The Reynoldsdale State Fish Hatchery stocks more than 300,000 fish to our region’s water. Harry Wade manages the hatchery and says it’s his dream job.

Wade is a Johnstown native who served in the Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. When he came home, Wade worked different jobs and faced unemployment before seeing an ad for a job opening at a state hatchery at the unemployment office. That’s when he found his fit. 

He explained, “I worked a lot of construction jobs when I got out of the service. To ever think I would work at the fish hatchery where i came to as a child it’s like, I don’t know what to say. It’s crazy. It’s like a dream really.”

He started stocking rivers and mowing the lawn for a fish hatchery in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. But Wade ended up in Reynoldsdale where he has fond memories of trips to the hatchery with his dad and uncle. Now as manager, he can help create memories for today’s children.   

He said, “Creating what they did for me back then. I’m sure I was the same little kid coming in and oo-ing and ah-ing over the fish in this tank. You know, and stuff like that. And now these kids are doing the same thing it brings back memories all the time.”

With trout season starting in our region on April 15th, the Fish and Boat Commission has a new app where anglers can get more information on the 86,000 miles of streams and rivers in Pennsylvania before they head out. 

Children under 16 can also buy a voluntary license to go with their free permit for $2.90. It’s an optional license but for every one purchased, the Fish and Boat Commission will receive $5 from a federal reimbursement to help fund youth service programs.

Wade hopes the services he remembers as a kid, will have the same impact on young anglers today.

He said, “It’s just so rewarding to see that what you’re doing is giving somebody some joy.”

There will be a statewide mentored youth fishing day on April 8th. More information can found on the Fish and Boat Commission’s website.