| It is legal* to fish for trout in Class A
trout streams year-round, with no kill beginning the day after Labor Day through the opening
day of trout season the following year. The same holds true for wilderness trout
streams.
Of course, all other fishing regulations still apply.
Note that during the period after Labor Day through the following opening day of trout season, anglers
must immediately release any trout they catch unharmed to the waters from which taken. Anglers also should check for
special regulations applicable to particular waters.
The traditional trout season and creel limits are in place for "Approved Trout Waters," which basically means the water is stocked
by the Commission or one of its Cooperative Nursery partners. To provide additional angling
opportunities, there are a handful of approved trout waters that are open
to year-round fishing.
Another option for year-round fishing is a special regulation area. There
are dozens located throughout Pennsylvania that are open to year-round fishing. Note many of these are catch and release
only, have tackle restrictions, etc. Consult the PA summary book or signs at the areas
for specific regulations.
A number of special regulation areas are under Delayed
Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations. These areas are open to year-round fishing with no kill, except from
one hour before sunrise on June 15 to one hour after sunset on Labor Day, when the daily creel limit is 3 trout (combined
species) with a minimum size of 9 inches.
There is also a Wild Brook Trout Enhancement Program.
All these categories and regulations may seem a bit confusing, but it's really pretty simple:
Traditional trout season
Year-round trout fishing
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