This was the funnest day I’ve ever had in my life!
Erie, Pennsylvania Project
Lead mentor: Ryan Novatnack
Lead contact info: ryan_novatnack@yahoo.com
Co-Lead mentor: Joseph Pewdo
Project location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Year project founded: 2025
Mentors on this team: 8
Children to be mentored in 2025: 6
Local foster care partners: Currently looking for partners!
Local companies that support this project: FishUSA, PA Steelhead Association – Local organization aimed at preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Erie, PA Steelhead Fishery. Trout Unlimited – Northwest PA Chapter (Erie, PA)
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Erie, Pennsylvania Project
We believe fly-fishing is far more than just a sport or hobby. It is a way of life that has given us so much joy and calmness in this oftentimes chaotic world. Utilizing the vast resource that is the Erie fishery, coupled with the healing and coping benefits of fly-fishing, we feel very privileged and extremely excited to share this passion for fly-fishing with our community children. Our mission is to be the conduit between our children and nature, providing the platform to develop that strong relationship from which hope, trust and peace can grow and continue to be nurtured.
Project Mentors
RYAN NOVATNACK, LEAD MENTOR
A Pennsylvania native, Ryan grew up among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast PA. He discovered fly fishing in his mid 20’s, filling the void collegiate wrestling had left after his time spent in Happy Valley. His passion of fly fishing began on the freestone and limestone streams of PA and has continued to the Great Lakes in particular the shores of Lake Erie, where he now resides with wife, Melissa and boxer pup, Rocco. An active member of the fishing community, he has served on the board of the PA Steelhead Association and developed various women and children fly fishing courses for the PFBC. Ryan is excited to add a new chapter to his fly fishing journey in his new role with the Erie Mayfly Project!
JOE PEWDO, CO-LEAD MENTOR
In Northeast Philadelphia, born and raised, on the Pennypack Creek is where he spent most of his days. Joe grew up fishing the city’s creeks, rivers, and ponds with his dad, brother, and neighborhood buddies. Joe learned enough to begin fly fishing 25 years ago by watching videos and doing research online. Since then, he has never looked back, and the pursuit of everything that could be has begun. He learns everything he can from the greatest fishing guides and mentors in his life—too many to name. Fly fishing, to him, has become a passion that needs to be shared!
News & Events
Buy a Fly Fundraiser is Live!!!!!
We're excited to announce our annual Buy a Fly Event is now live! From September 29th to October 31st, purchase a fly/flies and you're entered to win awesome prizes! All proceeds go towards supporting TMP getting more youth in foster care into the healing sport...
Mentor Highlight Nomination, Pamela Allen
Three Cheers for Pamela Allen! We were thrilled to receive a mentor highlight nomination for Pamela because we couldn't agree more with the kind words stated below. Pam has been with TMP for 3 years as a Lead Mentor, leading the Columbus, Ohio Project, and 1 year as a...
In Memory of Addison!
TMP was so honored to be chosen as the recipient again of the Hanf family's Annual Golf Tournament in memory of their beloved son, Addison. Addison is described as someone who loved helping others and truly enjoyed his time outdoors. We are honored to be a part of his...
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Erie, Pennsylvania
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