Sports

Trout Season Opens Saturday

Anglers in 18 counties, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia, get to start fishing earlier than the rest of the state.

Those who consider themselves anglers and anyone else with a license, can get a jump on trout season in the Philadelphia area.

The fishing season opens in 18 southeastern Pennsylvania counties before the April 14 opening for the rest of the state.

The March 31 opening applies to the following counties: Delaware, Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York.

“Opening day is a time-honored tradition for so many families, including grandparents, parents and their children,” said John Arway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, in a press release. “I remember lying awake the night before and then getting up early and fishing with my family on opening day. It’s a lot of fun that I now share with my grandkids.”

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reported more than 850,000 anglers buy a fishing license each year.

License Information:

  • Fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older to fish
  • Resident fishing license costs $22.70
  • Trout-salmon permit costs $9.70
  • Licenses can be purchased online or at sporting goods stores


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