PINE GROVE - Sweet Arrow Lake County Park will be stocked with more fish than ever for the inaugural Family Fun Fishing Event on May 5.
In addition to the state Fish and Boat Commission stocking the lake with 1,100 trout May 1, another 2,500 will be added before the Family Fun Fishing Event thanks to the Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation and the Pine Grove Fish and Game and Swatara Co-op trout nurseries. At least 50 trout will have prize tags attached.
The event, which runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., features more than $3,000 in prizes. Breakfast and lunch will also be available.
"I think fishing is a great activity for families," Craig Morgan, chairman of the Schuylkill County Sportsmen's Advisory Board, said Sunday. "Kids can fish, parents and grandparents can fish. They can all do it together and have a good time."
The Upper Little Swatara Creek will also be stocked with trout upstream and downstream from the lake on park land for the event.
Morgan also said the county park made a great place to host a family event like this.
"As the kids get tired of fishing, there are always the playground and other amenities at the park, too," Morgan said.
As of Sunday, Morgan said 270 people were registered for the event, including 95 children ages 12 and under.
"We were very impressed with the numbers," Morgan said. "I also think that since this is the first year, people are going to be waiting on the weather. I expect even more to sign up over the next week."
Registration is required to win any prize. There is no fee for fishing. Everyone registered will also be eligible for a $500 prize to be drawn at 2 p.m. near the clubhouse. Registration is required and the winner must be present to win.
There will also be prizes for the two heaviest carp, which will be weighed between 1 and 1:30 p.m. the day of the event. The final weigh-in for trout will be at 2:30 p.m.
Prizes for tagged fish can be claimed until June 1.
State Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply, including a fishing license for everyone 16 and older.
Discounted individual and family registration fees are available prior to Saturday of $10 and $20, respectively. Registration includes food vouchers of $5 and $10, respectively. Registration fees increase $5 the day of the event. The first 200 participants age 12 and younger will also receive a special prize on the day of the event.
Also supporting the event are Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation, Pine Grove Fish and Game and Swatara Co-op trout nurseries, Sweet Arrow Lake Trout Lunker Committee, Sweet Arrow Lake Park Board, Sweet Arrow Anglers, Schuylkill County Department of Parks and Recreation, Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association, Schuylkill Conservation District, Trout Unlimited, A&A Bait Shop and the PFBC.
Information on becoming a sponsor or registering is available by contacting Morgan at 570-617-8223, 570-739-2627 or crmorgan1@hughes.net.
For more information about Sweet Arrow Lake County Park and events, visit www.sweetarrowlakepark.com.