Pennsylvania Trout Season: Everything You Need to Know - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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More than 4 million trout will be released into Pennsylvania waterways this year, promising an exciting fishing season for anglers. Here’s all the information you need to plan your fishing trips and catch some beautiful trout.

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Trout Stocking Schedule

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s crews will be placing fish in 697 streams and 126 lakes, starting from February 21st. Stay up to date with the stocking schedule by visiting the official website fishandboat.com or by using the convenient FishBoatPA mobile app. By tracking the stocking schedule, you can make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch your favorite fish.

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Making a Difference

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is working hard to raise 3.2 million trout, and they receive additional help from about 150 sportsmen groups across the state, who raise an additional 1 million trout for public fishing each year. These efforts ensure that there are ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy their favorite pastime.

Trout Varieties and Sizes

This year’s trout production includes approximately 2.3 million rainbow trout, 707,000 brown trout, and 168,000 brook trout. The average size of a trout is 11 inches long, promising a good fight for any angler lucky enough to hook one. Additionally, the agency plans to release approximately 14,000 golden rainbow trout and 70,000 older brood trout measuring 14-20 inches.

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Mentored Youth Trout Day

Mentored Youth Trout Day is a special event aimed at young anglers. It starts at 8 a.m. on March 25th. Youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler and possess a free Mentored Youth permit or a voluntary youth fishing license ($2.97). This permit purchase option helps fund the Fish and Boat Commission’s youth outreach and education programs. On Mentored Youth Trout Day, participants are allowed to keep two trout that are at least 7 inches long.

Opening Day

The statewide opening of trout season begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1st. During this time, anglers can keep up to five trout that are at least 7 inches long each day through Labor Day. Starting from September 6th, the extended season allows anglers to keep three trout a day.

Licenses and Permits

To catch trout in Pennsylvania, anglers aged 16 years and older must purchase a fishing license and a trout permit. If you enjoy fishing around Lake Erie and its tributaries, you can purchase a Trout/Lake Erie permit. The revenue from Lake Erie permits is used to enhance fishing opportunities in the region, including steelhead trout. Licenses are available for purchase at approximately 700 issuing agents or online at fishandboat.com. The agency also offers multi-year licenses and discounted licenses for senior citizens.

Fish For Free Days

Anglers have two days during which fishing licenses are not required. On Sunday, May 28th, of the Memorial Day weekend, and Tuesday, July 4th, anyone, resident or non-resident, can legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways without a license. Please note that all other fishing regulations still apply on these days.

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Choosing the Right Bait

Trout are known to bite on a wide variety of foods, so you have plenty of options when it comes to bait. Red worms, mealworms, maggots, minnows, and salmon eggs are all excellent choices. Fly anglers can replicate insects on the water using a variety of nymphs and wet and dry flies. Popular artificial lures include small spinners and spoons that imitate minnows. The choice of bait ultimately depends on your fishing style and preferences.

Special Regulation Waters

This year, the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program has designated 24 streams across the state for stocking with large trout measuring 14-20 inches. These waters are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only or Miscellaneous Special regulations. Around 10,000 large trout will be distributed among these streams, providing additional excitement for anglers.

Updates on Waters

Some changes have been made regarding the stocking of specific waters. Kinzua Creek in McKean County, Pine Creek in Tioga County, South Branch Tunkhannock Creek in Lackawanna and Wyoming counties, and Sheppard-Meyers Reservoir in York County have either been added, extended, or reinstated into the trout stocking program. Conversely, Childrens Lake in Cumberland County, Neshannock Creek in Lawrence and Mercer counties, and Seven Mountains Boy Scout Pond in Centre County have been temporarily removed due to drawdowns or a decrease in stream access.

Pennsylvania offers fantastic fishing opportunities, and with the trout season just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your fishing trips. So grab your gear, get your license, and prepare to make unforgettable memories on Pennsylvania’s beautiful waterways. Happy fishing!

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Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. You can contact him or follow him on Facebook for more fishing and outdoor updates.

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