2020 Trout Season - Thank You

Take a few moments to watch the following video message from Tim Schaeffer, the PFBC Executive Director, thanking Pennsylvania’s anglers for their cooperation and understanding during the 2020 trout season.

Video Transcription:

Hi, I’m Tim Schaeffer. On behalf of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, thank you to all the anglers of Pennsylvania who have made major changes this spring during trout season.

When we unexpectedly opened trout season on April 7th, we asked anglers to practice social distancing, keeping a rod's length away, fishing locally, fishing with people from their immediate family. Really, reconnecting with a lot of local waters that they may have forgotten about. Here at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, our staff are leading by example.

We continue to stock trout throughout Pennsylvania, and as we do, we’re wearing masks, we’re practicing social distancing. We’re wearing gloves. Again we're doing the right thing, we've asked the anglers to do the same thing.

With a lot of the extra family time that we've had, we’ve seen anglers across Pennsylvania taking their kids fishing, some for the first time. That's the future of the sport. That's the future of conservation in Pennsylvania, introducing people to the outdoors.

We also apologize to the anglers for having to cancel our mentored youth trout day this year. Anybody who did purchase a voluntary youth license for that day, we’d be happy to honor it next year.

Next week will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. We've been asking anglers to fish locally this spring, and now more than ever we understand the benefits and the importance of local water quality.

Also remember that fishing doesn’t end with trout season. Whether its panfish, bass, walleye or musky, we’ve got something for everyone in Pennsylvania.

As a lifetime Pennsylvania angler, I can't wait for things to get back to normal, but we have been able to adjust. If you haven't purchased your fishing license this season, a reminder that we've made it easier than ever. Just go to the PA Fish and Boat Commission website, fishandboat.com, or to our mobile app, FishBoatPa, and you can get started to buy your license. You don't need to display it this year, so just go through a few simple clicks, have it on your phone and you'll be good to go.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, thank you for your cooperation the spring. We’ll see you on your local water.