At Coudersport Rotary Club’s June 16, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill, Rotarian Sharon Fitzgerald introduced her friends, Maureen and Tom McDonald, who run the Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve.

Maureen grew up on Big Moore’s Run Road outside of Coudersport and moved away after college. In 2016 Tom and Maureen took over Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve from her parents, which has been in operation for 45 years. Six years ago Maureen and Tom moved back up to Potter County from Columbia County.

Big Moore’s Run is a Class A Trout stream which flows to the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning River. The Preserve is a dual business of ecotourism and fish farming. Aquaculture is regulated by the PA Dept of Agriculture.

90% of the trout they raise are sold and delivered to streams and private individuals from late March to early April. The hatchery delivers fish to 9 counties. 80% of the fish are bought by 20% of their customers. 75% of customers are clubs and lodges. The other 25% are small derbies and people who come to get fish to stock their ponds.

They are a true hatchery, They start with adult brood fish, who lay eggs, which hatch into sac fry, which lie on the bottom, absorbing nutrients from an exterior yolk. These then develop a mouth and swim up into suspension. The McDonalds feed these a “milkshake” of ground up beef liver. Between February and April you can arrange to come and see the life cycle of the fish.

To grow from small fish to large ones, the fish need food, protection from predators, good genetics and age. Selective breeding yields the best fish. 25” trout are at least 7 years old, and not every fish can grow to this.

Commercial fishing trawlers waste a lot of fish. From their “waste fish” a paste is made which is 45% protein and high in fat. It is converted into different size pellets for different size fish.

Predators include birds of prey, mink, raccoon, bobcat, river otter and trespassers. Bears steal fish food. Elk may wallow in holding ponds, causing the fish to panic and smother.

They have one full-time employee, Danny Schoonover, who maintains the stream as well as supervising production.

Moore’s Run Fish & Game Preserve maintains 2 miles of stream for catch and release fly-fishing. Those fishing the stream must pinch the barb off their hooks to prevent injuries to fish and to people. They do need a fishing license.

The preserve offers guiding services although most customers are technically strong flyfishers.

People love the beauty of Potter County. They come to the Preserve for privacy and exclusivity. They have the stream to themselves and have the opportunity to catch big fish, which have been able to grow there under favorable conditions in pristine water. Many customers fly in or drive many hours, coming from as far as California and Texas. They patronize local B & B’s, motels, and restaurants, so there is trickle-down revenue to the community.

This is the 17th year Moores Run Fish and Game Preserve have hosted the Healing Waters program for Veterans. They also welcome local high school and conservation school programs.

Thank you Maureen and Tom McDonald for speaking before Coudersport Rotary Club.