Heavy rains Friday means higher water levels for the first day of trout season today.

Fifteen Pennsylvania counties, including Schuylkill, Lehigh and Northampton are opening their trout seasons this morning.In Carbon County, the Lizard and Mahoning creeks are also open for fishing.On Friday, the area was in a flood watch, with as much as 3 inches of rain expected to fall in some areas.Late Friday afternoon, USGS monitoring stations showed higher than average water levels on the Lehigh and Little Schuylkill rivers. Water levels should subside on Sunday, before more rain hits the area late Monday into Tuesday.Fish and Boat commission spokesman Eric Levis said that the most important concern about high water levels is safety for fishermen. He said fishermen should be aware where they're wading."It's part common sense, and part making sure you know the waters you're wading into," he said.Anglers can check

waterwatch.usgs.gov to see current water levels at most area creeks.High water also decreases visibility, which may make it difficult for some people to spot fish.Carbon and Monroe County will officially open along with the rest of the state on April 15.