Anglers across the commonwealth can begin fishing at 8 a.m. on Saturday, marking the start of the regular season that continues through Labor Day. — Trout season officially starts this weekend in Pennsylvania.
Anglers across the commonwealth can begin fishing at 8 a.m. on Saturday, marking the start of the regular season that continues through Labor Day.
To support the 2026 season, the commission plans to stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout across 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. This stocking volume is consistent with the number of fish provided to Pennsylvania waters over the past decade.
The stocking program includes approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout, 698,000 Brown Trout and 128,000 Brook Trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of 0.58 pounds.
Specialized stockings are also scheduled for the 2026 season. The agency will release about 72,000 trophy-sized trout measuring between 14 and 20 inches. Additionally, approximately 18,000 golden Rainbow Trout, which weigh an average of 1.5 pounds, will be stocked during preseason and in-season periods.
Partner organizations are expected to increase the total number of fish available to the public. Cooperative nurseries sponsored by sportsmen’s groups and other organizations will raise an additional 1.1 million trout to be stocked throughout the season.
The commission has established daily limits for the regular trout season. During this time, anglers may keep up to five trout of combined species per day, provided the fish measure at least seven inches long.
Fishing licenses and permits are required for all anglers, including youth. These are available through the huntfish.pa.gov online portal or in person at nearly 700 license issuing agents. Every angler must have a dedicated account within the licensing system to participate.
Anglers planning to fish from a boat are subject to cold weather safety regulations through April 30. Under this rule, anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet—including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards—is required to wear a life jacket. Children ages 12 and under must always wear a life jacket while boating in Pennsylvania waterways.
An extended trout season will run from Sept. 8 through Feb. 15. During this period, the daily creel limit will be reduced to three trout.
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