JohnC Loc: Columbia, MD

All, I have a question for you PA residents. Can we fish (catch and release) before opening day (April 3rd)?

I ask because my son and I were fishing on a small creek today (we are visiting from MD) and we were told that we were not allowed to fish today. I got my license (including trout stamp) and read the regulations and that is not how I read it.

Thanks,

John

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Hey john,most Pa. Streams & lakes are closed approximately 1 month before the season opener.
There are probably some exceptions but good luck trying to figure it out
Tight lines

JohnC Loc: Columbia, MD

Thanks, E.pa.al. At least today we’ll be ok. :)

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I don't trout fush anymore but i just remembered Pa had 2 opening days. Different regions. You really have to read Pa book to get different districts n all kinds of othet regulations. I have md non res but i only look at rules for where i fish

franky

You can fish most trout stock lake before opening day.I guess the idea you can fish for sun fish family perch blue gillis etc Can't keep trout not suppose to be targeting trout. Creek are closed once stocked most people fish them trout only in many area. There are some exemption rules for creeks with special regulations you need to read the rules they are confusing and change by the area of the state. Pa. does make it hard to know all the rules.

Jack roddy

Ha John this jack from phila . they have so many rules and regs it is hard to figure out. I no some creeks are open year round . so u really need to look at pa fish and boat web site. for the most part most places where closed. and a good part of creeks that are open are fly fishing only . I am just starting to learn were u can and were u can't. now that is in p.a. I beleave there is a place in Delaware co . so that may be closest spot for u coming from M.D. if u want to no I will look into it. Any chance do u go crabbing in MD I use to go to chestertown M.D.. or rock hall . but haven't been down for a few years. my dad would work in MD so he would get the hot spot but he has passed so haven't been down. if you crab can u let me know thanks. PA trout is open now so u can trout fish Any were now . good luck.

Trouth8me Loc: Northeast PA. (Berwick)

John, This is Charlie from Berwick Pa. (Columbia County) as of this year PA. no longer has two separate opening days. So they started trout season in PA. 2 weeks early. To the best of my Knowledge any streams that are labeled as approved trout waters were closed to fishing. That being said they allowed you to fish in many of the PA. lakes Catch and release only. Unless you took part in mentor fishing with your children or grandchildren on March 27 2021 but still C and R for the adults. A few of those lakes to mention were Briar Creek lake, Moon Lake And Lake Took Awhile. located in Columbia and Luzerne Counties. Hope this helps Charlie B.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Hi Charlie i live in Waynesboro i have a lifetime license n haven't pick up new book yet. I do read it cover to cover several times. They regs for bass fishing are always changing n they never seen to put it all on one page. Have a good season 👍👍

JohnC Loc: Columbia, MD

Thanks so much to all who responded. We will check with local DNR before casting next time. We had a blast fishing Standing Stone Creek on Friday (apparently not legal, but we did C&R everything, so there were no less trout on opening day), Saturday, and Sunday. We ended up C&R all of our catches, since none were too large.

Trouth8me Loc: Northeast PA. (Berwick)

Thanks Grizzly, You have a good season also.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Thanks brother stay safe 👍👍 how's the fishing up in that section of the Susquehanna

Trouth8me Loc: Northeast PA. (Berwick)

Lots of smallmouth big musky and nice size walleye and on occasion a northern.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Hi Trouth. Grandson got a 31" 5lb tiger muskie a TMI. My biggest SM came out of City Island. Did get 18 " eye at Mahantango Bass fishing in that section isn't as good as it once was. It may come back

Jack roddy

I am glad u posted this message . I have been fishing Levittown lake since opening day . I got to the lake around 10 , 1030 . am . and the were 8 to 10 kids just on my side of the lake and a # of Moms and Dads . out of the 15 people that were within a 50 yard stretch I would say. I was the only one one I seen catch 1 fish . a couple of guys on boats had a couple . My point is I was so disappointed on a opening none of the kids cought a fish . A KID SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A FISH ON OPENING DAY . I buy a trout stamp every year and never keep a fish because I beleave that fish could be some kids little 1st fish . So in thought it was wrong . My other point relates to your message . while I was fishing I talked to about 5 people who said they were trout fishing the week befor and catching trout left and right . I said that's illegal they put the fish in there the week prior of opening day to get the fish acclimated to the water and then on opening that ate everyone can start fishing well apparently everyone was fishing the week prior of opening day they weren't keeping the fish but they were catching all the fish and a warning came and said they were allowed to they just had to throw the fish back now as far as I do you weren't allowed to fish the signs on the trees and the posts a no fishing until opening day for trout 8 a.m. so now I'm confused on what the rules are and I was disappointed to say the least . so if someone can tell me what the rule is I would love to know . thank you.

Jack roddy

I am not good with Tec. I thought u sent me a text back. Idk. I will keep looking for it thank u