ALL AND WINTER TROUT STOCKING TO BEGIN OCTOBER 1!
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 29) – Some of the best stocked trout fishing opportunities of the year are approaching on dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth!
Beginning October 1, 2026, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout in 117 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will immediately replenish many popular fishing spots just as the fall season begins and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.
"Beautiful scenery and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year are in store for anglers who take advantage of stocked trout opportunities this fall," said Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "Waters are getting cooler by the week and many different species of fish are very active this time of year, including bass, panfish, catfish, and walleye. The addition of stocked trout from our hatcheries just adds something different to get excited about. The easiest way to know exactly when and where we’ll be stocking trout this fall and winter is to check the stocking schedule frequently and, as always, keep an eye out for any changes to due to weather or other factors.”
In October alone, the PFBC will stock approximately 86,100 adult trout into 92 waters, including 52 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 8, 2026, and lasts through February 14, 2027. During the extended season, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches through December 31, then nine inches the remainder of the extended season, 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.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 29) – Some of the best stocked trout fishing opportunities of the year are approaching on dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth!
Beginning October 1, 2026, and continuing through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout in 117 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will immediately replenish many popular fishing spots just as the fall season begins and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately.
"Beautiful scenery and some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year are in store for anglers who take advantage of stocked trout opportunities this fall," said Brian Niewinski, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "Waters are getting cooler by the week and many different species of fish are very active this time of year, including bass, panfish, catfish, and walleye. The addition of stocked trout from our hatcheries just adds something different to get excited about. The easiest way to know exactly when and where we’ll be stocking trout this fall and winter is to check the stocking schedule frequently and, as always, keep an eye out for any changes to due to weather or other factors.”
In October alone, the PFBC will stock approximately 86,100 adult trout into 92 waters, including 52 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 8, 2026, and lasts through February 14, 2027. During the extended season, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches through December 31, then nine inches the remainder of the extended season, 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.
