Exciting news! This newsletter is a guest post by local writer Andrea Murrell. We hope you enjoy it!

Admiring the latest catch by Uncle Phil, who the boys deem one of the coolest people on the planet and played a role in getting my oldest ‘hooked’ on fishing.

Fishing is the first word that comes to mind for my oldest son whenever we mention going anywhere with a freshwater feature. Before we can say “Whipple” or “Black Mo,” he’s packing his pole and tackle box into the car. The moment he drops his line in the water he is completely at ease and even quieter than usual. He’s in a fishing trance that melts away hours like a popsicle in the sun. In these moments I find myself wondering why life can’t feel more like fishing more often.

Yet, landlocked might be the first word that comes to mind if you pull up a map of Centre County, home of State College. Aptly named, the county is in the exact center of the state and surrounded entirely by land. However, if you zoom in, you’ll notice an abundance of small blue squiggly lines going in every possible direction. These squiggles represent the estimated 1,850 miles of streams traversing the county’s landscape and enriching the lives of residents in countless ways. State College may be landlocked by definition, but there is truly water, water everywhere, with countless drops to drink…and swim, fish, and play in!

During these warm summer months I’m especially grateful for nearby havens where everyone can enjoy freshwater fun thanks to our region’s streams and groundwater at no cost. Our family loves splashing around at the scenic swimming areas with sand beaches at Whipple Dam, Black Moshannon, and Poe Valley State Parks which are a 20, 30, and 40-minute drive from Boalsburg respectively.

Celebrating the big “8” with a finned friend who was promptly returned to the water.

It became crystal clear that my oldest had a full blown fishing passion, or perhaps an addiction, in the summer of 2020. His eighth birthday was approaching and the only thing he wanted to do to celebrate was go fishing. I was so relieved to be able to say “yes” to his wish since the pandemic had ruled out any possibility of a party with friends and family. On his big day, he woke us up at 6 a.m. and swiftly gathered his supplies while I fumbled around to gather mine – a travel mug filled to the brim with hot coffee.

For this adventure we were heading to Colyer Lake, roughly 10 miles from our home in Boalsburg. To clarify, nearly every lake in the Centre Region is human-made and involves the damming of the aforementioned streams. This is also the case for Colyer Lake, a “77-acre impoundment” which is owned by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Unlike the state parks, swimming is not permitted here, unless of course, you are a fish.

To get to our lucky fishing spot we hiked less than a quarter-mile around the lake. Ryan and I settled in while my husband and our youngest continued on to hike the complete loop around Colyer. We had all agreed that the birthday boy would fish as long as he wanted since it was his day, and we had plenty of snacks to make good on this promise. After four hours and many caught and released fish, we headed back to Boalsburg with nothing but smiles, photos and memories.

All smiles on his 9th birthday. His lucky fishing hat and necklace (from Uncle Phil) worked like a charm!

Fast forward to 2025 and our birthday fishing tradition continues on. The goal each year is to reel in at least as many fish as he is old. He doesn’t need a fishing license yet, but he will when he turns 16. He’ll also need a boatload of patience to catch that many fish!

Maybe someday we’ll become a wader-wearing, fly fishing family of four that ventures into our region’s world class trout fishing streams frequented by former presidents and local legends. For now, though, the stillness and simplicity of fishing from the shore of nearby lakes and ponds seem to be the perfect fit for us.

The annual Family Fishing Picnic is hosted by Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited at Tussey Mountain and always well-attended every year. Attendees enjoy a picnic lunch, educational activities, and a great day of fishing where poles and bait are provided.

One local organization goes out of their way to encourage everyone to also fish the way that works for them by removing common barriers to giving angling a try. Every year, the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SCCTU) hosts the Family Fishing Picnic at Tussey Mountain in early June, inviting people of all ages to gather around the pond at Tussey Mountain and for an afternoon of fishing and fun. The organization provides poles, bait, fishing instruction and a picnic lunch, all for free, made possible by an amazing team of volunteers committed to getting everyone hooked on a new outdoor activity. Their goal isn’t to turn us all into trophy-winning, record-breaking anglers, though. For SCCTU and local environmental organizations like ClearWater Conservancy, the intention is to foster one’s personal connection with the natural world which in turn increases their desire and willingness to protect and care for it.

Can something as simple as fishing really bring people together to foster healthy community connections and thriving ecosystems now and for future generations? I for one am deeply committed to protecting the fish and freshwater that have given me some of my most cherished, heart-filling family memories. And judging by how he gently holds a fish before releasing it back into the water, I believe my soon-to-be teenage son is as well. That’s proof enough for me to believe in the possibility that fishing early and often with those you love might just be one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to change the world.