Erie, Pennsylvania Project

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Erie, Pennsylvania Project

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!

EMMA MADER, MENTOR

A Pennsylvania native from Smethport, Emma grew up fishing small streams for trout and loves going bass fishing on the Allegheny River with her dad. She came to Erie in 2016 to study environmental science and discovered her passion for teaching others about nature. After college, Emma went to graduate school for science education and now works at the Asbury Woods Nature Center as an Environmental Educator. Her enthusiasm, drive, and genuine love for the environment, especially aquatic life, continue to grow as she teaches, encourages friends and family to go fishing, and gets more involved in organizations like TU, being a board member of the PA Steelhead Association, and now a Mayfly Project mentor. She can’t wait to get started in Erie!

ARI CAPOTIS, MENTOR

Ari grew up fishing in and around Lake Erie. If she wasn’t chasing bass with her brother, chances were good she was fishing with her Papou (Grandfather) Chris on the open lake for a variety of species from Yellow Perch to Steelhead Trout. In 2015, as a member of the Outing Club of Allegheny College Ari was introduced to fly fishing for Steelhead IN the tributaries to Lake Erie. Once she began fly fishing for Steelhead she did not stop fly fishing. She credits George Daniel’s Strip-Set book with helping her round the curve on hooking and landing fish with precision. She currently operates Keystone Fly Girl LLC, offering guided fly fishing trips throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania.

ADAM KORMAN, MENTOR

New Castle, Pennsylvania

As a Pennsylvania born and raised native, the outdoors are in my blood. Introduced to fly fishing by the lack in ability to handle a bait-casting reel, my journey in the sport began about 16 years ago. I have always been passionate about breathing the fresh and nurturing air of the mountains, camping, hiking, and photographing. Having been in skateboarding ministry for nearly 20 years my care and compassion for young people is innate. Introducing anyone to fly fishing and instructing those to further their tactics have found a combination in my life in the form of guiding on the streams of PA. Pursing truth, beauty and goodness is unavoidable while being on the stream. So, why not introduce others through the Mayfly Project!

SAM ZACOUR, MENTOR

I moved to Erie Co. in 1976 to teach HPE at GHS. My first Steelhead on a fly rod was in 2007. I joined the PA Steelhead Assoc. & served as a board member for 12 years & became their TightLines newsletter ed. I wrote articles on fly tying, conservation, and the benefits of Fly Fishing! I coordinate the ICC at Walnut Creek. My efforts as TightLines editor have been recognized: 2016 PSA Angler Award, Certificate of Appreciation from The Senate of Pennsylvania 2023. I volunteer at Project Healing Waters fly tying seminars, stream and access projects and help the 3-C-U Trout co-op maintain its raceways & stock their browns and steelhead! I am looking forward to advancing my involvement in mentoring children with the Erie Mayfly Project!

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