Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 26

Keystone
Select
Stocked
Trout
Waters

by Tyler Frantz

photos by the author

It had been weeks (if not months) since I last wet my fly line,
and an insatiable yearning to do so pulled me to the wintertime
waters. As I plodded through the slush of a recent snowfall
toward one of my favorite fishing holes, a freshly affixed egg
and midge tandem bounced in parallel cadence to the 5-weight
swaying by my hip, the bottom hook pressed firmly into the
rod's cork handle.
As I rounded the bend, I found another angler already
thigh deep at my intended fishing destination. He appeared
to be having a great time, catching one trout after another.
I slipped down into the chilled streambed about 60 yards
below him, freed my flies and line and roll-casted toward the
opposite bank.
While retrieving my latest pitch, I glanced upstream to see
the nearby angler now hooked up with a hefty fish-a large
trout that cleared the water and slapped the surface with a
splash. The lengthy battle that ensued prompted me to offer a
hand in netting the large fish.
At this exchange of words, I realized the mystery angler was
an acquaintance I knew for several years. He gladly welcomed
my offer to help haul in the beautiful Rainbow Trout. Bringing
the trophy to hand, we marveled at its size and snapped a few
quick photographs before returning the healthy fish to the
creek. It seems my friend also lists this fishing hole among his
personal favorites.

26

What is unique about this story is that it took place
outside of the traditional trout season in a special regulations
Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) section also
designated as Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters.
The Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters program
provides anglers with an opportunity to fish for larger trout
than most other fishing scenarios. These designated locations
exist at 22 prime locations around Pennsylvania.
Under the program, approximately 6,500 large trout,
2-to 3-years-old and measuring between 14- to 20-inches,
are distributed among these select waters under DHALO
special regulations.
This means anglers may pursue these trout year-round,
with fishing permitted on a 24-hour basis. There is only
a three trout creel limit (minimum size of 9-inches) from
June 15 through Labor Day, with no harvest permitted the
remainder of the year.
That means many of the fish that are stocked in the spring
survive to provide quality fishing year-round. Twelve of the
22 Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters also receive fall
stocking since they are considered destination fisheries that
tend to provide better fishing opportunities this time of year.
I have fished Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters
around the calendar and have found success many times with
memorable hookups occurring in all seasons. My best trout last
year was caught in late July, when high water kept temperatures
low enough to fish, and a 23-inch fish gobbled a scud fly rolled
on the bottom.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2019	

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019

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