HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 4! Anglers can begin fishing at 8 a.m.
Throughout the 2026 season, 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 approximately 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.
2026-Trout Stocked infographic
The PFBC will also stock approximately 72,000 trophy-sized trout measuring 14"-20". Approximately 18,000 golden Rainbow Trout, weighing an average of 1.5 pounds, will also be stocked during preseason and in-season stockings. PFBC partner cooperative nurseries sponsored by sportsmen's groups and other organizations will combine to raise an additional 1.1 million trout that will be stocked into public waterways throughout the trout season.
During the regular trout season (Opening Day through Labor Day), anglers may keep up to five trout (combined species) per day measuring at least seven inches long. During an extended season from September 8, 2026, through February 15, 2027, the daily limit is three trout.
Find Stocked Trout Waters
To locate waters that have been stocked with trout, anglers can review the 2026 Trout Stocking Schedule on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com). Trout fishing opportunities will continue to be abundant statewide with replenishment stockings occurring throughout the spring.
Get Your Licenses and Permits
Permits and licenses are available using the Huntfish.pa.gov online portal and in-person at nearly 700 license issuing agents. All anglers, including youth, are required to have their own account within the licensing system, which can be created either online or at a retail license issuing location. A digital image of your fishing license stored on your phone can serve as proof of possession.
Fishing from a Boat?
Anglers who plan to fish from a boat on Opening Day of Trout Season are reminded that the PFBC's cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect from November 1 through April 30. Under this rule, anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet, including all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, is required to wear a life jacket. Children ages 12 and under should always wear a life jacket while boating in Pennsylvania.
Prepare for Fun!
Whether you’re fishing for trout or any other species of fish this season, take advantage of the PFBC’s online maps to find great places to fish, learn about different types of fishing such as fly fishing and ice fishing, and review catch-and-release techniques for handling fish on the Get Started Fishing page on the PFBC website.