5 per day during regular season, 8 during extended season
Possession: 10 during regular season
Season
Opening day varies by region (typically early April). Year-round on some waters.
Special Rules & Notes
Pennsylvania has three trout seasons: early (stocked), regular, and extended. Wild trout streams have different regulations. Special Regulation Trout Waters (SRTWs) include catch-and-release and artificial-only sections.
Popular Pennsylvania Waters
Little Juniata River
Penns Creek
Spring Creek
Brodhead Creek
Loyalsock Creek
Tips for Pennsylvania Rainbow Trout Fishing
Pennsylvania stocks millions of trout annually, making it one of the most heavily stocked states.
Wild trout streams — particularly in the limestone country of central PA — provide exceptional catch-and-release fishing.
Common Questions
The regular statewide trout season typically opens on a Saturday in mid-April. The specific date varies annually. Some Special Regulation Waters are open year-round. Check the PFBC website for the current year's opening date.
The minimum size for most trout in Pennsylvania is 7 inches during the regular season. Catch-and-release waters and special regulation streams have different requirements.
Important: Fishing regulations change annually. This page reflects regulations for 2026 but always verify current rules with Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) before fishing. Some waters have special regulations that differ from the statewide rules.