PFBC ENCOURAGES SAFETY WHILE ENJOYING WINTER FISHING AND BOATING ACTIVITIES, PROMOTES RECRUITMENT TO NEW CLASS OF WATERWAYS CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINEES, AND MOVES TO FURTHER PROTECT WILD TROUT POPULATIONS

HARRISBURG, Pa. (January 22) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its quarterly business meeting by encouraging anglers and boaters to be safe when taking advantage of winter opportunities on the water and ice.
“We are fortunate that fishing and boating are year-round activities in Pennsylvania, even in the winter months,” said William Gibney, Board President and District 7 Commissioner. “But whether you’re enjoying ice fishing on your local lake, seeking out steelhead on the tributaries of Lake Erie, or running your bass boats up and down the river when it’s not frozen, please keep safety first. If you’re active on the water and ice this winter, be mindful of changing weather conditions, check for adequate ice thickness, never go ice fishing alone, and always wear your life jacket.”
Since 2012, the PFBC has required anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, to wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30. Over the first decade of this regulation, the number of boating accidents in Pennsylvania during the cold weather months has remained about the same, but fatalities have been reduced by approximately 50%.
































