Young Anglers Gear Up to Get a Jump on PA’s Trout Season with Mentored Youth Trout Day
Every spring since 2013, the PA Fish and Boat Commission has hosted its widely popular Mentored Youth Trout Day. The annual event offers early access and a fun, family-friendly fishing experience to young anglers.
The 2026 Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur statewide on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Mentored Youth Trout Day inspires life-long love of fishing.
According to PFBC Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) Specialist Carl Richardson, “Young anglers that come from families that fish are much more likely to continue fishing as adults than those from non-fishing families.” For many PFBC officials and local anglers alike, programs like this are crucial to ensuring a healthy future for trout fishing in Pennsylvania.
The event takes place one week prior to the state’s official opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 4.
This offers participants a stress-free environment absent of competition from more seasoned adult anglers. Richardson notes the contrast between Mentored Youth Day and the more serious Opening Day. “The atmosphere is more family friendly, low key, and focused more on fun than on filling coolers.”
A love of fishing starts with learning the basics.
During the event, youth anglers (under age 16), accompanied by a licensed mentor (adult angler – 16 or older), may fish for trout on any PA Stocked Trout Waters.
- The program does not include special regulation areas.
- Youth anglers may take a limit of two trout (combined species) no less than 7 inches in length.
- The PFBC also encourages mentors to fish, but they are prohibited from keeping any trout.
For a successful day on the water, the PFBC advises mentors to allow youth anglers to fish with as little assistance as possible. Encouragement, positive reinforcement and, of course, occasional help with knots and hooks are always welcome. Overall, for mentors, the idea is to stay close, ensure safety, keep the camera handy and to practice responsible catch-and-release techniques.
2026 Mentored Youth Trout Day FAQ
- When is Mentored Youth Trout Day in Pennsylvania?
Mentored Youth Trout Day takes place on March 28, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The day is set aside for young anglers, with the assistance of an adult mentor, to fish PA Stocked Trout Waters. The event takes place one week before Opening Day of the PA Trout Season on Saturday, April 4. - Who can participate in Mentored Youth Trout Day?
Youth anglers (under age 16) and a licensed mentor (16+). Youth anglers must have either a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. - How many trout can youth anglers keep?
Youth anglers participating in Mentored Youth Trout Day can keep up to two trout total (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches. Adult mentors are encouraged to fish, but may not keep any trout during the event. - What licenses or permits are required?
Youth anglers must obtain either:
• A free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit
• A Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which costs $2.97 ($1 license fee, $1 issuing agent fee and $0.97 PALS transaction fee).
• Adult anglers serving as mentors must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a current trout permit. - How do you obtain a youth permit or license?
Permits and licenses can be obtained through HuntFishPA.gov or an authorized licensing agent. Youth participants must have their own HuntFishPA account to receive their permit or license. After purchasing, be sure to download and save the receipt and license documents and bring a digital or printed copy on Mentored Youth Trout Day.
Find a Stocked Waterway
Before you head out for Mentored Youth Trout Day, be sure to check our Trout Stocking schedule to find a stocked waterway near you.
Featured image (top) courtesy of PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 3/17/22.
Trout Stocking with PA Fish and Boat Commission
