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It certainly doesn't feel like spring outside as the snow flies in April.
But a longstanding spring tradition kicks off Saturday morning at 8 a.m. -- the opening day of trout season.
Rather than the staggered openers -- the southeast portion of the state usually starts two weeks before the rest of the state -- the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission moved to a single, state-wide opening day in 2021.
The change extends the season by two weeks but was also aimed at reducing travel for multiple opening days as well as minimizing overcrowding waterways to allow for social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Trout fishing in the spring is among Pennsylvania's greatest outdoor traditions and anglers are gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated days of the year," Tim Schaeffer, the PFBC executive director, said. "After a long winter and a very challenging year, we're all looking for fun, safe, and affordable ways to get outside, relax, and spend time with our families. Trout fishing is right at the top of the list for people of all ages."
The commission wants to remind people that licenses and a trout permit are required for anglers over 16-years-of-age.
A total of 3.2 million adult trout will be stocked in 701 streams and 128 lakes state-wide. All of those waterways were stocked prior to Saturday with plans in place to re-stock some in the coming weeks due to the fishing pressure from the start of the season.
A statement from the commission specifically highlighted 60,000 trophy-sized rainbow, brown and brook trout that will have been or will be stocked. An additional 13,000 golden trout will also hit waterways this spring.
"In addition to the beautiful trout raised at our state fish hatcheries, we partner with many cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen's clubs and other groups across the state who will add another one million trout to the water throughout the season," Schaeffer said. "These clubs are the backbone of their local angling communities and will make sure that there are quality stocked trout fishing opportunities for weeks beyond opening day."