agencies offer COVID-19 safety tips, bait suggestions for trout opener

With the state’s 2020 trout opener still slated for April 18 – for now – Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesperson Mike Parker admits there will be changes to how we fish, but it can still be an enjoyable distraction to the coronavirus concerns, as long as proper precautions are maintained.

“We all know things are a little different right now, but there is no reason why we can not adapt to make opening day a success under these unprecedented circumstances,” he said. ​

With the state’s 2020 trout opener still slated for April 18 – for now – Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesperson Mike Parker admits there will be changes to how we fish, but it can still be an enjoyable distraction to the coronavirus concerns, as long as proper precautions are maintained.

“We all know things are a little different right now, but there is no reason why we can not adapt to make opening day a success under these unprecedented circumstances,” he said. “We are continuing to stock trout – without the help of volunteers – and will still get the 3.2 million trout into the water. There will be plenty out there to enjoy well beyond the opening day.”

One of the biggest safety measures to maintain is social distancing.

“When boating, paddling, fishing or wading, please keep a distance of at least six feet between you and the nearest person,” Parker said. “A good rule of thumb is if you can turn your paddle perpendicular on all sides of you without hitting anyone, that is a safe distance.”

When fishing from the shore, he suggested using your fishing pole as a mode of measurement to keep a safe distance.

“If you are fishing with children advise them to not wander into the personal space of others,” he said. “You should also refrain from carpooling – sharing a vehicle with others could put you at risk.”

Some other points Parker stressed for safe trout angling during the coronavirus pandemic:
Avoid crowds. If you arrive at your fishing, boating or padding spot and it’s crowded, find another location.

Avoid sharing fishing or boating gear with anyone.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Fish close to home. Cut down on unnecessary travel and make smart choices.
Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after returning indoors, and clean your gear well after using it.

Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

If you are feeling unwell, stay at home to avoid spreading COVID-19.

If you typically fish at a waterway in a state or local park, the restrooms will likely be closed. Plan accordingly.

If you do fish at a state or local park, call ahead to make sure everything is still open in that area. These regions may be subject to local restrictions or closures that are out of the control of the fish and boat commission.

Trends and tips when selecting bait

B&B Wholesale Bait, out of Harrisburg, supplies all sorts of live bait to tackle shops, gas stations, hardware stores and other venues throughout much of the state, wholesaling to a total of 80 locations.

“We offer basic tackle, spinners, bass bait, river gear and other general tackle needs,” said Greg Kwiatkowski. “We specialize in live bait options such as fatheads, golden shiners, baby trout, bluegill, hellgrammites in the summertime, worms and larvae, including red worms, nightcrawlers, mealworms, butterworms and much more. Our live bait comes from all over the world.”

B&B imports butterworms from Chile, nightcrawlers from Canada, red worms from the Netherlands and many of their minnow-based baits are raised on a farm in Arkansas.
“One trend we have seen this year is that butterworms are in very short supply,” he said. “This is due to an extraordinarily hot February in Chile.”

Which bait to use depends on the angler and what has worked in the past at various locations, according to Mike Parker, of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

“Many anglers swear by Power Bait and similar items that have a strong scent and resemble the pellet feed that the trout have been eating their whole lives at the hatchery,” he said. “Night crawlers are also great bait on opening day. Many trout will strike at live minnows and artificial lures such as spinners and Rooster Tails will continue to be effective as the days and weeks go on.

“Have some fun and try a little bit of everything. Ask other anglers what is working and share your experience. There are enough fish to go around – it doesn’t have to be a secret.”
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