As the 2024 fishing season approaches in Pennsylvania, many anglers are wondering about the requirements for youth fishing licenses. While the rules may seem straightforward, there are some important details to consider when it comes to fishing with young anglers.
Youth Fishing License Requirements in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, youth anglers under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish. However, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in various youth fishing opportunities throughout the 2024 season.
The Voluntary Youth Fishing License costs $2.97 ($1.00 cost plus $1.97 in agent/transaction fees) and provides additional benefits for both the youth and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). For each license purchased, the PFBC receives $5 back in federal reimbursement funding.
The free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit allows youth anglers to participate in special youth fishing days and events, such as the Mentored Youth Trout Day on March 30, 2024.
Mentored Youth Trout Day
The Mentored Youth Trout Day is a special event held on March 30, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., where youth anglers can fish in stocked trout waters before the regular opening day of trout season.
To participate in the Mentored Youth Trout Day, youth anglers must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit. They can harvest up to two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches.
Adult anglers (16 years of age or older) must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and be accompanied by a youth angler to participate in the Mentored Youth Trout Day. While adult anglers can fish, they are prohibited from possessing trout and must release any trout caught unharmed.
Fishing License Price Increases for 2024
In addition to the youth fishing requirements, it’s important to note that fishing license prices have increased for the 2024 season in Pennsylvania.
The cost of a resident annual fishing license has increased by $2.50 to $27.97, and a trout permit has also increased by $2.50 to $14.97. Nonresidents will pay $60.97 for a general license, a $4 increase over 2023.
These price increases were implemented by the PFBC to help maintain funding levels for various fishing-related programs and are expected to generate an estimated $2.4-$2.9 million annually.
Stocking and Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its excellent trout fishing, and the PFBC stocks millions of trout in the state’s waterways each year. In 2024, approximately 3.2 million trout will be stocked, with 2.4 million being rainbow trout, 702,000 brown trout, and 132,000 brook trout.
About 70,000 of these fish will be brood trout that are 2.5- to 3.5-years old and average 14-20 inches long. Approximately 70% of the large fish will be stocked pre-season, while the remaining 30% will be released during the season.
In addition to the regular trout stocking, the PFBC will also stock about 14,000 golden trout, also known as palominos, which are always a favorite among anglers.
With the increased stocking efforts and the Mentored Youth Trout Day, the 2024 fishing season in Pennsylvania promises to be an exciting one for youth anglers and their families.