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:
12:01 a.m. the first Saturday after April 11 to
12:01 a.m. 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 ]
Mentored Youth Fishing Days
Mentored Youth Days are set by the Commission's Executive Director.
[ Mentored Youth Program Info ]