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By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

It will be a day of family-friendly fishing fun at Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club as they host the second annual Youth Trout Derby from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The free event is supported in part by the United Way of the Bradford Area and coincides with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Mentored Youth Trout Day.

Get there early because this event is sure to draw in a crowd. The inaugural derby was extremely popular.

‘We didn’t know how it would be received last year but when we pulled up to the club house that morning there were cars lined up and down the road,’ said Jenn Douglass, board member. ‘We probably had over 100 people there.’ A bonfire will be kept burning throughout the day to keep everyone toasty. Coffee, water, hotdogs and mountain pies will be available to keep bellies full.

To prepare, more than $3,000 worth of trout has been stocked in the stream behind the clubhouse.

That equates to several hundred fish. Larger trout have been tagged.

Those little anglers who are lucky enough to catch them can bring that tag to the clubhouse to collect a prize. There are about 40 tagged fish.

‘We like to practice catch and release so the fish can be put back into their natural water,’ said Douglass.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has also stocked trout this week. But, there are more opportunities for prizes even if youngsters do not catch one of the big ones. Roughly 50 prize packages, donated by area businesses and private donors, are up for grabs.

‘Every child present throughout the day will be entered to win prizes,’ said Douglass.

Youth anglers should obtain a Mentored Youth Permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This is a free permit that caregivers can download directly from the commission’s website at pa.gov/services/ fishandboat/mentored- youth-license-permit. html Children will need to fish with a licensed angler. Luckily, seasoned trout fisherman will be on hand to mentor any child who needs a little extra guidance.

‘We are fortunate to have many volunteers

Fishing… page A-8

Nick Popiel holds up his fish during Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club’s 2024 Youth Trout Derby.

Photo provided who are enthusiastic about this event,” said Douglass.

The Bradford Area High School football team will also lend a head, clearing and maintaining trails today. This will ensure that children of all ages and abilities have access, including those using mobility devices.

“They will be around to help get the property ready for the big day,” said Douglass. “We want to make sure that every child can experience this opportunity.”

An opportunity, Douglass said, for young people to experience trout fishing and learn to appreciate the fragile ecosystem that supports this major tourist industry.

“It is so important in this day and age to disconnect from screens and have real experiences outside in nature with your family and friends,” said Douglass. “Fishing is a great way to get them thinking about the waters and ecosystems that are so important in our rural area.”

Youth education is a big part of the club’s mission. They host several other youth-oriented events throughout the year, including a conservation day. “When we started our sportsman’s club in 2021 we had a vision in mind to develop some sort of local fishing tournament that would enhance the survival rate of the fish,” said Douglass. “We also really wanted to educate and give back to the youth.”

Douglass noted that some children do not live in a place where they have a backyard or a local fishing hole they can frequent.

“For some of these kids this may be their first exposure to the sport,” said Douglass. “We have a great area to recreate in — behind our clubhouse — we are so thankful that we can host an event like this that allows us to share it with the public.”