If you are thought of as being a good fisher, or as an authority on a fishery, or even a person who writes about such things, there comes a time when you simply have to come up with some proof that you know what you are talking about.

The Delaware River and watershed are a battle ground of competing interests. While every reader of this column knows the fishery is by far the most vital to human existence, other interests such as pure drinking water for millions, irrigation for farming and keeping salt water intrusion at bay downriver are sometimes considered by others to be important too.

I would like to think every reader understands that this expression of priorities is written tongue in cheek, but there is a certain element that is undeniable. All of the other competing needs and interests can be accomplished without diminution of a very healthy fishery. In most cases, there is enough water for everyone in the watershed. The question is whether the water is being used and managed for the highest and best purposes.

One thing that frosts me is when the impounded water of the Catskill Mountain Watershed ends up in the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean to no one’s benefit. Wasted is a more honest way to say it. Because of the intervention of mankind, our fishery is, to a large degree, artificial. The waters impounded at Cannonsville, Pepacton and Lake Wallenpaupack must be used wisely, if we are ever to approach the “highest and best use” standard.

It has been demonstrated time and time again that the watershed produces enough clean, cold water to satisfy all interests and needs. This includes those of the fishery, meaning cold-water releases during thermal stress events. This is why I must remember to acknowledge and thank those who have been on the frontline in the battle for more thoughtful water-use policies; people like Peter Kolesar, Jim Serio and the leadership of Friends of the Upper Delaware and Trout Unlimited.

But do these guys fish? Is it all just theoretical, or do these people wet a line once in a while? Where’s the credibility—the proof of the pudding? Well, I put Professor Kolesar to the test recently and I can say with certainty that “he is a fine fisher” and passed with flying colors. This photo is unretouched, and speaks volumes. There is an old Irish saying that “Nobody takes a fine fish home through a back alley.” And some river advocates actually have first-hand knowledge of what they speak.

The fish pictured here was caught in the Salmon River at Pulaski, NY. This is a managed fishery with regulated releases, not unlike what we have on the Delaware River. The economic impact of the fishery on the Salmon River cannot be overstated. The potential economic impact of the fishery on the Delaware River cannot be overstated either. But the operative word is “potential.” Think about it.