Northwest Pennsylvania Chapter 

of Trout Unlimited

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Dates

Banquet

Chapter Activities

Spring 2005 Allegheny Float Trip 

Thank goodness Jim Simenelli was in our party because he was the only one to land any fish, 2 brown trout, one in the 18” range and one 14”.  Jim Sharp fought a valiant fight, but the big fish won the battle & spit the hook just a few feet from the canoe.  Bill

Harter claims he had one on, but there were no witnesses.  For more details on the trip you’ll have to come to the picnic listen to the stories over dinner.

A special thanks goes out to Mike Bleech for his hospitality. 

Following are comments from some of the folks who participated in this adventure:

From Bill Eckert:

As a newcomer to the organization, I can say I was really disappointed.  I thought you guys knew how to catch fish!  Oh well, I take solace in the fact that I got skunked with the best.  Seriously, I had a great time and would look forward to doing it

again. The fishing couldn't be that slow next year. Anyway, the camaraderie was excellent and everyone made the newcomer feel welcome. Hats off to Mike Bleech for being an excellent host.  Feel bad for him; when you want to show off your favorite home waters, the fish just decide to go dormant.

From Meghan Ball:

I had a wonderful time in my pontoon, could not have asked for a better day...the fishing was awesome but the catching was a little slow, I guess that happens though.  I also enjoyed the group of guys we floated with.  I hope that something of the like is planned for next year! 

From Liz Ball:

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Aside from the weather, fishing conditions, and river conditions (which are all variable and out of our control) I thought what was in our control that was wonderful was the fishing tips from Mike, the organization of the entire float trip and lunch preparations. I think everything worked out smoothly and would not mind doing something like that again in the future with the group!

From Chris Niebauer:

What worked best for me where my ears. There were quite a few good stories abound.  Not a lot of hook ups but there sure was a lot of fishing.  The chapter needs to make this an annual thing.

From Erik Cronk:

I had fun, nice meeting some of you and for the rest of you that I already knew.........at least I didn't have to share a canoe with you!  Kidding aside, that was a nice trip.  Fishing was good, just the catching that was down, right?

From Jim Pfendler:

I thought it went great! We should possibly try another trip in the fall with the leaves and cooler weather.

From Jim Sharp:

Sinking line, large flies, big fish.

From Mike Bleech (Our host & guide for the trip):

I am not surprised that the group had a good time. That was a classy group of anglers. I would be delighted if they made an Allegheny float an annual event, or even more often.  One of the things that struck me most was that after the shore lunch, as is my usual practice, I stayed until everyone left to police the area. There was not a scrap of litter. Not even a tiny scrap.