New Greene County WCO immersed in first trout season
Greene County’s new Waterway’s Conservation Officer Eric Davis is immersed in his first trout season.
Late last week he wrapped up the last of his preseason stockings and was looking forward to the season opener.
He turned out the final trout shipments at Whiteley Creek and Lake Wilma on Tuesday, April 12.
The only negative was the weather, as an incessant rain dampened the parade.
The parade I’m referring to is the line of cars carrying sportsmen who volunteer to help distribute the trout along the stream by lugging buckets bristling with trout to the various stream sections.
The helpers turned out, donned in a various array of rain gear.
In responding to a query about stockings, Davis said, “I don’t usually have any problems. Weather is the only factor that is a real issue. Cold and rain can make the day miserable.”
There were plenty of hands to carry buckets Tuesday, to which Davis noted, “There is a good bit of help today. The first time we stocked Whiteley we were light on help.
“We usually get 20 guys to help. A couple of guys from Washington County always come to help.
“All my trout waters have been stocked. This is the last of the preseason stockings. Everything past opening day will be in-season stockings.”
Approved trout waters in Greene County include Lake Wilma at the southern end of the county near Blacksville, W.Va., Browns Creek (Bates Fork “Sycamore” downstream to mouth), Dunkard Fork, Enlow Fork, North Fork Dunkard Fork, South Fork Dunkard Fork, Ten Mile Creek and Whiteley Creek (headwaters downstream to SR 0088).
Lake Wilma also receive a preseason stocking.
“We shoot them in at Lake Wilma,” Davis said. “There is no sense carrying buckets when the lake is only 10 feet off the road.”
In commenting on this year’s trout, Davis said, “They have been absolutely gorgeous – fat, healthy fish.
“I would say there was only a half dozen dead fish out the thousands we received. Reynoldsdale hatchery has done a really good job,” Davis said. “The guys who have been helping out also commented on how good the fish look. In one earlier stocking we got a hefty load of brood fish. They were all 18 inches or better in length. There have also been some nice sized palominos mixed in.”
Those final two preseason stockings included 2,000 for Lake Wilma and 1,300 for Whiteley, which were spread out over seven sections of the stream.
Davis said, “I appreciate the help with the stockings. Another thing … I’d like more deputies. I would like is to add a couple new deputies. If anyone is interested in becoming a deputy call the Southwest Region office (814-445-8974) at Somerset and let them know. They will contact me and I will get in touch with you.”
When asked about Dunkard Creek, which was all but cleaned out by a fish kill two years ago, Davis said that he has not been able to speak with too many sportsmen about the stream, but understands that they are seeing some fish. He said there are reports that suckers and redhorse are coming back, but no reports on muskie.
The Ryerson Lake debacle is an another issue that probably won’t be solved any time soon. Everything is at a standstill with the case being appealed in court.
In-season stockings begin April 26 when Whiteley Creek (brown and rainbow) and Lake Wilma (Rainbow) will be stocked.
April 30 Enlow Fork, North Fork and North Fork Dunkard Fork (to mouth Section 3 and Section 2) receive shipments of browns and rainbows.
Browns Creek is on for the week of May 2, South Fork of Dunkard Fork and North Fork (Section 20) on May 10.
Outdoor Editor Rod Schoener can be reached online at rschoener@heraldstandard.com.