Are you ready for trout season? Anglers from across the 18 southeastern and south-central counties of the state are gearing up to fish their favorite spots at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019, which marks the traditional regional opening day of trout season.
In addition to the 18 SE counties, there are some additional streams on county borders that are included in Regional Opening Day: Mahantango Creek, between Northumberland and Dauphin counties; West Branch Mahantango Creek, between Snyder and Juniata counties; and Lizard Creek and Mahoning Creek in Carbon County. These are the ONLY border streams that are part of the Regional Opening Day!
Since late February, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has been busy stocking waterways with a fresh supply of brook, brown and rainbow trout. And with approximately 3.2 million adult trout stocked in lakes and creeks, along with more than 10,000 miles of wild trout waters, anglers will have plenty of opportunities to catch a stocked or wild trout.
Creel limits apply to the majority of trout fishing waters. Other rules apply for Special Regulation Areas. Anglers should consult the Summary of PA Fishing Laws and Regulations for more details.
Fishing Licenses
In addition to a fishing license, trout anglers 16 and older must posses a Trout/Salmon Permit (or Combination Trout-Salmon/Lake Erie Permit) to fish for trout.
Licenses must be signed in ink and displayed on an outer garment. Anglers must also be able to provide positive proof of identification (other than the fishing license) upon request of a Waterways Conservation Officer.
License Fees – 2019 licenses and permits are valid December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (except 1, 3 and 7-day licenses) and are available beginning Dec. 1, 2018 at issuing agents statewide and online through the The Outdoor Shop.
Fish-For-Free Days – 2019
Sunday, May 26, 2019
&
Thursday, July 4, 2019 (Independence Day)
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.
Fish-for-Free Days are great ways for families to “catch” the fun of fishing!
