The Wissahickon: Our Stream of Brotherly Love  

At one time throughout the state of Pennsylvania, there were many secluded streams hidden between spacious, green, rolling valleys which produced native trout never seen by man. Nature had kept a watchful eye on these waters and their trout tenants existing day to day in a balanced state. Many of these streams lost their seclusion as a result of the advancing tide of man’s increasing population and land development, which disturbed this balance of nature, and in some cases altering or destroying it altogether. One such stream that forfeited its seclusion and majestic natural reproduction of its trout tenants for the pleasure of man was the Wissahickon. 

The Wissahickon is not located in some far off mountain region, but instead flowing mostly within the boundaries of the sixth largest city in our country, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. The stream is approximately 15 miles in length, flowing gracefully from its source above Ambler, to its exit at the Schuykill River in Manayunk. On its course to the river, the Wissahickon flows through the beautiful surroundings of the Fairmount Park.

The Park with its grandeur of large oak and maple trees, aromatic flowers, and green shrubs embraces the Wissahickon as it makes its way to the river. Parallel to the stream, a bridle path is used by horse riders who either own their own horses or rent them from nearby riding academies. The path is also used by many hikers, sightseers and joggers who find the path an easy road to either walk or run on. In addition, for those who wish a more challenging rugged, hillside climb, there are trails that divide the hillsides and terrain.

Throughout the Park there are many different sights that are of interest, but the one particular which has attracted many a visitor is known as Valley Green. Valley Green is a beautiful landscape setting located on the banks of the Wissahickon between the Shawmont Ave and Canoe Club dams. It harbors a very tranquil atmosphere coupled with the passing of horse riders, visitors and the sounds of ducks. The flock of ducks that resides at Valley Green is quite an attraction to see and a visitor viewing the ducks for the first time would be pleasantly surprised to find them friendly and eager to be fed. The ducks stay at Valley Green all year round, because they find refuge from the rifle sights of hunters as well as obtaining abundant food. The food is abundant because repeat visitors who come to see this colorful menagerie of ducks bring with them their scraps of dried bread, old cookies and other leftovers. Grain is also supplied as food for the ducks by the proprietor of the Valley Green Inn; a fine restaurant located a stone’s throw from the stream. Many of the visitors who come to see and feed the ducks are not aware of what happens to the small particles of food that have not been devoured by the ducks. If an individual walked a short distance below where the ducks are feeding, the observer would see the small particles of food being nibbled upon by minnows that are in turn gorged upon by the trout residents in the stream.

The Wissahickon has long ago given up its ability to self produce trout. However, as a result of the excellent management program by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission of regularly stocking trout in the stream, many an angler young or elderly, can enjoy a day’s outing. An example of this outing can be seen by the large response of anglers who gather each year for the opening day of the trout season. On the opening day itself (8 a.m. on the Saturday nearest to the 15th of April ), anglers can be seen at each rapid and dam, standing shoulder to shoulder, while those who desire fishing from the stream’s bank, are seen in search of their favorite spot. With the arrival of 8 a.m., the anxious anglers begin to cast and dip their lines and baits into the stream all anticipating a quick jerk of the line and a hooked fish. These anglers consist of women and men, girls and boys, from all walks of life. Businessmen and women from the city, policemen, students, doctors, are only a few. Although these anglers come from all walks of life, they commonly share the same excitement, the intrigue, and the bonding with nature and its surroundings. The trout they catch are usually of two types, brown and rainbow and the fish may range from the lengths of 7 to 14 inches with an occasional lucky angler catching a trout up to 22 inches. These anglers may keep trout for food or release them for another angler to catch.

The trout fishing season comes and goes on the Wissahickon as do the anglers, hikers, joggers, horse riders and sightseers, but the stream still flows throughout the seasons. Not until winter, will the beautiful Wissahickon be put to bed in a semi-secluded state with a blanket of ice and snow as its cover. Only than will the Wissahickon be partially hidden from the bronze eyes of its guardian, William Penn, atop his pedestal on City Hall. With the arrival of Spring, the Stream of Brotherly Love will once again be awakened and enjoyed by all the friends of the Wissahickon. 

--Michael H. Skurecki--
Spring 2008 Issue