HOW OPENING DAYS ARE DETERMINED
View the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary of Regulations & Laws (Summary Book) for dates of the current year seasons, most are listed within the Commonwealth Inland Waters section.
Trout and Salmon – Regular Season
From 8 a.m. on the first Saturday in April (April 2, 2022), to midnight, Labor Day (September 5, 2022).
[ Trout Season Overview ]
Trout and Salmon – Extended Season
All stocked trout waters, streams plus lakes and ponds: From January 1 to
February 20, 2022; and from 12:01 a.m. the day after Labor Day (September 6, 2022) to December 31.
[ Trout Season Overview ]
Muskellunge, Pike, Pickerel
Open year-round.
[ Musky Info, Pike Info, Pickerel Info ]
Walleye, Sauger
From January 1 to March 14; and from 12:01 a.m. of the first Saturday in May (May 7, 2022) to December 31.
[ Walleye Info ]
Bass – Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted
Open year round.
NO HARVEST: 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April (April 9, 2022) to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June (June 11, 2022).
During the no harvest season, anglers must immediately return any bass to the water and are prohibited from casting into spawning beds.
[ Bass Info ]
Fish-for-Free Days
These days are set by the Commission's Executive Director. The PA Fish and Boat Code allows for a maximum of 2 free days each year.
[ Fish-for-Free Days Info ]
Mentored Youth Fishing Days
Mentored Youth Day is the Saturday before Regular Season Opening Day (March 26, 2022).
[ Mentored Youth Program Info ]