Fuel prices and Steelhead

Do you guys forsee any impact on the crowds this year due to the high fuel prices? Not just gasoline, I'm talking about natural gas and home heating oil. It's going to cost everyone who uses these fuels between 15 and 30 percent more this winter. I for one, will not be able to fish as much! Will this cut your number of trips to tribs this Fall/Winter? If so, how much?

Nope...I bought a camp up there this summer just so I don't have to drive back and forth as much!  However, the gas prices are effecting alot of things people do these days, I'm sure it will effect those who don't put fishing real high on their priority list and may be the deciding factor on wether the drive to Erie or not and how often.  I guess I'll just have to buy less beer so I can continue to go fishing!  NOT!!

Yeah, pack stuff and buy a case of beer instead of going to a bar for me.

Still waiting on my first trip of the year.

Well Ronnie and I always shared the gas and had a great time. Get Ronnie back!

I think its only mean less people arouns early in the season. Guys who would normally justify driving 3-4 hours or more at a shot at a few fish will wait until the reports start coming in hot and heavy to head out. After seeing the difference between the number of fish to people between October and Jan last season I won't bother heading out until around X-Mas and maybe make 1-2 trips in the dead of winter

powerun you suck!!!!!! lol wish i could walk
but i will still make the same amount of trips

I've got about a 2.25 hour drive which cost me a little under $40 last year, this year it will be a little over $50.  I will still make 12 to 15 trips but probably few if any by myself.  Will be making sure one of my fishing partners or dad is along to help with fuel costs.  I'm sure just as many people will make the trip up to fish though, most with longer drives will probably stay for a few days though.

I'll probably make a few less trips this year, or try to plan my trips with other guys.  Most of my trips are solo.  Probably not too much anymore.  114 miles from my driveway to Poor Richards.  
 
I've been saving some cash here and there and have a stash for steelhead fishing.  Even though I can be in and out of PR for about $10 a trip, gas prices will kill me.  Before the snow starts flying, I'll probably drive my wife's minivan instead of my Suburban to save a few bucks.  But when that stash runs out, the fishing probably will too. 
 
I'll be out of work at the end of this month.  A steelhead fisherman's dream - to be unemployed and collect full salary in October, November & December.  But there's a good chance I won't be employed full time for another 6 months to a year, so my hobbies - er, addictions - will be the first to feel the effects. 

im at 80 miles too and then i dump gas in the boat nothing but a $150 or $200 day then dinner not a day for the gas station

I will be buying a horse and buggie and be coming up there amish style but i will have to leave the night before. LOL
But seriously I live around the Kittanning/Butler Area and if anyone wants to car pool with me I am cool with that. I go up on Saturdays and I stay all day.  Hit me up if your interested.

I'll make as many trips, it's just going to cost more. We usually stayed at a motel, but have an option to stay in a camper this year. That will save some, but I'll miss the hot shower.