^Tn^Z^Ei*] - Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

FROM the viewpoint of fishermen,
especially bass fishermen, the
greatest tragedy in recent local history
is the abandonment and consequent
decay of the once familiar grist
mill. Because of their ruin fishermen
in many Pennsylvania localities look
with longing on past angling glories,
view with disgust present deplorable
stream conditions, and see the future
through very dark glasses indeed.
Many economic factors of modern life
have contributed to the passing of
these landmarks. While their abandonment
may have been an economic
necessity their passing poses conservation
problems as yet largely un-
Archie Graham of Franklin, Pa., and the fine
muskellunge which he caught in French Creek
near Carlton. The muskie, claimed as one of
the largest taken in that area for many years,
measured 43" and weighed 17 lhs. Photo by
Irving J. Beid. Franklin, Pa.
Dam Trouble
By Lee A. Diehl
solved. In fact, most of these problems
have apparently not even been recognized
by the fishermen who would
benefit most by their solution. An intelligent
and vigorous attack on the
problems presented by the gradual
ruin of mill dams would do much to
change the dark glasses to ones of rose.
In its heyday the grist mill, as the
name indicated, was set up primarily
to grind various grains for local
farmers. All were dependent on water
for power. A dam, usually of wood
construction, impounded water which
was led through a race to the wheel in
the mill. This water-powered wheel
provided the energy to turn other
wheels which operated the various
grinding machinery. As these mills
ceased operation the dams were no
longer necessary. Through neglect
they were, one by one, washed away
and the streams reverted to their
natural state. Therein lies the tragedy,
recognized or not, for thousands
of Pennsylvania fishermen who depended
upon local creeks for their
angling enjoyment.
As an example of the effect of mill
abandonment the upper Conodoguinet
Creek is typical. As recently as
twenty years ago there were at least
seven dams in operation on this creek
between the towns of Roxbury and
Newville. Prior to that time there
were even more. The names of these
dams—Roxbury, Lurgan, Bingham's,
Mongul, MacClay's, Ramp's, Peiffer's
—were familiar to all fishermen of the
area. All of them now belong to the
past and their passing is largely responsible
for the unhappy plight of
the fishing fraternity in their vicinity.
Similar deplorable conditions exist
over much of southern Pennsylvania
in dozens of creeks. Streams once
famous for their excellent bass fishing
are now nearly depleted of worthwhile
fish. Many an angler is now
fishing them for old times sake, not
in the expectation of making a catch.
Frequently the question is heard,
"Why don't we have fish anymore?"
Usually the answer is, too many fishermen—not
enough fish. This makes an
obvious, easily believed answer. But,
is it true? Doubtless it is, but only
partially so. It can be established that
many other factors of equal or greater
importance are involved.
The Conodoguinet previously mentioned
covers less than twenty miles
in that part which lies between Roxbury
and Newville. Of those twenty
miles there were formerly at least
This 24" brown trout weighing 4 lbs., '_Mj).
was caught in Kilwell Creek by Robert Ben""
holding it, of Oil City.
seven miles of impounded water v f ^
ing in depth from three to twelve f ee j
These seven'miles of water contain,
scores of favorite fishing spots wh lC '
added to the natural holes of &^ e J
J
— -..I. .i .i i--;-e °:
th* 1
dam areas, provided a wide choice
fishing water for the angler. Now
the dams are no longer in existe
;IJce
fishing is of necessity concentrated j
the pitifully few yards of n 3 * 111 ^
stream which still has sufficient " e |jj
to carry a more or less satisfactory *^Jj
population. The loss of seven mil eS f
fishable water out of twenty miles .
stream cannot help but seriously a ^
the quality of fishing. «jj
What are the results, then, of ^
over-concentration of fishing? The *
spots remaining to fishermen h a
been virtually "fished out." Ang 1 ^
are forced to further deplete tb^
limited waters, or to seek out otb
areas (also usually over-fished))
to give up fishing as a hopeless rec3 i?er
tion. Many are accepting the 1** p
alternative. In view of the mo" e e
hue and cry of adults over the bicre %
in juvenile delinquency it is difb c . i,
to understand why a resource so r \
in human values, so potent in the j
velopment of good sportsmanship) f.^
so able to promote good citizens* 1 ^
to say nothing of its contribution j
good living, should be so long ignO r e
If we adults are to properly exef c :
our trusteeship over natural resouf -
for the benefit of future genera^ 0 ^
it is about time we get busy, an ngthe
same time enlist the aid of v0ll olir
sters who also have a stake h 1
work. ]ejfl
Loss of water is but one P r0 !i]£
created by the abandonment of ^ 0[
In addition, fish have been deprive ^
homes, of places of security &
PENNSYLVANIA ANG 1 0