HARRISBURG, Pa - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's (PFBC) popular Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days return again this season, with the first special day taking place on Saturday, March 26, in the 18-county southeast region.

Participants can fish in any PFBC stocked trout water in that region from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.But in a new change implemented this year, only kids will be allowed to keep trout."Without a doubt, the mentored youth program has been a huge success, growing each year as we listen to anglers and make changes to improve the experience," said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. "This year we are refining it again by allowing only kids to keep two trout. Mentors can fish but cannot keep any trout.""This is a very popular program designed to encourage kids to take adults fishing," he added. "Mentors can show kids that fishing is fun, and at the same time promote active, outdoor recreation. Adult mentors are encouraged to fish with the children and provide encouragement and tips, but we're asking them to release their catch to the water unharmed."The 18 southeastern counties include: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York.To participate, adult anglers (16-years-or-older) must have a valid fishing license and trout/salmon permit, and be accompanied by a youth.Youth anglers must obtain a free PFBC-issued permit, or a voluntary $1 youth fishing license. Kids can keep two trout, which must measure at least seven inches. Mentors can fish, but must practice catch and release.The mentored youth event precedes the April 2 Regional Opening Day of Trout Season in the same 18 southeastern counties.A second Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day will be held on April 9 in the remaining 49 counties. This is the Saturday before the April 16 Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season.Both the free permit and voluntary youth license are available through

www.GoneFishingPA.com, or at any of the more than 900 licensing agents across the state.