pa-56-33-1174: Proposed changes to list of Class A wild trout streams; October 2026

Summary

The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) is considering changes to its list of Class A wild trout streams. Under 58 Pa. Code § 57.8a (relating to Class A wild trout streams), it is the Commission's policy to manage self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations as a renewable natural resource to conserve that resource and the angling it provides. Class A wild trout populations represent the best of this Commonwealth's naturally reproducing trout fisheries. With rare exceptions, the Commission manages these stream sections solely for the perpetuation of the wild trout fishery with no stocking. (1) Criteria developed for Class A Wild Trout fisheries are species specific. (2) Wild Trout Biomass Class Criteria include provisions for: (i) Wild brook trout fisheries. (A) Total brook trout biomass of at least 30 kg/ha (26.7 lbs/acre). (B) Total biomass of brook trout less than 15 cm (5.9 inches) in total length of at least 0.1 kg/ha (0.089 lbs/acre). (C) Brook trout biomass must comprise at least 75% of the total trout biomass. (ii) Wild brown trout fisheries. (A) Total brown trout biomass of at least 40 kg/ha (35.6 lbs/acre). (B) Total biomass of brown trout less than 15 cm (5.9 inches) in total length of at least 0.1 kg/ha (0.089 lbs/acre). (C) Brown trout biomass must comprise at least 75% of the total trout biomass. (iii) Mixed wild brook and brown trout fisheries. (A) Combined brook and brown trout biomass of at least 40 kg/ha (35.6 lbs/acre). (B) Total biomass of brook...

The agency’s own summary, as published.