HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 22) – Following the recent heavy rainfall across much of the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) cautions anglers that many creeks may be running higher than normal during Regional Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 23.
While impacts will vary by waterway across the south central and southeastern regions, fast-moving and muddy water conditions can make it difficult to fish and reduce the ability to have a successful trout fishing experience. Adult mentors accompanying young anglers should assess water conditions and check for safe streamside access before attempting to fish.
With many creeks impacted, anglers may consider fishing at lakes and other impoundments that have been have stocked with trout. To locate a lake in your area, view the 2019 Trout Stocking Schedule which is searchable by county. All PFBC stocked waters are listed in alphabetical order and indicate when trout stocking has occurred or will occur. Please note, not all waters have been stocked with trout prior to March 23.
Regional Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day takes place in 18 south central and southeastern counties, including Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York counties.
To participate, anglers ages 15 and under must obtain either a FREE Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.90) from the PFBC and be accompanied by an adult licensed angler. Permits and licenses are available at www.gonefishingpa.com and at more than 700 issuing agents. Youth may harvest up to two trout (combined species) with a minimum size of 7 inches. All other Commonwealth Inland Water regulations apply. You can view or download a FREE copy of the 2019 Fishing Summary online.
Adult mentors (anglers 16 years of age or older) must possess a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout/Salmon Permit and be accompanied by a properly permitted or licensed youth (less than 16 years of age). While mentors will be permitted to fish, they are not permitted to harvest trout and must release them unharmed.
Save these dates for the upcoming trout season!
· Saturday, March 30 – Regional Opening Day of Trout Season (18 southeastern counties)
· Saturday, April 6 – Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day (statewide)
· Saturday, April 13 – Opening Day of Trout Season (statewide)
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Media Contact:
Mike Parker, Communications Director
717.705.7806
michparker@pa.gov