Native Fish Coalition Pennsylvania Chapter

Native Fish Coalition Pennsylvania Chapter Native Fish Coalition is a nonpartisan, all-volunteer, grassroots, donor-funded, non-profit organizat No donation or offer of help is too small or too large.

It is the belief of Native Fish Coalition that no stream, river, pond or lake is truly healthy or “restored” until its full complement of native species is intact and it is devoid of non-native species and hatchery-raised fish. While clean water and healthy riparian zones are a necessary foundation for establishing healthy ecosystems, they are not an absolute indication of overall ecological healt

h. While the complete restoration of native species assemblages and the removal of nonnative fish is not always attainable, it is our goal. The purpose for forming Native Fish Coalition was to address issues that fall through the cracks, and turn partial solutions into total solutions. Our goal is to work with like-minded entities to best utilize our skills and resources to promote meaningful reform even when that means challenging the status quo, and to bridge the gap between fish and water conservation organizations, as well as other groups. We are part of a small but rapidly growing group of like-minded advocates who are committed to protecting, preserving, and restoring our wild native fish. That shared vision and the structure of our organization allows us to achieve consensus and act quickly and decisively to protect this invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Native Fish Coalition sees no issue as too big or too small, too easy or too challenging. We use information and education, research, habitat restoration and enhancement, reclamation, and regulations to promote complete and long-term solutions. While concessions are sometimes necessary, we will not agree to ineffective or dangerous compromises, quick fixes, or temporary solutions. We see education, negotiation, public advocacy, and legislation as important tools for achieving our objectives. We have assembled a group of experienced advocates who have dedicated themselves to understanding the many threats facing our native fish and the most effective ways to combat those threats. It is our intent to find common ground wherever possible and work with as many organizations, government agencies, businesses and clubs as we can. If you feel as we do, we would greatly appreciate your support.

“America’s Fishing Paradox” It’s worth the 8-minute watch. Things need to change.
04/22/2026

“America’s Fishing Paradox” It’s worth the 8-minute watch. Things need to change.

Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?

Who else likes to fish for fallfish?
04/20/2026

Who else likes to fish for fallfish?

Fallfish live in cold water rivers throughout the Northeast and Canada, often sharing habitat with wild trout. They can grow to over three pounds. They are aggressive and willing to bite even when trout and smallmouths have lockjaw.

They will eat caddis on the surface, mealworms on the bottom, and shiny jerkbaits in the riffles. On light tackle, they put a serious bend in the rod. Some anglers would rather target them than trout.

Giant fallfish have been known to smack mouse flies in the dark and pummel streamers midday. At first, you think it is a giant brown.

When you see the silver flash, you are not disappointed. You are impressed. Fallfish are not glamorous. They do not have a magazine cover. But they fight hard and they are always willing. That is more than most gamefish can say.

Can’t beat a PA native!
04/03/2026

Can’t beat a PA native!

C’mon out to the The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster this weekend! We’ll be here today and tomorrow.
03/14/2026

C’mon out to the The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster this weekend! We’ll be here today and tomorrow.

Making the trek down to The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster, PA for the weekend. Come on out and stop by our booth. The sh...
03/13/2026

Making the trek down to The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster, PA for the weekend. Come on out and stop by our booth. The show will run from 9am-5:30pm on Saturday and 9am-4:30pm on Sunday. Lots of great vendors, fly tyers, casting instruction, classes, seminars, and the International Fly Fishing Film Festival to make it more than worth the trip!

Admission Info (Cash only at the gate)Regardless of the weather, the show will go on! Adult One-Day Pass: $20Two-Day Pass: $35 Children 5 & Under: Free6-12: $5 MILITARY/SCOUTS Scouts under 16 in uniform: freeMilitary with ID: $12 Buy Advanced Show Tickets Lancaster Show Info Dates: March 14 & 15, 20...

01/08/2026

The question of whether certain trout should be considered invasive exposes a hard truth in conservation: it’s not just about whether a species is native somewhere, it’s about whether it belongs there.

Brown trout are not native to North America. Introduced from Europe, they outcompete native brook trout and cutthroat trout in many coldwater systems. Because of that, brown trout are actively removed in waters managed for native trout recovery. Yet at the same time, they are still stocked in many rivers and streams by wildlife agencies and conservation groups because they survive well, grow large, and create popular fishing opportunities.

That contradiction muddies the water. Are we managing for native species conservation, or are we managing for robust recreational fisheries? In many places, the answer seems to be both, but those goals don’t always align. Stocking a non-native trout that can suppress native fish may make sense for angler success, but it complicates claims that native species protection is the priority.

Rainbow trout add another layer. They are native to parts of North America, but when stocked outside their historic range, especially into cutthroat trout waters, they can outcompete native fish and hybridize with them, permanently altering native genetics. In those systems, rainbow trout function as invasive species even if they are economically and culturally important.

This doesn’t make anglers the problem, and it doesn’t mean fishing opportunity doesn’t matter. But it does raise an honest question about priorities. Are native trout populations the goal, or are we aiming for the best possible fishing experience? Right now, it often feels like we’re trying to manage for both at the same time, even when those objectives are in direct opposition.

Aaron B. Futrell, Author | Owner, Delong Lures

12/19/2025

Big Spring Creek, a pristine limestone stream in Cumberland Valley, faces threats from a proposed warehouse project near its headwaters.

The Kortz Run stream crossing replacement in Potter County was completed this fall! Our chapter was awarded a Coldwater ...
11/19/2025

The Kortz Run stream crossing replacement in Potter County was completed this fall! Our chapter was awarded a Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grant to assist Potter County Conservation District and Abbott Township with removing this aquatic organism passage barrier and replacing it with a 14-foot bottomless culvert.

Kortz Run, previously disconnected near its mouth, is now fully reconnected for 1.2 miles from its headwaters to its mouth at the confluence with Germania Branch; a big win for brook trout.

Additional upstream coldwater habitat in this Germania Branch tributary is now accessible for recolonization, spawning, and young-of-year brook trout.

Stay tuned for a full write-up on the project!

Tree Planting Update: NFC members completed a riparian tree planting project in 2023 along Kettle Creek on the old Rausc...
10/08/2025

Tree Planting Update: NFC members completed a riparian tree planting project in 2023 along Kettle Creek on the old Rausch Farm property now owned by DCNR. This area lacks tree canopy along the stream and in the riparian zone. Thanks to the maintenance and upkeep of this project by board member Emily Shosh, we are pleased to report that we have an 85-90% survival rate two years later. Trees along the stream have a variety of benefits like preserving cold water temperatures, preventing accelerated bank erosion, creating woody habitat, and providing food for macroinvertebrates. All important things for the brook trout that inhabit this important stream. (Sorry for the poor photo)

Check out the final report for the investigation and design project we assisted with in the Moshannon Creek Headwaters. ...
09/15/2025

Check out the final report for the investigation and design project we assisted with in the Moshannon Creek Headwaters. One step closer to treating the MC-FORE discharge which will increase water quality and available habitat for brook trout and other fish species! A big thank you to Moshannon Creek Watershed Association for their hard work!

Working to protect and improve Moshannon Creek and its tributary streams.

Address

Pownal, ME

Telephone

+12073996270

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Native Fish Coalition Pennsylvania Chapter posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category