HARRISBURG, PA — Anglers preparing for Pennsylvania’s highly anticipated trout fishing season can now access the 2025 adult trout stocking schedule, available online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). This comprehensive resource offers detailed information on stocking dates, locations, and species to help anglers plan for the months ahead.
“Anticipation is already beginning to build for the many spring fishing opportunities just around the corner here in Pennsylvania, and every angler can benefit from knowing when their favorite stream or lake will be stocked with trout, starting in just a few weeks,” said Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Hatcheries. “Whether you’re looking to volunteer to help stock trout, or you just want to plan ahead for statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day, Opening Day, or some early trout fishing along a special regulation water, reviewing the stocking schedule in advance will help set you up for a successful trip.”
The statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, preceded by the Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Stocking operations will begin the week of February 17, ensuring waterways are ready ahead of these major events. Anglers are reminded that fishing on designated Stocked Trout Waters is prohibited from February 17 until 8 a.m. on opening day, except for participants in the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day.
Trout Stocking By the Numbers
The PFBC aims to stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes across the state. This total includes 2.4 million Rainbow Trout, 693,000 Brown Trout, and 125,000 Brook Trout, averaging 11 inches in length and .58 pounds each. Additionally, 72,000 trophy-sized fish, measuring 14-20 inches, will be stocked, offering exceptional opportunities for anglers. Of these trophy fish, about 70% will be stocked preseason, while 30% will be added during in-season stocking.
Golden Rainbow Trout, prized for their distinct golden color, will also return in 2025. Nearly 14,000 of these trout will be distributed, with 75% stocked before opening day and the remainder added during the season.
Complementing these efforts, cooperative nurseries operated by local sportsmen’s clubs will contribute 1.2 million trout to public waters throughout the year, enhancing angling opportunities statewide.
Changes to the Stocking Program
The 2025 stocking season brings notable updates, including the addition of several new stocking locations. Caroline Lake (Bucks County), Harvest Fields Ponds (Centre County), Mosquito Creek (Clearfield County), and extended limits on Big Cove Creek, Toms Creek, and White Deer Creek are among the new or expanded areas. These additions reflect increased angler access and improved recreational opportunities.
Conversely, some waterways, such as Bald Eagle Creek and Riggles Gap Run, will no longer receive stocked trout due to limited public access or other environmental factors. Locations like Lions Lake, currently undergoing dam repairs, will be reinstated in the program once conditions allow.
How Anglers Can Get Involved
Volunteers are welcome to assist with stocking efforts throughout the season. Individuals or small groups can participate without prior registration, while larger groups should coordinate with regional PFBC offices. Anglers are encouraged to exercise caution, follow traffic laws, and prioritize safety during these operations.
To fish for or keep trout, anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid fishing license and trout permit. Licenses and permits can be purchased online via HuntFishPA or at retail outlets statewide. Digital copies of licenses stored on mobile devices are acceptable as proof of possession.
For inquiries about the 2025 trout stocking program or other PFBC initiatives, visit FishandBoat.com.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.