The Fish and Boat Commission is asking Lehigh River anglers for their input on a draft fisheries management plan, with a special emphasis on the portion of the river from F.E. Walter Reservoir to the mouth.

In addition to accessing the documents online, anglers can also submit their comments via the web. Comments will be accepted through April 27.

The plan is designed to be a “living document” that will be modified as needed and regularly updated on a five-year basis. Among the items covered in the plan are proposed habitat improvements such as low flow channel deflectors, species- and river section-specific stocking targets, and studies of angler use and harvest.

One method of examining angler use and harvest is through angler log books.

These logbooks provide an opportunity for anglers to record information on their fishing activities and provide this information to the PFBC. The Commission then analyzes this data and provides the results to those who participate when the report is completed. A Lehigh River log book program was conducted in 2006 and the PFBC will continue it in 2007.

Logbooks are being distributed to fishing guides, bait and tackle stores, Hickory Run State Park, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ F.E. Walter office, and area sportsman's clubs.

For more information, visit the fisheries management plan and angler log books webpages.

4/13/2007