Clinton County will host a very special event on June 7 – the Fish and Boat Commission’s fourth annual shad fry fish stocking to draw attention to this important fishery resource in Pennsylvania.

The event will be held along the banks of the Bald Eagle Creek in Castanea Township.

From the earliest colonial times to the advent of 20th century dams, American shad (Alosa sapidissima) were the most important freshwater commercial and sport fish in the eastern U.S. and it is estimated that once the large game fish is fully restored and self-sustaining in the West Branch Susquehanna River, activities related to the their annual spring migration could generate an estimated $50 million a year.

Since 2004 this annual event has released over 932,000 shad fry and the management plan envisions achieving a goal of 2 million American shad spawning above Susquehanna River main-stem hydrodams by 2025.

A highlight of the shad fry stocking event will be presentations by Fish and Boat Commission fisheries biologists who will present an informative short program on American shad history, life cycle, and current and future restoration efforts on the West Branch Susquehanna River.

At the closing of the presentation adventurous adults and youth will have an historical opportunity to step into the Bald Eagle Creek to lend a hand in releasing the shad fry.

This hour long American shad release event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Castanea boat access area in Bald Eagle Creek Park just off of Rt. 220 and the event is rain or shine.

For more information contact the Elisabeth L. Lynch at 570-893-4123 or send email to: ELynch@ClintonCountyPA.com .

6/1/2007