My East Branch (Delaware) used to be a real river;

It was subject to normal seasonal changes.

The low, warm water of summer was great for families

Who wanted to fish and swim and play in her waters.

Kids and old men could wade wet,

And catch trout, bass, panfish and eels.

Family fish fries were common on E. Branch shorelines;

Fried fish… fried potatoes… all good stuff.

But that all changed with the Pepacton Reservoir;

Water drawn from its depths changed the river forever. 

The East Branch is no longer a normal, natural stream;

Now, it’s a fast-flowing, cold, cold water stream year-round.

No more summer wet wading… no swimming;

The E. Branch is now paradise for trout fishermen only.

And, most of these are out-of-towners, wearing tweed,

Sporting expensive gear and fishing with flies.

Makes a guy almost dislike trout and trout fishermen;

Makes me long for the days of my youth!