IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR START OF TROUT SEASON

An army of anglers will get their first crack at northcentral Pennsylvania's native trout population, supplanted by thousands of hatchery-raised specimens, on Saturday when fishing season opens at 8 am.

The usual rules apply: trout must be at least seven inches long to be keepers; those 16 and older must have a license; trout stamps must be purchased in addition to a regular fishing license; there's a creel limit of five trout per day, and certain waters have special designations- and are clearly marked as such.

Regardless of where one chooses to fish, waters will be a little on the high side and still cold. Waters are still slightly murky, which is a benefit to anglers.

These conditions change the feeding habits of trout and require adjustments in fishing techniques.

Studies show that about 60 percent of Pennsylvania trout anglers use bait or spinners; the figure is upwards of 75 percent for the opening two weeks. Worms (including nightcrawlers) and minnows are the preferred baits. There's also a trend toward concoctions such as "Power Bait" and similar bands of fish attractants.

Local waterways conservation officer Bill Crisp said the first day of fishing season will be as close to ideal as it can get, both the conditions and the quality of fish the Fish & Boat Commission has stocked.

"The stream conditions locally should be nearly perfect," Crisp said. "Anglers should do very well Saturday."

"This year, there were some very large trout stocked- particularly golden trout," he said. "I really wouldn't be surprised if we see a broken state record this year.

Golden trout are a species of rainbow trout, not "palominos" as they are often called.

If you wish to get away from the crowds, Crisp reminds anglers that the area offers excellent wild trout streams.

To locate the best "native" streams in your area, visit the Fish & Boat Commissions website, select the fish link, choose your county and then go to the wild trout link.

Crisp asked anglers to respect private property rights and to avoid crossing railroad right-of-ways that are clearly marked no trespassing.

Anglers who would like to see their picture in the paper with their fish, should bring them to our office between 9 am and 1 pm Satrurday. We are located at 29 E. 4th St. in Emporium.