HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania anglers will be allowed to begin trout fishing at 8 a.m. this Saturday as the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season gets underway across hundreds of stocked waterways.
What This Means for You
- Fishing Starts Saturday: Anglers can begin fishing at 8 a.m. statewide.
- Daily Limits Apply: Up to five trout per day during the regular season, then three during the extended season.
- Licenses Required: All anglers must have a valid license, which can be stored digitally.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said it will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout across 684 streams and 130 lakes during the 2026 season.
Stocking and Fish Details
The annual stocking includes about 2.3 million Rainbow Trout, 698,000 Brown Trout, and 128,000 Brook Trout.
Most stocked trout will average about 11 inches in length and weigh approximately 0.58 pounds.
In addition, the commission plans to release around 72,000 larger “trophy-sized” trout measuring between 14 and 20 inches, along with about 18,000 golden Rainbow Trout averaging 1.5 pounds.
Partner organizations, including sportsmen’s groups, are expected to contribute another 1.1 million trout raised in cooperative nurseries.
Season Limits and Timeline
During the regular trout season, which runs through Labor Day, anglers may keep up to five trout per day of any species, provided each fish measures at least seven inches.
During the extended season, which runs from September 8, 2026, through February 15, 2027, the daily limit drops to three trout.
Finding Stocked Waters
Anglers can locate stocked waterways by reviewing the 2026 Trout Stocking Schedule available on the PFBC website at Fishandboat.com.
Officials said additional stocking will continue throughout the spring to maintain fishing opportunities.
Licenses and Access
Fishing licenses and permits are available online through the state’s licensing system at Huntfish.pa.gov or in person at nearly 700 issuing agents statewide.
All anglers, including minors, must have their own account within the system. A digital copy of a license stored on a mobile device is accepted as proof.
Boating Safety Requirement
Anglers fishing from boats should be aware of cold-weather safety rules currently in effect.
From November 1 through April 30, anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet in length — including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards — is required to wear a life jacket.
Children age 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times while boating in Pennsylvania.
Additional Resources
More information on fishing locations, techniques, and catch-and-release practices is available through the PFBC’s “Get Started Fishing” resource page at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/basics/get-started.html.
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