Trout season opens Saturday

BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

Local anglers will be up bright and early on Saturday morning to take part in the yearly tradition of trout fishing.

Starting at sunrise on Saturday, it is open season on trout in streams, lakes and rivers and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officer Kadin Thompson said he believes anglers should have good luck.

“We’ve done quite a bit of stocking so far,” Thompson said. “And the waters are looking relatively good.”

So far the PFBC has stocked areas in the Mehoopany Creek, Bowmans Creek, Oxbow Lake, Lake Winola, Gardner’s Creek, Tunkhannock Creek and Martins Creek in Susquehanna County.

He said that some waters are currently running a little high and are muddy, but hopes they will calm down before Saturday’s opener.

Thompson said that despite the colder temperatures and precipitation, the trout should be ready to bite on opening day.

“Trout are cold water fish, and will feed more with colder water,” Thompson said. “They get more sluggish in higher temperatures. They will barely move.”

While the cold weather may have impact on the fishermen, it should be a good thing for the overall fishing conditions.

Thompson said he recommends that fisherman who are looking for a boating experience try out Oxbow or Lake Winola.

Larger stream fishing is possible out of Bowmans Creek and Mehoopany Creek, while those who are looking for a small Creek experience should try out Tunkhannock Creek, Martin’s Creek or Gardner’s Creek.

If the weather does continue to bring the area snow, Thompson urged special precaution when walking along waterways, as there will be an increased risk of slipping and falling into the water.

Thompson said he recommends wearing felt-soled waders for navigating the waters.

“It’s also not a bad idea to wear a life jacket either,” Thompson said.

He also urged people to be respectful of landowners, as well as be careful when parking alongside the road.

Thompson also noted that littering, especially bait containers has been an issue in the past, and that he recommends cleaning up your fishing area when finished.

For more information on the trout opener and fishing regulations, visit the PFBC’s website at www.fish.state.pa.us.