TriAnglers – Reeling 'Em In!

FREE Weekly Fishing with the TriAnglers
By: Lora Hutelmyer, June 2015
Over the past few weeks, the TriAnglers have had huge success in catching fish in the Allegheny River!  The 2015 participants of TriAnglers, Venture Outdoors’ FREE summer weekly fishing program, have already caught a wide variety of over 30 freshwater fish including smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp, catfish, drum, smallmouth buffalo and even a rainbow trout.
Among the most notable catches include: a 22” Buffalo caught by John Force (Northside); a 21.5” catfish caught by William Reeder (Bethel Park), and a 19” carp caught by Judy Bluemle (Crafton).  Last week, Nancy Martin (Robinson) reeled in a beautiful 11” rainbow trout, which may have traveled 4 miles downriver from Pine Creek where they are stocked.  Weekly updates of the most notable TriAnglers catches have been reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Friday Fish Report.
Marty Sanders (above), a regular with TriAnglers for many years, has already had luck this season catching a number of different fish in the Allegheny.  “TriAnglers gives me a chance to get outside, get downtown, and spend time with other people,” he says.  On days he goes without a catch, he still smiles and reminds himself that “it’s not just about catching a fish; it’s about the people.”

The bait used each week, such as nightcrawlers and minnows, has been generously donated by Island Firearms.  Some participants, such as John Force and Tommy Lippert (right) have even brought their own chicken livers, bread, and chicken nuggets in order to attract the channel catfish that they have been catching regularly.
Venture Outdoors is happy to provide rods and bait to anyone interested in joining us!  Participants over the age of 16 are required to have a PA Fishing License and participants under the age of 16 can fish without a license.
The Venture Outdoors Trip Leader Specialists have been on hand during the weekly program to provide assistance in hooking the bait, netting the fish, fixing lines, and answering any questions participants may have…so even if you have never fished before, there is plenty of help to get you started!
TriAnglers will continue to run through September as a FREE weekly lunchtime fishing program every Wednesday from 11:30 – 1:30pm along the Riverfront Trail outside of PNC Park.  Whether you are interested in teaching your kid how to fish, or you prefer to take a lunchtime break, we encourage everyone to come out and fish with us for free!  You may register on the Venture Outdoors Activities Calendar, but walk-ups are also welcome to join.