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Trout Season Underway in Schuylkill County

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY — Thousands of anglers hit local rivers and streams in many parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania for the trout season opener. In Schuylkil...

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- Thousands of anglers hit local rivers and streams in many parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania for the trout season opener.

In Schuylkill County, the cold weather played a big role in how many fish people were able to reel in.

Their lines were cast and reels ready. Hundreds of anglers in Schuylkill County braved the spring cold to open up trout season.

Elijah Howe of Wilkes-Barre said, "Just trying to catch some trout on the first day and it's a lot colder than I expected."

"I just like being in the outdoors and get away," said Anthony Artmont, Wilkes-Barre.

For Artmont, trout season is something he looks forward to every year.

However, on Saturday's opening day at Whippoorwill Dam near Frackville, he says he's having a hard time getting the fish to bite.

"Nothing was really hitting. They just stocked it yesterday so it has to do with the trout getting used to the water and the coldness. It's way too cold," add Artmont.

Over at Locust Lake State Park near Barnesville, the opening day scene was a little different. There were not as many people and the lake was still ice-covered.

"We usually camp out but we heard there was ice on the lake so we figured we'd just come up for the day," said Brian Levitan, Philadelphia.

Many of the fisherman we spoke to say it's not the most ideal weather for the first day of trout season. There's a lot of ice that's still out on the water and it's creating a lot of problems trying to catch trout.

"You can't cast very far because of the ice but some other people were catching fish here," said Ryan Yaletchko, Lancaster County.

A group of fishermen from Lancaster County made the most out of opening day despite the strong wind and chilly air. They say it's a tradition that won't let blow away in the strong breeze.

Yaletchko added, "[He's] really excited. [He's] been waiting a long time for it to start. We've been getting all our stuff together and came out here around 5:30 a.m."

"My first time fishing. It's an alright day I can't tiny fish," said Bernardo Bucerra, Lancaster County.

Folks in parts of Carbon, Northumberland and Snyder counties also opened trout season this weekend.

Opening day for the rest of the state casts out on April 18.

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