HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 20) – Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its annual operations to stock approximately 3.2 million trout in hundreds of lakes and streams in preparation for the spring trout season.

Species that will be stocked are Rainbow Trout, golden Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout.

With stocking underway, all Stocked Trout Waters statewide are now closed to fishing until the Opening Day of Trout Season at 8 a.m. on April 6, with the exception of Mentored Youth Trout Day on March 30.

However, there are some waters that will be stocked with trout that you can go fishing in right now.  Among these waters are 24 stream sections in the Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program.  Today, volunteers helped to stock the Keystone Select section of the Quittapahilla Creek, located within Quittie Creek Nature Park in Annville, Lebanon County.  Anglers may enjoy trout fishing immediately in Keystone Select streams as long as they use  Artificial Lures and practice Catch-and-Release.

For more information including trout stocking schedules, regulations, and to buy a fishing license, visit Fishandboat.com.

Individuals of small groups of volunteers interested in stocking trout do not need to sign up in advance.  Please review the trout stocking schedule for meeting times and locations and come to that location to help.  Only large groups of volunteers should contact their PFBC regional law enforcement office in advance.