Trout stocking schedules are expected next week and volunteers will be able to assist Fish & Boat Commission staff in stocking 3.2 million trout in advance of opening day on April 2.

“Although there is still plenty of winter left across Pennsylvania, we are already deep into preparations for the spring trout fishing season,” Tim Schaeffer, the Commission’s executive director said during Monday’s commission meeting.

“Few things rival the anticipation and excitement of opening day, and our team is hard at work to make sure it and every day are memorable ones on the water.”

The commission decided last year to go to a single, statewide opener for trout season rather than dual opening days that brought trout season earlier to the southeast corner of the state.

Schaeffer said the move simplifies regulations, minimizes confusion for new anglers, reduces conflicts in border counties, frees up hatchery staff and allows retailers time to plan for an opening day surge.

Stocking is set to start the week of Feb. 21.

“This is an exciting time of year as we prepare for the incredible task of moving millions of trout out of our hatcheries into hundreds of waterways across the state,” Schaeffer said. “Stocking during the pandemic has been a challenge, but we have learned a lot over the past two seasons about protecting our staff and volunteers. This year, we will be working hard again to stock trout in the safest and most efficient ways possible, while delivering the best product to our anglers in time for opening day.”

As temperatures plunge, ice fishing becomes more of an option and Schaeffer called that a “really fun way to enjoy the beauty of winter.

“Please, if you venture out onto the ice this winter, carefully check for adequate ice thickness, fish with others, carry safety equipment such as ice awls, and always wear a life jacket. Cold water kills, so please remember that life jackets are required on all canoes and kayaks and boats under 16 feet from November 1 until April 30.”