial by Roy Cubbler |
As members of DJL, you obviously have more than a passing interest in what programs our state carries out which have an effect on streams, game fish, and fishing. You are often asked to express your interest and concerns by writing to officials involved in various agencies or to your state representatives. These com-munications may be nothing more than exercises in futility because the rules and regulations are often made by people who wouldn't know a trout from a groundhog. The proposals are often based, not on what are best, but on how much money is saved by following through with action which is obviously not in the best interests of those of us who are concerned with streams, fish and fishing. In other words, we are asked to communicate with those who have already made up their minds based on the economic impact of the proposal. It is also true, however, that all of these proposals are finally acted on by individuals who will, at some time in the future, be up for reelection or reappointment by those who are elected. By writing to these officials, you are asking them to make decisions based on YOUR concerns, and you are telling them that if they do not act according to those concerns, you will remember them come election day. Those who respond favorably will receive your vote. It is clear then, that, in many cases, officials will respond to public concern ONLY when they realize that many people are concerned. Your individual expression of concern carries weight only when there is a MASSIVE outpouring of interest. That is why it is so important that you take action. You may feel that your little letter will not have much of an effect, but Pennsylvania sells 900,000 fishing licenses a year. If all license holders speak up on a single issue, our elected officials will get the message loud and clear.
| French Creek in Line for "Exceptional Value" Status |
President Bob Molzahn has received notification that the Environmental Quality Board has unanimously approved acceptance of a petition submitted by Green Valleys Association (DJL was a co-petitioner) to upgrade lower French Creek and Beaver Run to an Exceptional Value classification. The "recreation" portion of that petition was written by Molzahn. The acceptance gives the go ahead to the Department of Environmental Protection to begin collecting data to substantiate the petition. In the meantime, because of the acceptance of the petition, the waters are already treated as having Exceptional Value status. The portion of French Creek which is affected is the stretch from Route 100 down to the Kennedy Bridge. This action is very significant as we go about working to improve our home stream.
| Book Review |
Kageyama, Colin J. What Fish See: Understanding Optics and Color Shifts for Designing Lures and Flies. Frank Amato Publications, Inc. Portland, Oregon. 1999.
When I first decided to look into the mysteries of fly fishing, I decided that the first thing I would do is read up on the subject. I bought several books one day, and that evening I settled down to "learn from the experts." Well, that was obviously my first mistake. One cannot learn to fly fish while sitting in an easy chair. My second mistake came in the form of one of the books I purchased. What Fish See is, according to the author, "the most technical fishing book that you have ever read." Believe me, Dr. Kageyama isn't lying. The book was so far out of my league that I put it away, and have not gazed upon it from that day to this. The reason I am mentioning this work today is, I have watched during the fly tying sessions, and have listened to members discuss their work, and I am sure that there are fly tiers and fly fishers in DJL who, if they have not already read the book, would enjoy it (and would understand the scientific approach used by the author).
Dr. Kageyama is a doctor of optometry. Keeping that fact in mind, it is easy to see how he came to intertwine his profession and his hobby. Dr. Kageyama is a hardcore fly fisher. He became interested in producing his own lures and flies and as an optician, he began to wonder whether what he saw in his tying vice was the same as what the fish saw once that fly hit the water. The book, the result of that intellectual curiosity, delves into the physiology of sight of both humans and fish, into the physics of color and the effect water has on colors, and finally, an extensive and detailed discussion of the effects that the physiology of fish vision, plus the conditions and quality of the water, have on colors and materials that fly tiers use in producing their lures. The Doctor has developed a system which takes into consideration all of the constants and variables of water conditions in determining what flies to use, and when. Yes, he has a system, but no, he isn't trying to sell it. He briefly explains the system, which he calls the "See Best System," and shows how the knowledge gained from reading the book and applying it to the system will allow for more intelligent color and size selection from your fly box.
If you should decide to take a closer look at this book, be aware that as a result of his studies, Dr. Kageyama has become a lure designer and tester for Mepps. I did not get the impression that his connection with a lure company influenced his research to any degree. The book was purchased at Borders for $19.95.
| DJL Members Asked to Participate in "Walk for your Watershed" |
Hey, Hey, Hey! Get in shape and earn money for DJL. Who could ask for more? Green Valleys Association (GVA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To show appreciation for the support it has received from non-profit groups (DJL, for example), GVA has invited members of those groups to participate in their "Walk for Your Watershed" activity which is scheduled for May 1, 2004. Those groups which participate will earn back 50% of their sponsorship money.
The hike will begin and end, rain or shine, at GVA's headquarters at Welkinweir, just off route 100 on Prizer Road. Participants may choose from a nine-mile, four-mile, or a one- to two-mile walk. All hikes will cover the beautiful, rural areas around Welkinweir.
Registration fees are $10 for team members, $15 for students and $35 for adults. Teams and individuals are asked to solicit pledges from friends and associates. The first 150 registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
GVA is the major advocacy group for five watersheds: Stony Run and Valley, Pickering, French, and Pigeon Creeks, and as a result, DJL is one of the sponsors of this event. Why not get involved? An invigorating jaunt around the country side will do you a world of good, and it will benefit DJL and GVA. Our only warning is, under no circumstances should you follow Joe King on his trek. He tends to wander off course from time to time. If you wish to participate, contact GVA at (610) 469-4900. GVA's website is
(www.greenvalleys.org).
| DJL Sponsors Campers |
For the third consecutive year, the League is sponsoring two youngsters for attendance at the Chester County Conservation Camp at French Creek State Park. This is a one-week overnight experience which will be held from July 25 - July 31. Activities include fishing, canoeing, orienteering, wildlife-stream-wetland study, conservation, and much, much more! It is for boys and girls aged 11 through 14 (grades 6 - 8), and enrollment is limited.
If you are a member of DJL and know a child who may wish to attend, please contact camp coordinator, Margaret VanGilder at (610) 873-0830 for registration information. Be sure to mention that you are a DJL member. This is a great opportunity, and positive reports come back each year from participants.
| PBFC Fights Merger |
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) recently expressed concerns with "An Update on the Feasibility of a Combined Fish and Wildlife Com-mission for Pennsylvania" released by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. House Resolution 15 called for an exploration of a "broad range of options with regard to how to structure of our wildlife agencies to best manage the wildlife resources of this Common-wealth." Instead, the report focuses on a single model for restructuring the state's two wildlife agencies. It de-votes nearly all its attention to how this model might save money without regard for providing the best man-agement for fish, wildlife and boating programs.
The report suggests that a merger of the Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission is feasible, but with the only real benefit coming in the form of potential savings from a reduction in core pro-grams and services for anglers, boaters, hunters and trappers and a dramatic reduction in the number of field personnel enforcing regulations and serving as informa-tional liaisons between the public and the new agency.
According to Dennis Guise, PFBC Deputy Executive director, "The single fish and wildlife agency described in the report will provide less -not best- management of Pennsylvania's precious fish and wildlife resources. It will provide less - not best - service to the anglers and boaters of Pennsylvania." Samuel M. Concilla, Presi-dent of the PFBC further expressed the commission's views: "The Fish and Boat Commission has staked out a clear policy position on merger. Our position was - and is - that Pennsylvania should consider a single fish, and wildlife and boating agency if, after a review of both tangible and intangible costs and benefits, it could be shown that there would be better services for anglers and boaters and better protection and management of aquatic resources."
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the report comes from the notion that cost savings should be generated by cutting areas critical to anglers and boaters. "The princi-pal flaw with this approach is that cost savings depend almost entirely on the elimination of staff positions, the majority of which are engaged in law enforcement or related activities," Guise pointed out. "What's more, a majority of the cuts and the savings depend on restrict-ing conservation officers from attending sportsmen's meetings, attending sports shows, helping with fish stocking, or providing education programs. This ap-proach won't help the resource, and it will reduce cus-tomer service."
In addition, the Fish and Boat Commission was struck by how little attention boating programs were given in the report. More people boat in Pennsylvania each year than hunt and fish. The model does not adequately con-sider the needs for boating law enforcement to protect public safety. Boating education and boating access are core programs.
Bob Molzahn, President of DJL and VP of Communica-tions for the Coalition of Concerned PA Anglers has in-dicated that the Coalition does not support the merger for all of the reasons stated above. DJL members are asked to contact their local state representative and sena-tor to object to this merger proposal.
| New Executive Director of PA Fish and Boat Commission Named |
Dr. Douglas J. Austen is the ninth Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). He was sworn in on January 27, 2004.
Dr. Austen has more than 25 years of fisheries and natural resource management in a variety of top-level positions. Before coming to the PFBC, he was the head of Technical Support of the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. He held that post since 1996 and was responsible for the integration of a watershed and ecosystem approach to natural resources within the Of-fice of Resource Con-servation. From 1994-1996, he was the Head of the Fisheries Analysis Section of the IDNR.
Dr. Austen earned a Doctorate from Iowa State Univer-sity in 1992. In addition, he holds a Master of Science Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and a Bache-lor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from South Dakota State University. He is a Certified Fisher-ies Professional by the American Fisheries Society. He has had work published in a variety of professional pub-lications.
Dr. Austen is an avid outdoorsman. He is an experienced paddler who loves to canoe. His other hobbies include Nordic and downhill skiing, woodworking, running, and scuba diving. He and his wife Lexli have four-year-old twins who love to fish.
| Fall Raffle Extended to April |
Our January 26th meeting was snowed out so we couldn't pull the winning tickets for this year's raffle of a Percep-tion Kayak with paddle. Additionally, ticket sales have lagged this year for some reason and for both reasons we have decided to pull the winning tickets at our April meeting. This will give you, our members, more time to buy and sell tickets. By the way, tickets can be ordered by calling Joe King at 610-269-6457 or by e-mail at
funfish@msn.com.
| Streamside Under New Management by Roy Cubbler |
The Dame Juliana League's newsletter, Streamside, is under "new management," so to speak. I am excited about the opportunity, and I hope you will assist me in producing a newsletter that will not only be a proud
reflection our club's mission, but will carry interesting and timely information. I ask you to keep Streamside in mind whenever you have information that you wish to share. If you read a good book about fly fishing, or aquatic resource conservation and think others would enjoy reading it, give me the information. If you read a good article on the subject, and you want to share the information, send me the material. If you are in charge of some aspect of our club's program and you want to make members aware of upcoming activities, or of your group's accomplishment, get the information to me. You don't have to be a good writer, just give me the facts and I will see that it is put in proper form for
inclusion in the newsletter. This newsletter will eat up information at an amazing clip, so I need you to help me feed it. The target months for publication are March, June, September, and December. If you have news to submit, please aim for the 15th of February, 15th of May, 15th of August, and/or the 15th of November. My address is 630 Woodland Drive, Pottstown, PA. The e-mail address is (cubblers@aol.com). My telephone number is (610) 326-4073. I will appreciate your help with this awesome responsibility.
| Stream Improvement (by Larry Heimes) |
This year again finds us with a busy improvement program with projects consisting of roughly half maintenance work and half new work on the upper DHFFO section.
In preparation for the maintenance work, we actually held our first workday back on January 23rd when we picked up four loads of Christmas trees from Colonial Gardens in Spring City. The trees have been staged at French Creek and will be used this summer to re-pair one of the existing brush deflectors, installed in 2002, and for one or two new brush deflectors in the same area. Maintenance work is also needed on the stone deflectors just below the bridge at Sheeder Mill Road, as well as those in the upper end of the fly stretch. The first one or two workdays this summer will be focused on the repair and maintenance of these existing structures.
The remaining workdays will be spent on the con-tinuation of a previous project and will focus on stabi-lizing 50 - 75 feet of bank roughly 100 yards above Sheeder Mill Road. This area continues to be hit hard by high water, and fishermen entering the stream in this area are not helping the problem. The plan is to place dumped rock protection, (in accordance with a GP-3 permit that we obtained several years ago), to protect this area
against future erosion. Based on ex-perience, it will take between 20 - 30 tons of stone and two to three workdays to complete this project.
As in past years we will plan our workdays for one Saturday a month from June through September, and we will be looking for plenty of volunteers to help out on these projects.
| T.A.P. Action threatens Tulpehocken Fishery |
The call has gone out, and the alarm is sounding. The Tulpehocken trout fishery in the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) stretch below Blue Marsh Dam is under attack. The group known as Traditional Anglers of Pennsylvania (TAP) has submitted a request to the fish commission asking that the restrictions on delayed harvest areas be modified to permit bait fishing from mid-June until Labor Day. TAP's argument contends that the rights of bait fishers are violated by special regs of ANY kind. Should TAP's proposal be accepted, the effect on Tully trout fishery will be disastrous.
The Blue Marsh Dam project was completed in 1980, and it was in the fall of that year that fingerling trout were first stocked. It was found that the Tully provided conditions which resulted in an exceptional growth rate for trout. Those stocked in the fall were in
the 4 - 6 inch range. By June of the following year they had nearly doubled in size, and most were in the 9 - 12 inch range. Holdover trout were found to run 14 to 18 inches and more. Without protection, there were very few holdover trout, and for all purposes, the Tully was no different than the ordinary "put and take" trout stream. Because of the exceptional growth rate of the fish, it became obvious that the fishery needed to find a way to prevent overharvesting, and in 1984, the Fish Commission instituted DHALO regulations. The result was a noticeable increase in the trout population, especially in holdover fish. The Tulpehocken has become one of eastern Pennsylvania's finest year-round fisheries. The trout are wily, and of nice size. The Tully trout fishery below Blue Marsh is now only beginning to reach its potential.
To support its contention, TAP has indicated that if its request does not receive positive consideration, it may sue the Fish and Boat Commission. The commission is interested in hearing from you. Realizing the negative effects that watering down the DHALO regulations would have on the stream, DJL members should contact the commission early and often. Get your friends to do so as well.
Contact the commission by e-mail; go to their website at (http://www.sites.state.pa.us/fish/). On that page there is a sidebar at the top left entitled "Navigate our Site. Click on "Regulations." When that page opens, look for the address (rapfbcregs@state.pa.us) for public comment. Click on that address to open the mail program. It is important that your comments be contained in your e-mail. DO NOT USE ATTACHMENTS.
Remember, you should express opposition to proposed changes in Delayed Harvest regulations, AND you should be emphatic in your expressing your concern that proposed changes will destroy the quality of the Tulpehocken trout fishery below Blue Marsh Dam. Be sure to include both concerns in your communication.
To contact the commission by U.S.Mail, write to:
Dr. Douglas Austen
Executive Director
PA Fish and Boat Commission
P.O.Box 67000
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000