HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its quarterly business meeting on January 27, 2025, addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by bitter winter temperatures. Discussions ranged from cold weather safety for anglers and staff to updates on trout stocking plans and regulatory changes.
“The bitter cold temperatures across the state in recent weeks have provided both opportunities and challenges,” said Daniel Pastore, Board President and District 1 Commissioner. “While many anglers are enjoying their first significant opportunities for ice fishing in several seasons, we’ve also had to increase our attention to safety for both the public and our field staff who work outdoors. Bottom line, we encourage everyone to have fun and try something new, and please keep safety your top priority.”
Pastore also reminded anglers to take proper precautions, including checking ice thickness, using safety gear, and avoiding ice over moving water. He emphasized that anglers boating during this season must wear life jackets, as required by law. Since 2012, this regulation has helped reduce winter boating fatalities by approximately 50%.
Trout Stocking Schedule and Fishing Seasons
PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer provided an update on pre-season trout stocking operations, set to begin in advance of Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on March 29, 2025, and the statewide opening day on April 5, 2025. Approximately 3.2 million adult trout will be stocked across the state, with an additional 1.2 million trout provided by cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen’s groups. The stocking schedule will be published by February 1, with updates available for weather-related changes.
Schaeffer also highlighted ongoing recruitment for the 27th class of Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) trainees. Applications for this prestigious program will be accepted until February 3, 2025.
Regulatory Updates and Conservation Efforts
The Board approved several changes and proposals affecting fishing regulations:
- Updates to Lake Erie commercial fishing practices, including trap net usage, reporting requirements, and protections for endangered species, were advanced to better align with modern resource conservation methods.
- A switch in management plans for Lower Woods Pond from the Big Bass program to a Catch and Release designation was approved to support fishery development after recent dam rehabilitation.
- Extensions of temporary regulations at Tobyhanna Lake allow flexibility during an ongoing dam construction project.
The Commission also authorized cooperative nursery grants, easement acquisitions to expand public fishing and boating access, and timber removals to maintain environmental and operational standards. Notable conservation actions include the designation of additional wild trout streams and changes to trout stocking criteria for certain Class A trout streams.
The PFBC emphasized its commitment to enhancing public access and ensuring the sustainability of Pennsylvania’s aquatic ecosystems. Future quarterly meetings are scheduled for April, July, and October 2025.
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