Thanks to a fanciful fish, one of the Mountain State’s most historic waterways continues with its modern era homecoming of sorts. Buffalo Creek, mouthing into the Guyandotte River at the southern Logan County town of Man, has literally regained its “fins.” That is, with great pride as a springtime put and take trout fishery.

The Coalfields “Creek” had lost its trout stocking status right along with the 1972 gob dam disaster. However, a present day’s consortium of folks is proving that they’re turning the page to a much happier chapter with the trout thing front and center. The day before the 1972 dam failure, Perry Harvey remembers fishing for a particular golden trout just out from his home. Though his residence was spared, more than 500 others were not so lucky. Officially retired now, Perry is working hard nevertheless with the local Watershed Association, again with the trout program the icing on the cake.

So it was understandably with great fanfare that after nearly 34 years, Buffalo Creek was stocked once again by the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) in February of 2006. Perry can again wet a line just outside his same house but his interests are now more with the younger generations.

Just like Perry, Eddie Adkins and a host of folks are trying to energize the community.

A supportive community is their highest and best hope. The Watershed Association there has garnered the strong support of local anglers, businesses, neighboring coal companies as well as a wide range of government agencies including the Logan County Commission, DEP, DNR and the Army Corps of Engineers.

We’ve learned that even the Governor stopped by last week and was well informed of the positive activities whereby cleanup projects and a litter free waterway have come to the forefront. Unauthorized heavy equipment is also being kept out of the streambed.

The official return to the state trout stock list was thus not merely throwing fish in the creek. Nevertheless, the group is still frustrated at times by the degree of casual littering. As a result, enforcement may be the only cure for some. Along those lines, the group works closely with DNR Conservation Officer and “Creek” native, Larry Harvey, the DEP and town of Man Police.

An annual Association highlight is tomorrow’s (April 13th) “spring break” youth fishing day. The group convenes about 10 a.m. near the McCoy Park for some prizes in the form of fishing gear, snacks and then get to see an actual trout stocking capped off with some fishing of course.

Perry advises that the event is by no means limited to Buffalo Creek residents but asks that fishing in the McCoy Park zone be limited to youngsters on spring break for the day. Older anglers might note that the upper and lower reaches of the stream will get some fish too! This is a private stocking over and above the state input with many thanks to the contributors.

So come on down and stay tuned as something tells me we’ll be getting back with you soon for another chapter.