RV Smallmouths

[Billfish715]

The pictures of what I think were white perch that were on the video that was posted about the RR brown trout got me reminiscing about when RV was constructed and being filled for the first time and the white perch we would catch. We used to park in the camping area and walk along the banks on the south side casting spinners for smallmouth bass. At that time, the reservoir was supposed to be managed for smallmouth bass and trout.

The old farmland was still exposed in some spots and the old farm hedgerows made incredible fish habitat. It was not unusual to catch over 50 smallmouths in a morning. We often came across schools of white perch as well.They were large and put up quite a fight. The impoundment was alive with smallies. Wading parallel with the old hedgerows in the warm, clear water was something special for a young boy. Catching exotic fish like the smallmouths along those hedgerows was even more memorable.

On the way back to the car, during the early summer, we picked black and red rasberries and blackberries until we were full and then filled old coffee cans that we brought with more of those delicious wild berries. What a place! We always saw snakes, and deer and pheasants and other wildlife on our hikes. I was fortunate to have an uncle who was really into the outdoors and who cared enough to take me along on those adventures.

As the summer draws near, think about taking a youngster along fishing with you. Maybe you can help a young cubscout get a fishing badge by taking him to a local pond and catching his first fish. Memories last a long time and may pay off in dividends long after you've hung up your waders. Keep kids fishing and take every opportunity you can to help them do so.

[AndyS]

Have great memories from Round Valley also. I remember as a kid you weren't allowed past the fence that divides the lake and swimming area. I was able to squeeze through a bit and get off a few casts, smallmouth everywhere !!!
The Round Valley Trout Association meetings at the Polish American Club during the height of the Brown Trout fishery, needless to say the place was packed. The meetings got so rowdy. People were getting blasted, 3 deep at the bar, it was nutz !!!
Many days live lining herring watching HUGE Brown Trout explode on your herring !!! The day I took my wife there and watched her reel in (at the time) a State Record Brown Trout !! Camped up there too. Spent many days AND nights on the lake. Great memories.

[tycomps]

Great story! My dad passed away last year and sorting thru his stuff I found his fishing logs. Mixed in was the original handout from Spruce Run when it first opened, too cool! So many memories of the cartop and little Johnson!