Photo: Getty Images
Trout season has officially begun in the Poconos, offering anglers an exciting opportunity to catch stocked trout in the region's streams and lakes. The season started on Saturday (April 5) and will run through Labor Day. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), over three million adult trout have been stocked in waterways across the state, including 691 streams and 130 lakes open to public fishing.
The PFBC has stocked approximately 2.4 million Rainbow Trout, 693,000 Brown Trout, and 125,000 Brook Trout. In addition, around 72,000 trophy-sized trout, measuring 14-20 inches, have been introduced to enhance the fishing experience. These efforts are part of a long-standing tradition to ensure abundant fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
New additions to the trout stocking program include Caroline Lake in Bucks County and Harvest Fields Ponds in Centre County, both offering excellent accessibility for anglers. Some waterways have also been removed from the program due to accessibility issues or maintenance work, such as Lions Lake in Lebanon County.
The PFBC encourages volunteers to assist in distributing the trout and reminds anglers that a fishing license and trout permit are required for those aged 16 and older. Licenses can be purchased online or at various retail locations.
For more information on stocking schedules and fishing regulations, anglers can visit the PFBC's official website.