We start stocking trout this month in streams and lakes around the region. Follow the online trout-stocking schedule here to see when waters receive the fish: http://fbweb.pa.gov/stocking/TroutStockingDetails_GIS.aspx
There is less competition with other anglers in the fall as many Outdoors enthusiasts switch to hunting and football. Try minnows, earthworms, paste baits, corn kernels, mealworms and wax worms in the Approved Trout Waters where baits are allowed. Try taking as many of these baits as possible as trout change their appetites through the day. Spinners work well or small jigs with split-tail grub bodies for those anglers who do not like to use bait. Try white spinners in off-color water and darker colors in clear water conditions.
Lancaster County
NOTICE: Lake Clarke Drawdown
Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, a hydroelectric generating station on the lower Susquehanna River, announced plans to draw down the water level in Lake Clarke above the Safe Harbor Dam. The purpose of this drawdown is to support an inspection of the dam as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The drawdown will begin on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, lowering in stages until 8:00 am Thursday, October 9, 2014, when the lowest level will occur. This low level will be approximately six feet below the normal lake level, or 222.0 feet above mean sea level and will be held until 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 9, 2014. If staff cannot complete the inspection due to inclement weather, the Lake Clarke drawdown will be extended. A return to normal lake levels will begin as early as Thursday at 1:00 PM, but no later than Sunday, October 12, 2014, at 1:00 PM. Contact the Hydro Schedulers at (717) 872-0230 with questions and concerns. Staff may postpone the inspection due to high river flow or inclement weather. More information will be available on the Lower Susquehanna Hotline 1-800-692-6328 as the date for drawdown approaches.
KIDS EXPO: Come out with your family and meet the District WCO at the Kids Expo sponsored by State Senator Lloyd Smucker. The Senator is hosting this family-friendly event on Saturday, October 4 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the McCaskey East High School Gymnasium [1051 Lehigh Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602]. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to stop by and meet the District Officer and express their concerns and questions directly. Numerous PFBC publications will be available for both experienced anglers and boaters and those who are considering these rewarding outdoor pursuits Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth Publications for Educators and kids will be available as well. Learn more about the many programs offered by the PFBC and local Southeast Region fishing and boating opportunities. Organizations looking for streamside clean-up projects are also encouraged to stop by. Additionally, WCO Schmidt will have on hand three species of native reptiles afforded protection under the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code, an Eastern Rat Snake, Eastern Milk Snake and a Painted Turtle. Individuals interested in assisting with Trout Float Stocking next spring are also encouraged to stop and express your interests in participating in stocking the District’s 13 Approved Trout Waters.
Mill Creek
