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Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited 


Volume 3, Issue 2 Summer/Fall 2016

Stream Lines the Newsletter of the Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited

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President’s Message

President’s Message Featured Stream: Valley Creek

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Techniques: Choice of Fly Pattern Types Dr. Ted Burger 3-4

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Chapter Programs: by Bob Signorello

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Conservation:

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Chapter Directors and Officers

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Officers Erik Broesicke - President Mike Recine - Vice Pres Dr. Ed Hart III - Treasurer Bob Signorello - Secretary

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2013 Board of Directors

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Dr. Theodore Burger M.D. Jim Coxe Todd Griffith Steve Vanya Bob Signorello CQ Williamson Ken Young Dr. Ed Hart, III Vicky Bastidas Ron Horwath Phil Burtner Mike Recine Mike Bradley Jose de Jesus Jack Schildt Norm Szymanski

Members: If you are involved with any organization long enough, you begin to notice certain patterns and undercurrents working in the background. It is often a subtle changing of the prevailing attitudes, or policies that effect the landscape we are operating in. Rarely is there a sudden or dramatic shift, but it is happening. Often times it seems as if we are coming right back to ideas and practices that were popular in years gone by. What's old is new again, you could say. The potential changing of PFBC policy in relation to wild trout is one such shift that appears to be taking place. Some years ago, it seemed that the practice of raising and stocking trout was being looked upon as getting too costly to continue at historic levels, and the PFBC even cut back numbers of stocked trout by several hundred thousand fish. Streams with wild populations were beginning to be cut from the stocking lists, and ones with moderate populations were getting reduced numbers of hatchery fish. This all seemed like a win for wild fish and their habitats. Fast forward to today, and after 10 yrs of declining license sales and a seeming lack of recruitment of younger generations to fishing, there is a feeling in the air that things might be shifting again. In my mind the PFBC is hinting that they are going to start favoring the increase of stocking in an effort to bolster license sales. An “if you stock it, they will come” policy. My guess is that this will be largely accomplished through increasing the co-op hatchery program, so any arguments about keeping or increasing jobs at the State level may be overstated. While an increase in the number of fish available seems to be a good thing, many (myself included) fear it will come at the expense of wild trout, and specifically the regulations that protect them. We have already seen the adoption of an exception to the Class A regulations that allow stocking. A proposed change to the Trophy Trout regulations in Saucon Park to allow bait fishing is another example. Here is a population of wild fish that responded positively to harvest reduction and the use of Artificial Lures Only, and there is an ongoing push to change that. The push is coming from inside and outside the PFBC, which makes it seem like an uphill battle to protect wild fish. On a positive note, a point was actually tallied on our side when the Mayor of Bethlehem sided with keeping the regulations as-is. These small wins, coupled with the dedication of our volunteers and Board members is what will help us weather the ebb and flow of changing policies and attitudes and stay the course of protecting our wild trout fisheries future generations. 


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Erik Broesicke President Monocacy TU

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Valley Forge’s Valley Creek

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Dates to Remember

Sept. 27 - Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00pm Oct. 25 - Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00 pm Nov 18-19 “Fly Tying Symposium” Somerset, NJ. Nov. 22 Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00 PM Dec Meeting - Combined Chapter Event - “Fall Event” Date, location, speaker to be announced

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Dec. 20 2nd Annual Holiday Event 6:00pm-?? Bethlehem Brew Works

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Jan. 24 Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00pm “Fishing Kodiak Island, Alaska”

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Feb 28 Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00 PM Date TBA - Combined Chapter event - 15th annual “Spring Event”

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Date TBA - Fly Fishing Film Festival - Banko Ale House Cinema, Arts Quest.

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March 28 Chapter Meeting DAR House 7:00pm April 25 Chapter Meeting “Bugs and Dogs” on the banks of the Monocacy at the pavilion in Illick’s Mill Park 6:00.

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May 23 Chapter Meeting “Fishing the Sulphur Hatch” on the Monocacy. Meet at Illicks Mill Parking lot. 6:30 pm

Valley Creek is a wild brown, trout fishery in Southeast Pennsylvania, just a short distance from Philadelphia. This spring-fed, limestone creek remains cold through the summer, providing excellent year-round fishing. Large wild browns, up to 20 inches, can be caught on this 30-foot wide creek. No kill regulations, no stocking, and cold water enable these wild fish to thrive here. It is due to PCB problems that Valley Creek was given no-kill regulations. Thanks to these regulations, a wild population of trout have been able to establish themselves here. Wild browns up to 16 inches are fairly common here and larger ones are often caught. The creek originates in East Whiteland Township and flows 12 miles before it meets the Schuylkill River. The top part of the creek, from Route 76 upriver, is not as accessible as the lower half. Posted land makes it somewhat difficult to find open fishing water. The river can be accessed by hiking upriver, you'll just need to abide by the posted signs along the way. You'll also find a few places to park to directly access this portion of stream; one is located in a park off Route 29. Little Valley Creek enters just below Mill Road, upriver from Route 76. This creek also has wild browns. The lower half of the creek, from Route 76 downriver, flows through Valley Forge National Park. The Valley Forge National Park stretch is two miles long and very accessible from Route 252, which parallels this section. Pull-off areas are abundant here, providing places to park and access the creek. This section is the "first choice" for most anglers to fish. Valley Creek is made up of some beautiful water. Fast runs, pockets, and pools characterize this creek. Large boulders, fallen trees, and undercut banks help provide shelter for the trout. Cold water is the final ingredient that makes this a special creek. Hatches here include Blue-winged Olive, Sulphurs, Light Cahills, and a few other Mayflies. Caddis and a few Stoneflies also are abundant here. Terrestrials make up the late- season fishing during summer. Nymphs and streamers also are important to include in your fly box. Hares Ears, Zug Bugs, Prince Nymphs, and Pheasant Tails are a few nymphs to carry along with you. Streamers should include Woolly Buggers, Small Buck Tail Streamers, and Matukas. Other dries, nymphs, and streamers also are effective at various times. Keep in mind that Valley Creek is a cold, wild fishery, so quality fishing is readily available even through hot summers. Bring along a light rod, a few boxes of flies, and the next time you're in the Philadelphia area, be sure to give Valley Creek a try.

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Copyright © 1999-2006 The Flyfishing Connection, All Rights Reserved

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Streamlines Choice of Fly Pattern Types Dr. Ted Burger

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Important Information

I am looking for input on the content of our chapter newsletter. We are trying to make it as informative and interesting as possible. At this point in time, we include chapter program information, fishing techniques, conservation, area TU activities, and a basic activity calendar. If you have any suggestions of comments, please email me at [email protected]. All comments both pro and con are greatly appreciated.

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Also, we are in the process of putting together our programming for next year. This includes both our local chapter programs as well as the programming for the combined chapter events such as the Spring and Fall events. We also welcome suggestions on ways to improve the programs ion ways other than programming, such as location, date and time, and quality and quantity of raffle items. Mike

Last month Dr. Burger wrote about “Hatch and Trout Behavior”. This is the second in his series tying together rise forms ands the angler’s choice of fly pattern types. MR

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After the appearance of the last article (Hatch and Trout Behavior ~ The Connection), several fellow members requested a suggested list of fly patterns that can best be used in fishing under the hatch. Listing specific patterns is nearly impossible based on insect type but general patterns will serve as a foundation in your choice.

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Only after identifying the specific insect type can one then choose color and size. With the aid of the Monocacy Hatch Chart, you can at least anticipate and predict the specific insect for the season of the year or just ask a fellow member “What’s Hatching.” You should then make your decision based on your starting time. Throwing a whole box of different flies at them will only serve to frustrate you and bring a few unseen grins from the trout.

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Starting your fishing adventure prior to the appearance of any visible rise forms requires you to fish weighted or un-weighted nymphs, soft hackles or wet flies tied on heavy wire hooks with or without weight attached depending on the water depth and current speed. A dropper rig with a cast of two (2) or three (3) flies or a tandem rig can narrow the field when more than one insect is anticipated. Once you have determined the trout’s preference with the rig, you can cut back to a single fly or continue with the rig if all your choices are producing. Fishing with a cast of flies may seem “old fashion” but it may save the day.

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If you are fortunate enough to arrive on the stream just as visible rise forms first start to appear, then your choice of pattern type will be based on your personal preference you wish to use to imitate the emerging nymph or pupa; e.g. Wet Fly, Soft Hackle or Un-weighted Nymph... If you happen to arrive a little late, then if all possible, try to identify the rise form ~ Headless Rise, Head to Tail Rise, Splashy Rise, Classic Surface Rise, Sipping Rise or lastly a Not So Sure Rise. The following table maybe of some help in matching pattern type to rise form.

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Rise Forms and Fly Types

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Headless Rise – see Trout’s back, dorsal fin and tail – bulk of the insects are emerging Nymphs – (Wet Fly, Soft Hackle, or Unweighted Nymph)

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Head to Tail Rise – see Trout’s head, back, dorsal fin and tail – more insects are emergers but in the film – (Floating Nymph, greased Wet Fly, Soft Hackle or Flymph)

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Streamlines

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Splashy Rise – Trout slashing at an Adult quickly getting off the water (warmer weather). Small fish having fun or different insect – Dry of choice

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Classic Surface Rise – see Trout take Dun or air bubble – (Dry that sets low – Parachute, Comparadun, No Hackle, CDC or Cripple)

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Sipping Rings – Trout could be taking Spinners, Cripples or a smart old Trout sucking in Duns – (Tandem Rig) Not so Sure Rise – can’t tell from the rise form – Tandem Rig – Dry with a Nymph, Soft Hackle, Floating Nymph or Cripple)

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One asks how can one clearly see and in turn identify a rise form 20 – 30 ft. or more away? I don’t have the eyes of a hawk so I use a small pair of binoculars that I keep tucked in my wader pouch. Even with an ocular aid, you sometimes get fooled, forcing you to go to a Tandem Rig. As Demosthenes warned 2 ½ millennia ago “what each man wishes, he also believes to be true.” End

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Theodore Burger, M.D. This is the second in a series of 7 articles written by Dr. Burger. I would like to thank Dr. Burger for the articles he has made available to me for publication in our news letter. More of his informative articles to come in future editions. Mike

You Are All Invited!!!! As we close out our 2015/2016 meeting year, we are happy to report an increase in chapter interest and meeting attendance. Your Board and Officers are working hard to make the chapter meetings informative, educational, and fun. By both planning meetings within the chapter and in combination with the other Lehigh Valley chapters we hope to spur even more interest in our chapter, our meetings and our projects. As chapter members and fishers of the Monocacy and Saucon Creeks, we need you to be active in both the enjoyable activities as well as the “work” activities. Our area streams need to be protected and enhanced. Future projects such as the Illick’s Mill Park section stream improvement project will be a major focus next year as well as the Monocacy Creek Assessment. We will keep you posted on this and other up coming projects that could use your help. If you haven't attended a meeting in a while, please stop by this fall. If you see that we are planning a project, by all means, stop by and lend a hand. The future health of the Monocacy depends on all of us.

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Thanks Mike Recine

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Stream Lines Chapter Programs - By Bob Signorello

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As we conclude our 2015-2016 TU season, our Chapters’ program plans, since our last newsletter update, were even more successful than expected. This gives us hope and great feedback that our “break out” events we tried are worth continuing.

! The Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited #419

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The Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the fourth Tuesday of the month from September through June with the exception of December. Chapter meetings are held at the DAR House located at 717 Eighth Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017.

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Information about the chapter can be found on our web site located at http://www.monocacytu.org Information about Trout Unlimited National can be found at their web site at:

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www.tu.org/intro. Membership information can be obtained from either of the above mentioned web sites or at a monthly chapter meeting.

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*You receive this publication as a benefit of membership in the Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited. This newsletter is published three times a year, Winter, Spring, and Summer/Fall. You will receive the newsletter via email

Our two “joint TU” events were extremely successful. Our LVTU Fall Fly Fishing Venue, in December 2015, with George Daniel as our featured speaker, drew 50% more attendees (90 vs. 60 in 2014)! It was a great camaraderie event that cost each chapter little for a fun night. We also continued to be a leading chapter in the organization and running of the Joint LVTU “Spring Event” featuring well known Delaware River Guide, Lee Hartman. Fellow area fly fishers enjoyed a program on fishing the Kamchataka Peninsula in Russia.

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More recently, our Monocacy sponsored Fly Fishing Film Festival at ArtsQuest, sold out AGAIN, and was “over-the top” successful on March 30th. This year, we added food (& drinks), and, some big ticket raffles to the experience. The movies were beautiful and powerfully exciting for the avid anglers who attended. The event was a major windfall, financially, again for our chapter. The officers and Board of Directors recapped both of these during our Summer Planning meeting as we did last year. The difference this time was “how we do them” vs. “should we be doing them again”. The other joint event was our first informal “holiday gathering” at a Bethlehem Brew Works with a nice attendance from both our own members as well as some friends from our fellow chapters.

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Other local chapter events went well, also. Especially Jose DeJesus’ presentation about the “Hendrickson Hatch on the Delaware” in February. His level of information and wonderful knowledge of the hatch/river made for an extraordinary program for all whom attended. Our 2nd round of the “Bugs & Dogs” outing, at Monocacy Park on April 26th, had a great turnout, awesome food, and, Mother Nature blessed us again with a perfect evening. And, fish were rising on our pristine creek all evening!

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In closing, our program thrust, for next season, will continue to focus on Conservation, Local Destination presentations, and Fishing “How-to” discussions. Through the summer, there is still opportunity to volunteer for events, such as Project Healing Waters (PHW), Woman in Fly Fishing, Youth Days, etc.. Keep in touch with our Chapter Joint Calendar and reach out, if you’re interested in participating in any or all.

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Coordinator, who is Bob Signorello at [email protected].

Stream Lines

Page 6 Conservation

Bridal Path Dam Removal Much has been going on in and around the Monocacy this year, with more to come in the next The major accomplishment has been the removal of the dam at Bridal Path. The dam was removed on July 6th. It is immediately evident that the dam’s removal is making a positive impact on the creek. When crossing the bridge at Bridal Path, one can immediately see the change in the creek. Water is again flowing through the 150 previously backed up yards of stream. On July 6th, 2016 Flyway Excavating notched a hole in the small dam near Bridal Path Road to begin the process of removing the dam. Notching the dam took all of about 10 mins, but represented years of work by Monocacy TU and its partners. Admittedly, it probably took longer to get to this point than it should have, but when we are dealing with volunteer efforts, these things sometimes happen. Work, life, family, and other fun stuff (like fishing!) get in the way of moving these projects forward. In spite of the distractions and slow pace, those involved managed to stay on track and keep things moving forward. Unfortunately the process itself is somewhat involved. We needed to get permits, landowner permissions, grants written and awarded, contracts drafted, etc, etc. To say it was gratifying to see some actual (de)-construction happening after years of talking, planning, meeting, and waiting would be an understatement. I would like to specifically thank the following people/organizations that made this project happen: The landowners: Sisters of St. Francis and the Snyder family Viorel Dragan, Monocacy TU Member Kristie Fach, Director of Ecological Restoration Wildlands Conservancy Laura Craig, PhD, Director, Science and Economics & River Restoration Programs Clair Sadler, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Dr. Ted Burger, Monocacy TU Director Emeritus Sam (Kutskel) Ferguson and Tali MacArthur, Coldwater Heritage Partnership Erik Broesicke - Chapter President, Monocacy Trout Unlimited There were many more who offered advise and expertise along the way, and Monocacy TU appreciates your assistance and guidance. This project was completed in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative. Funding was provided in part by a grant from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. In addition, this project was also funded by a grant from the Coldwater Heritage Partnership on behalf of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, the Foundation of Pennsylvania Watersheds and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited. —————Monocacy Creek Assesment Kate Ebel of the Wildlands Conservancy is spearheading a project to assess the entire Monocacy Creek. The project started in the spring and will continue until assessment of the creek is completed. The objective is to identify areas in need of improvement, as as well as threats to the stream environment. This will hopefully lead to stream improvement projects designed to ensure the well being of the stream and the protection of the wild trout population. —————Sportsman Delaware River Watgershed Fly-In,Washington DC Early this spring,, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to represent TU as part of a contingent of TU members and staff for the “Sportsmen Delaware River Watershed Fly-In” which was spearheaded by TU Eastern Water Project Director, Katy Dunlap. We had the opportunity to meet with our representatives and/or their staff in both the House and Senate. Our purpose was to request their support for the Delaware River Basin Act(H.R.1772/S.921) The act requires the establishment of the Delaware River Basin Protection Program within the US Fish and Wildlife Service to Identify, prioritize, and implement restoration and protection activities in the entire Basin and adopt a basin-wide investment strategy. This would provide a coordinated approach to sustain and enhance habitat, water quality and flood damage reduction improvements for fish wildlife and people. Past state president, Brian Wagner and I represented the Lehigh Valley and we along with TU members from other parts of the Delaware River Basin had the opportunity to sit down with staff members of both Senator Casey and Tomey. Brian and I also met with the staff of Congressmen Dent. This relatively financially small 5 million bill, in comparison to most other federal spending bills would go a long way to ensure a coordinated conservation strategy for water quality,, recreation and economic benefits for the entire Delaware River Basin. Hopefully, our federal elected officials will see fit to support the passage of these bills.

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—————Saucon Creek Regulations As of now, due to the work of chapter president Erik Broesicke, the “Artificals Only, Trophy Section” will remain as is…a wild trout stream with catch and release fishing with artificial lures. Erik continued to battle the misinformation printed in the local papers by stating the facts related to the present regulations on the park section of the stream. The City of Bethlehem, being the owner of the land boarding the stream had the final say as to the proposed changes which would have allowed bait fishing, stocking, and an increased mortality rate among the wild trout. Fortunately, Mayor Donchez saw the benefit in preserving that section of the creek as a wild trout fishery.