Just as archers now have good reason to be stalking their favorite deer woods in quest of that trophy buck, anglers have equally good reason to be fishing their favorite trout streams. Turns out that fall is not just for hunting, but for fishing as well. As the fall season arrives across Pennsylvania, anglers can take advantage of stocked trout fishing opportunities on dozens of popular waterways.
From now until mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery raised adult rainbow, brown, and brook trout in 118 stream and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the state and provide ice fishing opportunities. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.
“Anglers who take advantage of stocked trout opportunities during the fall are treated to beautiful scenery and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year,” said Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. “Be sure to check the stocking schedule so you know when and where we’ll be stocking trout from our hatcheries. Many species of fish will remain active as waters get cooler, and the addition of stocked trout just adds something else to look forward to this fall and winter.”
In October, the PFBC will stock approximately 89,000 adult trout into 93 waters, including 53 lakes and 40 stream sections, including 16 Keystone Select Trout Waters, which are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations. An additional 25 lakes will be stocked with approximately 28,600 trout during November and December. Anglers and stocking volunteers should note that stocking schedules are subject to change due to a variety of factors, including water temperature fluctuations and hatchery logistics. Check the schedule often for postponements and rescheduled stockings.
“Statewide, here in the fall, we stock about 120,000 trout in about a hundred different waterways,” said Waterways Conservation officer Seth Strawser. “Although most people think of fishing in the spring, it gives you another opportunity here in the fall to get outside and still be fishing throughout the rest of the year, even though it’s a totally different experience.
“Fishing in the fall is actually really good. There are fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the fish seem to be really active as the temperatures do start to cool down a little bit.
“A lot of people are getting ready to go out and hunt, but with the warm weather still here, don’t forget that there’s still fishing opportunities for you guys, especially with these fall stockings.”
Trout anglers can take advantage of the Extended Trout Season which began on Sept. 2 and lasts through Feb. 16. During the extended season, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches, unless a water is managed under special regulations. Extended Trout Season regulations apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters, and harvest of trout in other waters during the extended trout season is prohibited.
You can check the Fish and Boat Commission’s stocking schedule for our area online at https://fbweb.pa.gov/TroutStocking
Boaters and life jackets
Anglers who plan to fish from a boat this fall and winter are reminded that water temperatures can drop rapidly, presenting added dangers. All boaters are reminded to wear a life jacket and take note of the upcoming annual Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement.
From Nov. 1 through April 30, anyone on a boat less than 16 feet in length, including all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, is required to wear a life jacket. Children ages 12 and under must always wear a life jacket while paddling. For more information on year-round fishing and fishing and boating opportunities in Pennsylvania, visit Fishandboat.com.
Junior pheasant season
The junior pheasant season, which runs Oct. 11-18, included Sunday, Oct. 12. The statewide pheasant season from Oct. 25-Nov. 28 includes all Sundays within that range – Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, and Nov. 23. Within state parks that allow pheasant hunting, Sunday pheasant hunting is allowed only on Nov. 16 and Nov. 23. More on pheasant hunting in next week’s column.
Tom Tatum is the outdoors columnist for MediaNews Group. You can reach him at tatumt2@yahoo.com.
