Area fishermen are reeling in bait, line and other gear as they ready for Saturday — the opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania.

At Pocono Fly Fishing in Jim Thorpe, associate Joe Ciavaglia recently alternated between tying flies and waiting on customers.

“The last month or so, business has really picked up because everybody is getting ready to go fishing,” Ciavaglia said. “They’re tying their flies. They’re putting new line on.”

He noted that the 900 Walnut Ave. shop is geared to fly fishermen looking for fly rods and reels, vices, feathers, dubbing among its offerings. But “traditional” fishermen can find worms, minnows, spin baits and other gear.

Pocono Fly Fishing also carries waders, boots, hooks and clothing.

“There’s a little bit of everything for anybody,” Ciavaglia said.

At Tom’s Auto and Marine in Tamaqua, folks have been landing their fishing licenses.

“Our license sales are up,” said Ed Wagner, an employee of the 250 Greenwood St. business.

Tom’s has rods, reels and line, and everything to build a stellar tackle box.

It offers live baits that swim or crawl, including night crawlers, minnows and shiners.

“We also have butter worms — they are popular,” Wagner said.

Artificial baits, including the PowerBait brand, are in stock at Tom’s. The dough baits come in all colors and scents, and have names like “bumblebee,” “showtime shine” and “rainbow.”

Wagner noted that the store will have extended hours so folks can prepare for the 8 a.m. Saturday opener. The store’s hours are today from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Business at Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter in Brodheadsville is also picking up.

“It’s been pretty active,” said employee Keith Kuehner.

Folks are visiting the store and its sister store in Stroudsburg for rods, reels, baits and lines.

Kuehner said Dunkelberger’s picked up more customers ahead of last week’s Youth Mentored Trout Day.

But more customers are expected as statewide opening day nears.

“We carry pretty much everything. We’re fully stocked. We have minnows, worms, PowerBaits, spinner baits and crank baits,” Kuehner said.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is stocking more than 3.2 million trout in public waterways around the commonwealth.

The number is similar to previous years and includes 2.3 million rainbow trout, 698,000 brown trout and 128,000 brook trout. The majority measure 11 inches and weigh just over a half-pound.

In addition, the commission is stocking 72,000 trophy-sized trout that measure between 14 and 20 inches.

Unlike in recent years, temperatures on opening day will be warm with the National Weather Service predicting highs near 75 degrees in the Lehighton area. Anglers might want to bring rain gear, however, since there is a slight chance of showers all day.

The forecast shouldn’t impact fishermen and women — especially those who have been readying for the start date for some time.

“For the last two months, there have been Fly Fishing 101 classes for new people getting into fly fishing, or people who need to brush up on their fly fishing,” Ciavaglia explained.

Folks have also been taking fly tying classes at Pocono Fly Fishing.

“Through the winter every Saturday we have free fly tying,” Ciavaglia added. “People can come in. There’s coffee. There’s doughnuts. Everybody sits down and ties there own patterns. There are a lot of fish stories flying around. It’s a lot of fun.”