Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August - 31

sinkers, hooks and a few small tackle boxes with a variety of lures
and small plugs in your fishing gear bag or backpack.
For fly anglers, a 4- to 5-piece fly rod with a matching reel
and fly line fits snugly into a rod tube or case. Secure this tube or
case to your bike with bungee cords or slip it in your sling pack.
Also, choose a variety of nymph, wet, dry and streamer fly boxes
to match your fish species as well as the necessary fly gear such
as tippet material, splitshot, indicators and a fly remover. Keep
your fly gear to a minimum with the essentials. For fly anglers, a
telescoping rod is convenient and light to carry on the bike or in
your pack with the least amount of gear, line and flies.
Choose your clothing wisely. A 2-mile bike ride in your
waders may be difficult. For longer bike rides, padded bike shorts
are comfortable. I prefer zip-off fishing pants when the time
comes to cool off in the summer months during the day and
something warmer to wear on the ride back in the evenings. The
use of a bike helmet is strongly encouraged.

Route

Map out where you will bike ahead of time. Consider these
questions before your trip: How far will I bike in? What is my
time of arrival to the fishing spot, and what time will I begin the
journey back to my vehicle? Should I leave my bike parked in
one spot or hop from fishing spot to fishing spot? By preplanning
your bike trip, you will feel comfortable within a specific time
frame and spend more concentrated time on fishing. There will
be times when the fish bite is on at dusk, and you will need your
flashlight or headlamp to light the way back to your vehicle.
Check the weather forecast in your area ahead of time
and avoid getting caught in inclement weather. Also, fishing
regulations can differ along one stretch of water. Check the
watershed regulations in your biking and fishing area on
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's website at
www.fishandboat.com. Display your fishing license before
making the first cast.

Follow trail courtesy and rules, and understand the fishing
regulations along your bike route.

Reaching your destination

Although your final goal is to reach your fishing spot, take
time to notice the wildlife along the trail such as birds, small
mammals and riverside animals. I have observed otters, deer,
blue herons, eagles, snakes and other amazing wildlife in Penn's
Woods right off of the bike trail, adding to the experience.
Remember to bike safely, pack-in and pack-out, and enjoy
your next biking and fishing adventure.

Biking and fishing gear checklist
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*

Sling pack, back pack, vest
Helmet, fishing hat, polarized sunglasses
Phone, camera
Fishing license
Spinning or fly rod and reel
Map of route
Water bottles, dry snacks
Flashlight or head lamp
Insect repellant
Bungee cords, fasteners, knife
Bike repair kit, lock and chain
Small first aid kit

www.fishandboat.com 		

Biking trail websites

www.visitpa.com
www.trails.com
www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Biking
www.traillink.com (Rails-to-Trails)

Pennsylvania biking and fishing
trail suggestions

* Northwest Region: Presque Isle State Park, Moraine
State Park Trails, Oil Creek State Park
* Southwest Region: Montour Trail, Youghiogheny
River Trail
* Northcentral Region: Kinzua Valley Trail, Lowlands
Trail, Spring Creek Canyon Trail, Pine Creek Rail Trail
* Southcentral Region: Heritage Rail Trail
* Northeast Region: Lackawanna River Heritage Trail,
D&H Rail Trail
* Southeast Region: D&L (Delaware and Lehigh) Trail,
Ridley Creek State Park Trail

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2019

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http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.visitpa.com http://www.trails.com http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Biking http://www.traillink.com http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August
