Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to stock 114,700 trout for fall, winter
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Anglers will soon have more opportunities to cast a line as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission prepares to stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult trout in waterways across the Commonwealth.
Video above: 8-year-old reels in piranha in Delaware County lake
Fall and winter stocking begins Oct. 1 and continues through mid-December.
The commission said rainbow, brown and brook trout will be released into 117 stream sections and lakes.
The fish may be caught immediately after they are stocked, giving anglers opportunities throughout the fall and during the winter ice-fishing season.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Waterways Conservation Officer Seth Strawser empties a net full of Rainbow Trout into Holman Lake at Little Buffalo State Park, Perry County (October 2025).
October trout stocking
The commission plans to stock approximately 86,100 adult trout in 92 waters during October. The locations include 52 lakes and 40 stream sections.
Sixteen of the locations are Keystone Select Trout Waters managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations. An additional 25 lakes will receive approximately 28,600 trout during November and December.
“Beautiful scenery and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year are in store for anglers who take advantage of stocked trout opportunities this fall,” said Brian Niewinski, director of the commission’s Bureau of Hatcheries.
Niewinski said cooler water makes several fish species more active during the fall, including bass, panfish, catfish and walleye. He encouraged anglers and stocking volunteers to check the commission’s schedule frequently because dates may change due to weather, water temperatures or hatchery operations.
Extended trout season continues
Pennsylvania’s extended trout season began Sept. 8 and continues through Feb. 14, 2027.
Through Dec. 31, anglers may keep three trout of combined species per day, with each fish measuring at least 7 inches, according to the commission. Officials said the minimum size increases to 9 inches for the remainder of the extended season unless special regulations apply.
The extended-season rules apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters, and trout may not be harvested from other waters during that period, according to the commission.
Scott Wilson
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Cold-weather boating rules start Nov. 1
The commission also reminds anglers that falling water temperatures can increase the dangers associated with boating.
From Nov. 1 through April 30, anyone aboard a boat measuring less than 16 feet, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, must wear a life jacket. Children 12 and younger must always wear life jackets while paddling.
Stocking schedules and additional information about Pennsylvania fishing and boating are available through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
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