Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day is Saturday, March 28, 2026
From 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Eligible Anglers
Youth anglers must obtain a current year Mentored Youth Permit OR a Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission and be accompanied by a licensed adult angler in order to participate. The angler may mentor multiple youth. No more than one licensed angler per actively fishing mentored youth.
Anglers Over 16
Anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and current trout permit and be accompanied by a youth (less than 16 years of age) who has obtained a Mentored Youth Permit OR a Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission.
Regulations
- Only youth anglers with a current year Voluntary Youth Fishing License OR Mentored Youth Permit may possess a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches. Adult anglers are prohibited from possessing trout.
- All other Commonwealth inland regulations apply.
- It is unlawful to fish in waters designated as part of the Mentored Youth Day fishing program after 7:30 p.m. on the last Saturday in March.
- The waters included in the Mentored Youth Fishing Day Program are the Stocked Trout Waters statewide.
- Other waters may be added to the list of waters available for Mentored Youth Trout opportunities.
- Special regulation areas are not included in the program.
Guidance for Mentors
- The youth should be capable of fishing on their own, with limited assistance from the mentor.
- The mentor should be fishing within arm's reach or 6 feet of the actively fishing mentored youth.
- The PFBC is discouraging youth organizations to use this as an opportunity to get a large group of youth fishing with minimal adult supervision.
Commonwealth Inland Water regulations apply. Special regulation areas are not included in the program. It is unlawful to fish in waters designated as part of the Mentored Youth Fishing Day Program except when participating in the program.
Customer Information You Will Need
If your youth is new to participating in Mentored Youth Trout Day you’ll need to create an account for them, visit HuntFish.pa.gov.
You will need the following information for your youth:
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Street Address and Zip Code
- An email address to link with your youth's account
Continue to complete required fields and prompts to confirm PA residency and creating a username for your youth.
To buy a Mentored Youth Permit or Voluntary Youth License:
- On the account homepage, click "Buy Licenses/Permits"
- Under the "Fish" tab, search for:
- Voluntary Youth Annual Fishing License - this costs $2.97 and supports youth programs all year long.
- Mentored Youth Fishing Permit Annual - this is FREE.
- Choose either the license or permit for your youth and "Add to Cart".
- Complete the checkout process.
- On the Order Receipt page, be sure to download your "Receipt and License documents." Page 2 of your receipt is the youth's license or permit. Make sure to keep a digital or print copy on hand on Mentored Youth Trout Day.
If you are returning to purchase this year's Mentored Youth Permit or Voluntary Youth License, log in to your youth's account on HuntFish.PA.gov.
You will need the following account information for your youth:
- Username and password
OR
- Customer Number
- Date of Birth
- Zip Code
- Email address associated with your youth's account
To buy a Mentored Youth Permit or Voluntary Youth License:
- On the account homepage, click "Buy Licenses/Permits"
- Under the "Fish" tab, search for:
- Voluntary Youth Annual Fishing License - this costs $2.97 and supports youth programs all year long.
- Mentored Youth Fishing Permit Annual - this is FREE.
- Choose either the license or permit for your youth and "Add to Cart".
- Complete the checkout process.
- On the Order Receipt page, be sure to download your "Receipt and License documents." Page 2 of your receipt is the youth's license or permit. Make sure to keep a digital or print copy on hand on Mentored Youth Trout Day.
Method 1: Email Lookup (Recommended)
- Click “Account Lookup” button on the main page of HuntFish.pa.gov
- Click “Forgot Customer Number” button at the top of the page.
- Enter the email address associated with the youth’s profile.
- Click Continue. The system will email your youth's nine-digit Customer Number to email associated to the youth's profile.
- Go to the Account Lookup page.
You can also check their old licenses. The nine-digit Customer Number is printed on any previous fishing license you have purchased through the system.
Method 2: Call HuntFishPA Customer Support
If you can't find your account online, call the HuntFishPA Customer Support line at 1-800-838-4431. Call Center associates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Voluntary Youth Licenses support youth programs.
While both the Mentored Youth permit and the Voluntary Youth License provide the opportunity for youth to fish on Mentored Youth Fishing Days, the Voluntary Youth License provides an extended return for both Pennsylvania’s youth and the Commission.
The Commission encourages anglers to purchase either a Voluntary Youth License or a Voluntary Youth License Voucher—for the future of fishing!
