The PA Steelhead Association had its Fall Run Picnic this past Saturday.  About 80 people were in attendance.  The weather was perfect and fun was had by all.

The event was highlighted by the honoring of long-time PSA and 3-CU member, Roger Latimer, for his unselfish dedication to both organizations.  As Karl Weixlmann put it, for Roger’s “decades of dedication”. Roger has been a member of the PSA since its beginning in 1996.  He has served on the organization’s board for a large part of that time.  Always willing to volunteer for a variety of projects and events, Roger has helped with stream cleanups, 3-CU raceway projects, angler education, free hot dog days at Trout Run and Walnut Creek Marina, and much more.  He is always happy to share his fishing knowledge with other anglers whether it is flyfishing, spin fishing, or bait fishing.  More importantly he has been a steward of the steelhead fishery.  Go to Avonia Beach early some morning when Roger is fishing and when he is done you will see him patrol the beach with a garbage bag in hand picking up trash.  These are only some of the reasons that he deserved to be awarded the PSA Angler Award this year.  Frank Schicchitano and Roger’s wife, Nancy, both made some heartfelt comments about him after the award was bestowed on him.

During the Picnic approximately 15 gift certificates to various restaurants and businesses were given out as door prizes.  At the end of the event, over 25 items were raffled off.  Some of the items that were won included guided steelhead trips (with Jack Barr and another with Ari Capotis of Keystone Fly Girl Guide Service), fishing rods, a fishing net, boxes of steelhead flies, books, a beautiful picture of the Brig Niagara, and much more.

There were several stations for picnic attendees to participate in various activities.  Gem City Fly Tyers had a table where they shared some of their fly-tying tips.  But they also instructed people who never tied before on how to tie a Wooly Bugger.  Several children and teenagers learned how to tie their first fly at the Picnic. Hopefully it created an interest that will lead to a lifelong hobby of fly-tying and fly fishing.

Jack Barr, owner of Raise the Barr Guide Service, did fly casting demonstrations.  A lot of individuals participated and were given instructions on the basics of fly casting.  As we were cleaning up and closing down the picnic pavilion, Jack was still coaching a handful of interested would-be fly fisher anglers.

Emma Mader brought her Magnetic Fishpond from Asbury Woods.  Some of the younger picnic participants had fun landing a variety of metal fish at the pond.  A number of adults were caught fishing there when they thought no one was looking.  No one is too old to fish the Magnetic Fishpond.  (Rumors that I was trying my hand at the Magnetic Fishpond are greatly exaggerated!)

Food for the Picnic was handled by Marie and Lou Scalera with the assistance of Patti Larson and Marie Schicchitano.  All of them did a great job of organizing and serving the meal for the picnic attendees.  Many thanks to all of them.

Several other individuals who deserve credit for making the Fall Run Picnic successful are Chris Fatica, Nancy Latimer, Skip Simmons, Dan Beck, Roger Latimer, Sam Zacour, Frank Schicchitano, Jim Simonelli, and Tim Weeks.  I’m sure there are some individuals who I have forgotten to acknowledge – I apologize if I have.

See you at the 2024 PSA Fall Run Picnic!