HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's Note: The above video is from April 2024.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will begin trout stocking in waterways across the Commonwealth beginning on Oct. 1.
Approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult rainbow, brown, and brook trout will be stocked in 118 streams and lakes from Oct. 1 through mid-December.
According to the Fish and Boat Commission, the stockings will replenish popular fishing spots and give anglers ice-fishing opportunities this winter.
"When anglers of all ages spend time on the water during the fall season, they'll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures of the year," said Brian Niewinski, the director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "As you make plans to go fishing this time of year, be sure to check our stocking schedule so you know when and where we'll be stocking trout from our hatcheries. The addition of stocked trout complements the many other plentiful fishing opportunities for other species that are very active just as the leaves start changing colors."
Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit.
During the extended trout season (Sept. 3 – Dec. 31, 2024, and Jan. 1 - Feb. 8, 2025), the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches, unless the water is managed under special regulations.
It should also be noted that extended trout season regulations apply only to designated stocked trout waters, and the harvest of trout in other waters during the extended trout season is prohibited.