Free fishing program offered in Marienville

MARIENVILLE, Pennsylvania. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service offers a free, family-friendly program on the basics of fishing in the Allegheny National Forest.

The program will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Beaver Meadows near Marienville. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued an educational exemption for this program, so no fishing license is required to participate.

“All ages are welcome to participate in this introductory program which will review basic fishing techniques, tackle and bait options, the species of fish you are likely to catch, then move on to the most of the time fishing,” said park ranger Sarah Needs.

Limited fishing equipment is available to program participants, including fishing rods, hooks and bait.

To register, contact Sarah Needs by June 21 at 814-927-5776 or [email protected].

Participants are recommended to wear weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection and bring a chair if desired.

Participants are expected to meet at 8:50 a.m. in the Beaver Meadows parking lot.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has designated July 4, Independence Day, a fish-free day. Normally, any angler aged 16 and over needs a valid fishing license to fish on public waterways, but the licensing regulations were lifted on July 4. All other fishing regulations still apply.