Category: Action Alert
Support the 9-Inch Trout Minimum
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s proposal to raise the minimum harvest size for trout from seven to nine inches is open for public comment — and the window is short. Comments are accepted through July 20, and the Commission takes up the rule on final-form rulemaking at its July 27 meeting. If it is approved, the new minimum takes effect January 1, 2027. This is the moment for anglers who care about wild brook trout to be counted.
Why it matters: this is the first change to the minimum since 1983, and it would protect more than 99 percent of Pennsylvania’s wild brook trout from harvest — while having almost no effect on your ability to keep stocked trout, since the average state-hatchery trout is 11 inches at stocking. Support is already strong: the 2023 Pennsylvania Trout Angler Survey found 85 percent of trout anglers in favor. PATU backs the change, and Dave Rothrock spoke in support on the council’s behalf when the Commission proposed it April 27.
How to comment — it takes about two minutes. Comments go to the Commission by email, and the proposal is split across four sections of the code, each published as its own notice with its own comment docket. Click a link below and your email opens with the correct subject line already filled in. Add a sentence, hit send. That is the whole process.
Comment on § 61.1 — Seasons, Sizes and Creel Limits; Commonwealth Inland Waters
Comment on § 65.19 — Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing
Comment on § 65.24 — Miscellaneous Special Regulations
Comment on § 65.26 — Extended Trout Season
Each notice is counted separately, so comment on all four if you can — it is the same sentence, sent four times. If you only have time for one, make it § 61.1.
Not sure what to say? A sentence is plenty. Copy this:
“As a Pennsylvania angler, I support raising the trout minimum size limit to nine inches to protect our wild brook trout. This is a commonsense conservation measure with no meaningful effect on stocked-trout harvest.”
If a link does not open your email program, send your comment to:
ra-pfbcregulations@pa.gov and put the notice title in the subject line for each proposal.
Action Alert - Stocking over Class A Wild Trout
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is considering a pilot program of stocking rainbow trout in a north central PA Class A wild trout stream. See the “Wild Trout” Page for more.
No Public Help with Trout Stocking This Spring
This just in from the PA Fish & Boat Commission. In compliance with limits placed on public gatherings due to the COVID 19 outbreak, the Fish Commission has asked that volunteers do not come out to help with trout stocking this year. They are reassigning personnel to take care of the stockings as thoroughly and efficiently as possible but request that all helpers stay home this year.
From area WCO Dan Wilson, “I want to personally thank every volunteer that has come out and assisted with stockings within the county this year and every year in the past. Amid all of the other changes, I will ask that you note that due to restrictions, volunteers will not be permitted to assist with stocking activities for the 2020 season. I hope to get this information to all members within the county to make people aware of this restriction. I want to avoid having volunteers show up and being informed at the stockings that they will not be able to participate. I know that this will be a concern and disappoint many anglers within the state, but I am trying to do my part to inform as many participants as I can before anyone makes the trip. I also appreciate everyone’s understanding during this uncertain time. If anyone has any questions please let me know. Thank you and I hope everyone is well”
See the PAF&BC website for updates on the trout stocking schedules as they are subject to change.
Here is a link to the official statement from PAF&BC. https://www.fishandboat.com/Pages/covid-19.aspx
Help Save Bristol Bay
After a decade, the world’s worst idea, the Pebble Mine, is still alive. If it comes to a reality, the mine would be the largest open pit mine operation on the planet and would be located in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world – Bristol Bay Alaska. Untouched by development, the Bristol Bay watershed is a salmon factory, home to the largest run of sockeye salmon and one of the best king salmon runs in the world. It’s a 10,000 year old job creator and has fed and employed people for generations. Now, all that is at risk for the short term gain of the mine. In short, the mine would cause the dewatering of the Bristol Bay watershed and containment of toxic mine tailings in perpetuity – a recipe for disaster.
Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a 90 day comment period on the environmental impact study for the mine. Add your voice to the chorus opposing this disaster waiting to happen.
Click here for the comment link and here to learn more about the issue.
