While there is rarely a bad time to go fishing, there are some truly great times and this is one of them. The onset of fall means increased feeding activity by many popular gamefish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass. It’s also a time for unique regional fishing opportunities such as the fall run of large steelhead trout into Lake Erie’s tributary streams or targeting massive land-locked striped bass at Raystown Lake. Adding to the fun, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be stocking 125,000 trout in more than 150 waterways across the state.

For non-residents, a newly introduced fishing license may be just the ticket for a quick fishing trip to Pennsylvania. The new One Day Tourist Fishing License is “all inclusive” meaning it covers the base fishing license and specialty fishing permits. While it’s called a one-day license, it’s valid for 24 consecutive hours – as defined by the customer – and could therefore be set up to allow fishing privileges the afternoon and evening of one calendar day and the morning of the next. This convenient and innovative license type is priced at $25 (plus $1 agent fee) and is available at more than 1,300 bait and tackle, sporting good, and department stores across Pennsylvania.

A full array of fishing license options for Pennsylvania residents and visitors is also available on the PFBC’s web site at www.fish.state.pa.us. Licenses can be purchased via the “Outdoor Shop” feature and printed from a personal computer. For a limited time, on-line fishing license buyers have an opportunity to purchase a special edition Pennsylvania fishing t-shirt at 50% off the normal retail price. These attractive shirts are available in a choice of sage or maroon and let everybody know where to find the best fishing experience.

From the Commission web site, select the “Fish PA this Fall” option to learn more abut fall trout stocking, family fishing programs, fishing laws and regulations, regional fishing hot spots and reports, suggested fishing itineraries and some great sites, sounds and tastes to experience while fishing Pennsylvania this fall.