Reports compiled by Amidea Daniel (adaniel@state.pa.us), Northcentral Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.

George B. Stevenson and Alvin R. Bush Dam were stocked with trout just before Columbus Day; however, not many anglers are pursuing these trout.  Anglers that are fishing for these trout are having luck fishing very deep for them, almost catfish level.  Individuals who are trolling for the trout are not having as much luck as those using heavy weights and good bait on the bottom of the lakes.

Stream water levels just above normal for this time of year.

Clearfield County

Very few anglers are taking advantage of the “freshly” stocked trout in the West Branch Susquehanna River.  The West Branch of the Susquehanna River was stocked from Hyde Park to Elliott's Park & also in the Janesville Dam.  Remember the limit is three trout in approved trout waters and zero everywhere else.

The Curwensville Anglers Restocking Program planted 250 American eels and 800 pounds of feeder fish in the Curwensville Dam this past Sunday.  The event was well attended by adults and children alike.  THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and to this fine organization for the time and effort they have dedicated to enhancing our area fisheries.

The US Adult Fly Fishing Championship was held on October 24-26 in the Centre Region on the Little Juniata River, Pens Creek, Spring Creek and Fishing Creek . Fifty competitors from across the US braved the high waters over the weekend while competing for a place on the 15 member US Team. Five members of that team will represent the US at the FIPS Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships in Poland next June.

Gold medal team (From left; Lance Egan, Brian Kimmel, George Daniel, Riley Cotter and Anthony Naranja)

George Daniel, Lock Haven, PA, received the Individual Gold Medal and will be part of the team representing the US at the World Fly Fishing Championships in Poland next June.

George fighting the high waters on Spring Creek, Saturday October 24, 2009

Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland Counties

Walleye angling is in full swing on the three branches of the Susquehanna River with mixed results.  Popular spots for walleye on the Susquehanna River include below the Adam T. Bower inflatable dam at Sunbury and the Sunbury Generation run of the river dam in Shamokin Dam.  Please be aware of the dangers associated with both sites.  These dangers are exacerbated by fishing pressure.

The Adam T. Bower inflatable dam in Sunbury is in the off season mode.  Over the next few weeks the various bags will be raised and lowered for inspection, and then deflated for the winter.  This presents some unique situations at times there is no boil below one or more of the bags allowing anglers to believe that everything is safe.  This is an extremely dangerous time because the situation can change at any moment leaving anglers, not following the law, in a helpless situation.  The intent of making the exclusion zone 50 or 100 feet downstream of the boil is the recognition that the danger zone sometimes will extend farther than a specified distance.  For your own safety, please stay the minimum 50 feet from the Adam T. Bower dam.  Persons failing to do will be cited for negligent operation, as well as, for control zone or marking of dam violations.

The Sunbury Generation run of the river dam is a permanent construction of concrete that spans the entire Susquehanna River on both sides of an island.  There are times, especially during periods of high water, when there is no visible boil.  This does not mean that the exclusion zone does not exist.  Persons entering the area of the dam 200 feet upstream or 100 feet downstream will risk being cited for control zone, marking or dam, or negligent operation violations.

Both dams are marked with signs and buoys when required.  Boaters are reminded that the removal of the buoys at the end of the height of the boating season removes neither the danger nor the legal obligation not to enter these areas.

Boaters on the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River are reminded that with the Adam T. Bower dam down, navigation is affected for approximately 6 miles upstream on each branch from the confluence, so extra care is required.  Additionally, as in the example above, the specially regulated slow-no wake area on the south side of Packer’s Island in Sunbury remains in effect even when the buoys are removed for the winter.

Waterfowl hunters utilizing boats on the river are reminded to inspect all of your equipment before heading out.

As we enter into the cold weather and cold water season, a little bit of common sense will go a long way toward enhancing enjoyment of the fishing, boating, and hunting opportunities that exist in the fall season.

Three more streams have been stocked in the past few weeks and water levels are ideal for fishing.

Remember it is that time of year when regulations shift over to catch and release, artificial lures and flies only.

The leaves are in full color now. Come and enjoy some of the best fishing in the Pennsylvania Wilds!