Apparently angler harvests had been having no appreciable effect on the wild brook trout population.

Sherman Creek, which is managed under normal statewide regulations, was used as a control stream in Perry County to check against Shaeffer Creek. Results there were similar, further indicating that the regulations are having negligible effects.

However, the Fish and Boat Commission is not yet ready to give up on its Wild Brook Trout Enhancement Program.

“There’s not a great deal of difference to date,” Greene explained. “But keep in mind, it’s quite early. Usually it takes a few years.” Differences in stream flow and weather patterns can have a great effect on brook trout in smaller streams. Without the proper conditions, trout will not flourish. Conversely, poor conditions can cause population declines despite protective regulations.

At Kettle Creek, the first watershed where the program was used, great changes have been observed. Kettle Creek, which flows through Potter County, is one of the finest and most famous freestone creeks in the East. Access is excellent, and the best trout water is upstream from Alvin R. Bush Dam in Clinton County.

Recent management changes have included a lengthening of the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only area on Sandy Lick Creek, in Clearfield County. “Last year was the first year for that, and it seemed to be pretty well received,” Greene said.

Sandy Lick Creek became suitable for stocking after many years of poor water quality. It was stocked for the first time last year, partly through a cooperative venture with the Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Lengthening the Delayed Harvest area will provide better access and a clearly defined lower boundary at state Route 219.

In the DHALO program, regulations specify that a stream be open to fishing year ‘round. Fishing hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The minimum-size limit for trout is 9 inches, caught on or in possession on the waters under these regulations, from one hour before sunrise on June 15 to one hour after sunset on Labor Day.

The daily creel limit is three combined species from one hour before sunrise on June 15 to one hour after sunset on Labor Day, caught on or in possession on the waters under these regulations.

Two days after stocking, Fish and Boat Commission biologists returned with their electro-shocking gear and found no fish!

Where did they go?From the day after Labor Day until one hour before sunrise on June 15, the daily creel limit is zero. Fishing may be done with artificial lures only. All such lures may be used with spinning or fly-fishing gear.

Using or possessing any natural bait, baitfish, fish bait, bait paste and similar substances, fish eggs (natural or molded) or any other edible substance is prohibited. Taking baitfish or fish bait is prohibited. A current trout/salmon permit is required.

The fingerling trout-stocking program has met with both success and failure. “It doesn’t work on every water, so we’re going to look at that in the future,” Greene said.

“Where it’s not working, we should be putting those fish elsewhere.”

One example of an outstanding trout fishery created by fingerling stocking is the Little Juniata River. Trout habitat is excellent with one exception: There is poor spawning habitat.

“Tailwaters where there is cool water have been our best areas,” Greene explained.

The Allegheny River below Kinzua Dam has developed into one of the finest trout fisheries in the East.