CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — It was a great day to get outside Monday and with Pennsylvania’s trout fishing season opening soon, millions of trout are now being added, at numerous state waterway sites.

Even during the pandemic, fishing was still a favorite activity in the Keystone State.

“People ask me how was fishing in 2021, during COVID,” said Timothy Schaeffer. “It was off the charts. I’m happy to report there were nearly 920,000 licensed anglers in Pennsylvania.”

Shaeffer is the Executive Director of Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission during a recent legislative hearing.

On the first full day of spring, 6 News caught up to commission employees, along with volunteers, stocking the waters at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp in Centre County.

3.2 million trout are being stocked in Pennsylvania this season, and this year, it’s a return to a single opening day for fishing season statewide.

“It’s going to be the first Saturday in April. Easy to remember,” Shaeffer said. “You don’t have to wonder what’s the opening in different counties. The best part is it will extend trout fishing season in Pennsylvania. So, it will be April 2.”

Also continuing is the commission's educational program for school kids -- that begins with fish eggs delivered to classrooms.

“We just sent out eggs from our Centre region offices, where we ship the eggs out to the school and the teachers raise them as part of their curriculum throughout the school year,” explained Shaeffer. “They can get their credit they need as teachers. It’s a nice slick package. So, trout in the classroom is a lot of fun.”

Also, for the younger set, this Saturday is the commission's annual “Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day.”

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