CURWENSVILLE – It started with an idea and a bit of hope.
What resulted was a fundraiser that has helped to stock the river system in Clearfield County with fish and has increased the awareness of the viability of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
About three years ago, a group of fishermen and fisherwomen decided to do something to revitalize and enhance the fish population locally.
What resulted was a group that raises thousands of dollars annually and helps to educate those new to bait, reels and rods about the sport and hobby of fishing.
The Curwensville Anglers Restocking Program boasts more than 1000 members, but perhaps what the group is best known for is its tournaments, especially the crappie tournament.
“The crappie tournament is our biggest. It is our jewel, our diamond,” said Stacy Bressler, Curwensville Anglers member.
Each year, the tournament awards more than $4,000 in prizes with the proceeds being used to stock walleye in the lake. To date, more than 45,000 fish have been added to Curwensville Lake.
“Every year it gets bigger and bigger, and we raise more money,” Bressler said.
But that money does not sit around long. Members are quick to turn those bucks into fish that will be added to the Susquehanna River system.
This year’s crappie tournament boasted 62 boats that took to the water, according to Bressler. A total of $9,000 was raised, and more than 66 people stayed in local hotels.
“That’s what we’re trying to do is help our local economy,” he said.
Other Curwensville Anglers members added that many of the teams shopped in local sporting good stores and ate in local restaurants.
The group decided to stock walleye in the lake because the species used to be native to Central Pennsylvania. Changes in habitat and water conditions, however, have diminished or eradicated some species altogether, they said.
Ed Eckess, president of the Philipsburg Bassmasters, said trout, bass, walleye and even the American Eel used to be native in Clearfield County.
“All they want to do is put these species back in,” Eckess said of Curwensville Anglers.
Bressler likened the disappearance or small population of formerly native fish to taking links out of a chain.
“When you take them out, it doesn’t work right anymore,” he said. “The more we can help to put back, the stronger the chain.
“They all have their purpose in the ecosystem.”
“We’re assisting Mother Nature,” added Jess Mayhew, secretary of Curwensville Anglers.
The group is planning projects that aid in the habitat for the fish as well.
Curwensville Anglers has been working to secure boat launches on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and more recently looked at locations for fish ladders in the river.
“These ladders will allow certain species to get upriver to reproduce,” said Bressler.
Some type of fish, he said, need cooler waters in which to spawn. Man-made structures such as dams inhibit this movement.
If the ladder project can be finalized, Bressler said those who do not take part in fishing will be able to enjoy them as well.
“You’ll see so many people there watching them come up the ladder,” he said.
The Curwensville Anglers Restocking Program thanks Kim McCullough of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Scott Bollinger of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the work they have done to further the group’s goals. The members also noted that it has been a pleasure to work with Clearfield Borough, the Clearfield County Commissioners, Gigi Gearhart of Northwest Savings Bank, the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. and Pat Domico to improve fish habitat in the county.
For more information, visit the Curwensville Lake Fishing Web site.
GantDaily Editor’s Note: This is part of a two-story feature on the Curwensville Anglers Restocking Program. Log onto GantDaily Sunday for part two.