The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began stocking trout this week in rivers, streams and lakes ahead of the fall and winter months.
Trout stocking — which includes brown, brook and rainbow trout — typically begins in March and occurs year-round. This fall, stocking will largely take place throughout October, with some areas being stocked in November and December, according to a schedule from the commission.
Locally, several areas in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will be stocked this month.
Allegheny County stocking locations include Deer Creek; Lower, Middle and West Deer Lake in Frazer and West Deer townships; and Pine Creek on Oct. 19.
North Park Lake, located in North Park that spans Hampton, McCandless and Pine, on Dec. 14.
Westmoreland County locations include Indian Lake in North Huntingdon, Keystone Lake in Derry, Loyalhanna Creek, Mammoth Lake in Mt. Pleasant Township and Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township on Oct. 19.
Donegal Lake in Donegal and the upper and lower reservoirs of Twin Lakes in Unity on Oct. 20.
Across the state, 4.2 million trout are expected to be stocked this year, however that number may change depending on several variables, according to the state’s Fish and Boat Commission website. Included in that number are trophy fish, which are golden rainbow trout that average 1.5 pounds and are about 14 inches in length.
This year, the start of trout season varied from previous years because of the covid-19 pandemic. Instead of two starts to the season — a regional beginning for areas that tend to warm up quicker, which typically attracts people from other counties, and the statewide start — there was only one as a way to eliminate travel that may occur during the regional start date.
Other changes that occurred this spring included volunteers not being able to walk up to a stocking event. Rather, local sportsman’s groups were solicited beforehand.
According to the commission, the state’s extended trout season runs from Labor Day through Dec. 31. Those hoping to fish during the season must obtain a fishing and trout permit. Licenses and permits can be purchased at huntfish.pa.gov or at county treasurer or Fish and Boat Commission offices.