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 after April 11, to midnight, Labor Day.

[ Trout Season Overview ]

Trout and Salmon, Regional – Regular Season

From 8 a.m. on the first Saturday after March 28, to midnight, Labor Day.

[ Trout Season Overview ]

Trout and Salmon – Extended Season

All stocked trout waters, streams plus lakes and ponds - From January 1 to the last day of February; and from the day after Labor Day 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 to December 31.

[ Walleye Info ]

Bass – Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted

Year round open season. No harvest between midnight of the day before the opening day of trout season in April through the first Saturday after June 11. 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 ]