Trout season starts early due to COVID-19 pandemic
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this year’s trout fishing season and has resulted in things getting started two weeks earlier than usual.
With hope that good times can still be had by anglers heading to the Great Outdoors, the state Fish and Boat Commission and state Sen. Jim Brewster, a Democrat from McKeesport and minority chair of the state Senate’s Game & Fisheries Committee, are encouraging parents and adults in Pennsylvania to take their kids fishing this weekend.
“March 27 is Mentored Youth Trout Day,” Brewster said. “Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish on stocked trout waters statewide.”
People 16 and younger must obtain a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Those participating in the Youth Trout Day are permitted to fish from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today.
During its quarterly business meeting, held virtually Jan. 25, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced several changes to the 2021 trout season, which is slated to open April 3.
The changes included consolidating the season into a single statewide schedule for all Pennsylvania counties, beginning trout-stocking operations earlier than usual, reinstating limited volunteer opportunities for trout-stocking operations and releasing a schedule of trout-stocking dates and locations.
All changes were made by the PFBC in consultation with Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, the Pennsylvania departments of health and conservation and natural resources “to address ongoing public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic while preserving the opportunity to enjoy the fun and recreational health benefits of fishing,” according to a release from the PFBC.
Under the revised plan, a single Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur today and a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place next Saturday.
Separate, regional mentored youth and opening days will not occur. Anglers are reminded that because 2020 mentored youth days were canceled, all Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses purchased last season remain valid today and through the season.
The PFBC said the consolidated schedule provides anglers with two more weeks to enjoy trout fishing statewide, reduces travel associated with multiple opening days and minimizes overcrowding on many popular waterways to allow anglers to comply with social distancing guidelines.
“Thank you to the anglers and boaters of Pennsylvania for their understanding as we continue to experience these changes together and get back on the water in 2021,” PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer said. “The move to an earlier statewide schedule for trout season ensures that we can preserve our cherished fishing traditions while reducing the amount of travel across multiple opening days.”
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