ClearWater Conservancy and Spring Creek Trout Unlimited Celebrate 9th Annual Family Fishing Picnic

ClearWater Conservancy partnered with Spring Creek Trout Unlimited for an afternoon of outdoor fun at the Family Fishing Picnic. For the 9th year in a row (starting in June of 2016), this community event served as a chance to connect with nature, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories centered around fishing, conservation, and family fun.

Spring Creek Trout Unlimited accomplishes their mission to protect and restore its watershed through advocacy, conservation projects, and community outreach programs. This event helped connect seasoned anglers and those trying fishing for the first time through casting practice, tying fishing knots, and exploring bug ID. Other local organizations like Centre LifeLink EMS came out to assist in educational activities.

“It’s inspiring to see how a simple idea—inviting families to fish—has grown into a signature community celebration,” said Ford Stryker, event co-chair.

Launched on June 12, 2016 as the “Get Outdoors Family Fishing Picnic” to celebrate and coincide with National Get Outdoors Day, this event originally had approximately 300 people in attendance at the

Tussey Mountain pond. The event's infamous costume, Tony the Trout, made its first appearance at the first SCCTU Family Fishing Picnic.

Eight people from the class of the 2016 Leadership Centre County, led by John Boogert  created the event, including Bob Vierck, president of SCCTU, and Judi Sittler, Youth Outreach Chair. Denny Hameister, Chair of Harris Township Supervisors & Chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission also participated. Centre County Women, Harris Township, Ferguson Township, CBICC, Foundation for PA Watersheds, Weis Market, Giant Market, Sam’s Club, and Walmart were original contributors to the event. Trader Joes, Kerry Benninghoff, Willow Springs Bait, John Boogert (CDT), Tussey Mountain, Otto's Pub & Brewery, and PAF&B also contributed to make the very first event possible. 

Ford & Hazel Stryker became co-chairs of the event in 2018. Both ClearWater Conservancy and the Foundation for Western Pennsylvania Watersheds and other organizations give either funding grants or donations of time and goods, which allow SCCTU to continue to offer the afternoon of family-oriented activities free of charge to participants. Harris Township Supervisors, Denny Hameister & Frank Harden still grill hotdogs at the event.

In the past, the picnic also marked the official kickoff of ClearWater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors summer season, which featured guided hikes and outdoor experiences across the region. 2017 marked the official launch of ClearWater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors program. A grant from Mount Nittany Health helped support this program and the event. The Family Fishing picnic continued to be the first guided outing of the season through its 8th season in 2024. Although Centred Outdoors decided to offer more outings and wellness events earlier in the season to better reach the community, ClearWater will still have a presence at the Family Fishing Picnic offering info and with staff and volunteers helping out at the event in every way they can. ClearWater Conservancy is looking forward to continuing to partner with Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited in new and meaningful ways.

“This event is about more than fishing—it's about connecting families with nature, building community, and creating lasting memories,” said Judi Sittler, SCCTU Youth Outreach Chair and one of the original organizers.