The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is taking applications for the 2013 Coldwater Conservation Grants Program, which is offering planning grants and implementation grants to help protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems.
Applications can be found at http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/ and will be accepted through December 14, 2012. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply. The partnership is a cooperative effort of Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
Also, don't forget to find out about the delays in refilling Leaser Lake. The Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation will holdi a public meeting 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Lynn Township Municipal Building on Route 143 to update the public on the dam repair, fish habitat, trail development, the handicap accessible fishing area and the wood duck box program. For more information go to http://www.leaserlakeheritage.org/
FRESHWATER REPORT
Wallenpaupack Sports Shop, Hawley (570-226-4797): Mark says anglers have been very successful catching stripers while drifting herring at Calico Point, Ironwood and Shuman Point. Walleye activity has turned on, and they seem to be going after nightcrawlers on worm harnesses while trolling. Smallmouth bass are going after crank baits and Kai-tech lures. There are a lot of big pickerel and pike taking live baits. With the air and water temperatures cooling, fishing has been excellent.
Pecks Pond Boat Rentals, Tackle & Bait, Dingmans Ferry, (570-775-7237): peckspondrentals@yahoo.com; http://www.peckspond.com: Charlie says bass and pickerel are becoming more active with the cooler weather. Soft plastic jerk baits, Zara spooks and other surface lures, and just-under-the-surface lures are working well. Try working 10-inch black plastic worms on the tops of the lily pads, work them across the tops and let them fall into the holes. This might be the last time this year the plastic frogs will work. The holes in the sub-surface weeds are producing excellent catches of perch. As a reminder, the shop is open weekends and by reservation. The shop is no longer accepting Minn kota motors for repair this season. It will resume repair service in the spring of 2013.
Mauch Chunk Lake Boat Rental and Bait Shop, 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, (570-325-0100): Jeremy says that the fishing has been great again. Minnows and worms seem to be the best bet for catching fish at the lake. The fishing pier is active with pickerel and bass. Bluegills and crappies are active from the fishing pier to the beach area and are after the meal worms. Catfish are active now more through the day and are after chicken livers. Also, walleye are becoming more active with the cooler water and he's getting reports of them being caught on the left side of the beach by the camping area.
Willie's Bait & Tackle, Cementon (610-261-2767): Willie says the Canadian lake he spent time at least week was tough fishing, but he caught some good largemouth and smallmouth bass. He had a big 19-inch smallmouth, and Roger had a nice 19-inch largemouth, so it was a good trip for them. The Lehigh River isn't fishable after getting 8 inches of rain in Albrighstville and 5 inches in Lehighton. Mauch Chunk Lake has been fishing well. The Monocacy Creek was still doing well. The Salmon River in New York has been turning on.
Bob's Wildlife Taxidermy, 4642 Kernsville Road, Orefield (610-398-7609): Bob says the shop has been very quiet for bait, so he's not hearing many fishing reports. He's probably knocking off the bait business for the year as most of his customer base is shifting to hunting season. They're coming in with trail camera pictures and getting excited for some nice bucks. He's getting in his first order of deer urine next week.
Archery @ the Glenn, Allentown, (610-791-7665): Brian says area fishing has been great. Customers are reporting good catches from local lakes and streams. Live bait seems to be the ticket by simply matching the size minnow or worm to the targeted species of fish. Leeches will catch anything, but don't quit if you run out of live bait. Twister tails on jig heads and stick baits are sure to entice more bites. The fish are active, so get out with some friends or children and have some fun.
