Saturday, February 3, 2024

2024 Mentored Youth Trout Day and Betty Dietz and Bruce Schneck Memorial Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Year-Round Fishing Events


Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation have announced their upcoming Mentored Youth Trout Day and Year-Round Fishing events at Sweet Arrow Lake.

Organized by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Mentored Youth Day is a highly anticipated statewide event. The Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the Sportsmen’s Advisory Board, have joined forces to elevate the event hosted at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, marking its fifth year of partnership.

Tevis Energy and Modern Comfort are the primary sponsors committing $4,500 towards the Mentored Youth Fishing Day at Sweet Arrow Lake on March 30.

Anglers, including over 200 youth, will converge on the lake in pursuit of the elusive catch, as Tevis and Modern Comfort stock the waters with 150 lunker trout ranging from 18 to 25 inches. Complementing this effort, the Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery and PA Fish and Boat Commission will contribute by stocking thousands more trout.

Participation requires no registration, and eligible youth will receive a $10 gift card from either Werner Lumber Ace Hardware or Stony Gun and Archery. 

Both stores have dedicated fishing sections, allowing youngsters to choose their preferred bait or tackle.

Sweet Arrow Lake Park offers a range of amenities, including playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, trails, a waterfall, an 18-hole disc golf course, and ample opportunities for flatwater recreation. 

Two canoe and kayak launches, along with the Fish and Boat Commission Boat launch, are available for water enthusiasts. The lake permits only electric motors, and proper boat registration or a launch permit is mandatory. A&A Bait Shop, conveniently located across the street from the boat launch, provides a solution for those who may have forgotten to acquire the necessary permit for their canoe or kayak. Until May 1st, life jackets must be worn, and additional details can be found on the Fish and Boat Commission webpage.

The year-long fishing extravaganza at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park officially continues on April 13th. Organized by the Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation and the Sportsmen’s Advisory Board, with support from the Swatara Co-op Trout Nursery and major sponsor Pioneer Pole Buildings, registrations are now open.

Interested participants can find registration information on the park's website at www.sweetarrowlakepark.com or opt for mailing. 

The deadline for registration at Werner Lumber or Stony Gun and Archery is April 12th, or until 4 pm at the Fish and Boat Access pavilion on April 13th. Stocking, amounting to $20,000 worth of trout, including 350 'lunker' trout sized 18-25 inches, will occur on multiple Saturdays. Notably, a total of 65 tagged fish, contributing to a prize pool of $10,000, will be released. Tag submissions will be accepted until the day before the event in 2025.

The highlight of the fishing extravaganza includes top prizes of $500, $300, and $200, specifically designated for tagged fish, with an additional 50 prizes at $100 each. Pioneer Pole Buildings continues its fourth year of a $2,500 sponsorship, while FCCB (First Citizens Community Bank) is in its third year of contributing $500.

The Friends have pledged $5,000 in matching funds for new sponsors, matching every dollar donated up to $5,000. Contributions of any size are eligible for this generous matching initiative.

Sweet Arrow Lake is located in Pine Grove Township near Pine Grove.