| The state may be named
for Penn’s Woods, but autumn isn’t all about trees here in the Commonwealth – though that brilliant
foliage does provide a beautiful backdrop for fantastic fall trout fishing, especially along 147
waters being stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in October.
 The PFBC will stock 89 streams with 47,100
adult trout. In addition, 58 lakes will be stocked with 62,400 adult trout.
The fall stockings include
two different components. Anglers who wish to harvest trout may take advantage of the stream sections
and lakes regulated by the Extended Trout Season Rules. The Extended Trout Season, which began September
4, permits anglers to creel up to three trout of seven inches or greater daily.
The second component
of the program is the stocking of 75 stream sections managed under special trout fishing regulations.
A total of 54 stream sections being stocked are part of the Delayed
Harvest, Artificial Lures Only programs. Delayed Harvest regulations allow for year-round fishing. However, no
trout may be creeled the day after Labor Day until the following June 15.
Another 21 stream sections being stocked
are regulated for Catch & Release
Fly Fishing Only. As the special regulation name implies, fishing in these areas is limited to fly fishing
gear and all trout must be released back into the water.
Anglers should consult the 2007 Summary of
Fishing Regulations and Laws issued with each license for a complete list of rules applicable to
specially regulated trout fishing waters.
“There’s
rarely a bad time to go trout fishing, and there are some truly great times. Fall in Pennsylvania is
one of the best times,” said PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen. “Autumn brings with it cooler water
temperatures and increased feeding activity. It’s also a time for true trophy trout fishing with the annual
run of large steelhead trout into Lake Erie’s tributary streams.”
To learn more about fall trout fishing opportunities in Pennsylvania
visit the PFBC’s web site at www.fishandboat.com. |
