PA Youth Mentored Fishing Day – What you need to know.

Pennsylvania youth mentored fishing days is quickly approaching.

This year and the PA Fish and Boat Commission made tweaks to better the program. Here is how the day works. To participate in the youth mentored fishing day, anglers 16 years of age or older (adult anglers) must possess a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and be accompanied by a youth (less than 16 years of age) who has obtained a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission. While mentors will be permitted to fish for trout, they are not permitted to harvest trout and must release them unharmed.

Youth anglers must obtain a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission and be accompanied by an adult licensed angler in order to participate. Youth may harvest up to two trout (combined species) with a minimum size of 7 inches. All other Commonwealth Inland Water regulations apply.

The Mentored Youth Permit is free.
The Voluntary Youth License is $2.70 ($1.00 cost + $1.70 agent/transaction fee). You would need this if you don’t have a valid PA fishing license.

You Can Purchase them Here or locally at an authorized agent.

FAQ’s about the program

What are the days for this program? The commission hosts one mentored day. These dates change year to year. Check here for updated dates.

What changes did they make to the program this year? Last year children and their adult mentors were allowed to fish, and keep up a maximum of two trout. That won’t be the rule this year. Children may keep up to two trout on the day and Adults are catch & release only. The changes were made mostly off feedback from anglers from last year. Anglers said the day should be about the kids and enjoying the experience with them.

I have a 2016 PA Fishing license, do I need a permit? No you are all set. Just make sure you have your trout permit.

Can I harvest fish on that day? No, Adults are catch & release. Kids may keep up to two trout with a minimum size of 7 inches.

How do I know where they stocked?  Check out PA’s stocking directory online.

Any additional questions about the program can be answered on PA’s Fish & Boat website or contact us!.

“Parents don’t frame pictures of kids playing videos games..”  Take me fishing!

• Ryan