Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton The price of a fishing license in Pennsylvania will rise for the second consecutive year in light of action taken by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission on Wednesday.

After not increasing fees for over 15 years, the price of a fishing license in Pennsylvania is going to go up next year for the second year in a row.

The Fish & Boat Commission approved the increases on Wednesday that will take effect with the 2024 license year.

The resident annual license, trout permit and combination trout/Lake Erie permit will each by raised by $2.50, amid other increases that are projected to raise between $2.4 million and $2.9 million to “support fishing related programs,” per a PFBC statement.

“In accordance with Act 56 of 2020, which provided the PFBC with the authorization to set fees, the proposed fee adjustments were given preliminary approval by the Board during a special meeting on March 1, presented during a public hearing on April 24, and given final approval by the Board today,” according to the Commission.

The Commission outlined the need for the increase in a statement back in March.

“If new revenues are not in place for the 2024 license year, the Commission will not be able to maintain adequate levels of services to Pennsylvania’s anglers, let alone respond to angler desires for expanded efforts in many program areas,” they claim.

In addition to the license and trout stamps, increases were also proposed for other license types including senior annual and lifetime and short-term licenses for tourists and residents.

The fee increases would bring in about $2.9 million in new revenue.

“Through these modest fee adjustments, we are keeping pace with the rising costs associated with maintaining vital infrastructure, services, and programs that anglers and boaters deserve and have come to expect,” said

Robert BJ Small, PFBC President and District 6 Commissioner.