Gone Fishin g
@HOCK_BROS
by CMVB STAFF Article originally published in 2022 Vol. 4; revised for 2024
on the designated days with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED (Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are also NOT required). All other fishing regulations still apply. Stocking: In 2024, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 129 lakes open to public angling. These fig- ures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.4 million Rainbow Trout; 702,000 Brown Trout; and 132,000 Brook Trout. As with past prac- tice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds. Anglers will also have an excellent chance to catch large, trophy-sized trout. This year, the PFBC will stock approximately 70,000 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 70% of these large fish will be stocked into streams and lakes during the preseason prior to opening day of trout season, and 30% will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. In 2024, the PFBC will stock approximately 14,000 golden Rainbow Trout. In addition to being stocked during the preseason period before opening day, these highly prized fish featuring vibrant gold- en-orange pigmentation and weighing an average of 1.5 pounds will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. Approx- imately 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 hatcheries, PFBC cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen’s clubs and other groups across the state will add another one million trout to waters open to public angling throughout the year.
Fishing season is here again - what a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Before you hit the water, we wanted to share some important information that will help make your next angling trip a resounding success. Statewide Opening Day of Trout – April 6th – End of Trout Regular Season – September 2nd – Extended Season: All stocked trout waters, streams plus lakes and ponds: September 3rd to December 31st.
MINIMUM KEEP SIZE: 7 inches FISHING HOURS: 24 hours a day, after the 8 AM opener CREEL LIMITS: Regular season: 5 (combined species); Extended season: 3 (combined species)
Extended season regulations only apply to waters managed as Stocked Trout Waters (STW). All waters downstream of STW are no longer managed under extended season regulations.
Other Important Fishing Season Dates: Opening Day of Walleye & Sauger: Saturday, May 4
Re-opening Day of Bass: Saturday, June 8 – while Bass Season is open year round, there is a no harvest period from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April (April 13, 2024) to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June (June 8, 2024). During the no harvest season, anglers must immediately return any bass to the water and are prohibited from casting into spawning beds. Fish For Free Days: Sunday, May 26, 2024 & Tuesday, July 4, 2024 (Independence Day) are the 2024 Fish-for-Free Days. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways
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