The Commonwealth of PA is now on a temporary lockdown. Well that’s unless you are out buying beer, gathering ammo or playing the daily lottery. There is much debate on how this was actually determined. Governor Tom is faced with a very difficult situation. But what’s considered essential or life sustaining?

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have made some updates to their schedules. The Mentor Youth Trout Day is now on April 11, and the statewide Opening Day of Trout season will take place on April 18.These changes are in response to the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health hoping reduce the number of anglers traveling from the areas already heavily affected by COVID-19.

To ensure public safety, volunteers will NOT be permitted to assist with any stocking activities. Many PFBC staff are being reassigned to assist with stocking fish into lakes and streams. In some cases, pre-season and in-season allocations of trout will be combined into single events to increase the efficiency of stocking trips. Obviously, these new schedules will be updated and reassessed on a week to week basis.

Kudos to the PFBC for doing the right thing. Thousands of anglers from all over the Commonwealth will flock to our region once again. They are looking for an opportunity to catch the millions of stocked fish. Yes. It’s a scary time of year and I am still on the fence about sneaking out. I don’t do well fishing in front of large crowds. Practice your social distancing folks.

I’ve mentioned to you before that I am one of North Central PAs biggest fans. Seriously. What’s not to love about the 570? This place is just splendid, and this beautiful area is the perfect backdrop for an outdoor enthusiast like me. Lycoming County provides hundreds of exceptional fishing opportunities. We are so blessed with several different types of water to target all kinds of species. I am still waiting on a call from the Visitors Bureau. Seriously guys. I believe I can help.

A few of my favorite spots are just a short drive or walk from the homestead. I do my very best to fish them year round, but unfortunately, my expeditions have been non-existent. WELL UNTIL NOW. I’ve done my best to get out on the water everyday during my non-essential break. My doctor actually instructed me too.

You ARE totally allowed to fish 365 days in non trout stocked waters. I understand your concerns. People have been blowing up my phone ever since I posted that selfie with healthy brown caught and released near Weis Markets.

You see a majority of our waterways are closed from March 1st to the opener. But that does NOT include anything downstream from the confluence of Hoaglands on Lycoming Creek. That is where I do 90% of my fishing. I will admit the regulations are very confusing. They can be read a multiple of different ways. But I did receive an okay from one of my friends who is a big wig with the PFBC. I’m cool.

These are scary times kids. Pray for our nation. Pray for our state. Pray for Lycoming County and those who keep us safe. Pray for our community leaders and local school districts. They all need our love. Rise to the occasion friends. Wash your wands. Maintain your distance. Stay home if you can. Please stay safe. Stay calm. If you must. Fish alone. Cheers.