Requirements for Stocking Waters of this Commonwealth from an Artificial Propagation Facility (Fish Farm, Commercial Fish Hatchery, etc.) Located in Pennsylvania
1. Fish Propagation and Introduction List
Consult the Species by Watershed Approved for Open System (Flow Through) Propagation and Introductions list to determine if the species being stocked is approved for its intended watershed. Consult the watershed layer on the Trout Streams map to identify the appropriate watershed intended for stocking. If approval is needed, obtain written permission to introduce (stock) fish into the Commonwealth from the PFBC by sending a request to the Executive Director, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106. Permission must be received prior to any introduction (stocking).
2. Waters Prohibited from Introduction (Stocking)
Consult the full list of Class A Wild Trout Streams, Catch and Release Waters, Wilderness Trout Waters, and Wild Trout Management Waters on the PFBC’s Trout Water Classifications webpage to determine if the intended water for stocking is prohibited. Any water included on these lists is prohibited from stocking. These lists are updated after each Quarterly Board of Commissioners Meeting.
3. Fish Health Certificate, Gill Lice Certification, and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Requirements
After determining if the species and water for stocking are approved by the PFBC, obtain the appropriate fish health certification from the artificial propagation facility located in Pennsylvania, by consulting the PFBC’s Fish Health Certificate Requirements webpage.
4. Notice of Stocking to the Commission
Complete and submit a Notice of Stocking to the PFBC prior to stocking.
5. Special Activities Permit
If applicable, complete and submit a Special Activities Permit to the PFBC within the appropriate timeframe for the special activity.
6. Completed Requirements
Upon completing the above requirements, introduction (stocking) of fish associated with the Notice of Stocking into waters of this Commonwealth can occur.
Requirements for Stocking Waters of this Commonwealth from an Artificial Propagation Facility (Fish Farm, Commercial Fish Hatchery, etc.) Located Outside of Pennsylvania
1. Fish Propagation and Introduction List
Consult the Species by Watershed Approved for Open System (Flow Through) Propagation and Introductions list to determine if the species being stocked is approved for its intended watershed. Consult the watershed layer on the Trout Streams map to identify the appropriate watershed intended for stocking.
2. Waters Prohibited from Introduction (Stocking)
Consult the full list of Class A Wild Trout Streams, Catch and Release Waters, Wilderness Trout Waters, and Wild Trout Management Waters on the PFBC’s Trout Water Classifications webpage to determine if the intended water for stocking is prohibited. Any water included on these lists is prohibited from stocking. These lists are updated after each Quarterly Board of Commissioners Meeting.
3. Written Permission Prior to Importation and Introduction (Stocking) Requirement
Obtain written permission to import and introduce (stock) fish into the Commonwealth from the PFBC by sending a request to the Executive Director, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106. Permission must be received prior to any importation or introduction (stocking).
4. Fish Health Certificate, Gill Lice Certification, and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Requirements
After receiving written permission from the PFBC to import and introduce (stock) fish into the Commonwealth, obtain the appropriate fish health certification from the artificial propagation facility located outside of Pennsylvania, by consulting the PFBC’s Fish Health Certificate Requirements webpage.
5. Notice of Stocking to the Commission
Complete and submit a Notice of Stocking to the PFBC prior to stocking.
6. Special Activities Permit
If applicable, complete and submit a Special Activities Permit to the PFBC within the appropriate timeframe for the special activity.
7. Completed Requirements
Upon completing the above requirements, importation and introduction (stocking) of fish associated with the Notice of Stocking into waters of this Commonwealth can occur.
