Inquiring minds need to know if it has been finalized? Cost and when do you all want the funds? Other details too if possible please.
Thanks guys.
Hey Eric, I think those guys have a private forum where they sit and watch your anticipation and excitement grow by the day. They are probably waiting until just before you explode to release the info.
I would like to make it up there for at least a day, hopefully it works out.
I’m not going to beat it to death. It either happens or it doesn’t. I will make my plans for that time period flexible because I live so close I can just drive up there but I guess I am missing something here. Just thought we were supposed to hear something after January but I guess I missed the message or was left out. No big deal for me. Might be for those that have to plan a drive and stay.
Many thanks. It is done. The fish-in update will be announced soon. may cannot get here fast enough.
I am a happy boy. Is it May yet?
Having just seen a program on poisonous snakes and reading the post about the dog being bitten it brought back the snakes I have read about in the Waterville area. I read in a book on Fly fishing streams of Pa. that several of the area streams are replete with rattlesnakes. For those of you that have been there… how common are they and any special precautions to take? Don’t mind telling you that snakes intrigue me and TERRIFY me all in the same breath.
Bernie
Bernie,
They do inhabit the area but based on my limited experience no more so that the rest of the state. Well usually they are more eager to get away as fast as they can and do not strike unless they are stepped on, picked up, molested or cornered. They can only strike 50% of their body length so for most timber rattlers that means about 2-4 feet of reach. Just remember that they like to sun on the rocks and hide in the cracks between boulders when it gets too hot. Look where you are putting your feet, hands or other body parts before putting them there, shake out any clothing, boots that has been laid aside before putting them on and check/shake out any gear that has been laying around.
It really is not a big issue. My guess is you will see more of other types of critters, deer, turkey and perhaps bear, than any snakes. I was born and raised in Northwestern Pa, lived in the Clearfield area for a few years and now live in Southcentral Pa. I have seen more rattlers and copperheads here in Perry County than anywhere else. Never been bit but stood there in awe of them. Just look where you are stepping before you step and you will be fine.
Hey Eric
Funny how when I was a kid and fishing at the Neshannock Creek snakes never entered into the equation. Never even bothered to look where I was leaping. Could it be that since I am now a “mature” individual I want to stay on this earth for a few more years?
Great weather we had today. Went to the Run for a few hours (connects Boiling Springs Lake and Yellow Breechs) Very surprised to see just a few others pursueing the pastime. Managed four and missed many more. I blame it on the shack nasties. Used a Chamois worm, zebra midge and green weenie. Wind started blowing so bad I called it a day. We WILL have to hook up.
Bernie
they are there, but if you watch where you step or put your hand, it like eric said. i nite fish the pine, loyalsock, laxawaxen,lehigh. never walk on one, but did hear them sound off in the dark. flyman 3 pottsville
Snakes are no more a problem in that area than anywhere else in the state. If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone. The odds of even seeing one are slim at best. Just use common sense when walking - there’s well cleared paths in most places, so you know what’s ahead. There’s MUCH more danger driving to fish than there is from anything Mother Nature has in store.
There Have been unconfirmed reports in the Waterville area of a crazed bull moose attacking unsuspecting fishermen - just ask flyman3.
i only kiss his honey two times, he didnt have to get that mad. HE HE HE he he. flyman 3
Bernie,
I have personally seen several rattlers up on Slate Run. They do reside there! I’ve seen them on rocks in the middle of the run and on the path! So be careful if you go up Slate Run. Also, I have seen copperheads just above Petticote Junction near the old railroad bridge. One was swimming in Pine creek the other was sunning on rocks near abutment.
Make enough noise and they will avoid you. Ron
Snakes aren’t the only thing to be cautious of up there.
I once picked up a traveler in my shoe, either while they were on the ground as I changed out of my waders or as they sat on the cabin floor overnight after a heavy rain.
In the morning, I put my shoes back on and as I walked it felt like my socks were bunched up or something. I finally took off my shoe to see what was going on and dumped out a 3" long VERY ALIVE hellgrammite. :shock:
Now when I head up there, I keep my shoes off the ground when they’re not on my feet!
OK- Let’s put this back on track here.
Eric, you wanted to know about the Fish-In so here it is. Actually, I heard you called someone else and got the info, so this is for the rest of those wondering minds.
The Fish-In is a go. Actually it always was but I got swamped with emails and calls with this years Fish-In that I had to slow it down. This will be the 4th year for this and it has grown. This was the brainchild of dryflyguy and it grew beyond what we thought. Bruce has been instrumental with every one and still is very active.
Last years event drew about 17 people from around the area and everyone had a great time. Herein lies the problem. They all went back and told their friends about this and they too wanted to experience the fishing, commroderie, and the scenery of the Pine valley.
Guess who now wants to go?? Everyone else. Do you blame them???
As I posted in earlier threads, I will only be taking the people who have gone before starting with the ones that have gone for the past 3yrs, then 2yrs, and so on. It filled up very quickly, rather too quickly. We even have some seperation of a few guys going to another location - a short distance away- and coming over for the food and commoderie. Who would want to miss that??? Thats half the fun watching Uncle Ed eat the pineapple upside cake and listen to the stories at night about the ones that got away or the bear that were seen or the deer that swam across the stream,etc. Not to mention the poor moose!!!
Anyway, I got swamped with the emails and calls with this. I couldn’t put everyone in the lodge that wanted to be there. Everyone of those guys brings enough gear to stay 2 months, not 4 days. We need a place to store that. Lets not even mention the burping, farting, belching and everything else that takes place in the lodge at such a close proximity. I still got people on a “waiting list” to get into the lodge but I feel thats not going to happen. After all, if you’ve stayed there before, would you want to give up your spot??? Unless we have sickness, family emergency,etc thats not gonna happen. I know of one guy that went to this thing and was sick as a dog and still went, Didn’t even fish!!! Wasn’t going to miss it for the world. Another got sick and hung on till he had to to leave for fear of passing out and not being able to drive home last year. He got me and the other cook sick from this…
There was a reason why you didn’t see many threads or follow ups on this is because I asked a few to take a pause for the cause…WE HAD TOO MANY PEOPLE!!!
I didn’t want to turn anyone away. If I had the capacity, I could take in 30 people right now. But we can’t.
I’m already up to 20 people that we are feeding!!! I just discussed this with the other cook and we were wondering how much time we are getting to go fish ourselves. We have a lunch planned, which we WANT to do, but that cuts into our time also.
We want to make this trip a memorable one but we have surpassed our expectations.
So if you didn’t see any follow-ups on here it was my fault.
If anyone of you who I turned down or didn’t return an email to right away, I’m sorry for that but I hope you understand where we are with this. If you want to come up fishing, please do. If you want help finding a place to stay, I know the area or if I can’t help you, I’ll turn you onto someone else that will help you.
I suggest to contact the campgrounds and get a cabin close by. If not, call Glenn and McConnells and he has some rooms close by too.
If you’re looking for some place to eat, the restaurant right down the street from the lodge or right in Waterville itself.
I do want you to stop in and say HI to us at the lodge. Please do so I can put a face with the name. Introduce yourself and at least when this comes around next year, I can say that guy-or woman, was at the Fish - In but had to stay at XXXXXX and now this year they would like to stay in the lodge. If I got an empty bed, I’ll get you in.
So again, if we need to blame someone, it’ll be me.
But if want to come up and go fishing in a very scenic place in PA and have one of the best times of your life, come join us. The door to the lodge is open to anyone who wants to visit and have a coffee or a cold one. Maybe even have some desserts. We will have plenty–except for that one cake thats just for Uncle Ed. I get that baked especially for him and that is off limits—unless he offers it to you…
I’m not sure about any leftover cobblers though…I don’t even get any on that.
Bigdady
I guess this might also help
The Fish - In will be from May 26th to May 30th. Thats tuesday tru Sat.
We will be moving in to the lodge around 3PM, only because we can’t move in any earlier.
You’ll find me fishing the little Pine in the AM til the doors open up.
We have to leave by 11AM on Sat because the lodge is rented out to someone else.
Bigdady
Here’s some general information for those who may not know the area.
For places to stay near the Fish-In Lodge:
Happy Acres Campground - http://www.happyacresresort.net/ - They have a good selection of cabins and even rooms in the Mountain Den for $40/night ($20 if you have a roommate).
Little Pine Creek State Park - http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/littlepine.aspx - this is about a 1/4 mile from Happy Acres. They have cottages and campsites.
A couple of other options in the area - http://www.pinecreekvalley.com/Pine_Creek_Valley_Business_Hotels_Inns.asp - click on lodging to find local cabins for rent.
There are plenty of other options if you want to go further up towards the gorge. This link should help http://www.pawilds.com/lodging/search-results/index.aspx
Fly Shops
Contact Gerry at McConnell’s general store http://www.mcconnellscountrystore.com/ He’ll also provide lodging information.
Slate Run Tackle shop http://www.slaterun.com/tackle%20shop.htm
Here’s a member’s shop in the Wellsboro area - http://www.bigmeadowsflyshop.com/index.html
A general map of the watershed with access points, town names, campground information and a directory of various other businesses.
http://www.pinecreekwatershedrcp.org/railtrail.pdf
Wow, Randy - that was as honest and heartfelt as it could be said. Those of us that know you, know you always put 110% into everything you do - and trust me, it shows.
To all that contacted me by PM and email, now you know why I couldn’t provide more specific answers to you - they simply weren’t known by anyone.
As solemn as all this sounds, it is NOT the sound of the door being slammed shut for people wanting to attend the Fish-In! There is some excellent dining available less than 100 yards from the lodge (Happy Acre’s restaurant). There is also the Waterville Hotel, which also has excellent dining available (reasonable too).
Sleeping in the lodge is, uhhhhhh, well, not always easy. You’ll probably get a better night’s rest staying in one of the Mountain Den cabins. I did my first year, and it was great! Just as Randy said, he got me into the lodge when a spot opened up the next year, since I was in attendance the year before (Randy forgets NOTHING).
All the benefits of attending a Fish-In are still available at the lodge other than food and a bed. There is the opportunity to hook up with lots of experienced fisherman and learn the area. No one that shows up before we head out for the day’s fishing will be left stranded. Just let us know when you’ll be there, and we’ll see to it that you’ll be included in the fishing. There is also the evening tying/entertainment sessions, where there is always PLENTY of help and advice available. This is usually when plans are made for who wants to go where the next day. The fishing is ultimately what this event is about anyway, and any FAOL member would be included. With this many experienced fishermen out combing the waters, we’ll know exactly what’s going on and where - we share information/patterns/flies/etc among the entire group, and since everyone gathers in one place at the end of the day’s fishing, there’s just no way the skunk will be hanging onto anyone for long.
The bike ride which is tentatively set for Thursday (pending the results of the shore lunch debate) is also open to all. We’ll be riding from Waterville up to Slate Run, where we take a break for lunch at either Wolf’s Store Deli or the Manor House, and then riding back down to Waterville. This is a really easy ride, with no hills (32 miles). It’s supposed to be a 2% grade, but it felt downhill both ways.
Bring a camera - the scenery is AWESOME!
Bottom line, Fish-Ins are about meeting your fellow FAOL family, sharing knowledge and skills, comaraderie, and GREAT FISHING. The Pennsylvania Fish-In is all that and much more. Come fish with us!!!
Thanks for the update.
Folks there is also a lot of lodging available in the Mill Hall, Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Williamsport area that is a reasonable drive from the lodge and surrounded by great fishing itself. Additionally there is an excellent fly shop there in South Williamsport, called E. Hille’s Anglers Supply House. Hille’s used to be a sponsor here. Check out their website:
http://www.anglersupplyhouse.com/shop/
Have you guys considered having one pot luck (everyone brings a dish) dinner? It does not bother me to supply my own meals as I have unique needs as a diabetic. Also folks there are a lot of areas that allow you to have open fires or set up grills. Virtually all of our state parks and most state forests allow this in approved areas weather permitting.
State parks:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ( license, rules regs ) :
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/mpag1.htm
This site may be of some help too:
Is that Lasagna I smell?
Really guys, the fishing was great last year. Several of the regulars took the newbies in hand and put them right on the fish, as simple as that. I know, cause that was me! And I had only been flyfishing a couple months so I know it WAS ugly. Don’t be afraid, these guys don’t care how talented or untalented you are, they mean what they say. Day two found me doing a bit of exploring on my own, not cause I had to, just cause I could and wanted to, and because there is so much water available! And I caught fish on my own as well, but you can fish side by side with these guys all week if you want to. I gotta warn ya though they don’t bathe all week! Just kidding. Really it is a great time and there are plenty of places to stay close by, I camped on the grounds last year and enjoyed every minute of it!
PS-There were plenty of sites available both at Happy Acres and in the State Park across the street last year and since the Fish In starts the day after Memorial Day, same as last year, I would think it would be similar this year but I would still call ahead and make reservations if you can.
Yes Dave it is.
4 pans full of it. the noodles will be a little different but it still be just as good as last years.
Also if you smell the garlic bread thats baking, it’s coming from the oven…
The salad will have something else this year. I found a lemon flavored vinegar thats great for italian dressing with some parmesean cheese–for those who palate wants an italian flare.
Mouth watering yet???
BTW - Ed. That might fit in with our lunch plans. We want to have the shore lunch at the old campgrounds at Navel run, right below the fly store.
Bigdady