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SC Regional Reports
Map highlighting counties in the Southcentral RegionREGION COUNTIES -- Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York

Reports compiled by Adam Spangler (adspangler@state.pa.us), Southcentral Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.

Fishing and Boating Report – March 9, 2010
Anglers are reminded that area Approved Trout Waters are now closed until Opening Day, which is April 3rd or April 17th depending upon which county the stream is located.  Please reference the 2010 Summary Booklet for specific information.
Meanwhile, stocking is in full swing throughout the South Central Region and the public is encouraged to assist.  Please check the “stocking” section of our website for specific dates, times and meeting places for your favorite stream.  If you do attend a stocking, remember that we are guests on the majority of the properties we visit and that we share all the roadways with other travelers.  Please respect the property owners and be safe while working along the highway.

Dauphin County

Stocking
Powells Creek and South Fork Powells Creek received preseason trout stocking

Franklin County

A trout stocking in Franklin County will take place Saturday, March 13 on the Conococheague Creek.  Meet at the Green Village Restaurant at 10:30 a.m.
On Monday, March 15, Carbaugh Run and Waynesboro Reservoir will be stocked.  Meet at the South Mountain Post Office at 10:30 a.m.

All Approved Trout Waters in the county are closed to all fishing until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2010.

Stocking is fun for all ages. Here is Bryan Gabner II, age 8, sister Grace, age 5, and Ginger, a 2 year old dog, all very excited to help at the recent preseason stocking of Letterkenny Reservoir.

Stocking Letterkenny Reservoir

Fulton County

Cowans Gap Lake is part of Early Season Trout Stocked Waters Program and is open to fishing with a daily creel limit of trout at 3 per day.  The lake will be closed to all fishing from April 1, 2010 until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010

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Fishing and Boating Report – February 24, 2010
Bedford County

Snow conditions this year are going to make trout stocking activities challenging.  The first week of March, the following streams are schedule to receive their pre-season stocking.  The Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only area of Yellow Creek, upper portion of the Raystown Branch, upper Cove Creek, Little Wills & Gladdens Run.  Some historic stocking points will have to be skipped based on snow conditions, access to the stream, and safety concerns.  If some of you have snow fatigue like most of us, and would like to assist with the stocking program this year, please consult the trout stocking section of our website for local information, times and meeting places.

Blair County

Walleye
This 24" Walleye was caught thru the ice at Canoe Lake in Blair County in early February

Dauphin County

Powells Creek trout stocking will be on March 1 for the early trout opener on April 3 in Dauphin County.  Anglers are encouraged to assist in trout stocking by introducing themselves to the Waterways Conservation Officer at the meeting point and participating in the pre-stocking safety briefing.  Information for stocking times and dates can be found on the website at:fishandboat.com/stock.htm
 
The Wiconisco Creek Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Area (DHALO), which provides anglers an opportunity to fish prior to the opening day, will be stocked March 3.  For more information on this special regulation area consult your summary book.

York County

The large volume of snow we received in February has affected access to many of the fishing areas along the Susquehanna River at Brunner Island and down river.  For those anglers that did manage to get to the river their efforts paid off.  Bass are being caught using minnows and tubes.  Crappies are also being catch with the corn and cut bait.  A couple of muskies (not of legal size limit - 40”) were taken and released with those big $15.00 lures. 

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Fishing and Boating Report – February 17, 2010

Ice rescue training
Ice Rescue Training is going on throughout the state

Dauphin County

Boaters are reminded to check the expiration date on their boat's registration as spring is fast approaching.  The registrations expire as of the last day in March.  Boat registrations can be renewed online.
 
Trout anglers have another option when deciding where to fish during the trout closed season, March 1 until 08:00 AM April 3 (opening day of trout in Dauphin County).  Trout Approved Waters Open to Year Round Fishing, located on Stony Creek, starts at State Game Lands Gate 211 and ends upstream near Cold Springs see your 2010 summary book for more information.
 
Anglers interested in helping stock local trout waters can find meeting times and dates for their favorite stream at the PA Fish & Boat Commission's website.  Schedule a day off and take your son or daughter on a trip they will never forget.

Illegal dumping on our state game lands and around our waterways is a continuous problem.  If you see suspicious activity contact your region law enforcement office.

Cumberland County

Cold temperatures and light snow make an enjoyable afternoon for anglers.  The Yellow Breeches Creek continues to hold trout year round, and the Catch and Release Special Regulation area in Boiling Springs continues to get solid angling pressure.  Anglers are reminded that no bait may be used or had in possession in the Special Regulation area.

Earlier this month, Ice anglers were on Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  Power Bait was producing some nice size trout from the mid November stocking.  Make sure you check with the Park Office for ice thickness, and remember to wear a life jacket when venturing onto ice.

Franklin County

Falling Spring Branch’s Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Area is scheduled to be stocked on Tuesday, February 23, 2010

East Branch Antietam Creek’s Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only Area is scheduled to be stocked on Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Anyone interested in assisting with stocking is asked to meet at the Four Points Restaurant in Chambersburg located near the intersection of I 81 & US 30 between 11 AM and Noon on the 23rd for a safety briefing prior to the stocking.

Fulton County

Cove Creek’s Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Area is scheduled to be stocked on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.

Anyone interested in assisting with the planting is asked to meet at the Four Points Restaurant in Chambersburg near the intersection of I 81 & US 30 between 11 AM and Noon on the 23rd for a safety briefing prior to the stocking.

Cowans Gap Lake was stocked on February 4, 2010.  Ice conditions were favorable and anglers were catching trout on a variety of baits either fished on tip ups or jigging rods.

Huntingdon County

With a recent snow pack of 14" to 18", access to local waterways is challenging but still possible.  The Juniata River and Raystown Branch of the Juniata will continue to provide winter angling opportunities for walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass and rock bass.  This is also a good time of year to inventory your fishing vest and tackle boxes.  Shed some "cabin fever" by taking advantage of the numerous winter outdoors shows to replenish your fishing tackle and accessories for the warmer spring weather outings.

Juniata County

Minimal fishing activity is occurring on the Juniata River due to ice floating down the river. 

Perry County

Anglers are catching some fish at the point in Duncannon.  Walleyes and smallmouth bass are being caught on small jigs (1/8 oz and 1/4 oz jigs with twisters (3 inch-4 inch).  Best time to catch fish is early in the morning and late in the evening.

York County

The Susquehanna River south of the PP&L power generating station at Bruner Island continues to be the hot fishing spot in our region.  Anglers are catching smallmouth bass on both live bait (minnows) and spinner baits.  Carp and catfish are being caught with cut bait and liver.  Best times to be fishing seem to be early in the day or late afternoon.  A few musky's are being caught using those big 6” plus expensive lures.  Access to this area is open to fishing thanks to the PP&L road maintenance crews.  Our trout streams are in good shape waiting for the annual March PFBC stocking program.

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