Lycoming News

State Rep. Jamie Fick (R-Lycoming/Union) and City of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter have joined forces to host an exciting event called Fishing with Flick and Mayor Slaughter on Saturday, April 20. The event aims to bring families in the community together for a fun-filled day of fishing and outdoor activities.

Rep. Flick expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "As a member of the Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development, Game & Fisheries, and Children & Youth committees, I am keen to host events like this one that creates enthusiasm for the outdoors and fosters a love for the natural resources our area has to offer."

Mayor Slaughter also shared his gratitude for the event, saying, “I thank Rep. Flick and his staff as well as my team at the city for coordinating a fantastic opportunity for all of us – my son and myself included – to learn the basics of fishing and hopefully create a lifelong love of this sport.”

The free event, designed for youths aged 4-16, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lycoming Creek, near Bowman Field. Participants will have the opportunity to pair up with a parent or mentor, learn the art of angling, and enjoy the outdoors.

Beginning anglers will be provided with fishing poles, hooks, and bait, courtesy of event partners such as the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy and Winner Hardware. Younger children will have the chance to learn fishing basics through fun activities organized by members of the local Trout Unlimited chapter.

The event will also feature short clinics and activity stations on habitat and conservation, knot-tying, casting, and fishing etiquette. Additionally, a clinic about the ecology of trout in Lycoming Creek will be hosted by representatives from the Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College.

Mayor Slaughter highlighted the importance of the event in promoting outdoor activities and utilizing the natural resources available in the region, stating, “As the City of Williamsport and Lycoming County being the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds, it is my hope that this event encourages more folks living in the city to take advantage of the natural resources and amenities we have right here in our own backyard.”

The event partners include Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, City of Williamsport, Trout Unlimited Susquehanna Chapter, Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, Lycoming College Clean Water Institute, Seneca Resources, and Winner Hardware. Fishing permits are required for the event, and voluntary youth licenses can be purchased at huntfish.pa.gov.

Attendees can also enjoy light refreshments and food from a food truck on-site. The event promises to be a great opportunity for families to bond, learn new skills, and appreciate the beauty of nature together.