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Activities/Crafts --
PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) Newsletters --
Coloring Pages --
Videos/Links --
Additional Resources
Education Packages
Careers with the PFBC Education Package
PFBC "Mission in Action" Education Package
Activities/Crafts
FSI: Your Turn
Solve the “word equations” to reveal some of the tools needed to investigate. Check out the PLAY Issue (PA FSI: Fish Science Investigation) to help you out.
Make a Time Capsule
Share your fishing or boating story with someone in the future, but boxing up some of your found memories and sealing them away until a specified date in the future.
PA Aquatic Resources
Take a few moments to relax and find these words associated with Pennsylvania and the PFBC.
PA State Fish Hatcheries
Find all of PFBC State Fish Hatcheries in the word search.
PA Waterways
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania owns numerous man-made impoundments and natural bodies of water managed under PFBC regulations, across the state. Here are but a few to explore, paddle, and wet a line in during your travels in 2021 and beyond.
PFBC Career Opportunities
Discover types of jobs found within PA Fish and Boat Commission. Word Search.
R3 Activities
Learn about Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation of anglers in PA with these fun activities found in the Fall 2020 PLAY newsletter.
Coloring Pages
PLAY Newsletters
You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!
Read Along with PFBC playlist
Listen and/or read along with PFBC staff as they share Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth newsletters in a video format.
“Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!
"My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!
PLAY: AngleR3 Education
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
The 3R’s of Being a SMART Angler, From 3R’s to R3-What’s New, Let’s talk Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation, Practice Your R3’s (activity page).
PLAY: Careers With the PA Fish and Boat Commission
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Careers with PFBC; Protect Our Aquatic Resources with Law Enforcement; Conserve and Manage Aquatic Resources with Fisheries; Enhance Recreational Fishing with Hatcheries & Other PFBC Jobs which Protect the Environment; Improve Fishing & Boating Opportunities with Engineering and Property Services; Provide Fishing and Boating Opportunities with Outreach, Education and Marketing; PFBC Career Opportunities (word search).
PLAY: Flowing through time with PFBC
PLAY issue containing the following articles – Flowing through time with PFBC; 1866-1941: Launching the Agency; 1941-1991: Casting Forth the Mission; 1991-2016: Propelling into the Future; Make a Time Capsule.
PLAY: PA FSI: Fish Scene Investigation
PLAY issue containing the following articles – PA FSI: Fish Scene Investigation; Collecting and Analyzing the Data; Tools of the trade: Electrofishing; Tools of the Trade: Nets and Surveys; Decisions, Decisions; FSI: Your Turn (word equations).
PLAY: PFBC Then & Now
PLAY issue containing the following articles – PFBC Then & Now; American Shad – The PFBC’s Founding Fish; Historical Hatcheries; Lake Erie Fish Research and Patrol by Boat – Then; Lake Erie Fish Research and Patrol by Boat – Now; Stocking Trout in PA – The Times have Changed & Stocking Then & Now; PA State Fish Hatcheries (word search).
Videos
PLAYLISTS
The following two links are to playlists that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to the agency operations, careers, fish management, stocking and more OR you can click on individual topics using the additional links below.
PFBC Virtual Family Fishing Program
Whether new to fishing, returning to fishing, or introducing someone to the sport of fishing, these videos- and the (in-person) Family Fishing Program, itself- will get you started in the right direction. Our virtual FFP videos provide a variety of educational "stations" that introduce you to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the FFP program, Casting, Knot-Tying, All About Fish, How to be a SMART Angler, How to Rig and Bait a Rod for Fishing, and the Rules and Regulations you need to know before you go fishing. Each virtual "station" is also broken into short video clips and provided to you in a series-format on our YouTube channel and our Facebook page, so that you can watch only the videos that you wish, and in the order that you wish.
PFBC’s in-person Family Fishing Programs are for families with little or no fishing experience. Participants learn basic fishing skills and practice those skills while fishing during the program. The program is open to all ages, including children ages 5 and older. The program is free, and all equipment and bait is provided. NOTE: the fishing license requirement is waived during the program for participants age 16 and older.
AGENCY OVERVIEW
The following videos introduce viewers to what PFBC does and a few important milestone events. Learn more about each video in the video description.
Aquatic Resource Management
This video introduces viewers to PFBC’s work in aquatic resource protection and management.
Aquatic Resources Careers
Learn about some of the careers available in the protection, conservation, and enhancement of PA's aquatic resources.
Boating Opportunities: PA Fish and Boat Commission
This video introduces viewers to boating opportunities in PA.
During this Challenging Time
As our state respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important that all Pennsylvanians do their part to protect themselves and their families, and to reduce the spread of this virus.
Fishing and Boating Opportunities in PA
Learn about the fishing and boating opportunities that PA offers.
Fishing Opportunities – PA Fish and Boat Commission
This video introduces viewers to the fishing opportunities available in PA.
Fishing Opportunities in Pennsylvania State Parks
At the recent 2020 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer sat down for a conversation with our friends from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources about fishing opportunities in PA state parks.
Introduction to the PFBC
In this video, SE Region Outreach & Education Coordinator, Andrew Desko, provides the “Introduction to the PFBC Station” of our Virtual Family Fishing Program. This is who we are and what we do! Learn about the different bureaus that make up the agency to protect, conserve, and enhance our aquatic resources together.
Thank you from the PFBC
On behalf of the PFBC, thank you to all the anglers of PA who have made major changes this spring during trout season.
MILESTONES
PA Angler & Boater Magazine’s 85th Anniversary
Since 1931, Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine has been “The Keystone State’s Official Fishing and Boating Magazine.” The Commission celebrated the magazine’s 85th anniversary in 2016.
PFBC Centre Region Office Dedication (2016)
Continuing the year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) hosted a special dedication ceremony and Open House on July 23 at the agency’s new Centre Region Office.
Centre Region Office Open House (2017)
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) invited the public to join them August 12 at 9 a.m. for a special time capsule ceremony and open house at the agency’s new Centre Region Office.
Unveiling of PFBC Historical Marker (2016)
Continuing the year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) hosted a special dedication ceremony on October 12 for a historical marker at its Harrisburg headquarters building, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pa.
Our 150th Year: A Year of Reflection
A year of reflection, progress and looking to the future. We hope that you’ll enjoy this brief reflection of just some of of our events throughout 2016 which are now part of PFBC’s rich history.
ACCESS & ENGINEERING
Below are a few videos that introduce viewers to some of the work PFBC does to provide access, improve lake safety and more. Learn more about each video in the video description.
Howe Township Access Improvement (2016)
As shown in this brief video, featuring the recently improved Howe Township access area, the PFBC’s Bureau of Engineering considers a variety of different users of the access area when designing and planning either a new access area or an upgrade such as the one at Howe Township.
Turning the Valve at Tamarack Lake (2019)
PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer joins local community groups, volunteers and elected officials for a valve turning ceremony at Tamarack Lake located in Crawford County.
BOATING, PADDLING & WATER SAFETY
Below are several videos that introduce viewers to PFBC boating/paddling safety videos and announcements. Learn more about each video in the video description. Additional videos on the
Boating & Water Safety section of the A&E Portal.
Safe Boating Basics
This video introduces viewers to basic safe boating techniques.
Boaters- Life Jackets Save Lives
This video introduces viewers to the importance of life jackets.
Don’t Drink and Boat
This video introduces viewers to the dangers of drinking and boating. Check out the video caption for additional details.
Fall Paddling
Fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop while paddling; make sure to take advantage of the great weather, scenery, and angling this time of year.
Kayak Fishing Program – Safety
In this video, PFBC Southcentral Region Education Specialist, Adam Spangler, introduces viewers to the basics of life jackets and safety, launch permits, kayak parts, how to get in the kayak, parts of the paddle and basic paddling strokes and more!
Learning to Kayak 101
This video introduces viewers to basics on how to paddle a whitewater kayak. Check out the video caption for further details.
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (I)
LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV.1 TO APRIL 30 Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (II)
LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV.1 TO APRIL 30 Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.
Paddling PA
Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are very popular recreational water sports in Pennsylvania.. Before you embark on your first kayak trip, you should know what is required by PA law; what is recommended; and what is just nice to have.
PFBC Water Safety Tips with Chris- Backyard Safety
Water emergencies can happen anywhere. For example, 43% of drownings occur in natural settings (ponds, lakes, rivers, ocean), over 18% occur in swimming pools and 9.2% occur from boating. Most drownings are preventable. For children under the age of 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death. For every child that drowns, five others received emergency care for non-fatal submersion injuries. If we all do our part and learn water safety knowledge and skills, water related incidents and drownings can be reduced and prevented.
PFBC Water Rescue Training Overview
This video introduces the PFBC’s Water Rescue Training program.
COMMISSION MEETINGS
PFBC Board of Commissioners Quarterly Meetings
EDUCATION & LAW ENFORCEMENT
Below are videos that introduce viewers to some of the work that PFBC Law Enforcement and Education staff conduct. Learn more about each video in the video description.
Do You Have What It Takes? Now Recruiting Waterways Conservation Officers
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is recruiting a new class of Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) Trainees at its H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety. WCOs protect, conserve, and enhance Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources through law enforcement, education, and community partnerships with anglers and boaters.
PA-HART Operation Hurricane (2019)
The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) conducted a full-scale training exercise on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, PA on Thursday, August 15, 2019.
PFBC Family Fishing Programs
Family Fishing Programs are educational programs designed for families with little or no fishing experience. Families learn basic fishing skills at a variety of stations and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program. The adult licensing requirement is waived, and all equipment is provided free of charge.
PFBC 21st WCO Class Graduation (2016)
Eighteen members of the 21st Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) class graduated from training during a commencement ceremony held June 24, 2016, in the Keystone Conference Center, Fort Indiantown Gap.
PFBC on Location: Regional Education Specialist
This video features PFBC NC Region's Outreach and Education Coordinator, Amidea Daniel. She explains the importance of the resource which affords the recreation of fishing and boating, and also provides insight to what Commission Outreach & Education staff do to both educate and inform anglers and boaters through skills instruction and media development.
FISHERIES
Below are several videos that introduce viewers to some of PFBC’s work that involves fish management and fish habitat improvement work, resource protection, hatcheries, how PFBC raise fish to stock and stocking events at PA streams/lakes. Learn more about each video in the video description.
FISH MANAGEMENT, HABITAT IMPROVEMENT & RESOURCE PROTECTION
Bobs Creek Habitat Project
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission staff, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and other volunteers team up to construct stream habitat improvements along Bobs Creek, near Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County. (11/02/2018)
Lake Erie Brown Trout Program
Lake Habitat Project at Frances Slocum State Park
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission leads a group of volunteers for this fish habitat project in Luzerne County.
Lake Habitat Project – Minsi Lake
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission enhances fish habitat on the bed of Minsi Lake in Northampton County.
Lake Habitat Section Catfish Spawning Box
Lake Nessmuk Habitat Project- Phase 1 (2017)
PFBC Lake section works with partners to improve fishing opportunities at Lake Nessmuk.
Pennsylvania Musky Program (2019)
The stocking of fewer but larger yearling muskies represents a change in the way the PFBC manages muskies; whereas previously, a larger number of smaller fingerling muskies were stocked. Biologist research indicates that the new approach of introducing larger fish will greatly increase the survival rate of these fish.
PFBC Musky Program
Take an inside look at our successful Musky program.
Recovery of the Chesapeake Logperch
This video describes efforts by researchers from several conservation agencies to study the life cycle of the Chesapeake Logperch and restore their numbers within their historical home range. (Project partners include the PFBC, USFWS, Penn State University, Pennsylvania Biological Survey, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Fisheries, Inc., and volunteers.)
Water Quality Lab- Virtual Field Trip
Join PFBC staff Mindy McClenahan and Aimee Nungesser as they take you on a virtual tour of the Water Quality Lab located at the Benner Springs Fish Culture and Research Station in State College, PA. Through this virtual tour you will be introduced to the Water Quality Lab, you will learn about some of the water quality parameters PFBC tests for, and why the PFBC tests for them.
Wild Trout Survey: East Branch Standing Stone Creek
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission conducts a wild trout survey along the East Branch Standing Stone Creek, located within Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County, PA.
Young-of-Year Walleye Survey, Susquehanna River
This video shows (then) PFBC Area Fisheries Manager Kris Kuhn (now Chief of the Fisheries Division) and PFBC Fisheries Biologists Geoff Smith and John Frederick on location, conducting an electro-fishing survey on October 26, 2015, from an access area just below the I-76 Turnpike bridge on the Susquehanna River. The target species of the survey was Walleyes, and more specifically young-of-year (YOY) Walleyes.
HATCHERIES & COOPERATIVE NURSERIES
The following videos introduces viewers to a few of PFBC’s hatcheries located around the state and our Cooperative Nursery Program. Learn more about each video in the video description.
Counting Trout at Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery
In this video, staff at the Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery in Bedford County show us how they get an accurate count of fish before loading up the stocking trucks.
Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery Open House (2017)
This open house by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission celebrated 85 years of operation of the Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery at which the public was invited to attend.
Linesville Open House (2016)
This video gives the viewer a sneak-peek into all of the fun activities that were planned for the annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery.
Linesville State Fish Hatchery Brown Trout
The staff at Linesville State Fish Hatchery in Crawford County has been stocking hundreds of trophy-sized brown trout into Lake Erie tributaries.
PFBC’s Cooperative Nursery Program
Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery Open House (2016)
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) hosted an Open House on October 30 at the Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery, located at 162 Fish Hatchery Rd, New Paris, PA 15554.
Tylersville State Fish Hatchery
The Tylersville State Fish Hatchery in Clinton County raises Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout and golden Rainbow Trout.
Virtual Field Trip to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery (2021)
In this playlist, PFBC staff members will introduce you to what our Linesville State Fish Hatchery is responsible for, the fish it raises, and its importance in our hatchery system. Staff members will also take you on a virtual tour of our Linesville State Fish Hatchery, showcasing our 2-story, 10,000-gallon viewing tank, and even take you down inside the viewing tank to see how many fish you can ID. You will also get to go "behind the scenes" on one of our Walleye trap netting excursions, as well as see how we spawn Walleye. We cap off this play list with a fun activity for all to enjoy, fish print t-shirts!
SPAWNING FISH AT PFBC HATCHERIES
The following videos introduce viewers to how PFBC spawn fish in their hatcheries for stocking purposes. Learn more about each video in the video description.
Collecting Walleye for Spawning- Linesville SFH (2018)
See first-hand how Walleye are collected for spawning.
PA Rainbow Trout Spawning (2015)
Raising Walleye
Raising Your Trout
Steelhead Collection from Trout Run (2018)
In this video, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission hatchery staff and volunteers collect hundreds of steelhead during their annual spawning voyage to Trout Run, a tributary nursery water on the shore of Lake Erie.
STOCKING
The following videos introduce viewers to how fish are stocked in lakes and streams in PA. A few videos also introduce videos to the Keystone Select Waterway program. Learn more about each video in the video description.
2020 Trout Stocking: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Of the 3.2 million trout stocked annually by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, approximately 620,000 are stocked into waterways located within Pennsylvania State Parks and state forests.
Children’s Lake Trout Stocking
Waterways Conservation Officer David Hurst had some young helpers this week when the hatchery trucks arrived at Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County.
Fall Trout Stocking on Clarks Creek
Waterways Conservation Officer Mark Sweppenhiser and volunteers stock hundreds of brown and brook trout into the Fly Fishing Only Catch and Release Section of Clarks Creek located in Dauphin County.
Fall Trout Stocking at Harveys Lake and Harveys Creek
In Luzerne County, both Harveys Lake and the Keystone Select (Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only Catch and Release) section of Harveys Creek were stocked on October 3, 2019.
Fall Trout Stocking at Little Buffalo
Fall Trout Stocking at R. B. Winter State Park
While fewer fish are stocked in the fall, compared to the 3.2 million trout stocked in the spring, fall trout stockings feature larger trout on average, and are placed in high use areas across the state, providing a recreational opportunity late in the season and for the ice fishing season.
Keystone Select Trout: McMichael Creek
Waterways Conservation Officer Scott Christman shows us around this section of McMichael Creek in Monroe County.
Keystone Select Trout Stocking: Quittapahilla Creek
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks 3.2 million adult trout annually into public waterways. In addition to trout averaging 11-inches in length, the Commission stocks 22 stream sections of Keystone Select Trout Waters across the state.
Steelhead Stocking in Full Swing at Lake Erie Tributaries
Stocking Trout in Pennsylvania State Parks
Looking for a great place to fish? Of the 3.2 million trout stocked annually by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, more than 525,000 will be stocked within state parks and state forests.
Trout Being Raised in PA for Fishing
Trout Stocking in Pennypack Creek, Philadelphia
Waterways Conservation Officer Erin Czech leads a group of volunteers to assist PFBC hatchery staff with stocking Pennypack Creek.
Winter Safety, Trout Stocking at Chapman State Park
On December 12, 2019, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) joined with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to promote safety related to statewide winter fishing and boating activities. The event took place in conjunction with a winter trout stocking at Chapman State Park located in Pleasant Township, Warren County.
Additional Resources
Career Opportunities With the PFBC
Describes some of the career opportunities in the Fish and Boat Commission and how these positions are filled. Also includes information on volunteer opportunities.
Great White Fleet
Fact sheet on stocking trucks and how the Commission stocks trout.
Mentored Youth Program
Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days provide an opportunity for young anglers and their adult mentors to fish for trout prior to the opening day of trout.
PA State Fish Hatcheries: Engines for Rural Economic Development
Overview of PA hatcheries and how they support PA's economy.
Pleasant Gap State Fish Hatchery's 100th Anniversary
History of the Pleasant Gap hatchery.
Pleasant Mount State Fish Hatchery's 100th Anniversary
History of the Pleasant Mount hatchery.
Stream Habitat – Case Study – Little Lehigh Creek
Powerpoint presentation
Stream Habitat - Case Study – Spring Creek
Powerpoint presentation
The Toolbox: Electrofishing
How PFBC uses electrofishing equipment to catch fish and conduct fish studies.
The Toolbox: Trap Nets
Why and how trap nets are used by the PFBC.