Although we’re at the beginning of the small and large game hunting seasons, trout anglers don’t despair as the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has begun their fall trout stockings.

The PFBC says they will be stocking approximately 116,500 adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 188 stream sections and lakes. In October alone, the PFBC will have stocked approximately 89,000 trout into 93 waters that includes 53 lakes. And 40 stream sections, including 16 Keystone Select Trout Waters. An additional 25 lakes will be stocked with approximately 28,500 trout during November and December in preparation for ice fishing.

The agency warns that as warm weather continues which often results in low and warm water conditions, there may be delays in the stocking operations.

Anglers are to be reminded that since Sept. 2, 2025, the state trout fishery is under Extended Trout Season Regulations that lasts through Feb. 16, 2026. During this period, the daily creel limit is three trout of combined species with a minimum size of seven inches. And if you’re in a boat, anglers in boats less than 16 feet in length are required to wear a life jacket. This also includes canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children ages 12 and under must always wear a life jacket while paddling.

Here in Lehigh County, the Little Lehigh will be stocked with about 900-1,000 trout on Oct. 14 in the Lehigh Parkway section only. Last week, a small section was stocked for handicapped anglers with trout from the Lil-Le-Hi Trout Nursery. So, there should be some added trout available in addition to what the state will stock.

Unfortunately, Leaser Lake in upper Lehigh County will not be stocked but Lake Minsi in Northampton County will receive a fall stocking.

NY SALMON

FISHING

Reports from anglers visiting New York State’s famous Salmon River in Pulaski, NY, have experienced either feast or famine depending on when they fish it. Low water conditions because of a lack of rain is the culprit why the action isn’t better.

And the most frequented fishing hotspot is the Staircase, located on the Salmon River at the Long Bridge Road Pool accessible via South Jefferson Street in Pulaski. This spot is also known for excellent steelhead and of course salmon fishing.

From the 1880 House Lodge in Pulaski, they report moderate angling success with multiple Kings and Coho salmon being reported moving upriver. The lower section of the river also reported moderate density along with a mix of Kings, Coho and Brown Trout. Most of the fish were seen holding in pools with a few moving upriver. There were also a few Steelhead’s mixed in.