The Oak draws fishermen from several states in pursuit of the King
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – These fishermen try to catch salmon and trout in the Oak Orchard River this afternoon.
Many of the anglers were participating in the 16th fly fishing tournament at St. Mary’s Archer’s Club. There were 53 participants in the three-day tournament with prizes awarded for the biggest Chinook salmon, brown trout, steelhead and Atlantic salmon. A 25-pound, 5-ounce Chinook salmon led the derby.
The Archer’s Club said there were participants from several states, including New York, Maine, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Ohio and Arizona.
The anglers said the fishing was good, but it hasn’t hit its peak yet because the water is a little too warm. When the temps drop, they said more fish will be in the Oak Orchard River.
Shane Smith helps his son Beckett, 8, try to reel in a Chinook salmon, also known as a King salmon. The fish managed to slip the hook and get away. Smith, who is from near Harrisburg, Pa., has been coming to the Oak Orchard annually for about 30 years. His other son Ben, 13, is at left with the net. Ben was on the leaderboard for five different fish in the three-day tournament.
Even if the fish are elusive, anglers say they enjoy being in the outdoors, especially when a blue heron passes by.
The Oak Orchard River is a popular spot during the fall and also in the early winter.
One fly rod is set down for a break in the action today.
