DiscoverNEPA is partnering with North Branch Land Trust, a nonprofit that conserves the natural, working and scenic landscapes of NEPA. They’ll provide conservation tips and give us a look at their protected lands. Learn how you can join NBLT and do your part to protect NEPA’s natural resources.
Fishing Responsibly Reduces Toll on NEPA Waters
As Northeastern PA moves from cold, bitter winter to bright, sunny spring, it is time to start gearing up for the 2024 trout season. Many anglers are trading in ice augers and heaters for waders and flies.
I have fished many of Eastern Pennsylvania’s waterways both from land and kayak and seen the firsthand effects of streams and lakes affected by increased angler numbers and failures to maintain areas they cherish. While these streams continue to be stocked each year by PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), the widespread urbanization of the area has contributed to be detrimental to a pastime which people look forward to for years to come. Together, the efforts of every angler can make for a cleaner tomorrow throughout NEPA’s many popular waterways.
It’s Not Just About the Fish
In all the excitement, it can be very easy to overlook negative effects that can occur during trout season. As anglers line the banks of NEPA’s many creeks and waterways, the care for the waters they fish in and land they fish from is an important concern, especially during such a busy time of year.
At the helm of the operation is the PFBC (who protect not only our native fish, but also reptiles and amphibians) as well as the anglers themselves as many prepare for a whole day outside to kick off the much-anticipated start of trout season.
The Idea Behind Water Stewardship
On the brink of a new trout season, it is important to note the opening of a statewide fishing season can take a toll on the waters surrounding us. Water stewardship and trout fishing are intertwined. Care of these stocked waterways is especially important given NEPA’s immaculate landscape which sustains the trout populations people look forward to catching each year.
North Branch Land Trust’s Land Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator Emma Thompson, stresses the importance of understanding how maintaining ecosystems is a responsibility while fishing.
“In order for most trout to thrive, they require cold, clear streams and lakes that can hold plenty of dissolved oxygen and food like aquatic insects. Damaging water and land ecosystems can contribute to the loss of plants and microorganisms that facilitate water clarity and food sources for fish. Erosion of streams and riverbanks, whether it is from nature or humans, causes habitat destruction not just for fish, but for all of the other plants, insects, amphibians, and other species who depend on NEPA’s waterways.”
It is vital that anglers who engage in trout fishing have an understanding of these ecosystems. Knowing how responsible environmental practices allow us to fish year after year is a great reminder of our commitment to the resources that we cherish. Our efforts can go a long way to supporting many more generations of NEPA anglers.
Full Steam Ahead Towards Trout Season
If you are eager to start the fishing season on the right foot, here are some important dates:
On February 1st, PFBC released the annual stocking schedule for rainbow, golden rainbow, and brown trout in lakes and tributaries across Pennsylvania. Want to know when your favorite spot is being stocked? Head to https://fbweb.pa.gov/TroutStocking for more information.
Following the release of the stocking schedules, the next big date is the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day, happening on March 30th. This program allows young anglers to get a head start on the season with the help of their mentors.
And finally, the day everyone is waiting for – opening day – which is scheduled for April 6th this year.
If you are only testing the waters fishing in NEPA for the first time, remember that PFBC offers two “fish for free” days where no license is required for anyone, on May 26th and July 4th.
…But Don’t Forget!
Here are some basic things anglers can do to protect NEPA’s waterways while preparing for trout season:
- Follow licensing, measurement, and catch limit regulations set forth by PFBC
- Understand proper catch-and-release techniques to ensure the health of the trout
- Clean up any excess fishing line or lost lures if accessible while fishing
- Carry out any trash you bring in or find
- Stay within the boundaries of stocked waters to subside the spread of any extra trash
Featured image (top) courtesy of Matt Giambra, DiscoverNEPA.
