Dam being built for swimming hole

[TrevorCalse23]

Not sure if this is in the right forum but figure it goes along conservation lines, but while out the other evening fishing a mountain(more of hill than a mountain) freestone in SEPA, I discovered what appears to be a rock dam being built for what I assume is to be a swimming hole(given the depth of the pool and spot on the creek this is in). Beings that this section of stream is on state gamelands, id assume that building such a structure wouldnt be viewed favorably.

My question is, is this something I should report to PAFBC and/or PGC? I fish this stream enough to notice the dam has increased in size since I started fishing there, and im unable to tell if it affecting the sections below where the dam is, but I cant imagine its all too great? This is an awesome little stream with what seems to be a decent wild brown population and I would hate to see this section decline beings its one of the only places you can access the stream. Kinda stuck with what I should do here.

FWIW, temps were sitting right around 62° at about 6pm, and while water was low and clear, was still able to manage a few on dries. Couple pictures of some of the nicer fish ive caught here over past trips.

 

[tjsingle]

I would contact PFBC at a minimum, and PGC (Provided its on an SGL).

 

[TerrellBFly]

Kick it down, just like with rock cairns. Probably just some kids having fun in the water, it'll turn into a fun game of build back, and knock down for a little while probably.

Normally, I dont think much about stuff like this, but if its a place you frequent, and you have seen it get bigger.... things tend to move in streams. 🙂

 

[rustbeltwilds]

Just like the stupid rocks stacked on top of another...i topple everyone i come across

 

[jifigz]

I can't imagine the PFBC or the PGC doing anything about it. Yes, they don't want them there, and neither do we, but I don't really see what they are to do other than go and tear it down, which I don't see happening in most cases.

I have been running into this more and more on certain creeks. When this happens to me, I immediately begin tearing the dams apart and redistributing the rocks across the bottom to make it a more natural stream bottom again. I hate seeing this, but kids will be kids. People want to cool off when it's hot....

 

[FollowTheBlueLines]

I'm pretty sure I know the stream you're talking about here. People have been damming/re-damming and swimming in that hole longer than I've been alive. You could kick it down or report it, but I'm sure it will get built back up next summer.

 

[TrevorCalse23]

Kick it down, just like with rock cairns. Probably just some kids having fun in the water, it'll turn into a fun game of build back, and knock down for a little while probably.

Normally, I dont think much about stuff like this, but if its a place you frequent, and you have seen it get bigger.... things tend to move in streams. 🙂

This was my initial thought, but I think itd take more than some kicking due to the size of it and how much water its holding back. Its on a section that is maybe 25’ wide and is spanning pretty much the whole stream. I didnt know if Id be in a grey area doing that on public land also.

I also dont wanna be “that guy” who spoils some kids fun, as I was there not too long ago and understand youth only lasts so long. And, FWIW, it looks like a nice swimming hole lol.

I appreciate the insight!

 

[TheDuke44]

This was my initial thought, but I think itd take more than some kicking due to the size of it and how much water its holding back. Its on a section that is maybe 25’ wide and is spanning pretty much the whole stream. I didnt know if Id be in a grey area doing that on public land also.

I also dont wanna be “that guy” who spoils some kids fun, as I was there not too long ago and understand youth only lasts so long. And, FWIW, it looks like a nice swimming hole lol.

I appreciate the insight!

This definitely changes things in my eyes...sounds like a dam this big could seriously impact the rest of the waterway downstream.

I'd probably notify both PFBC and PGC, but I also doubt they would do anything about it. If you decided to try and kick it down afterwards, at least you can say you tried to contact them about the issue.

 

[TrevorCalse23]

I can't imagine the PFBC or the PGC doing anything about it. Yes, they don't want them there, and neither do we, but I don't really see what they are to do other than go and tear it down, which I don't see happening in most cases.

I have been running into this more and more on certain creeks. When this happens to me, I immediately begin tearing the dams apart and redistributing the rocks across the bottom to make it a more natural stream bottom again. I hate seeing this, but kids will be kids. People want to cool off when it's hot....

Thats kinda what I thought based on previous experiences with things like this. Hopefully I dont run into too many more, but i can only assume I will at some point.

 

[Swattie87]

Just move enough rocks to form a small open channel in the center of the dam, down to the natural stream bottom to allow fish passage and the pool behind the dam to discharge. The next bank full water event will do the rest of the work for you.

 

[TrevorCalse23]

I'm pretty sure I know the stream you're talking about here. People have been damming/re-damming and swimming in that hole longer than I've been alive. You could kick it down or report it, but I'm sure it will get built back up next summer.

Good chance, its been mentioned on the forum a number of times. That makes sense given its location, cant say I blame people for swimming there.

 

[jifigz]

Just move enough rocks to form a small open channel in the center of the dam, down to the natural stream bottom. The next bank full water event will do the rest of the work for you.

Except the next raging water event won't move those rocks back upstream to cover the now barren bottom.......That is the part that sucks. People will leave a muddy, crappy bottom because they took all the rocks.

 

[Swattie87]

Except the next raging water event won't move those rocks back upstream to cover the now barren bottom.......That is the part that sucks. People will leave a muddy, crappy bottom because they took all the rocks.

True, temporarily, but if the stream likes depositing cobble and rocks in that location, it will deposit more over time. Everything is slowly flowing downstream.

 

[TrevorCalse23]

Just like the stupid rocks stacked on top of another...i topple everyone i come across

Ill always kick rock cairns over, just had to knock some down in Loyalsock State forest a few weeks back.

 

[SBecker]

Just as I gave you advice on the Lehigh.... Kick it down. Then throw some of the rocks in different areas. Then Pm me the stream. lol

 

[TrevorCalse23]

This definitely changes things in my eyes...sounds like a dam this big could seriously impact the rest of the waterway downstream.

I'd probably notify both PFBC and PGC, but I also doubt they would do anything about it. If you decided to try and kick it down afterwards, at least you can say you tried to contact them about the issue.

This seems like a solid approach at the least.