​​2024 TROUT STOCKING PROGRAM CHANGES

Each year, the PFBC adjusts its adult trout stocking program based on several factors. A waterway may be added, extended, reinstated or removed depending on existing or pending changes to angler access, changes to designations on streams managed for wild trout populations, water quality issues that may threaten the survival of stocked trout, and maintenance being performed to dams and other infrastructure that result in the drawdown of impoundments or decreased water flow.

WATERS ADDED OR EXTENDED

Childrens Lake, Cumberland County

This 8.9-acre impoundment will be reinstated into the trout stocking program.  Maintenance and repairs to the dam have been completed and the reservoir has been refilled to full pool.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Clear Creek, Cameron County

A 5.5-mile section extending from Mud Run downstream to the mouth will now receive an in-season stocking.  Formerly, this water had been stocked on a preseason only basis.

East Branch Cowley Run, Cameron and Potter Counties

Based on the presence of a Class A mixed wild Brook and Brown Trout population, this stream was re-sectioned to terminate stocking in the headwaters while continuing to stock the 1.34-mile section extending from the Cowley Road bridge downstream to the mouth.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Hyner Run, Clinton County

Based on the presence of a Class A mixed wild Brook and Brown Trout population, this stream was re-sectioned to terminate stocking in the headwaters while continuing to stock the 3.0-mile section extending from the powerline crossing upstream of Hyner Run State Park downstream to the mouth.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Kettle Creek, Clinton County
A 0.7-mile extension of the stocking limits will lead to an increase in the number of trout allocated to this stream section.  The revised stocking limits will extend for 2.4 miles from Alvin R. Bush Dam downstream to Slide Hollow.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Lake Wilma, Greene County

This 19.3-acre impoundment will be reinstated into the trout stocking program.  Stocking was cancelled in 2023 due to construction located on the quarry property that provides access to the impoundment.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Limestone Run, Union County

Located in the town of Lewisburg, a 2.4-mile section of stream extending from the second State Route 45 bridge upstream of mouth downstream to the mouth will be added into the trout stocking program.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Loyalsock Creek, Sullivan County

The stocking limits were extended 0.25 miles upstream Rock Run Road.  The revised stocking limits will extend 8.63-miles from 0.25-miles upstream Rock Run Road downstream to Little Loyalsock Creek.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Sheppard-Meyers Reservoir, York County

This 46.9-acre impoundment will be reinstated into the trout stocking program.  Maintenance and repairs to the dam have been completed and the reservoir will be refilled to full pool in spring 2024.  Trout will be stocked on a preseason only basis.

Slippery Rock Creek, Lawrence County
The 0.51-mile section of stream managed under Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only regulations has been extended downstream 0.31 miles to the McConnells Mill State Park lower property boundary.  Trout will continue to be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

Stony Run Pond, Clearfield County
This 3.2-acre impoundment will be added into the trout stocking program.  Located on Department of Conservation and Natural Resources property at S.B. Elliot State Park, this impoundment provides excellent angler accessibility.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

West Branch Cowley Run, Cameron and Potter counties

Based on the presence of a Class A wild Brown Trout population, this stream was re-sectioned to terminate stocking in the headwaters while continuing to stock the 0.9-mile section extending from Fee Run downstream to the mouth.  Trout will be stocked during the preseason and in-season stocking periods.

WATERS REPLACED

When survey data suggests that a waterway is no longer suitable for adult trout stocking based on a loss of angler access, environmental factors, or designation as a Class A wild trout stream, the PFBC makes every attempt to reallocate fish to a comparable location nearby. When inadequate angler access is the reason for a removal, locations are monitored for improvement, so these waters can be considered for reinstatement to the stocking program if access is improved. When a water is designated as a Class A wild trout stream, it is among the "best of the best" of the wild trout streams in Pennsylvania. These streams support a population of natural reproducing trout of sufficient size and abundance that support a long-term and rewarding fishery, and do not require stocking to sustain the fishery. Removing a newly designated Class A stream from the Stocked Trout Waters (STW) program allows the PFBC to optimize stocked trout angling opportunities by establishing a new STW in a nearby water or improving existing opportunities in a nearby STW by increasing the allocation of fish stocked during the preseason and/or in-season stocking periods.