Trout Season | A Lifelong Tradition

Pennsylvania Trout Season is a Family Event

Trout Fishing | By Don Manning

Sure, trout fishing is popular in many states in the country but we would argue that its tradition is deeply embedded more so in Pennsylvania than anywhere else. Each year hundreds of thousands of anglers anticipate the opening day of trout season, now more than ever with multiple opening days and even youth only opportunities. Opening day is more than just about fishing. It is about the saying good bye to the dreadful winter months and looking forward to the warm spring and summer days to come. It is also about gathering together old friends and generations of family members to share in the excitement and fun trout fishing gives all anglers.

Opening days have long gone at this point in the year, but trout fishing doesn't end for many simply after one day on the water. Streams and lakes are stocked through the month of May, some multiple times after the first day. These "extra fish" give us an excuse to pull out the rod and fish for trout with less competition from other anglers. Early summer is a great time to look for trout derbies or other fishing events to take a youngster to. Passing along the values fishing instills within us and the connection to the outdoors is one of our roles as experienced anglers. Just like those before us have provided the opportunity and knowledge to be a successful trout angler, we too are empowered to do the same. 

Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Across Generations

None of us are immune to time. Age catches up to all of us, and we have to make the best of it. Darrell Dewalt of Newville, PA is a perfect example of this. He has spent many years in the outdoors, especially on Pennsylvania waters targeting trout. Each year Darrell makes it a point to visit Little Pine State Park Lake at least one time for trout fishing. He has been on this lake hundreds of times, both in professional pursuit of big trout and sharing his knowledge with his family. No hotspot is a secret anymore on this lake to him. His great couple of days on this year's trips is a testament to his passion for this tradition. 

We all have our own traditions for trout season. Many line up well before dawn to grab that prime spot or spend the entire weekend at fish camp talking about past seasons around the campfire. Every year is unique. Anglers from all over and from young to old wait the winter months out until its time to make that first 8 a.m. cast. The passion we as anglers bring to the waters in April are what makes trout fishing in Pennsylvania special.

---