By Nick Hromiak

tnsports@tnonline.com

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission pulled a fast one on trout anglers. Instead of the consolidated April 18 trout opener that was scheduled, a last-minute decision from the PF & BC said trout season opened Tuesday.

“We realize this change is a disruption to tradition,” said PF & BC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer.

Schaeffer added that anglers still need to follow social distancing rules (six feet apart and wear masks) and that trout that have been stocked have had time to spread out and so should anglers.

The decision to open trout season immediately is intended to discourage concentrated gatherings of people that may have occurred on the traditional opening day, to minimize intrastate and interstate travel, and to reduce the threat of illegal poaching in waters that have already been stocked, says the PF & BC.

Mike Parker, PF & BC Media Relations Director, said, “Agency staff will continue to stock trout throughout spring, but not all waters have been stocked at this time.”

To further discourage public gatherings, a stocking schedule and list of waters that have been stocked will not be provided to the public this season.

The DCNR will permit fishing and boating in state parks and forests, but social distancing must be followed.

Also, the Mentored Youth Day will not take place this season but the PF & BC will honor all Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses purchased in 2020 for all mentored youth fishing during the 2021 season.