PA Fish Commission begins pre-season trout stocking Feb. 21

Beginning the week of Feb. 21, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will begin stocking approximately 3.2 million adult trout in the states 696 streams and 128 lakes in preparation for the Apr. 2 trout season opener, and March 26 Youth Trout Day. 

Of the 3.2 million trout to be stocked, 2.2 million will be Rainbow Trout, 686,000 Brown Trout and 293,000 Brook Trout, all of which will average 11 inches in length, says the PF&BC. 

According to the agency, 70,000 trout will be brood fish that are 2.5 and 3.5-year-olds and measuring 14-20 inches. And 70 percent of these will be stocked preseason, while 30 percent will be stocked in-season. As a bonus, the PF&BC will include 13,000 golden Rainbow Trout, each will average 1.5 pounds. Eighty percent will be stocked preseason while the remainder will be planted in-season. 

The fish commission will again include in this year’s stocking list the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters, a program where sections of  24 streams across the state are stocked with large 14-20-inch trout that are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only or Miscellaneous Special Regulations. Under this program, approximately 10,000 large trout will be distributed among these streams at a rate of 175-225 per mile of stream. 

Unlike last year when volunteers weren’t allowed to help in stocking trout because of Covid concerns, the PF&BC will once again welcome volunteers. In the past, the agency has partnered with conservation groups, schools, and walk-up volunteers to help spread out the trout in local waterways. But volunteers are reminded to obey traffic laws while following stocking trucks and to stay home if not feeling well. 

Anglers should also keep in mind that fishing is not permitted on newly stocked streams and lakes from Feb. 21 to the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day when only youngsters may fish, and to the opening of the regular statewide trout opener April 2. 

To check in-season stocking dates go to www.fishandboat.com or mobile app and click on “stocking schedule” and for the region and county of interest.

PF&BC OFFERING INCENTIVES FOR VOLUNTARY PUBLIC STREAM ACCESS 

In an effort to offer more fishing opportunities, the PF&BC is offering incentives to landowners to open their private sections of streams to access and fishing. 

Payment, says the PF&BC, is based on several factors including the amount of stream frontage and value of the fishery. It’s a one-time payment provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service which is a division of U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The agreement under this program is voluntary and a permanent legal contract between the landowner and PF&BC. The easements provide a corridor along a stream that allows the public to wade in and walk along the stream bank for the purpose of fishing. Entering into the agreement preserves landowner rights and provides additional benefits. Landowners may limit public access for other purposes such as camping or hunting, says the PF&BC. 

Two creeks quickly come to mind that would be nice to have access to. For one, parts of the Jordan Creek that runs through GES Corporation property (Trojan Powder Co.), and areas of Trout Creek in Slatington. 
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Interested landowners who want more information should contact PF&BC’s Scott Bollinger at 717-346-8196 or email him at scbollinger@pa.gov.