Tevis Energy and Modern Comfort are the primary sponsors committing $4,500 towards the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day March 28 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove. Mentored Youth Day is a statewide event regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation (Friends) and Sportsmen’s Advisory Board partnered to enhance the event at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park seven years ago.
Over 200 youth try to ‘catch a big one’ at the lake as lunker trout (18-26 inches) are stocked courtesy of Tevis and Modern Comfort. Plus, thousands more trout will be stocked by the Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery and PA Fish and Boat Commission. No registration is required and in addition to the thrill of catching a fish, all eligible youth will receive a rod and reel. Also, this year 100 tagged trout, each worth $20 will be stocked. The PA Fish and Boat Commission regulate Mentored Youth Trout Day which includes a license or free permit for youth under 16 and a trout stamp and license for mentors. View all regulation on the PA Fish and Boat Commission webpage.
Two lucky youth anglers will receive a free mount of a trout they catch by either Vince Alessi, Copper Creek Taxidermy, St Clair or Bruce Wilson of Wilson’s Taxidermy, Jonestown.
Again this year, members of Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited will be on hand to assist novice anglers. Bruce Schneck was an avid member of TU and volunteered numerous hours helping kids tie flies and learn to fish! TU’s involvement is a fitting tribute to Bruce.
Also, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park’s Betty Dietz and Bruce Schneck Memorial year-long fishing event kicks off on April 11. Coordinated by the County Sportsmen’s Advisory Board with assistance from the Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery and major sponsor Pioneer Pole Buildings, registration is now open.
Registration information is available on-line at www.sweetarrowlakepark.com and can be mailed. Deadline for registration at Werner Lumber – Pine Grove Store Only, Stony Gun and Archery and Tremont Mini-Mart will be April 10 or until 4 p.m. at Fish and Boat Access pavilion on April 11. Event organizers will be on hand March 28, April 6 and April 11 at the boat launch pavilion to take registrations and provide food for sale.
Stocking of $20,000 worth of trout including 350 ‘lunker’ trout size 16-26 inches will occur multiple Saturdays in April. A total of 100 tagged fish worth $100 each will be stocked totaling $10,000! Tags may be submitted till day before event in 2027. The Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery and the PA Fish and Boat Commission will provide in-season stockings as well.
These events cost $35,000; paid in donations and registrations. The cost to register this year is only $10 per adult. About 75% of registrants appreciate the value of the events and donate as part of their registration. Businesses make up the balance. Contributions can be mailed to Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation, PO Box 81, Friedensburg, 17933. For up-to-date information see Facebook pages ‘Mentored Youth Trout Day’ and ‘Sweet Arrow Lake Fishing Event’.
From a press release
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