The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2023 adult trout stocking schedule is available using the FishBoatPA mobile app and website (Fishandboat.com).

“While many anglers still have their rods and tackle boxes stored away for the winter, the release of our trout stocking schedule is always highly anticipated and is a reminder that spring fishing opportunities are just around the corner,” said Brian Wisner, director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries.

“This schedule is the blueprint we use as we build a world-class stocked trout fishery in all corners of the Commonwealth over the next several weeks. Anglers can review the stocking schedule to find out which local waters will be ready for some great fishing very soon. So, buy your fishing license and trout permit, get your gear ready, and start planning now for those trout fishing adventures that await.”

The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2023, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is April 1. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day is March 25.

Stocking operations are set to begin the week of Feb. 21. Fishing is not permitted on lakes and streams designated as Stocked Trout Waters from Feb. 21 to the opening day of trout season, with the exception of the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day, unless waters are included in the Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing program.

The PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 126 lakes open to public angling.

These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million rainbow trout; 707,000 brown trout; and 168,000 brook trout.

As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.

The PFBC will stock approximately 70,000 brood fish, which are 2½-year-old and 3½-year-old hatchery-raised rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, measuring 14-20 inches. Roughly 70% of these large fish will be stocked into streams and lakes during the preseason before opening day of trout season, and 30% will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings.

The PFBC will stock approximately 14,000 golden rainbow trout. Approximately 80% of golden rainbow trout will be stocked during the preseason, and approximately 20% will be stocked in-seasons.