Fishing
Conservation
Community
Chapter Gatherings
Monthly gatherings are typically held at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Adams County Natural Resources and Agriculture Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road (Bus. Rt.15), Gettysburg.
Please note that ACTU is not strictly a fly fishing organization. We support and promote all types of trout fishing!
Upcoming Chapter Events
Annual Member Picnic This Month!
ACTU’s annual member picnic will be held starting at 5 pm on Wednesday, August 27, at the outdoor pavilion at the Adams County Conservation District Office, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. In addition to feasting on delicious food and sharing in fellowship with other members, we’ll be voting on proposed changes to the Chapter’s by-laws. Members with their email addresses on file will receive an email with more details. There will NOT be a separate Chapter meeting in August!
Chapter News
Accomplishments, Awards, and Recognition
| YOUTH ORIENTED COMMUNITY AND FISHING PROGRAMS | ||||
| Name | Year Started | Youth Engaged | Program Description | |
| Trout in the Classroom (TIC) | 2009 | 1450+ | TIC is a hands-on science program that introduces students to environmental stewardship by exploring the links between water, nature, fish, and themselves. | |
| Southcentral Outdoors For Youth | 1992 | 10,370+ | ACTU members introduce students to various recreational activities to encourage their interest in and enjoyment of the outdoors. | |
| Latimore Creek Fishing Derby | 2003 | 2,000+ | ACTU hosts a free, annual derby where scores of children can experience first-hand the fun of fishing with their families. | |
| Youth Conservation Camps | 1998 | 23 | ACTU annually awards scholarships to local students for a camp that fosters conservation awareness through nature and fly fishing. | |
| Environmental Day | 2020 | 675+ | ACTU members instruct students in fly casting and fly tying at the New Oxford Middle School. | |
| CONSERVATION PROGRAMS | ||||
| Trout Stocking | 1986 | Over 43,000 | ACTU members annually assist with stocking the eight county trout streams. | |
| Stream Habitat Restoration | 1982 | 237devices | ACTU members annually undertake projects to restore, enhance, and protect trout habitats. | |
| Invasives Removal | 2018 | 12 acres | ACTU has worked at locations throughout the county to stem infestations of non-native species such as knotweed and multiflora rose. | |
| PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) Zeigler Mill Road Access Site | In 2022, ACTU entered into a 25-year lease agreement with the PFBC to manage and improve the 58-acre site. To-date, site improvements include:Constructing a 10-car parking lotCreating and maintaining a 900-yard nature trail, with three educational teaching stationsPlanting over 450 trees and shrubs on retired agricultural landRemoving invasive species on five acres | |||
Awards and Recognition
The chapter’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as is shown by the many prestigious awards it has received.
- 2025 – Best Chapter of the Year, Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited (PATU)
- 2025 – Best Newsletter of the Year, PATU
- 2024 – Pennsylvania (PA) Governor’s Environmental Excellence, Zeigler Mill Road Access Site
- 2023 – Best Chapter Project for the Zeigler Mill Road Access Site, PATU
- 2022 – Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
- 2022 – Environmental Stewardship, Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce
- 2020 – Best Small Chapter, PATU
- 2020 – PATU Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, PATU
- 2020 – Best Chapter for Youth Diversity, PATU
- 2015 – Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Conococheague Stream Restoration
- 2015 – Best Newsletter, PATU
- 2009 – Best Conservation Project, PATU
- 2005 – Environmental Stewardship, Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce
- 2004 – Best Trout Unlimited Chapter in the Nation (Wow!)
- 2004 – Best Chapter of the Year, PATU