Trout stocking is right around the corner in Pennsylvania | News, Sports, Jobs

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Trout are placed into Muncy Creek in Hughesville in this photo from March 15, 2019.

It’s hard to believe it is February already. Despite the snowstorms and cold weather, spring is right around the corner. While it may be a bit before you see temperatures rising and flowers blooming, there is one sign of spring headed your way– trout stocking trucks.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission released the 2026 stocking schedule on Thursday with stocking set to begin on Feb. 16. The stocking schedule, available online on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, can be searched by county and will include waterways, stocking dates, trout species to be stocked, and meeting place and time.

Individuals interested in assisting with or attending a stocking are welcome and should double-check the date and time the day before, as changes may be necessary due to weather.

A quick breakdown of stocking activities shows the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be stocking — 3.2 million trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes, all open to public fishing. Rainbow trout will be the predominant species at 2.3 million fish, followed by brown trout at 698,000, and finally brook trout at 128,000.

Anglers are reminded that stocked waters will be closed to fishing from Feb. 16 to 8 a.m. on opening dayay, which is Saturday, April 4. The exception will be during the statewide Mentored Youth Day on Saturday, March 28. During the Mentored Youth Day, adults may mentor a youth angler under 16 who may fish from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Adults must possess a valid 2026 license and trout permit; youth anglers must possess a free permit. Youth anglers may keep up to two trout of any species.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Brad Graham, fish culturalist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, places trout in a net in this photo from March 15, 2019.

In other Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission news, the Board of Commissioners held its quarterly meeting on Friday. The majority of the agenda was administrative in nature, with no new regulations or rule-making of particular public interest being proposed or passed.

Commissioners and staff highlighted the continued cold-weather fishing opportunities, reminded the public of cold-water life jacket requirements for small boats/canoes/kayaks, and reviewed the 2026 Trout Stocking schedule, which had been released the day before.

Remember, anyone onboard a boat less than 16 feet in length and all paddle craft –canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. — are required to always wear a personal floatation device between Nov. 1 and April 30, regardless of the air temperature. Cold-water submersion is one of the leading causes of death during the winter months, so it is a good idea for all boaters, including those on larger vessels, as well as ice anglers, to wear a PFD.

Staff also announced the temporary removal of season, size, and creel limits on several waterways in anticipation of upcoming rehabilitation projects:

• Ford Lake, Lackawanna County

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Shawn Fay of Turbotville places trout into Muncy Creek in Picture Rocks in this photo from March 15, 2019.

• Harris Pond, Luzerne County

• Rose Valley Lake, Lycoming County

• Tobyhanna Lake, Monroe County.