(WHTM) — New or occasional anglers looking to get in on the first day of trout season have a rod waiting for them at 38 Pennsylvania State Parks.
The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program offers free rods, reels and equipped tackle boxes all season long. It’s possible through a partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing Association and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
All a person needs to borrow equipment is a valid ID and a Pennsylvania Fishing License if they’re 16 years old or older. They also need to bring their own bait.
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Parks that loan equipment are:
Black Moshannon State Park
Colonel Denning State Park
Frances Slocum State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Little Buffalo State Park
Maurice K Goddard State Park
McConnells Mill State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Prince Gallitzin State Park
Raymond B Winter State Park
Ryerson Station State Park
Trout season starts Saturday, April 4. The Fish and Boat Commission, alongside volunteers, has been stocking waterways to prepare. It’ll stock about 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 120 lakes during the season.
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