What is happening in our area?
Most of us are thinking of the oncoming days of winter. We will soon be bundled up or sitting at home trying to stay warm.
Well, there are a lot of things to do. I will give you a few suggestions of the activities available.
One thing you may try is some fall trout fishing. Both the Marianna Sportsmen Organization (MOA) and the Greene County Harry Enstrom Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) have stocked trout for the winter season. The fish are really nice.
MOA stocked trout from the dam in Marianna to the Zollarsville Church.
I can attest that the fish have moved at least two miles downstream from their last stocking area. You may have to look for them, but they are there.
The IWLA stocked from the Pollock’s Mill Bridge to the Clarksville canoe and kayak launch area. These fish were float stocked. They are well spread throughout the total four miles. Many of the fish were 14 inches or better. There are a lot of Palomino trout in both places.
I got out one day and had a blast. A friend of mine has been out several times and each time has done well. You may want to give it a try. Remember, the limit for trout is three (3) until Feb. 28, 2017, then the season is closed to possession until opening day of trout season.
If you are a Walleye fisherman, you wait for this time of the year. The Walleyes begin to move throughout the river system. Good catches of big Walleyes are being reported below the Grays Landing and Lock and Dam.
If you go there, be very careful on the high wall. I do not fish it because of that. However, a lot of guys do fish it and do well.
The Maxwell Lock and Dam is producing some fish, but they are not stacked yet. The Point Marion Lock and Dam is producing a lot of fish but most of them are sub legal. A lot more Saugers are being caught in this area.
Archery deer season has been in and out. Some nice bucks were harvested. The opening day of rifle season will be the first Monday after Thanksgiving Day. I must admit, I have not seen any really nice bucks yet.
By now I generally know where there are several nice bucks. This year is not the case. Even the numbers of does seems to be a little less than usual. It just may be the area I am in or it may be the bear that has decided to make his/her home there. I don’t know if it will stay, but it was seen last year in deer season and again for the last couple of weeks. Deer and bear do not mix well.
Small game season is still in. I have seen several pheasants throughout the area. I was in Westmoreland County last week and saw one of the most beautiful ring neck pheasants that I have ever seen. The bird had to be native.
Also, turkey season comes back in for three days beginning Thanksgiving Day. Last year, I was lucky enough to harvest a real nice gobbler on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe my luck will hold for this year.
Just because the weather is cold, that is no reason to stay inside.
There are a lot of recreational activities going on. When it gets real cold, my plan is to build a new trout rod. My car door got hungry and ate my good rod.
Also, if you are like me, I will be cutting wood if the weather is not too bad. I like the warmth from a wood fire in my house.
All and all, it may be cold but there is plenty to do. Dress properly and enjoy the opportunities provided by nature.
And, don’t ever forget who gave these opportunities to you.
Follow the laws and enjoy yourself.