Trout anglers will have an opportunity to fish for big trout in eight Pennsylvania streams next year under a new program being launched by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
Under the program, approximately 10 percent of the larger 2- to 3-year-old trout in the PFBC hatchery system that are stocked each year will be allocated to eight streams currently managed under Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations.
Trout will measure from 14” to more than 20” in length and will be stocked at a rate of up to 250 fish per mile, which is comparable to the numbers of fish of this size in Pennsylvania’s best wild trout waters. By contrast, the current stocking rate for 2- to 3-year-old fish statewide in the adult stocked trout program is about 5 to 10 per mile.
The eight streams will be distributed broadly across the state so that at least one water is located within a reasonable distance of all of Pennsylvania’s anglers. Moderate numbers of larger trout will still be allocated to other trout waters in the state.
Currently this program is unnamed, and the PFBC is seeking the public’s help in naming the program. Individuals can either vote for one of the names provided, or write in a proposed name.
PFBC staff will review all of the suggestions and a name will be selected prior to the next PFBC quarterly business meeting on September 28 – 29. Both the program name and the names of the selected waters will be released at the September meeting.
The public voting process will close on Sept. 4, 2015. To vote, go to http://fishandboat.com/stocking/large-trout.htm.
source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission