HARRISBURG, PA — From prime ice fishing conditions to sweeping regulatory changes and millions of trout ready for stocking, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission opened its quarterly business meeting Friday with a wide-ranging focus on winter safety and the busy spring season ahead for anglers and boaters.
Officials said wintry conditions have created strong ice fishing opportunities across much of the state, while also increasing risks. John Mahn Jr., board president and District 2 commissioner, credited Waterways Conservation Officers for heightened safety efforts and urged the public to remain vigilant.
While many anglers are counting down to warmer weather, Mahn said others are taking full advantage of the ice. He reminded anyone heading onto frozen lakes or open winter waters to always wear a life jacket, citing cold-water dangers that can quickly turn fatal.
Since 2012, state regulations have required life jacket use from November 1 through April 30 on boats under 16 feet, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Commission data show that while cold-weather boating accidents have remained relatively steady, fatalities during those months have dropped by about 50 percent since the rule took effect.
During his executive report, Tim Schaeffer, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said preparations are already underway for the 2026 trout season. Preseason stocking operations are planned ahead of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on March 28, 2026, and the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on April 4, 2026.
Schaeffer noted the 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule was posted online January 29 and encouraged anglers to check it often due to potential weather-related or logistical changes. About 3.2 million adult trout are slated to be stocked statewide this year, consistent with recent years, with an additional 1.1 million trout coming from cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen’s groups.
The board also approved several regulatory and administrative actions. Commissioners voted to advance proposed rulemaking that would allow limited crossover use between the Fish Fund and Boat Fund, a change made possible by amendments to the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code. Officials said the flexibility is intended to reduce inefficiencies and costs for anglers and boaters. The change would take effect after final approval and publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
On the fisheries front, commissioners voted to remove a section of Blue Hole Creek in Somerset County from the Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-round Fishing program after the Department of Environmental Protection documented elevated levels of cadmium and lead. While no consumption advisory has been issued, trout stocking will be discontinued in that section due to potential health concerns.
The board also approved the addition of three new waters to the state’s Class A wild trout stream list, added two new wild trout streams, and revised section limits on one existing designation. All changes will take effect following final notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Additional actions included final approval of updated regulations for accesses and marinas, temporary suspension of fishing regulations on several lakes undergoing dam rehabilitation projects, and the approval of 13 trout stocking exemptions on 12 Class A wild trout stream sections statewide.
Commissioners also confirmed the remaining PFBC quarterly business meetings for 2026 are scheduled for April 27, July 27, and October 26, with the spring and summer meetings to be held at PFBC headquarters in Harrisburg.
Fishing licenses and permits are available through the state’s HuntFish portal or at nearly 700 authorized issuing agents across Pennsylvania.
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