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Waterways Conservation Officer John Cummings has 16 streams and lakes in his district of northern Luzerne and Columbia counties that need to be stocked before the first day of trout season.
It typically takes two stocking trucks per waterway, and each truck holds between 2,500 and 3,500 trout. That means Cummings is responsible for stocking between 80,000 to 112,000 trout between now and April 18.
He could use a little help.
This month a welcome sign of spring will appear on area lakes and streams as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission begins its preseason trout stocking across the state. It’s an ambitious task as the agency will stock more than three million fish in 856 lakes and streams statewide, and it’s a job that can only be accomplished with the help of volunteers.
That’s why WCOs like Cummings and Aaron Lupacchini, whose district includes the southern part of Luzerne County, hope to see a crowd waiting for the truck at each stop.
“Volunteers are a big help. They’re essential to getting this done,” Lupacchini said.
It’s not a one-man job.
Lupacchini said when he stocks Nescopeck Creek it requires two trucks carrying more than 5,000 trout.
“That’s a lot of buckets for one person,” he said.
Considering a person is needed on the truck to assist the driver with loading fish into buckets, and two more people are needed for traffic control in addition to several more to help carry buckets, it’s easy to understand how the job of stocking trout can get overwhelming without a few helping hands.
Carrying a bucket full of trout and pouring them into a favorite fishing hole that will be re-visited in the spring is one of the best cures for cabin fever. It’s also an element that makes the PFBC and the sport of trout fishing unique. Helping out with a preseason trout stocking allows anglers to become fully involved with the sport they love. Releasing trout into a cold stream in the middle of March, and then returning later in April to hopefully catch a few brings the experience of trout fishing full circle.
Cummings added there are locations that simply wouldn’t be stocked if it wasn’t for volunteer help. A stretch of Harveys Creek – one of the most popular trout fishing destinations in Luzerne County, would likely be devoid of stocked trout if it wasn’t for the help of the Nanticoke Conservation Club, Cummings said. Club members turn out every year in the preseason to float stock the stretch of stream, ensuring the trout are there and spread out for opening day.
“Help like that is phenomenal and really benefits so many anglers who fish there throughout the season,” Cummings said.
It’s a gratifying feeling to pour a bucket of trout into a stream knowing you are creating an opportunity for so many anglers, yourself included. While helping out with a preseason stocking is fulfilling, it’s also memorable.
I vividly recall tagging along with my dad years ago to help stock trout and watching with anticipation as the buckets were handed down from the truck. And when the lid was popped off, I couldn’t wait to peek inside to see the thrashing fish eager to be released. It’s an image that often made for a sleepless night before the opening day.
“For the children who come out, being a part of a trout stocking means a lot,” Cummings said. “It gives them a sense of involvement and stewardship in the process, and it also gets them hooked on the sport.”
Stocking more than three million trout in waters across the state can be an overwhelming task or a memorable experience with the help of volunteers.
Why not be a part of it?
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To see a full fish stocking schedule, visit fish.state.pa.us