CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Trout season is officially underway in Pennsylvania as dozens gathered at Yellow Breeches Creek on Saturday to reel in this year’s catch.
For Michael Karr of Perry County, it’s the return of a lifelong tradition.
“People say ‘hook them and bring them in,’ you know a lot of people throw them, I actually eat them, so there’s some use to it and some sport to it as well,” Karr said.
Karr’s been fishing since he was six years old.
He says this year’s higher water levels add an extra challenge.
“It makes it a little harder to catch fish; they’re not moving as much, sometimes they don’t like it, and they’re picky. People say fish are stupid but they’re pretty smart,” Karr said.
Harrisburg received almost 3.25 inches of rain in the first week of April.
That’s nearly the average for the entire month.
“Water is a little high now, but this has always been the go-to,” Karr said.
Rain can sometimes improve fishing conditions.
As rain hits the surface of the water, it creates air bubbles, forcing small organisms that live in the water upward which lures fish to the surface.
However, strong winds can have the opposite effect depending on the body of water.
Trout season lasts until Labor Day weekend and with four million trout already in Pennsylvania streams and creeks, there should be no shortage of fish.
“Wherever it is as long as we get to throw a line in, I’m happy,” Karr told FOX43.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will keep stocking trout throughout the season.