Steve Miller of Hellertown caught a 20-inch rainbow trout and two palominos on opening day of trout season Tuesday. Fishing is one of the few activities that have not interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. That is due to the fact that it is an outdoor activity which normally takes place at a distance from other people, state health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said.
Some traditions are so engrained that it’s hard to imagine life without them, even in the midst of a pandemic. Such is the case with Pennsylvania’s beloved trout season, which opened early Tuesday, drawing thousands of fishermen to waterways across the state.
Hellertown resident Steve Miller was among them.
Miller proudly shared photos of his opening day catches with Saucon Source, which included a 20-inch rainbow trout and two colorful palomino trout caught locally.
Although there is currently a requirement that all residents maintain social distancing in public–and that they stay home in general–fishing is an outdoor activity that naturally encourages people to spread out in the fresh air, state health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
“Today was actually a soft start. They didn’t have the big events that they usually have, particularly so people could practice social distancing,” Levine said, in response to a reporter’s question. “Trout fishing is an outdoor activity, and as was described to me, the way that trout fishing goes usually it quite naturally would have some c distancing and so that’s why trout season was allowed to start and will continue, but it is very important that that social distancing be maintained.”
The decision to open trout season 11 days early was made by the state’s Fish and Boat Commission in consultation with the Office of the Governor, the state Department of Health and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
In an educational video created to help raise awareness of the importance of social distancing while fishing, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission communications director Mike Parker shares tips for anglers to consider before they hit the streambank.
“These fish have had plenty of time to spread out in the lakes and streams, so you should spread out to catch them,” he said. “Consider fishing areas off the beaten path, and well away from others. If you arrive at your favorite fishing spot and it’s crowded, move to another location.”
“Remember there’s no rush to go fishing right now,” Parker added. “Our fish and boat team works hard to provide quality fishing experiences throughout the year.”
Steve Miller of Hellertown displays his opening day catches.
