The Western Pocono Chapter of Trout Unlimited will feature The Poconos – Cradle of Trout Fishing in America, a presentation by Brodhead Chapter Board Member Don Baylor. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nescopeck State Park Office Building
Baylor, renowned Pocono fly fisherman, author, and artist, will provide a fascinating slide program on the history of trout fishing in the Poconos. Pennsylvania is steeped in trout fishing tradition and evidence exists that the Poconos was the birthplace of fly fishing in America. Through Don’s extensive research he will explore and explain the rich trout fishing literature, legends, and lore of the sport in the Poconos and the many celebrities, presidents, and writers who have fished its storied waters and lodged in its grand hotels and hostelries- including the almost mythic Henryville House among others.
Just some of the names from the 1800’s and early 1900’s who graced these waters reads like a Who’s Who of historical characters: presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Calvin Coolidge, General Phillip Sheridan, governor Gifford Pinchot, boxing greats John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain, legendary fishing writers Edward Ringwood Hewitt, Henry Van Dyke, and John Taintor Foote, fishing luminaries George LaBranche, Ernie Schweibert, Jim Leisenring and Charlie Fox, and last but not least Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley.
Don is a true student of the sport and this historical presentation highlights fly fishing as more than just catching fish. Through its origins here in the Poconos on legendary streams such as the Brodhead, Paradise Creek and the Leavitt Branch he brings to life these fascinating figures against a backdrop of the natural beauty of the Poconos and delights audiences with the rich trout fishing heritage we have here in our own backyard. The Brodhead TU chapter, of which Don is a founding member, has been instrumental in preserving these historic waters. The recently established the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve in Analomink is near the confluence of Paradise and Brodhead Creeks and is open to catch and release trout fishing.
For those of us who relish this grand sport of trout fishing help us kick off the new season with this inspiring and enlightening presentation.
Don will be available to answer trout fishing questions and provide some great tips. Although the Nescopeck State Park office conference room is spacious and comfortable registration is recommended.
Call the park office at 570-403-2006 to register or 570-454-4862 for more info.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nescopeck State Park Building, 1137 Honey Hole Road Drums, PA 18222
GPS: Lat. 41.09074; Long. -75.88055
Directions:
Traveling east on I-80: Take Exit 262 (Hazleton, Mountain Top – PA 309). Follow PA 309 south about 0.75 mile. Turn left onto Honey Hole Road. The park begins along Honey Hole Road a short distance east of the I-80 underpass. From here, travel an additional 3.5 miles along Honey Hole Road to enter the Lake Frances Day Use Area. It is on the right just opposite Lake Frances Road.
Traveling West on I-80: Take Exit 273 (White Haven, Freeland). Turn right onto PA 940. At the stop sign, go straight onto PA 437 for about 4.5 miles. Directly after the power lines, turn left onto Honey Hole Road. Travel 2.5 miles to enter the Lake Frances Day Use Area. It is on the left opposite Lake Frances Road.
From Wilkes-Barre: Take PA 309 south. After passing under I-80, travel about 0.75 mile and turn left onto Honey Hole Road. The park begins along Honey Hole Road a short distance east of the I-80 underpass. From here, travel an additional 3.5 miles along Honey Hole Road to enter the Lake Frances Day Use Area. It is on the right just opposite Lake Frances Road.