SAM SWANK
STOCKING
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In 2026, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams, and 130 lakes open to public angling. These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approx- imately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 698,000 Brown Trout; and 128,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds. Once again, this year, anglers will have an excellent chance to catch large, trophy-sized trout. During 2026, the PFBC will stock approximately 72,000 trophy-sized brood fish, which are 2 ½ year-old and 3 ½ year- old hatchery-raised Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout measuring 14-20 inches. Roughly 75% of these large fish will be stocked into streams and lakes during the preseason prior to opening day of trout season, and 25% will be stocked during in- season replenishment stockings. The PFBC will stock approximately 18,000 golden Rainbow Trout during 2026. In addi- tion to being stocked during the preseason period before opening day, these highly prized fish featuring vibrant golden-orange pigmentation and weighing an average of 1.5 pounds will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. Approximately 75% of golden Rainbow Trout will be stocked during the preseason, and approximately 25% will be stocked in-season. In addition to trout raised at state fish hatch- eries, PFBC cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen’s clubs and other groups across the state will add another 1.1 million trout to waters open to public angling throughout the year. Anglers looking for stocked trout fishing opportunities ahead of the opening day should explore Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters , a program where sections of 24 streams across the state are stocked with large trout measuring 14-20 inches and managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only or Miscellaneous Special regulations. Under the program, approx- imately 10,000 large trout will be distributed among the streams. The trout will be stocked at a rate of 175 to 225 per mile of stream, which is comparable to the numbers of similarly sized fish in Pennsylvania’s best wild trout waters.
Use the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s interactive map to find a stream, boat access, stocked trout lake and more.
2 Downstream of the I-80 Bridge on the Susquehanna River This stretch, for approximately one mile downstream of the I80 bridge in Columbia County, is accessible by most any watercraft, from multiple access points, and partially by shore anglers. It combines shallow elevation changes with moving
WHERE TO FISH In addition to the stocked waters, Pennsylvania also has
thousands of wild trout streams. These streams are a great resource and offer a different challenge and reward for anglers. Still looking for some suggestions of where to start? Here’s some ideas from a local expert, John “Toast” Oast. John “Toast” Oast is a professional kayak angler and host of the popular Fishyaker YouTube channel . His channel has received over 8.5 million video views, and John regularly posts videos with fishing tips, highlights, conditions, gear reviews, and more. A resident of Bloomsburg, Oast’s kayak fishing exploits have been featured in various regional and national publications, videos, and television shows, and he travels extensively competing in kayak fishing tournaments and promoting the sport. TOAST’S TOP 5 FISHING SPOTS IN COLUMBIA & MONTOUR COUNTIES 1 Kayak or canoe from Bloomsburg to Danville on the Susquehanna River For those interested in a beautiful, scenic downstream float or fishing trip, launch at the Bloomsburg Airport PFBC access and take out at the Danville PFBC access. This is a longer trip, so it is best accomplished in a full day during the longer summer months. This stretch is great for anyone, from the novice to the advanced paddler. This float is best by paddlecraft, as during summer and lower- water periods, there may be extremely shallow areas and submerged boulders and ledges. Anglers on this stretch may catch smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and northern pike.
water, as well as deeper areas. Anglers on this stretch may catch smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and northern pike. 3 Fishing Creek Fishing Creek is one of the Pennsylvania’s legendary fishing destinations for avid trout anglers. There are numerous public and private fishing areas along the creek, from I-80 northward. 4 Weiser State Forest Roaring Creek Tract This often overlooked chain of three lake reservoirs and connecting creek are great locations for anglers and owners of canoes and kayaks. Special regulations exist for each of these bodies of water, so check with current posted and online regulations. Anglers may catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, pickerel, catfish, and panfish. 5 Bloomsburg Town Park Looking for a great place to take the family for a picnic or to introduce a child to fishing? Bloomsburg Town Park has both access to the Susquehanna River and the park’s small lake impoundment. Anglers and paddlers may fish from the river’s shore or launch small watercraft, or fish from the shore at the relaxing environment of the park lake. Anglers along the river may catch smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, catfish, and northern pike. Anglers in the lake may catch largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and carp.
2026 ADULT TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULE
Navigate by county and date to review stocking schedule for the season throughout the state.
COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly
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April–June • 2026
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