Pennsylvania is home to some of the best trout fishing in the eastern United States. Our state offers over 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, including over 15,000 miles of designated Wild Trout Water. Here in our area, we are fortunate to be home to popular, well-stocked trout fishing locations like Ridley Creek, Dismal Run, Darby Creek, Ithan and Chester Creeks. Our local trout hatchery program, run by Delco Anglers and Conservationists, raises and releases the fish into our local streams every year in time for the start of the trout fishing season.
Opening Day for trout season this year is Saturday, April 6th. Anglers can start preparing for the big day by purchasing their 2024 Pennsylvania fishing licenses and renewals online at HuntFish.pa.org, or by visiting a nearby retail issuing agent. To participate in trout fishing and keep trout, anglers ages 16 and older require both a fishing license and a trout permit. The cost for PA residents is $27.97 for a trout fishing license and $14.97 for a trout permit. While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a voluntary youth fishing license or a free mentored youth fishing permit to participate in any special youth opportunities. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on March 30th.
Trout fishing continues to grow in popularity for good reason. Trout are gorgeous, elusive in nature, hard fighters and are at home in some of the most pristine and picturesque waterways in the country. Brown trout—both wild and stocked—are the most common species in most PA rivers and streams.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, a fishing license is truly your ticket to outdoor fun for the whole year, opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. If this is your first time, you’ll want to visit one of our local pro shops to get the tools and expert advice you need to succeed.
Having the right gear will make all the difference. Because trout are predominantly cold-water stream fish, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of waders for those times you must jump in to cross that cold creek! A trout vest will pay for itself in no time by giving you plenty of space to carry tackle and all the essential tools you’ll need for a day on the creek.
Trout can be caught easily on both spinning and fly rods, so pick what best suits you. If you’re a spin fisherman, choose a shorter and more sensitive rod, like a 5 to 6-foot light or ultralight model. For fly anglers, the most popular rods are 7 1⁄2 to 9-foot models with either floating or weight-forward lines. Be sure to purchase the right bait for your fishing method, as there are a wide variety of options out there.
A landing net is vital when fishing for trout. Because trout are strong fighters and fishing lines are light, catching them with a net will not only help save your fishing line but will also help protect the trout’s delicate skin so they can swim away unharmed when you release them. But releasing trout from your hook can often be challenging, so having a good pair of forceps is important. Trout have teeth and narrow bony mouths, making unhooking them a chore for even the most skilled anglers.
Now is the time to get prepared for a successful spring trout season. Gather your gear, bait, rods and reels and get ready to make memories!
Publisher’s Note: I’ll be at one of those streams on Saturday, April 6th when Trout Season opens in PA. I can’t tell you where, or on which local stream. (That’s a family secret.) But I can share share how easily you can now buy your 2024 PA Fishing License online. Go to FishAndBoat.com/Fishing/Buy-License.