Steelhead Fishing, Trout Stockings and Family Fishing Programs Highlight Fall Fishing

Harrisburg, PA - Cooler weather may have arrived, but great fall fishing opportunities remain across the state for anglers and their families.
 
Battle wits with wild brook trout on a small mountain run or land a trophy rainbow trout from one of Pennsylvania’s well-stocked streams and lakes. Check the Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) online stocking schedules for a complete list of fall stockings in your favorite county waters: http://pfbc.state.pa.us/pfbc_webgis/TroutStockingDetailsFall.aspx
 
Looking for a challenge? Head to Erie and its legendary steelhead fishing. The PFBC stocks more than a million juvenile steelhead each year and continually works on improving access to Lake Erie tributaries through property acquisitions and easements using angler funds acquired through the Erie permit and Erie/trout/salmon combo permit. For more information on steelhead fishing in Erie, including interactive maps showing popular locations, visit: http://www.fishandboat.com/steelhead.htm.
 
Want a great way to connect with your family? Discover just how much fun fishing can be when you do it together at a PFBC Family Fishing Program. Learn basic fishing skills like knot tying, casting, baiting the hook, and taking a fish off the hook. You and your family will have the opportunity to fish – no fishing license required. All equipment provided. Search the PFBC calendar for a list of Family Fishing Programs in your area: http://pfbc.state.pa.us/Calendar/Default.aspx.
 
“Fishing doesn’t end when the weather turns colder,” said Tim Schaeffer, director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Policy, Planning and Communications. “In fact, many anglers are just getting started with steelhead fishing in Erie and then ice fishing in the winter. Fishing is a year-round activity and contributes significantly to the state’s economy.”
 
Schaeffer noted that organizations across the country will recognize these economic contributions as part of National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is on Saturday, September 24, this year. In order to accommodate legislative schedules, PFBC representatives will take part in a National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the East Wing Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
 
“The event, which will feature a series of informational booths, will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and will include remarks by Executive Director John Arway,” added Schaeffer. “The event will highlight the importance of fishing and boating and the impact the agency has had on the state’s cultural heritage, recreational attributes and economy.”
 
“Mr. Arway will also describe the challenges of balancing the needs of anglers and boaters while responding to the increasing workload created by Marcellus shale development, and he will explain the benefits of being able to offer multi-year fishing licenses, which the PFBC would be permitted to offer under the pending Senate Bill 1049,” Schaeffer said.
 
Anglers and boaters can sign up to receive email updates on the activities of the Fish and Boat Commission at http://www.fishandboat.com/newsreleases/edelivery.htm. The PFBC is also using today’s popular social media. Individuals can stay in touch by following the Commission on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fishandboat.