Spot-burning exists, and posting info about some stream on this site and other places on the intreweb can, will, and has been to the detriment of those streams. If one thinks a handful of anglers every weekend stomping up and down a secluded wild trout stream (even conscientious FFers) has no effect on the inhabitants therein, one is sorely mistaken. I "discovered" a Monroe County stream a few years ago that likely many of you know of or have fished. The first few times I fished there I encountered hundreds of wild browns - there were fish everywhere there was holding water. And the deeper runs held decent numbers of bigger fish. Then the PFBC decided to publicize it as a "hot spot for wild trout"... Immediately after that I would find cars in the parking area (a SGL lot on the ridge about 1/4 mi from the stream) when usually there were none, both baiters and FFers down in the stream when I never encountered anyone before, and, of course, fewer and smaller trout. I rarely fish there anymore...
That said, VC is not a secluded wild trout stream. Everyone knows about it. It's restoration to a wild trout fishery is well-documented and publicized. Is this really where this crap started? Threatening, bullying - like, seriously? If anyone can fill me in via PM I would appreciate it, but whatev.
I think it's best to ask yourself some questions before you post publicly about a stream. Is it a small stream, with a relatively fragile habitat? How accessible is it? Are the masses going to be willing to bushwhack and crawl through multiflora rose to catch a 4" brookie - probably not. Hell Creek in Monroe County, for example. Go there. Enjoy. I think the 'Hicky, on the other hand, falls into the category of both fragile and accessible - it wouldn't require much effort to catch and keep all the legal trout one wants there. Oh, see what I did there...? You all know where I'm talking about but I didn't actually name it in a manner that it can be searched for. Google indexes every post on this website. You don't have to be a member to search for "paflyfish West Lunker Run" and get a list of every post mentioning such. Try it. Actually, PAFF is such a popular site that you don't even have to include it in the search. Google any PA stream and this forum is one of the top results...
Hey, if you're a noob and still learning the ins and outs of the coolest hobby on earth that's fine. You're excused, IMO. No one can blame you for being amped about a stream and wanting to tell everyone about it. Live and learn.
Squatch - the old school HBO Ali G is effing HILAROIUS! Guy's a comedic genius.
TL;DR. I know.
