Bellfonte Middle School Fishing Event at Northeast Fishery Center on June 7, 2007

As part of National Fishing and Boating Week 2007, the Northeast Fishery Center and co-sponsors invited local families to the first Northeast Fishery Center Recreational Fishing Day, Saturday, June 2, at the new barrier-free fishing area located at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Fishery Center in Lamar. The catch and release event offered a great opportunity for family fun.   Approximately 90 children were joined by parents and grandparents in the trophy catch and release event at the Lamar facility.   "The event was a real treat for old and young alike as everyone had the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful catches by our new generation of anglers.  We expect this will be the beginning of many annual educational, family oriented fishing events", said Northeast Fishery Center Director Mike Millard. The event was co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Southern Clinton County Sportsman's Association, Trout Unlimited, Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company, Friends of the Lower Great Lakes Fisheries Resources Office, and the Central Mountain Middle School Builders Club. 

On Thursday June 7, 2007, the Northeast Fishery Center, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Southern Clinton County Sportsman's Association, and Trout Unlimited, joined in hosting students, friends and families of the Bellefonte Middle School - Life Skills Class - for a morning of pure fun and excitement at the pond.

After both fishing events, staff conducted tours of the fishery center's Atlantic sturgeon facility.  These fishing events were among hundreds that took place across the country during National Fishing and Boating Week that demonstrated the advantages of fishing and boating as family activities.  The new recreational fishing facility at the fishery center was made possible through assistance from U.S. Rep. John E. Peterson.