After a year without advance notice to anglers of trout stockings during 2020, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has announced that the trout stocking schedule is back for 2021.
The commission removed the advance notice component of its stocking program last year as part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The aim was to reduce angler crowding along streams on stocking dates and encourage social distancing.
“The release of our stocking schedule is always a welcome reminder that spring will be here before we know it,” said Brian Wisner, director of the commission’s Bureau of Hatcheries. “We’re happy that we’ll be able to provide these stocking dates to the anglers this season so they can learn which local waters will be ready for some great fishing in just a few weeks.”
But, with the pandemic still raging, the commission has made some other changes in its trout program for 2021.
Stocking will begin 2 weeks earlier than usual, beginning the week of February 15.
The accelerated operations will ensure that the most waters will be stocked in advance of a single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 27, and a single, statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 3. That represents a reduction from the modern tradition of 2 youth days and 2 opening days, 1 of each a regional event in the southwestern corner of the state.
With stocking operations beginning earlier, all streams that are designated as stocked trout waters will be closed to angling from February 15 until March 27.
To provide for additional angling opportunities during that period, stocked lakes, reservoirs and ponds will be open to catch-and-release angling but not harvest until the youth and opening days.
The commission expects the move to an earlier statewide schedule for trout season will give anglers 2 more weeks to enjoy trout fishing statewide, reduce travel associated with multiple opening days and minimize overcrowding on many popular waterways to allow for social distancing.
While the stocking schedule is a useful tool for anglers planning a fishing trip, Wisner noted that the commission will not be permitting “walk-up” volunteers to assist with stocking trout in 2021.
Instead, in accordance with public safety recommendations from the Governor’s office and Pennsylvania Department of Health, volunteers will be recruited from an existing pool of individuals who have traditionally assisted with float stocking and bucket carrying organized through local conservation organizations, schools and other groups.
All volunteers will be required to wear personal protective gear, including masks and gloves, and practice social distancing while participating in stocking operations.
“We realize that people of all ages really enjoy meeting up with the stocking truck at their local lake or stream to see some of the beautiful trout we’ve been raising at our hatcheries, and maybe even carry a few buckets to the water,” said Wisner.
“We really look forward to the day when we can welcome everybody back to help us stock again, but in the meantime, we thank the anglers for their understanding as we try to protect the safety of our staff and the public.”
The 2021 adult trout stocking schedule, available through the commission’s FishBoatPA mobile app and website, is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates and the species of trout that will be stocked.
Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.
The Link LonkFebruary 03, 2021 at 09:10PM
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Trout stocking schedule reinstituted by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission - pennlive.com
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