High waters cast doubt on trout season opener

It’s called “fishing” not “catching.” And that’s what anglers heading out for the state’s trout season opening day Saturday might be facing.

Eager anglers likely will encounter muddy, fast-moving streams swollen from the massive rainfall that began late Monday and lingered into Thursday. The National Weather Service office in Moon recorded more than 4 inches of rain during those days — a near record.

Soft banks and murky waters could force anglers to change their tactics — if it’s safe to fish at all.

Rick DeMichele, co-owner of bait-and-tackle shop Allegheny Angler in Tarentum, called it “one of the worst weeks before trout season” he can remember.

Heavily discolored streams could be a “waste of time,” warned Jason Kindzia, owner of Ultimate Outdoors in Plum. How many waterways fall into that category partially depends on Friday’s rain, he said.

Steve Hegedus, president of Tri-County Trout Club, is postponing his usual trip to Emporium because of the weather conditions and expects many anglers will do the same — whether they’re traveling two minutes or two hours.

“If the weather is poor and the streams are high, I think that, locally, you’re probably going to see less anglers than usual,” Hegedus said. “Some people, they just don’t tolerate poor weather.”

Logan McMaster, owner of Ligonier Outfitters in Ligonier Borough, doubts it will be safe to fish in most places by Saturday. Even if the water does go down, it likely will be too muddy for fish to spot bait, he said.

Well-stocked waters

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does its fair share of preparation for the season, which stretches from Saturday to Labor Day. Trout stocking began the week of Feb. 19, sending state officials (with help from local anglers) to 697 streams and 129 lakes across Pennsylvania.

About 3.2 million adult trout were raised for the season. That includes 2.4 million rainbow trout, 702,000 brown trout and 132,000 brook trout. Around a quarter of these fish will be stocked throughout the season.

While nearly all waters had been stocked as of Wednesday, commission spokesman Mike Parker said anglers should double check the schedule before going out. The commission occasionally postpones releases if streams are too high or for logistical issues, such as a truck breakdown.

“We try not to postpone stockings unless absolutely necessary,” Parker said.

Early start a hindrance?

An earlier start of the season isn’t helping matters this year. Historically, opening day in most of the state wouldn’t be for another two weeks except in the warmer southeastern counties near Philadelphia, which had an earlier start. The commission ditched that plan in 2022, opting for the first Saturday in April as the statewide start.

Mike Goodman of Goodman’s Bait and Tackle near Ford City blames the early start for the poor conditions.

“It’s not the greatest year,” Goodman said. “The fish commission didn’t help us by moving it two weeks. More likely, we’re going to have bad weather all the time.”

In good news for trout and anglers alike, fish can survive flooding and high water just fine, according to Parker. They also tend to stay put, contrary to a common misconception.

“It’s not a situation where all of the trout are swept downstream into a river somewhere.” Parker said. “When you’re looking at that brown, fast-moving water, it can be discouraging. But we assure folks the trout will still be there when the water subsides.”

Tips for anglers

In these conditions, wading in large streams is a no-go for DeMichele.

“Don’t wade in water you can’t see through,” he said. “You get knocked down, you can get washed away.”

He also advised anglers bringing their kids to stick to lakes, where the water will be calmer, or not go out at all.

Since 2015, the state has made an effort to hook more kids on fishing by holding Mentored Youth Trout Day one week before the general opening, giving children 15 and younger a chance to fish without adult competition.

According to Hegedus, fly fishing probably won’t be worth the hassle. Bait fishing could be easier, preferably with extra weight and live bait.

“I would say, in situations like this … I tend to think live bait is better,” Hegedus said. “Particularly something like a good-sized night crawler.”

Fish will avoid swift currents, so check banks, deep pools and “anywhere where there’s shelter for trout,” he added. Furthermore, local knowledge could be a difference maker, both in terms of safety and the number of trout caught.

In some ways, the weather could make trout more likely to bite. Parker said fish tend to slow down on eating as they move mud and silt through their gills, meaning they’ll be extra hungry by the weekend.

“You’re not going to catch any if you don’t try,” Parker said. “If it’s not working, there’s a long season ahead.”

Impact on business

The lead-up to trout season can be a crucial time for bait-and-tackle shops’ bottom line.

So far, poor conditions haven’t deterred too many anglers from stocking up at Ultimate Outdoors.

“It can be very busy, and obviously weather is a critical factor,” Kindzia said. “I would rate it as a moderate impact right now.”

McMaster said he hasn’t noticed any difference in one of the store’s busiest weeks.

“I don’t think it really affects us that much,” McMaster said. “People are still getting ready to go to camp or whatever.”