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Opening Day of Trout Season is April 1st, 2023

Mercer County is home to vibrant fishing and angling opportunities, especially for trout fishing. April 1st marks the official start of Trout Season in Mercer County, and anglers across the county are gearing up for a great 2023 season.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has stocked many streams in Mercer County over the past few years with an assortment of trout species. The most common species stocked in the area are rainbow, brown, and brook trout. In addition, anglers may also encounter wild browns, rainbows, and native brook trout throughout their fishing trips.

Visit these favorite fishing holes in Mercer County, PA:

Shenango River

Anglers seeking a catch of the day should venture to Shenango River between New Hamburg and the Big Bend recreation area! This prime spot offers excellent trout fishing, with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocking it biannually. With tons of fish swimming around waiting to be caught, there’s no shortage of excitement – reel in your next adventure at this riverside paradise!

Neshannock Creek

Looking for the perfect spot to cast your line? Look no further than Neshannock Creek, aka “The Place of Two Streams.” This dynamic waterway meanders through Mercer and Lawrence County before reaching its confluence with the Shenango River. Its rich bounty includes over five different feeder streams like Cool Spring Creek, Pine Run, Potter Run, and even Little Neshannock! With so much natural beauty along its banks, there are plenty of hot spots for trout fishing – all year round.

This excellent creek provides multiple spots to cast in, like Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only areas or Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. Bait with mealworms, minnows, salmon eggs (or whatever you fancy!), but don’t forget to add some weight as these sections are larger than average compared to other trout streams.

Cool Spring Creek

Get ready to reel in some thrills while fishing at Cool Spring Creek! Established as part of a Delayed Harvest Program, the creek is filled with brown and rainbow trout, guaranteed to give you an exciting challenge. Experience nature’s beauty on your outing, too – there are wildflowers, deer, and wild turkeys along the groomed trails that will lead you along this peaceful stream. It even offers trophy-sized catches for those truly looking for an adventure!

Wolf Creek

If you’re looking for a great fishing spot, Wolf Creek is the place to go! It’s part of the Northwest Regulated Trout Waters, and every year it gets stocked with tasty trout. Head down from the Route 58 bridge in Grove City all the way to Airport Road Bridge – these are your “honey hole” hot spots where angling success is practically guaranteed!

North Deer Creek

Get ready to cast a line in some stunningly beautiful waters! North Deer Creek is the perfect location for your first day of trout season.  The creek is a 9.24 mile-long, 2nd-order tributary meeting French Creek about one mile from Carlton.

These stocked trout waters are a great place to wet a line on the first day of trout season.

Sandy Creek

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the pack this early Spring, look no further than Little Sandy Creek! Home to an abundance of brook and wild trout as well Pennsylvanian Fish & Boat Commission’s bi-annual stocking events in March and April – it is a hidden gem for all anglers seeking some serious adventure. Open up your tackle bag or rod case, dip into this creek off the beaten path, and catch yourself a big one!

Little Sandy Creek starts east of Lake Wilhelm in Mercer County, flowing southeast for approximately six miles.

Little Shenango River

If you’re looking for an exciting way to get your angling fix, look no further than Greenville’s stocked trout waters. Open year-round with a permit and conveniently located off Werner Road – where there’s plenty of parking on public land – this is one fishing experience you won’t want to miss!

Lake Julia at Buhl Farm Park

Looking to reel in some rainbow trout? Check out Lake Julia! Just 1 mile away from Sharpsville, this 6-acre lake has something for every angler – whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Get ready to cast your line and make the most of trout season at beautiful Lake Julia!

Plan Your Trout Fishing Trip Today!

It’s an exciting time for trout fishing in Mercer County. Anglers are sure to find success this Opening Day of Trout Season on April 1st. Contact VisitMercerCountyPA at 724-346-3771 and request the regional fishing guide!

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Visit MercerCountyPA
VisitMercerCountyPA is the Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Mercer County, Pennsylvania. We are passionate about promoting Mercer County, PA as a destination for tourists.
Visit MercerCountyPA

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