Opening Day of Trout Fishing in Southeast Pennsylvania

It is finally here - spring! In less than a few weeks anglers will be able to cast their lines into the streams and lakes of southeast Pennsylvania. Opening day of trout season for this region is April 4. The PA Fish and Boat Commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout  (2 million rainbow trout, 641,000 brown trout, 525,000 brook trout and 8,500 trophy golden rainbow trout) in about 700 streams and lakes across Pennsylvania annually. About 53% of the trout will be stocked prior to opening day and the remainder is stocked between opening day and the end of May. 

The Bushkill Creek in Easton may be one of the most underrated streams in Pennsylvania. A limestone creek with good hatches and a healthy population of wild browns as well as state stocked fish. The Little Lehigh, a limestone stream that claims the most fish per mile in Pennsylvania. The best spring fishing for American Shad takes place on the Delaware River as this game fish makes it way from the Atlantic Ocean upstream to spawn. These waterways are a short distance from Easton and Bethlehem.

To fish in PA streams and lakes, you must have a Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout/salmon permit for anglers older than 16 years. One, three and seven day licenses can also be purchased. Opening day fishing starts at 8 am and then is 24 hours per day after the opening day start. The minimum size to keep is seven inches. 

Grab you bait and tackle and plan to overnight at a nearby bed and breakfast. A full hot breakfast will keep you fishing all day long.