by CMVB STAFF Article originally published in 2022 Vol. 4; revised for 2023
Stocking: In 2023, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 126 lakes open to public angling. These figures include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 707,000 Brown Trout; and 168,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the aver- age 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 to 3 ½ year-old hatchery-raised Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout measuring 14-20 inches. Roughly 70% of these large fish will be stocked into during the preseason prior to opening day of trout season, and 30% will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. The PFBC will also stock approximately 14,000 golden Rainbow Trout. These highly prized fish feature vibrant golden-or- ange pigmentation and will weigh an average of 1.5 pounds. Ap- proximately 80% of golden Rainbow Trout will be stocked during the preseason, and approximately 20% will be stocked in-season. In addition to trout raised at state fish hatcheries, PFBC cooper- ative 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 Creek Trout Tagging Prize Program: The Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association is continuing the stocking of tagged trout into the streams of Fishing Creek and its tributaries again this year. Trout will be tagged with prize amounts of $25, $50 and $100 for lucky fishermen & fisherwomen to catch.
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 1st – End of Trout Regular Season – September 4th – Extended Season: All stocked trout waters, streams plus lakes and ponds: September 5th 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) New – 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 6
Re-opening Day of Bass: Saturday, June 10 – while Bass Season is open year round, there is a no harvest period from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April (April 8, 2023) to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June (June 10, 2023). 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 28, 2023 & Tuesday, July 4, 2023 (Independence Day) are the 2023 Fish-for-Free Days. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways 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.
Learn more about fishing in the area, and find interactive maps that show stocked waters, streams, boat access, and more! Click or scan the QR code to get started.
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