The Little Juniata River is 32 miles in length. It starts in the city limits of Altoona with the confluence of Spring Run and Kettle Creek, flows north to Tyrone, then east to the confluence near Alexandria. Of these miles,. All but a few miles,including Rothrock state forest, are privately owned. (LJRA has secured 4 miles of permanent public access on prime water by paying landowners for easements). Keeping good relations with these private landowners is a major priority for LJRA as it should be for all who wish to have access to this resource. Please respect the landowners rights ! If you see someone damaging signs or dumping trash, take down the license plate and report them immediately to law enforcement. Or report them to the LJRA leadership (we’ll take it to the Water Conservation Officer for prosecution). If you see a violation call 911 or 814 684 5922
Electroshocking survey on the upper J
Wild trout survey on the upper river yields encouraging results
We are pleased that Kris Kuhn, Fisheries Manager for the south central district, and his PFBC crew electroshock surveyed two 300 meter stretches of the upper J between Bellwood and Tyrone (upstream from the DHALO) on June 10th. Large numbers of brown trout were found at both both locations. (During the survey they captured one of our telemetry study fish -see picture below).
Observers, including LJRA officers, are hopeful that, once the results are totaled, more than a Class A population will have been found at both locations. Being declared a wild Class A fishery is a requirement for gaining high quality cold water (HQCW) Designated Use and the added protection that follows this designation by PADEP. Adding this very significant section of the upper J to HQCW designated use list is one big step forward towards meeting the LJRA goal of obtaining HQCW designation for the entire river.
These observations, together with the increasing presence of pollution intolerant mayflies and stoneflies throughout the river, are very exciting developments indeed!
J Perla stonefly
Found this adult perla stonefly on the middle river between Spruce Creek and the Grier school. Stoneflies are sensitive to water quality and seeing them upstream is a great sign.
LJRA Meeting Thursday, June 9th
The Little Juniata River Association will hold its monthly meeting on June 9th at the Edgewater Acres , 7 PM. Come early for dinner and or stay after for drinks and yarn telling. This month’s agenda includes an update on the trout telemetry study. Several trout have reappeared after being “gone” since last fall! We will also review current projects status.
Green Drake
Bill caught this Green Drake (Ephemera Gutulata) last evening on the J. It emerged in his hand! See the fishing report in the forum.
New patterns added
Gorge float clean up
Natural Area (Gorge) River Bank Float Clean-up
The boating and kayaking members of the LJRA once again are organizing a float cleanup of the Little Juniata Natural Area from the Spruce Creek Church to Barree on Saturday, May 7th, 9:00 am to noon. Meet at the Spruce Creek United Methodist Church parking lot at 8:45 AM. Groups (church, office, clubs, etc.) are welcome. We will have johnboats and canoeists for hauling the trash but need kayakers and hikers to access the riverbanks. Car shuttle service provided. All bags, gloves and vests furnished by LJRA. (we go rain/snow or wind)
Contact: John Corr johncorr51@gmail.com or Bill Anderson bjuniata@verizon.net
May Fly of the Month
LJRA Riverbank clean up
LJRA 2016 Riverbank cleanup
Thanks to all!
It didn’t go as planned and the final stages have yet to be completed, but the 11th Annual LJRA bank clean up was a success! Volunteers collected 61 tires and filled 1.5 large roll-away dumpsters so far. The major work was done on April 16th, but different groups who could not attend the make up date organized or will organize on the following weekends.
April 23rd: Angie Spagnoli (PSU-Altoona) organized a group of students to clean Spring Run in Altoona, the uppermost headwater of the LJ. They filled more than 130 garbage bags full of trash and lots of other large objects. This was the first time the clean up extended that far up the watershed. Great job PSU-Altoona
April 30th: Boy scouts will clean the upper river
May 7th: Our boating members and their friends are planning to float the Gorge area and clean areas inaccessible by foot
Thanks to Spruce Creek United Methodist Church for the great lunch, Sheetz Co for bottled water, Tastykake Co. for treats and Veederoot Co. for a monetary donation and commitment of labor
If you are interested in helping with the remaining stages of the clean up email bjuniata@verizon.net.
Share your grannom experience
Join the discussion on this year’s grannoms in the forum. It’s easy to join. See link in the top menu bar