Jan 30, 2005 3 min read

HARRISBURG – In a move aimed to maximize use of stocked trout, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) revised its policy on announcing which days certain waters will be stocked during the open season. The Commission voted to amend its policy as part of its winter quarterly meeting Jan. 25.

While the PFBC has long provided details like the date, time and location of preseason adult trout stockings (those that occur while the trout fishing season is closed) it has limited the information publicized on inseason trout stockings to a listing showing what week waters would receive trout. As part of an ongoing assessment of its trout fishing programs, the Commission felt that in certain instances, announcing certain stockings during the open season could increase trout fishing participation. Announcing inseason stockings details could also help address the perception that inseason stockings favored anglers who had more discretionary time during the business week. Over the last several years, the PFBC has piloted programs of announced inseason stockings on weekends and during the week for certain waters in public ownership. Based on the positive public reaction and participation in those pilot efforts, the Commission had decided to publicize a substantial number of inseason stockings in 2005 and beyond.

The Commission also moved forward to begin accepting public comment on a restatement of its policy on the allocation and stocking of adult trout. The proposed policy change would allow great flexibility for biologists in creating stocking categories. It would maintain the existing practice of stocking similar waters across the state at comparable rates. The proposed policy change would not impact a separate Commission policy on the management of Class A Wild Trout Streams.

The Commission deferred action on some other trout fishing proposals, including preliminary consideration of consolidating special trout fishing regulations programs and a move to produce bigger trout in the state hatchery system. Action on those items will be taken at a later time. Likewise, the Commission held off on action to add waters to the Class A Wild Trout list and publication of a listing of waters in the Commonwealth with natural trout reproduction. Consideration of a final vote on establishing a minimum age for a special class of boats known as Personal Watercraft; seeking public comment on allowing internal combustion engines on certain PFBC lakes; proposed changes to the general rule for the operation of boat traffic in a counterclockwise direction; and raising the limits on the number of water ski devices were also postponed.