Fish and Boat Commission moves to protect local hatcheries from New Zealand mudsnails.
Centre County’s Spring Creek is a “destination stream,” attracting anglers from all over the United States.
The mudsnails were likely — although unknowingly — introduced into Spring Creek by an angler who had been fishing in a western state.
However, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is taking steps to make sure that mudsnails do not get into their fish hatcheries and potentially spread across the state with stockings.
Three Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission fish hatcheries are located in the Spring Creek watershed — Bellefonte, Benner Spring and Pleasant Gap.
“It is a low-voltage, low-wattage barrier that the mudsnails will not cross,” Niewinski said.
“We want to keep the New Zealand mudsnail out of our fish hatcheries, because from there they could potentially be spread all across the state.
Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone, resident of non-resident, to fish in Pennsylvania waters without a fishing license.
On June 11, area residents will have two opportunities, not only to fish for free, but to get help and/or be able to borrow fishing equipment.
Later the same day, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold a Family Fishing Festival at Bald Eagle State Park at Pavilions 6 and 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.