The longer, sunnier days have many anglers itching to go fishing. The problem is that many streams are closed for stocking as the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission prepares for the opening day of trout season. But this doesn’t mean you have to watch reruns of your favorite fishing show, wishing it was you on the water.

It is a common misconception that you cannot fish during the preseason stocking period. Yes, stocked trout streams are closed to fishing of any kind. But there are plenty of other waters where you can wet a line and possibly even catch trout.

STOCKED WATERS OPEN

TO YEAR-ROUND FISHING

These are waters that, for one reason or another (usually an abundance of nontrout species), are stocked but remain open during the stocking period. Trout is a possibility, but the main focus will be other species, such as bass, panfish, crappies, etc.

Local waters: Tioneta Creek, Forest County; Cascade Quarry, Lawrence County; Shenango River, Mercer County

SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS

The Commission has established numerous unique classification waters, each with specific regulations to allow a higher class of trout fishing during particular times of year. Each of these waters is open to year-round fishing, including during the February-March period when other streams are closed. Despite being open to fishing, taking or possessing trout during this period is still prohibited.

CATCH & RELEASE ARTIFICIAL LURES-ONLY WATERS

Local waters: West Branch Caldwell Creek, Warren County

CATCH & RELEASE

FLY-FISHING-ONLY WATERS

Local waters: Spillery Rock Creek, Lawrence County; Little Sandy Creek, Venango County; Caldwell Creek, Warren County

DELAYED HARVEST ARTIFICIAL LURES-ONLY WATERS

Local waters: Piney Creek, Clarion County; East Hickory Creek, Forest County; Neshannock Creek, Lawrence County; Coll Spring Creek, Mercer County; Oil Creek, Venango County

LAKE ERIE AND TRIBUTARIES

Lake Erie is never closed to fishing and offers an excellent opportunity to wet a line, test your boat after a long winter, or both. The water is still cold, and the fish are still lethargic, but activity is rising.

Because steelhead are still running and getting caught, Lake Erie tributaries are not closed to fishing. Even if these streams are trout-stocked waters, anglers can fish until Friday before opening day.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

≤ Use the PFBC App — like almost everyone else, the Commission has a smartphone app, FishBoatPA. This app is available for Android and iPhone platforms. It offers a wide range of information, including local waters by category, boat ramps, local license agents, and even the ability to upload pictures of your catch.

≤ Fish during the week — because these waters are some of the only ones open during the stocking period, they can be famous. Fishing during the week, when many other anglers are working, will lessen the crowd and competition.

≤ Read the Regulations — each Special Regulation Area will have posters displayed throughout the area. These posters list the requirements and restrictions that apply, and reading them is vital to avoid potential problems. A list of waters, including boundaries, can also be found in the 2024 Fishing Summary.

≤ Practice good catch & release — All of the Special Regulations Waters require catch & release during this time of year. Even if fishing trout-stocked waters open to year-round fishing, you will be able to practice catch & release if you hook a trout. Practicing proper catch & release allows you to comply with these regulations and ensure the fish is returned unharmed so it can be caught another day.

≤ Take someone with you — this is the perfect time to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.

As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to fish, even on trout streams, during what many anglers consider the closed season. Get out, wet a line and build memories.