HARRISBURG, PA — Young anglers across Pennsylvania will get early access to stocked trout waters this Saturday as part of the state’s annual Mentored Youth Trout Day.
What This Means for You
- Kids 15 and under can fish statewide with a licensed adult mentor
- Participants may keep up to two trout meeting size requirements
- A youth permit or license is required before heading out
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said the event will take place Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on waterways across all 67 counties.
What the Event Is
Mentored Youth Trout Day, established in 2013, gives young anglers an opportunity to fish ahead of the statewide trout season and learn basic skills before larger crowds arrive.
The statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026.
“This is a special day where our youngest anglers have a chance to have fun and learn fishing skills they can carry with them for a lifetime,” PFBC Board President John Mahn Jr. said.
Who Can Participate
The event is open to youth ages 15 and under who are accompanied by a licensed adult mentor age 16 or older.
Youth participants must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Permit.
With proper credentials, youth anglers may keep up to two trout of at least 7 inches in length.
Adult mentors must hold a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a current trout permit. While adults may fish while assisting a child, they are not permitted to keep trout during the event.
Where to Fish
Officials said anglers should review the 2026 Trout Stocking Schedule to locate waters that have already been stocked ahead of the event, as not all waterways will be stocked in time.
Additional information on stocked waters, licenses, and permits is available at https://www.fishandboat.com.
Safety and Participation Guidelines
The commission said the event is intended for one-on-one mentoring rather than large group outings with limited supervision.
“The focus of every adult mentor should be on teaching kids to fish,” Mahn said, adding that positive early experiences can encourage lifelong participation.
Additional Requirements
Anglers fishing from boats must follow cold weather safety rules, including mandatory life jacket use on boats 16 feet or less between November 1 and April 30.
Children age 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
What Happens Next
Mentored Youth Trout Day serves as a lead-in to the statewide trout season, which opens to all anglers the following weekend.
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