HARRISBURG, Pa (August 29) – While the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial end to summer for many people, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers and boaters to “Keep Going” when it comes to outdoor adventures on and around the water.
“It’s been a great year for fishing and boating so far, and the fun doesn’t need to stop now,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “While Labor Day weekend may be the last hurrah for those who love soaking in the summer sun, in Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have year-round opportunities to enjoy our rivers, lakes, and streams. The upcoming fall season is among the best times of year to get outdoors thanks to cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and the scenic beauty of the changing leaves reflecting off the water.”
As part of the PFBC’s message to “Keep Going,” Schaeffer reminded all outdoor enthusiasts including hikers, cyclists, and campers to incorporate fishing and boating into their plans to enhance their experiences during the fall season.
Boating
While powered boating activity slows down on many larger lakes and rivers after Labor Day, paddling opportunities flourish in the fall. In addition to enjoying your favorite local stream, paddlers should consider exploring somewhere new like a PFBC lake or one of the many established water trails across the Commonwealth.
Boaters are reminded that as the fall season approaches, water temperatures begin to cool significantly. To protect against the added dangers of cold water, the PFBC recommends that boaters always wear a life jacket.
“Even though we still expect to have some beautiful warm and sunny days ahead as we transition from summer to fall, the water will be getting cooler every week,” added Schaeffer. “If you’ve ever fallen into cold water unexpectedly, it can be a real shock to the system and cause some panic, especially when boating. Wearing a life a jacket is the best protection you have to keep you afloat in those critical moments.”
Pennsylvania’s annual cold weather lifejacket requirement is in effect from November 1 through April 30. During this time, anyone on a boat less than 16 feet in length, including all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, is required to wear a life jacket. Children ages 12 and under must always wear a life jacket while paddling. For more safe boating tips, visit the Boating Safety page on the PFBC website.
A launch permit or registration is required for operators of unpowered boats, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards who wish to use hundreds of PFBC boat access areas and DCNR boat ramps inside state parks. Launch permits and boat registration renewals are available for purchase using the HuntFish.pa.gov online portal.
Fishing
As summer transitions into fall and waters begin to cool, anglers can look forward to increased fishing action for popular sportfish species including Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Muskies.
Trout anglers can take advantage of the Extended Trout Season beginning on September 2 and lasting through February 16, 2026. During the extended season, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches, unless a water is managed under special regulations. Extended Trout Season regulations apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters, and harvest of trout in other waters during the extended trout season is prohibited.
Anglers seeking stocked trout opportunities this fall should review the 2025 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule for Fall Stockings. In October alone, the PFBC will stock approximately 89,000 trout into 93 waters, including 53 lakes and 40 stream sections, including 16 Keystone Select Trout Waters, which are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations.
Fishing licenses and permits can be purchased using the HuntFish.pa.gov online portal or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.