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As seasons go, state made great call about trout’s opening day

We have enjoyed the warmth of spring already, a good week before the equinox, and then a dip back into cooler temperatures.

But the sight of trout being tossed into area streams gives us hope that, yes, the back-breaking winter of 2020-21 is over.

We look each year for the stocking schedules. It’s become an annual rite of spring for many fisherman and draws us outdoors, signaling an end to the winter hibernation.

This year it’s more than just the trout stocking that is underway. The campgrounds at an additional 16 state parks will be opened early for anglers who want to stay overnight on April 2 to be there bright and early for the new statewide trout opener the following day.

In our area, those additional campgrounds include Little Pine, World’s End, Hyner Run and Kettle Creek.

Yes, trout season in our area will begin a few weeks earlier this year, on April 3.

The state Fish and Boat Commission decided over the winter to have a statewide consolidated season for all counties with opening day on the same day.

The decision was made in consultation with the governor’s office, the state Department of Health and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in an effort to preserve the benefits of fishing while addressing public health concerns during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe they made the right decision, particularly after the winter that just was. Who isn’t itching to get outside and do something fun and relaxing, such as fishing for trout?

Spring may begin at 5:37 a.m. Saturday, but then it’s just another two weeks, two hours and 23 minutes — taking us to 8 a.m. April 3 — until the next great season in Pennsylvania begins.

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