Regular Trout Season

The regular trout season in Pennsylvania is a much-anticipated time for anglers. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Opening Day: The season kicks off on April 6, 2024, beginning at 8 AM.
    • Duration: The season runs from opening day until midnight on Labor Day.
    • Daily Catch Limit: Anglers can catch up to five trout per day, which can be a combination of brown, rainbow, and brook trout.
    • Minimum Size: All harvested trout must be at least seven inches in total length.

Extended Trout Season

For those who can’t get enough of trout fishing, Pennsylvania offers an extended trout season:

  • First Period: The first period runs from January 1 through February 18.
    • Second Period: The second period starts the day after Labor Day and continues until December 31.
    • Daily Catch Limit: During the extended season, the daily catch limit is reduced to three trout.
    • Catch and Release: Class A streams are catch and release only for trout during the extended season.

Special Regulations

There are also special regulations that anglers should be aware of:

  • Class A Streams: It is legal to fish for trout year-round in Class A streams, with no harvest beginning the day after Labor Day until the opening day of the regular trout season.
    • Stocked Trout Waters: Some waters may have additional regulations. It’s important to check with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission if there is any question about the status of specific waters.

Licensing Information

Before you can start fishing, you’ll need to secure a fishing license:

  • Fishing Licenses: These are available for purchase online, through the FishBoatPA mobile app, or at local issuing agents.
    • Cost: The cost for general resident adult licenses has increased by $2.50 to $27.97, and a trout permit also increased $2.50 to $14.97.
    • Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement: This is in effect from November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.

Important Dates for Anglers

Mark your calendars for these important dates:

  • Mentored Youth Trout Day: March 30, 2024.
    • Fish-for-Free Days: May 26, 2024, and July 4, 2024.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation is a key part of fishing. Here’s what’s being done in Pennsylvania:

  • Class A Wild Trout Streams: Proposals and updates to the conservation status of certain streams are considered to protect and enhance trout populations.

Additional Resources

For more information, check out these re