HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania will stock about 114,700 hatchery-raised trout in 117 stream sections and lakes beginning Oct. 1, expanding fall and winter fishing opportunities across the state through mid-December.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission plans to stock Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in waters across the Commonwealth, with the fish available for anglers to catch immediately after stocking.
October will account for most of the program, with about 86,100 adult trout scheduled for 92 waters, including 52 lakes and 40 stream sections.
Sixteen of those waters are designated Keystone Select Trout Waters and are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations.
Another 25 lakes are scheduled to receive about 28,600 trout during November and December.
“Waters are getting cooler by the week and many different species of fish are very active this time of year,” Brian Niewinski, director of the commission’s Bureau of Hatcheries, said. “The addition of stocked trout from our hatcheries just adds something different.”
The commission cautioned that stocking schedules can change because of water temperatures, hatchery logistics and other conditions. Anglers and volunteers are advised to check schedules frequently for postponements or rescheduled stockings.
The stockings coincide with Pennsylvania’s Extended Trout Season, which began Sept. 8 and continues through Feb. 14, 2027.
Through Dec. 31, anglers may keep three trout of combined species per day, with a minimum size of seven inches. The minimum increases to nine inches for the remainder of the extended season unless special regulations apply.
Those extended-season rules apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters. Harvesting trout from other waters during the extended season is prohibited.
The Fish and Boat Commission also reminded anglers about cold-weather boating requirements.
From Nov. 1 through April 30, anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet long, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, must wear a life jacket. Children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket while paddling at all times.
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