The ponds at Pleasant Hill Park have long been a haven for relaxing fishing experiences through the years.

Many of Philadelphia’s families have taken advantage of this idyllic location with its summer fishing program, which includes summer camps through the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation from all over the city of Philadelphia. 

It’s a 6 to 7 week program that invites children to experience a day of catch and release fishing at the ponds, instructions on how use rods, hooks, bait, and information on boat and water safety. Recycled materials are available for participants to make some arts and crafts.  A lesson on the history of Pleasant Hill Park, known to many as “The Fish Hatcheries”, is given and informs participants about the Delaware River, the City of Philadelphia and its bridges, and wildlife that lives in the park.

Over the past 22 years, Rita Molchan, known to many as “The Fish Lady”, has had the pleasure of meeting and teaching thousands of children and adults the fundamentals of fishing. She makes her own rules and regulations, and takes rule following within the park seriously, recognizing it as a public space that should be respected by all. She also puts an emphasis on general rod safety (secure your hook if it’s windy).

While Rita does a lot of lifting herself, she has lots of willing help around: an assistant, youth workers, volunteers, and community members all help out regularly to make the program special. The program itself is for ages 3-21, and counselors can fish with kids while they help out. 

Rita has cited that Summer is a great time to attend the program, as ponds are freshly stocked in Spring. Campers can catch Bluegills, Bass, Sunnies, and Catfish. Turtles can be spotted basking in the sun; Snappers, Red Sliders, and Yellow Sliders (although turtles should be left alone).

The program is Catch and Release, adhering to park rules. Bait and gear are provided by Riverfront North, Sportmaster Bait & Tackle, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, MidAtlantic Youth Anglers and Partners, and neighbors of the park Sophie and Alan.

Through the years, Rita has come up with many methods of transporting rods to the ponds and back daily. Wheelbarrows and shopping carts make it easier to transport the rods, often up to forty a day.  For the pesky line tangles, the best solution for is to use twist ties to keep the line in place.  “I’ve tried everything,” stated Rita. “Now, there is more time to enjoy fishing.”

Through the years children & parents come to the park to enjoy fishing and are happy to see that Rita “The Crazy Fish Lady” is still here fishing at the ponds in Pleasant Hill Park. Hopefully you have a chance to come and check out both the park and the fishing program that’s taken place there for over 20 years.

Thank you, Rita, for your time, knowledge, and passion for teaching people of all ages about fishing in the ponds at Pleasant Hill Park!