SLATE RUN
For three former high school classmates who had not seen each other in nearly 10 years, there was no better place to have an informal 49th reunion than along Pine Creek in Lycoming County.
And while it took them until the afternoon of their third and final day to finally determine that the trout wanted neither dry nor wet flies, but rather emergers, this trip really wasn't about catching fish. For that matter, there was not all that much reminiscing about years gone by and previous trips to "The Pine" either.
Pine Creek originates in Potter County and flows for 87 miles through Tioga, Lycoming and Clinton counties. It is the stretch of water between Slate Run and Waterville, however, that has always been the favorite area for the three former classmates.
Most of the conversation focused on future trips back to this most special of special trout waters that are Big Pine and Little Pine creeks, but most often are lumped together as Pine Creek. Like thousands, if not millions, of others, a trip to The Pine was always special for the three classmates and not just for the fishing.
Chance sightings of wild turkey, deer and even a black bear are as close as the next bend of the stream or turn in the many dirt roads that serve as shortcuts from cabin to fishing destination. And, of course, there is the "real" home-style cooking at reasonable prices as the restaurants in the area.
Oh, yes, one or two or more stops at the fly shops at Waterville and Slate Run are also a must. Getting the latest news is a must for both fly and spinning anglers.
This year, the big news for the area is good news in the minds of almost everyone, as earlier this year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission approved the designation of Sections 10 and 12 of Pine Creek as Approved Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing, effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. This designation provides additional angling opportunities by allowing anglers to fish from March 1 through the opening day of trout season on a catch-and-release basis.
Basically, this regulation affects some of the most popular stretches of Pine Creek, so in addition to providing more time on the water for anglers, many of whom already practice catch-and-release, it figures to provide a major boost to the local economy. Currently, both stream sections are managed under Approved Trout Waters regulations, and stocked trout-angling opportunities are limited to approximately the 7-8 week period between the opening day of trout season and early June when water temperatures often become too warm for trout.
Section 10 of Pine Creek extends 11.1 miles from the Route 414 Bridge in Blackwell upstream of the confluence with Babb Creek and downstream to the confluence with Slate Run, which is the upper limit of the 1.2-mile delayed-harvest-artificial-lures-only stretch.
Section 12 extends for 15.1 miles from upstream of the confluence with Naval Run, which is the lower limit of the delayed-harvest-artificial-lures-only stretch, downstream to the confluence with Little Pine Creek in Waterville.
"This change would increase recreational angling opportunities for stocked trout on this water by an additional 4-5 weeks," PFBC Division of Fisheries Management chief Dave Miko said.
For the three former classmates holding a very special reunion, "The Pine" is a very special place, and they plan to take advantage of the increased opportunities for more return trips.
(Dietz is outdoors editor)