Spring is a time of renewal. The grip of winter, such as it has been lately, will soon give way to wildflowers, warmer temperatures, and of course trout season.
While opening day is an exciting time, the anticipation really begins as streams begin to receive their first allotments of trout. Limited stocking has already taken place, with a lot more to come.
A quick review of the trout stocking schedule shows streams in McKean, Potter, Cameron, Elk, Forest, and Warren counties, among others, will be receiving trout in early March and throughout the month.
The complete county by county stocking list is available by logging onto the Fish & Boat Commission’s web site at www.fishandboat.com
The neat thing about knowing when and where trout are being stocked is that public is welcome to participate. If you decide to join in on the fun, be prepared.
Participants are urged to dress appropriately for the day. Waterproof boots are a must. And yes, it is advisable to have a change of clothing on hand.
Plan to arrive at the designated meeting place well in advance of the start time. In most cases before starting on the stocking route the Waterways Conservation Officer will brief the group explaining the rules that must be adhered to while stocking.
Keep in mind that there are specific methods to properly stock trout. Again those techniques will be explained.
When possible take kids. They’re curious and take in even the smallest details of the process. It is amazing how fast a smile begins to form on a youngsters face as jumping fish are netted from the stocking truck and then placed in buckets headed for the stream. By all means make it fun.
Besides having fun, helping to stock trout gives kids a sense of being included. Today that in itself is important to the future of fishing.
Over the weeks to come there will be plenty of opportunities to be streamside ahead of the trout opener. Take the time to look over the stocking schedule and take a kid on a trout stocking adventure. It will be time well spent.
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
Log onto the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s web site to review the 2019 stocking list. When you do, be sure to enter the Kayak giveaway.
It is free to enter, and from all the entries received there will be three winners. The prizes include two tan Ascend 10T sit-on-top kayaks and one grey/black camo Ascend FS10 sit-in kayak donated by Bass Pro Shops.
Enter online at www.fishandboat.com or while attending in person at the PFBC booth/table at: The Fly Fishing & Wing Shooting Expo at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony between March 1 and 3; Erie Sport and Travel Expo at the Bayfront Convention Center between March 1 and 3; Western PA Muskie Max Plus at the Embassy Suites by the Pittsburgh International Airport in Coraopolis between March 2 and 3;
Greater Philadelphia Boat Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks between March 8 and 10; or while attending the Fly Fishing Show at the Lancaster County Convention Center between March 9 and 10.
Online entries will be accepted until March 18th. No purchase is necessary. Adult entries only.
BIG BUCKS TROUT
Waterways and impoundments across the region will be stocked prior to the April 13th opening day of trout season. However there are several waters that hold the potential to be really special this year.
In McKean County Hamlin Lake, Potato Creek, and Marvin Creek will be stocked with a number of “special” trout. Between these waters 200 tagged trout will stocked. What makes them special is catching them can be worth big bucks.
The Ruffed Grouse Society and McKean County E-Sales are sponsoring the event as a way to celebrate the rich heritage tradition of the “opening day of fishing season”.
Any of the 200 tagged trout caught from April 13th through noon of April 20th will receive a prize, but only one specially-tagged trout is worth $10,000.
To be eligible to claim any prizes from tagged trout, anglers must register in advance of the trout tournament in person at McKean County E-Sales, 311 West Main Street, Smethport, prior to 7:59 a.m. of Saturday, April 13th. The tournament officially starts at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13th, and ends at noon on Saturday, April 20th.
Perry Burdick, owner of McKean County E-Sales and organizer of the trout tournament said, “In the past the tagged trout tournament has benefited many non-profit organizations. This year funds raised from the event will benefit the Ruffed Grouse Society.
This event is the area’s largest tagged trout tournament but is limited to the number of participants. For more information call McKean County E- sales at 814-887-4160 or check out the Allegheny Chapter of the Grouse Society’s Facebook page.
Brenda Walker of Clermont and member of the Ruffed Grouse Society pointed out, “This event seemed like a logical fit for us because hunters are also anglers.”
The Ruffed Grouse Society is a 501-c-3 organization that raises funds for conservation and youth.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors Email is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
