Fallingwater Friday: Trout Fishing at Bear Run

April 17 marks Opening Day of trout season in Pennsylvania. Fishing has been popular at Bear Run even before its waters carried the Exceptional Value distinction. A trout hatchery, built just upstream of the waterfalls, stocked enough fish for the hundreds of campers who vacationed at Kaufmann's Summer Camp. Local folks enjoyed their favorite fishing holes in Bear Run, too. Today, WPC believes that fishing is a wholesome recreation, and it is permitted on our lands, including the upper portion of Bear Run, upstream from PA Route 381.

Hunting and fishing are sports that help us understand the ways of the natural world, and for some communities, have been necessary for daily survival too. “A Fallingwater Homecoming” further explores the community connection to the Bear Run landscape. Don't miss this exhibit, opening next month at the Barn at Fallingwater, which includes this memory by Fallingwater
neighbor Bill Scarlett:

“I used to slip off the farm and go fishing in Bear Run. I didn't have a bought fishing pole, I'd just go out and cut a stick and tie about a four feet piece of line on it. I was back there fishing in the baptizing hole, I was catching trout and I was having a ball. Somebody said “Billy, you catching lots of fish?” and I turned around and there was Mr. Kaufmann. I didn't know whether to run or what to do. And we talked a little bit and he said, “Well have fun, catch ‘em!”

Donald Woodmancy is pictured fishing on Bear Run, circa 1925.

Help WPC achieve its mission.

E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend!

Sign Up for WPC Daily