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Trout Stocking Kicks Off in the Poconos

STROUD TOWNSHIP — It was the first day of trout stocking in the Poconos, gearing up for fishing season next month. The weather couldn’t have been better i...
trout stocking

STROUD TOWNSHIP -- It was the first day of trout stocking in the Poconos, gearing up for fishing season next month.

The weather couldn’t have been better in the Poconos on Wednesday for fish stocking in McMichael Creek. About 6,000 fish were dropped into the water, gearing up for a good season.

Trout jumped and flopped around in nets then were dropped into McMichael Creek near Stroudsburg.

Volunteers helping out the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission had Mother Nature on their side this year.

"How could you beat this? I got to see the fish go in, I got to see a lot of guys I only see once a year or twice,” said Charles Snyder of Marshalls Creek.

Just last year, snow and ice limited where crews could stock this creek. They cut holes in the ice to make it work.

Now officials say this year is much easier.

"The methods depend on our location from where we're able to stock from. We prefer to float stock so if you see those barrels that people have that spreads out the fish very nicely,” said Waterways Conservation Officer Eric Weredyk.

The Fish and Boat Commission will continue stocking trout with buckets throughout the spring, and they're always looking for an extra set of hands to help out.

Dan Snyder joined the bucket brigade traveling in from New Jersey to help out with his dad and fishing buddy.

"This is my first time back stocking since I was 10 years old. I just retired, so now I've got some time off, and figured I'd come back and start helping out again,” said Snyder.

Bucket after bucket was dumped, freeing fish many of these men are hoping to catch next month.

“It's not sitting in front of a TV, playing video games, you know, it's that type of stuff,” said Snyder.

“Haven't missed the first day of trout season since 1964 I think, or five, long time,” said King.

The first day of trout season is April 16 in Monroe County.

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