After a rugged winter, signs of spring abound
The first Eastern bluebird arrived at our house last week and was perched on the roof of the bird box, soaking up some sun.
The brightly colored male obviously was on a mission as we watched him scout out the nesting box in anticipation of raising a new brood in the upcoming months
Observing his effort, I thought that it was a sure sign of spring.
Another sure sign of spring is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rolling out their tank trucks for trout season. Although the first day is still more than a month away, preseason stocking is taking place.
I had the opportunity to talk with Waterways Conservation Officer Jon Kay this week and he reported that Butler and Lawrence counties have received their first trout stockings. Trucks have been loading up at the hatcheries at Corry, Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap for the early stocking schedules.
The earliest stream to be stocked was the North Branch of Slippery Rock Creek, which starts north of Harrisville and winds its way through the countryside before meeting the big Slippery Rock Creek in Boyers.
I thought it was too early when stocking began Wednesday because the trout must deal with way too much adversity before anyone can toss a line at them in April.
Other waterways scheduled to be stocked this week include Slippery Rock Creek, Neshannock Creek and Taylor Run in Lawrence County. I have fished all of these waters and they present a nice recreational experience.
In the southeast region of the state, trout season begins April 3. In recent years, that region opened the season two weeks in advance of the rest of the state.
For hardcore anglers willing to travel, there are some waters open that are open all year long in Pennsylvania.To get ready for the April 17 trout opener, you'll need to make sure you are properly licensed. The resident license costs $22.70 and the required trout stamp is an additional $9.70.I get the Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit that costs $15.70. You'll need to determine your best option for the type of fishing you prefer.My cousin from Michigan likely will be in town for the spring gobbler season and we might try to do some crappie fishing as well. A good variety of nonresident and tourist licenses are available with a range of prices from $26.70 to $52.70 for the one-day tourist to the all-season nonresident permits.There's no doubt that our state has some great opportunities to get lines in the water. Perhaps the best bargain for a family outing is when the commission offers Family Fish for Free Days in May and June.On these days anyone can fish for free in any of the public waters of Pennsylvania. It's the perfect time to plan a family picnic and to head to the lakes and rivers.Get mom and Uncle Roy a fishing pole and let them try their luck for free.Mark this year's dates on your calendar: May 2 and June.On Tuesday, the Fish and Boat Commission's board appointed John Arway as the agency's 10th executive director.Arway has been with the commission for most of his Career and comes from a strong background of environmental protection and waterways habitat.We welcome him to the job and hope the can be a steward of our natural resources for many years to come.
