HARRISBURG – As the fall season arrives across Pennsylvania, anglers should mark their calendars to take advantage of stocked trout fishing opportunities on dozens of popular waterways!
Beginning October 1, 2025, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout in 118 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will immediately replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.
“Anglers who take advantage of stocked trout opportunities during the fall are treated to beautiful scenery and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year,” said Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. “Be sure to check the stocking schedule so you know when and where we’ll be stocking trout from our hatcheries. Many species of fish will remain active as waters get cooler, and the addition of stocked trout just adds something else to look forward to this fall and winter.”
In October alone, the PFBC will stock approximately 89,000 adult trout into 93 waters, including 53 lakes and 40 stream sections, including 16 Keystone Select Trout Waters, which are managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations. An additional 25 lakes will be stocked with approximately 28,600 trout during November and December. Anglers and stocking volunteers should note that stocking schedules are subject to change due to a variety of factors, including water temperature fluctuations and hatchery logistics. Check the schedule often for postponements and rescheduled stockings.
Extended Trout Season Regulations
Trout anglers can take advantage of the Extended Trout Season which began on September 2, 2025, and lasts through February 16, 2026. During the extended season, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches, unless a water is managed under special regulations. Extended Trout Season regulations apply only to designated Stocked Trout Waters, and harvest of trout in other waters during the extended trout season is prohibited.
