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HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its quarterly business meeting by encouraging anglers to be safe on the ice and water when taking advantage of remaining winter fishing opportunities, especially during times when the temperature warms but the water remains very cold.
"Many anglers stay busy year-round by ice fishing on their favorite lake when conditions are safe, seeking out trophy steelhead on the tributaries of Lake Erie, or running their bass boats up and down the river when it's not frozen," said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. "For those who remain active on the water and ice this winter, we ask them to stay safe by being mindful of changing weather conditions, checking for adequate ice thickness, ice fishing with others, and always wearing your life jacket."
John Mahn, Second District Commissioner and Chairman of the Boating Committee reinforced the importance of life-jacket wear during the cold weather months. Since 2012, the PFBC has required anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet, including all kayaks and canoes, to wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30.
"We believe many lives have been saved because of this requirement over the past decade, and the statistics back that statement up," said Mahn. "Over the past ten years, since this regulation took effect, the number of boating accidents in Pennsylvania during the cold weather months has remained about the same, but fatalities have decreased from 58% in 2012 to 17% in 2022."
Schaeffer reminded anglers and boaters who are looking forward to spring that the PFBC is already preparing for pre-season trout stocking operations in anticipation of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 25, and the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on Saturday, April 1.
"Our hatcheries are bustling with activity right now, as we get ready to stock millions of trout into hundreds of waterways for anglers to enjoy throughout the 2023 season," added Schaeffer. "Our hatchery staff and Waterways Conservation Officers look forward to partnering with local volunteers to make sure the trout are stocked safely and efficiently and will be ready to tug on your line on opening day and for many weeks to follow."
Schaeffer noted that the 2023 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule will be published on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com) during the first week of February and reminded anglers to revisit the stocking schedule frequently to remain aware of changes that may occur due to inclement weather and hatchery logistics. The PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout throughout the 2023 season, which is consistent with the number of fish stocked over the past decade. Fishing licenses and permits may be purchased through the FishBoatPA mobile app, on the PFBC website, and by visiting nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
Staff and Partner
Recognition
The PFBC is proud to recognize staff members who have recently received awards for outstanding work in their fields.
PFBC Lake Habitat Manager Mike Swartz was honored with the Friends of Reservoirs Award from the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP). In October 2022, Swartz was presented with the award during the RFHP meeting in Shelbyville, Illinois, where the organization recognized his efforts towards habitat enhancement at Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County. The large-scale project included the stabilization of multiple shorelines, improvement of fish habitat, and a substantial increase in angler access. Swartz worked with the Friends of Reservoirs and Friends of Raystown Lake to fund the project using $1.15 million from a consent order between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Sunoco, $75,000 from the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, and $24,000 from the PA Lake Management Society.
Special
Announcements
The PFBC's remaining quarterly business meetings in 2023 are scheduled for the following dates at the PFBC headquarters located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110:
≤ April 24-25, 2023
≤ July 24-25, 2023
≤ October 23-24, 2023
Meeting times will be announced at a later date.