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The first day of trout season kicked off Saturday morning with many anglers heading out to their favorite creeks and parks to go fishing.
Due to the last few days experiencing heavy rainfall, elevated levels of rain have led to flooding of many creeks and streams across the region. Some rivers are close to flood levels, although many crested on Friday morning.
The high water affected the number of anglers who were out on Saturday and even whether they caught anything.
Anglers will certainly be able to cast their lines over the few months at events around the Juniata Valley's waterways.
The schedule includes:
AMVETS Post 122
The AMVETS run one of the oldest fishing derbies in the area as the children's derby at AMVETS J.E. Bowen Jr. Post 122 in Thompsontown started in 1972. On Saturday, at least 200 children ages 12 and under are expected to line the banks of the Delaware Creek, which runs in front of the post's building.
Registration starts at 7 a.m., with fishing to follow at 8 a.m. The fishing action concludes at 12 p.m. with the awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Children can keep their trout, but there is a five-fish limit. There are boys and girls divisions in different age groups.
AMVETS officials have stocked the river with at least 2,000 trout for the derby. Free hot dogs and sausage as well as beverages will be served.
AMVETS Handicapped Fishing Derby
One week after the children's derby, the AMVETS invite anglers with a handicap or disability to the Delaware Creek. The handicapped derby, which began in the 1980s, is slated for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20. Awards will also be given out at the end. A free lunch will also be served.
John H. Sheaffer Memorial Trout Derby
Saturday, April 20, also marks the date of the inaugural John H. Sheaffer Memorial Trout Derby. It's scheduled to start along the banks of East Licking Creek, near the Port Royal Lions Club Park.
The derby is open to ages 3 to 15 years.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. with fishing from 8 a.m. to noon. At 12:30 p.m., trophies will be awarded in three age groups for the top three places. The Lion Lunker Award will be presented to the angler with the largest fish caught.
The creek will be stocked with about 1,000 fish by the club and Juniata Trout Club. Food and drinks for the anglers will also be provided.
Eighth Annual Leon Yohn Derby
The Eighth Annual Leon Yohn Derby will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27, with registration starting at 7 a.m. The derby starts one mile north of Waterloo, off Route 75. Children ages 15 and under can participate.
Family Fishing Fun
From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Poe Valley State Park, 136 Poe Valley Park Circle, Coburn, will host this program for families and individuals with little or no fishing experience. The program is free, and all equipment will be provided. Anglers can also bring their own equipment. Registration required, in person or online at events at dcnr.pa.gov/event/family-fishing-fun.
Hometown Kids Fishing Derby
The Fifth Annual Hometown Kids Fishing Derby is on Saturday morning, May 18, and is open to children ages 3 to 12. It's followed by an afternoon session for senior citizens, veterans and handicapped anglers.
The event is held at a pond owned by Donald and Roseann Woodward on Route 850. The event has been growing, with about 30 to 40 anglers coming out the first year to 75 last year.
Registration is free and each child receives a brown bag filled with hookers, bobbers, sinkers, fishing information and a snack.
Trophies will be awarded in each different age group for first trout caught, biggest trout and smallest trout. Each angler will receive a raffle ticket for an additional drawing. There will also be a Chinese auction.
Children can keep the fish they catch; no licenses are required since the event is being held on private land.
Donations are being accepted. For more information, call (717) 234-2315.