Pennsylvania’s trout season is open right now, more than a week ahead of schedule. Here’s why
Even the coronavirus can’t stop Pennsylvania’s trout season.
The statewide trout season started without prior notice at 8 a.m. Tuesday — more than a week ahead of schedule — after the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission consulted with several other state organizations. The groups reached the conclusion that fishing in the commonwealth’s rivers and streams was safe, as long as anglers and boaters practice social-distancing guidelines and take other safety precautions.
The sudden move was made to avoid the usual packed gatherings on the traditional opening day — originally April 18 this year — and to minimize travel while reducing the threat of illegal poaching.
“We realize that this announcement is another disruption to tradition, but it is in the best interest of public health and safety,” PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer said Tuesday in a written statement. “We have already seen that anglers and boaters across the Commonwealth are willing to adapt their behavior to include social distancing, and we ask everyone to follow their lead while enjoying outdoor activities during this challenging time.
“The trout we have been stocking have had time to spread out, and so should you.”
According to the PFBC, the measure allows properly licensed anglers and youths to immediately fish and harvest trout. All regulations, sizes and creel limits still apply.
Anglers are urged to fish within a 15-minute drive of home, cover their faces with a mask or a cloth covering, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others and only go fishing with members of the same household. Those interested should also note that state park facilities, such as restrooms, might be closed.
Not all waters have yet been stocked and, to discourage group gatherings, stocking schedules will not be provided to the public this season — although waters will still be stocked throughout the spring. Some of the commonwealth’s public waters might also be restricted by the landowner or local government.
“Outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, lift our spirits and help relieve stress,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in a news release, “but they need to be done with attention to social distancing guidelines to help protect ourselves and others, and slow the spread of COVID-19.”
As a result of the move, and the global pandemic, Mentored Youth Trout Day will not take place this season. So all Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses purchased for 2020 will be honored during the 2021 season.
Those interested in a license, which costs $9.90 for one season, can either purchase online at fishandboat.com, visit a retail location or call 359-5222. Those who purchased a license but do not yet have a physical copy can instead show a digital copy or digital receipt to a Waterways Conservation Officer.
The decision to open trout season was made in consultation with the Office of the Governor, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 11:33 AM.
