Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 62

photo-Jerry Bush

Angler's Notebook
by Jerry Bush

When fishing for steelhead with natural baits, be prepared for
a changing bite. Fish may change preferences several times
during a day. Many experts attribute the changing mood of
fish to various factors such as overhead light, water clarity,
changing water temperature and barometric pressure changes.
Steelhead may slam pink salmon eggs for a short time
before choosing deep red eggs and eventually ignoring eggs
altogether in favor of minnows. Be adaptable.

to protect themselves
from Lyme Disease,
West Nile Virus and other associated illnesses. DEET is the
most effective chemical to ward off biting insects. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency recommends lotions
with 30- to 40-percent DEET. Avoid applying insect repellent
near food and drinks. Adults should place insect repellent in
their hands and wipe it on exposed skin of children. A device
known as a thermacell is an alternative for those unable to
use skin insect repellent. Thermacell units use mild heat from
butane cells to release a synthetic repellent from a small mat.
The released repellent disperses into the air and repels biting
insects at up to 15 feet from the user.

As water temperatures cool, many species of fish experience
energy rejuvenation. Trout prefer water temperatures near 55
degrees F. Trout feeding behavior may be altered when water
is warmer than 65 degrees F, and trout welcome the cooling
temperatures of fall. Other species such as bass, crappies, Bluegills,
Muskellunge and Walleyes also increase feeding as these fish
experience an inclination to add calories before winter arrives.

Fall provides many bowhunting and small game
opportunities in Pennsylvania, but October is a great month
to access trout streams. Keep your fishing gear in your
vehicle along with your hunting gear. When the weather
is too warm for hunting or hunters crave a midday break,
accessing Pennsylvania's colorful streams may be the ticket to
a well-rounded, outdoor experience. If fishing with spinning
equipment, use any lure that imitates baitfish. This is a great
time for fly anglers to cast and strip streamers. Trout feed on
nymphs any time of the year.

If you are fishing alone, tell a friend or relative where you
will be fishing. Always have a cell phone with you in case of an
emergency. Waterproof cell phone cases can be purchased. At
minimum, wear a fluorescent orange cap to increase anglers'
visibility to hunters in the forest.
Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are increasingly aggressive
in fall. Anyone who spends time outdoors must remain diligent

Fishin' from the Kitchen

Muskellunge
with Chimichurri Sauce
by Wayne Phillips

salt and black pepper.
Sauté the fillets until
cooked through.
Serve topped with
chimichurri sauce.

Serve

In South
America, where
this sauce is
popular, it is served
Ingredients for four servings:
with a mixture of
* 4 6- to 8-ounce boneless, * 2 Tbsp. canola oil
potatoes and carrots
e
yn
skinless Muskellunge fillets * Salt and black pepper to taste
Wa
tomashed together as a
o
h
p
side dish.
Chimichurri sauce ingredients for four servings:
* ¾ cup cilantro, finely minced * 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Tips
* 2 cloves garlic, finely minced * 1/4 cup olive oil
If you enjoy the taste of oregano, add a tablespoon of minced
* 1 jalapeño pepper, finely
* Salt and black pepper to taste
fresh
oregano to the sauce. Do not use dried oregano as it will
minced (seeds removed)
overwhelm the sauce.
Procedure
Chimichurri is a pungent, flavor-packed sauce, similar to
Combine the ingredients for the chimichurri sauce.
pesto sauce. It is a blend of cilantro and garlic that also contains
Taste and adjust seasoning. Allow the sauce to stand for at
peppers. If you like spicy food, use peppers with more heat. If
least 30 minutes, so the flavors can blend. Heat the canola
your family does not enjoy cilantro, substitute Italian parsley. You
oil over medium heat. Season the Muskellunge fillets with
can also combine the two for an interesting, new flavor.
Ph
illi
ps

Put a zing into fall dining featuring Muskellunge fillets topped
with robust chimichurri sauce.

62

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2019	

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019

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