PSA Past, Present and Future:

The PA Steelhead Association (the PSA) was formed in 1996 by three avid Steelhead anglers: Joe Egnot, Matt Hrycyk, and John Bodner.  Their original goal was to respond to the rash of property postings that were taking place at the time on some of the best Steelhead streams in Erie County.  They began by gathering together like-minded fishermen to work on improved landowner relations as well as improved cooperation with State and local governments.

From those humble beginnings, the PSA has grown to become a vital player in the protection and preservation of the Lake Erie fishery.  Continuing the work of our founders the PSA works to improve landowner relations and to promote continued cooperation with State and local governments.  The current activities of the PSA include:

• Landowner Appreciation Fruit Basket Program - Each December the PSA, with help from other clubs and associations including: Gem City Outdoorsmen, NWPA Trout Unlimitedand 3-C-U, personally delivers holiday fruit baskets to landowners along important Steelhead streams who graciously keep their property open for Steelhead fishing.
• Stream Improvement and Enhancements - The PSA regularly provides volunteers to stream enhancement and cleanup projects along the important Steelhead streams in Northwest PA.
• Youth Fishing - The PSA has sponsored children's fishing outings and clinics to promote fishing in general, and Steelhead fishing in particular, among youth and children.
• PFBC Input - The PSA maintains excellent dialog and cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission both at the both the local and Statewide level.  

While we  continue to work on enhancing public access and maintaining positive landowner relations so that our easements may continue to serve our fishing needs, we also anticipate the need to be involved in important new issues such as the challenges of variable or declining Steelhead returns in an era of Climate Change, explosive Cormorant/migratory bird populations, Blue-Green Algal Blooms, Asian Carp, and other environmental impacts that affect our Steelhead fishery.  Our ability to influence current and future issues important to Steelhead anglers depends on having a strong membership so that our voice can continue to be heard.  Please consider adding your voice to our efforts by joining the PSA today!