Photo provided to the Times Observer Over 116,000 trout are set to be stocked in streams and lakes across Pennsylvania as part of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s fall and winter stocking program.

Fall and winter trout stocking kicks off this week throughout Pennsylvania.

Beginning October 1, 2024, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult rainbow, brown, and brook trout in 118 stream sections and lakes.

Locally, the reservoir at Chapman State Park will be stocked on Dec. 16. Kinzua Creek in McKean County and Oil Creek in Venango County are set to be stocked for the fall this week.

The PFBC says that the stockings “will immediately replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter.”

“When anglers of all ages spend time on the water during the fall season, they’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures of the year,” Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries, said.

“As you make plans to go fishing this time of year, be sure to check our stocking schedule so you know when and where we’ll be stocking trout from our hatcheries.

The addition of stocked trout complements the many other plentiful fishing opportunities for other species that are very active just as the leaves start changing colors.”

The majority of the fall and winter stocking will occur in October with the lakes to follow in November and December.

According to the PFBC, trout stocked in the fall and winter can be fished immediately.

“During the extended trout season (Sept. 3 through next Feb. 8), the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches, unless a water is managed under special regulations,” per the Commission. “It should also be noted that extended trout season regulations apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters, and harvest of trout in other waters during the extended trout season is prohibited.”