Native Fish For Tomorrow: Why native “non-game” fish are critical & why PA anglers should care

Coaster Brook Trout Genetics, Life History, and Management with Minnesota DNR’s Nick Peterson

In this episode I talk to Minnesota DNR scientist Nicholas Peterson who specializes in managing Lake Superior Native Coaster Brook Trout. You will learn alot about the amazing life history of coaster brook trout, their resilience, genetics, and many many fisheries management lessons/initiatives we can apply here in Pennsylvania. We may not have Lake Superior in Pennsylvania but we have deep lakes connected to brook trout streams that have similar adfluvial life histories. We can learn a lot from Minnesota DNR’s focus on brook trout conservation genetics, thermal refuge mapping, stocking reform, university/non-profit brook trout research partnerships, and just generally their commitment to so much more than just stocking hatchery trout. We will also talk briefly about how brook trout often are found living in places they “shouldn’t be” such as streams in the upper 70’s and other places we don’t think they can survive yet have thermal micro habitat. We also talk about Nick’s experience holding 25 inch coaster brook trout at night electro surveying in the livht of the Aurora Borealis(northern lights). There is plenty of discussion about historical human impacts that harmed Minnesota coaster brook trout as well as the 2018 recovery of coasters that was helped along by forward thinking coaster brook trout harvest regs enacted in 2006. Minnesota’s north shore is a magical place with magical fish! Check out my Fly Fishing After Dark column in Dark Skies Fly Fishing Magazine!!! https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/magazine/?srsltid=AfmBOorkaTITiDCQvc53i3399mUrzVoaonT_DaAT7DTr2WaHm9ZwrRCb [https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/magazine/?srsltid=AfmBOorkaTITiDCQvc53i3399mUrzVoaonT_DaAT7DTr2WaHm9ZwrRCb] Check out Philip Light’s Unicornbrookies.com for the most science based blog on PA’s native brook trout and their management https://www.unicornbrookies.com/ [https://www.unicornbrookies.com/]

Dr. Joseph Love of Maryland DNR: Invasive Snakehead Truth

In this episode I sit down with fisheries manager and snakehead invasion researcher Dr. Joseph Love of the Maryland DNR. We cover history of the invasion, snakehead biology, documented harms, snakehead misinformation peddled in angling circles, fishing bias towards ignoring harms, and the general lack of understanding out there about how biological invasions work. We talk about the ofd behavior of humans illegally introducing them to new environments and the selfis underlying sociology behind it. We talk about snakehead pushing into new environments in PA/ MD as new food items such as trout are found in their stomachs as they invade further upstream. Finally we close with the important point that just because we cannot erradicate invasive snakehead(currently) it doesn’t mean we cannot mitigate them with harvesting every snakehead we catch. We talk about the conservation heros bowfishing snakehead out of the upper Chesapeake. Also we talk about exciting genetic technologies on the horizon that offer hope for eradicating invasive snakeheads in the future. We also talk about invasion in the Delaware River system in Pennsylvania such as the Schuylkill River and the New Jersey tributaries of the Delaware. #snakehead #channaargus #invasivespecies #bowfishing #pafishing #pinebarrens #newjersey Check out my Fly Fishing After Dark Column in https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/magazine/?srsltid=AfmBOooW7zQVW2P_JhFP8q7BLjBq8LgwuxATSpecyyMoZSrmjrNRYBJd [https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/magazine/?srsltid=AfmBOooW7zQVW2P_JhFP8q7BLjBq8LgwuxATSpecyyMoZSrmjrNRYBJd] Check out UnicornBrookies.com for the most data driven and thought provoking conservation articles on brook trout out there.

The Ghosts of Cape May: Recovering Weakfish with Dr. Jessica Gorzo of NJDEP

In This episode I interview Dr. Jessica Gorzo, NJDEP weakfish population stock assessment scientist. We talk about the historic cultural significance of these regal sportfish and how they shaped New Jersey shore towns. I talk about my own treasured experiences with weakfish chasing them as a child in capemay in the 1990s and then watching their populations crash and fall off a cliff. Its this crash which is the majority of our discussion as we explore the reasons behind what some scientists call the greatest mystery in Atlantic marine biology. We talk about possible factors for the reasons these fish gonout to open ocean and seem to just disappear. Stripers, bottle nosed dolphin, spinny dogfish, and bluefish have all been suspected but unproven. We will talk about bycatchint in trawler netting, changes to forage base, and havitat changes in costal estuaries as we try to get to the bottom of why these fish have declined from their former glory. We also talk about the micro increase in their populations, talk about anecdotal fishint reports and ask are there reasons for optimism in the future or not? #weakfish #saltwaterfishing #saltwaterflyfishing #seatrout #fortescue Check out my Fly Fishing After Dark Column in Dark Skies Fly Fishing Magazine! https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorsfzId4xoY6sTFNaqpnzjprpwhEVD11uUQKhY5WZJ8MjrYDtS2 [https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorsfzId4xoY6sTFNaqpnzjprpwhEVD11uUQKhY5WZJ8MjrYDtS2] Check out UNICORNBROOKIES.com for the best coverage of brook tro it fisheries science out there https://www.unicornbrookies.com/ [https://www.unicornbrookies.com/]

Finsylvania Update: Big new Finsylvania Pod Project,Big Spring Fundraiser, & PGC/PFBC merger talk.

Join me for this Finsylvania Podcast Update! We announce a new big Finsylvania project called “The Finsylvania Road Trip Series” where we hit the road and talk to subject matter experts in management of species outside of PA and take fisheries science & management lessons home back to PA. Meet a new species, a nee fishery, or just learn more about one you already know ir have interest in! I also announce THE BIG SPRING PRESENTATION ASSOCIATION’s May 7th fundraiser for Big Springs Legal Defense Fund against the warehouse that potentially threatens to distribute or alter its spring source. 5-8pm come raise kiney for this legendary stream and enjoy the conpany of the fly fishing community and refreshments all in the beautiful natural setting of the Kings Gap Mansion. Also on this Update episode we talk about warming stream temps and reducing brook trout thermal stress by bonking stockers in brook trout and wild trout streams on the head and removing the man made hatchery stream pollution. Finally we talk about Tim Schaeffer’s pet project, merging PFBC and PGC. Find out my personal opinion on the motivations for this move and why it could amount to just anither way to bail out hatcheries at hunters/public land SGL’s expense. Road trip series fisheries and species NJDEP-Weakfish population crash and recovery efforts Maryland DNR-Snakehead invasion, myths, and harms(PA streams discussed too) Minnesota DNR-Coaster Brook Trout Managment/Genetics Lake Ontario Non-native Salmon stocking with Dr. Peiman, a new way forward #brooktrout #blueliner #snakehead #seatrout #chinooksalmon Dark Skies Fly Fishing https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/product/1-year-digital-subscription/?srsltid=AfmBOoqErAMSpSJoH6v0vTMHyOfG1Jr9HrXm7jpIfVEW3PvY1MvGN8Z7 [https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/product/1-year-digital-subscription/?srsltid=AfmBOoqErAMSpSJoH6v0vTMHyOfG1Jr9HrXm7jpIfVEW3PvY1MvGN8Z7] Unicorn Brookies https://www.unicornbrookies.com/ [https://www.unicornbrookies.com/] DONATE TO BIG SPRING LEGAL DEFENSE FUND!! https://protectbigspring.org/ [https://protectbigspring.org/]

Native Fish For Tomorrow: Why native “non-game” fish are critical & why PA anglers should care

In this episode I sit down with Drew & Tyler from Native Fish For Tomorrow, a Minnesota based native fish conservation organization. I sit down with them to discuss the critical importance that native so called “non-game”(hate that term🥴) fish play in the health and quality of our aquatic ecosystems and fisheries. As fly fishermen we often onow everything about the emergence of the macroinvertebrates trout feed on and that part of the ecosystem yet we know so little about these vital non-trout native fish that entire aquatic environments depened on for ecosystem services. From native fall fish helping 9 other species of small antive fish spawn to white sucker runs transferint massive amounts of nutrients and protein to head water streams in their eggs during spawning runs, come learn about why the trout, bass, or musky angler should care about these amazing species. You will also learn along the way that these so called “non-game” fish are extremely worthy targets and truely excellent sport fish that have tradionally just suffered from lack of branding or false cultural stigmas. Critical to our ecosystems and fun to catch, whats not to love? I was very intentional about reaching out to Native Fish For tomorrow for an interview for this episode because their policy wins for better management of the these species(therfore healthier streams) in Minnesota is nothing short of impressive and provides a road map to healthier streams and better fishing here in PA if we chose to follow it. My contact-Jim Suleski E-mail: Salvelinus19@gmail.com Cell-609-405-1415 Socials https://www.instagram.com/jimsinsta_gram?igsh=MXB4djIyMHh1dzc3Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/jimsinsta_gram?igsh=MXB4djIyMHh1dzc3Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtXWagt9c/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtXWagt9c/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Subscribe To Dark Skies Fly Fishing!! Check out my Column in each issue called “ Fly Fishing After Dark” https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/product/1-year-digital-subscription/?srsltid=AfmBOoqErAMSpSJoH6v0vTMHyOfG1Jr9HrXm7jpIfVEW3PvY1MvGN8Z7 [https://darkskiesflyfishing.com/product/1-year-digital-subscription/?srsltid=AfmBOoqErAMSpSJoH6v0vTMHyOfG1Jr9HrXm7jpIfVEW3PvY1MvGN8Z7] Check out Phillip Light’s Unicorn Brookies Blog for the VERY BEST information on Native Brook Trout conservation a issues Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Stocked Trout PA Wild Trout Fishing PA Lake Erie Steelhead Alley PA Smallmouth Bass Fishing Largemouth Bass Lakes PA Pennsylvania Walleye Fishing PA Musky Fishing Channel Catfish Pennsylvania PA Panfish (Yellow Perch, Crappie) Snakehead Fishing PA Striped Bass Hybrid PA Carp Fishing PA Fly Fishing PA Trout Ice Fishing PA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) +5 Top Location-Based Keywords (Rivers & Lakes) Delaware River Fishing PA Susquehanna River Fishing Allegheny River Fishing Pine Creek Gorge Fishing (PA Grand Canyon) Raystown Lake Fishing Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Lake Erie Fishing Report Pymatuning Lake Fishing Lake Arthur Fishing Beltzville Lake Fishing Marsh Creek Lake Fishing Nockamixon Lake Fishing Yellow Breeches Creek Fly Fishing Penns Creek Trout Spring Creek State College Oil Creek Fishing Neshannock Creek Trout Slippery Rock Creek Fishing Youghiogheny River Fishing Cedar Run PA Slate Run PA Fishing Creek Bloomsburg Letort Spring Run Monocacy Creek Trout Wissahickon Creek Fishing Conneaut Lake Fishing Presque Isle Bay Fishing Walnut Creek Access Elk Creek Fishing Schuylkill River Fishing Juniata Valley RV Juniata Valley RV +8 Top Recreational & Regulatory Keywords PA Fishing License PA Fishing Regulations 2026 PA Trout Stocking Schedule Buy PA Fishing License Online PA Fishing License Cost PA Fishing Regulations Trout PA Fishing Report PA Trout Stamp PA Fishing License Exemptions PA Fish and Boat Commission PA Fishing Season Dates PA Fishing Guide PA Fishing License Agents PA Senior Fishing License PA Trout Unlimited Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) +3 Top "Where to Fish" & Trip Keywords Best Fishing Spots in PA Fishing Near Me PA Fishing Charters PA Fishing Guides Lake Erie Family Fishing PA ADA Accessible Fishing PA PA State Parks Fishing Fishing Cabin Rentals PA Top 100 Trout Streams PA Best Bass Fishing PA PA Boat Registration Fly Fishing Guides PA Kayak Fishing PA Bank Fishing PA Best PA Lakes for Fishing Trophy Trout Fishing PA Smallmouth Bass River Fishing Weekend Fishing Trips PA PA Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Public Fishing Access PA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) +8 Regional and Specific Keyword Variations Philadelphia Fishing Pittsburgh Fishing Harrisburg Fishing Poconos Fishing PA Fly Hatch Chart Green Drake Hatch PA PA Bait and Tackle Shops Streamer Fishing PA Dry Fly Fishing PA PA Record Fish Muskellunge Fishing Tips Walleye Fishing Lake Erie PA Inland Water Fishing Fishing Gear PA Best Time to Fish PA PA Trout Management Areas Catch and Release Fishing PA PA Native Trout Fishing Permits PA Local PA Fishing Clubs