The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) opened the 2020 trout fishing season statewide on Tuesday. It came as a total surprise, and the decision was made “in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.” The word traveled fast and caused a few concerns.

The new measure allows properly licensed anglers to begin fishing for and harvesting trout immediately. There will be no official Saturday opener, and all youth and mentor days are now canceled. All regulations, sizes, and creel limits still apply. Anglers and boaters must abide by the social distancing guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Governor Tom Wolf’s Stay-at-Home Order regarding COVID-19.

“We realize that this announcement is another disruption to tradition, but it is in the best interest of public health and safety,” explained Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “We have already seen that anglers and boaters across the Commonwealth are willing to adapt their behavior to include social distancing, and we ask everyone to follow their lead while enjoying outdoor activities during this challenging time. The trout we have been stocking have had time to spread out, and so should you.”

Anglers should limit their travel by fishing close to home, cover their faces with a mask or other cloth covering, keep a distance of at least six feet from others, and only go fishing with members of their families living in the same household. The PFBC also advised, if another angler is in an area you intended to fish, kindly move on to another spot.

This decision to open a few weeks early was to discourage large groups of people that typically occur on the traditional opening day. To further discourage these concentrations, a stocking schedule and list of waters that have been stocked will not be provided to the public at this time.

The brains were hoping to minimize intrastate and interstate travel across the Commonwealth too.

“Outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, lift our spirits and help relieve stress, but they need to be done with attention to social distancing guidelines to help protect ourselves and others, and slow the spread of COVID-19,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “That means practicing physical distancing of six feet, avoiding crowds and staying close to home, and being prepared with a mask and hand sanitizer.”

I decided to fish on opening day and saw many people who were doing the same. My lovely bride accused me of using this last-minute decision by the state as an opportunity to get away. OPENING DAY? YOU’VE GONE FISHING THE PAST 16 DAYS. She was correct. I went solo to a few of my favorite spots on Lycoming Creek. I am no longer fishing in the hood. I had some success and took a few photos. It was pretty quiet. Most of the “others” fish along the bridges or easy access points. I prefer to isolate even without a virus. I did run into one of my chums. We talked about these strange times and stayed six feet apart. Much love, Spoon. I saw several others, but I personally did not see any crowds. Most of the folks on Lycoming were adhering to the guidelines.

I posted a secluded landscape and told my online audience that I snuck out for a few casts on opening day. I didn’t think much of it since I do the same thing just about every day. Fishing is my passion. I am possessed. My post started a healthy conversation. The comments came fast. One of my good friends asked the simple question. If it’s okay to fish — then why can’t we golf? Hmm.

These are scary times. Continue to pray for our nation and pray for our state. Pray for Lycoming County and those who keep us safe. Pray for our community leaders and school districts. They all need our love. Wash your hands. Maintain your distance. Stay home if you can. Please stay safe. Stay calm, and remember if you must — fish alone and away from crowds. Cheers.