In the mid-1900s, Penn State became the first university to offer accredited courses in fly fishing in the United States.
The program is widely acclaimed by those in the fishing community as one of the best in the nation -- indeed, Penn State is sometimes jokingly referred to as "Angler U." So, it came as no surprise to faculty that the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Association chose to dedicate its latest exhibit to the program that has fronted the field for more than six decades.
Entitled Not Just Another Fish Story, the exhibit is open to the public at the Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse in Boiling Springs, Pa. The exhibit provides a look back at the lore and legend of the Penn State fly fishing curriculum while honoring four past and present course instructors.
Mark Belden, a current fly fishing instructor, was present at the grand unveiling of the exhibit, where he and previous fly fishing teachers were acknowledged.
"It's an honor to be recognized across the state," Belden said.
The exhibit also features former instructors Joe Humphreys, Vance McCullough, and the late George Harvey. Harvey, who many refer to as the "dean of American fly fishing," was the father of the course at Penn State, educating nearly 36,000 students during his tenure at the university.
While the display is a landmark of achievement for Penn State, Belden says the fly fishing program, which educates about 250 students a year, will continue with business as usual.
"It's an honor to be able to teach here." Belden said. He attributes some of the program's success to the surrounding State College landscape, adding that it's easy access to nearby cold-water fisheries makes it special.
"People don't come [to Penn State] just to go fly fishing, but it certainly makes the time more enjoyable," Belden said.
Belden believes fly fishing can result in a profound experience.
"I think that in everything you do, whether it's sports at a high school level or a collegiate level, you're always increasing -- but you reach your zenith. You never get done learning," Belden said. "This is the puzzle that keeps changing."
