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    Regulatory Changes

    Read through proposed notices and rulemakings for publishing in the Pennsylvania Bulletin upon Commission approval.

    Pennsylvania coat of arms with two horses and a crest. And the Pennsylvania Code Bulletin logo

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) is the Commonwealth agency with the authority to enforce Title 30 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (The Fish and Boat Code). In addition, the Commission may promulgate such rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of the Fish and Boat Code. Before a regulation becomes final, the Commission must first publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin seeking comments, objections, or suggestions from the public. Comments are accepted for at least 30 days.  After the public comment period, the Commission considers the proposed amendment on final rulemaking. If adopted on final rulemaking, the amendment becomes effective on the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin or other date specified by the Commission.

    The information provided on this webpage is a summary of regulatory proposals that are being considered by the Commission, as well as final regulations. The purpose of posting this information is to make the public aware of the issues and to elicit public feedback on proposals. Comments on the proposals provide the Commission with valuable information and perspectives that will be considered and possibly incorporated into content or editorial changes. We appreciate your time and your commitment to Pennsylvania’s natural resources. The graphic within each topic will help you follow the change through the regulatory process.

    View more information about the rulemaking process

    View Regulation Changes

      NOTICE - Temporary Change to Fishing Regulations; Lackawanna Lake, Lackawanna County

      The Executive Director, acting under the authority of 58 Pa. Code § 65.25 (relating to temporary changes to fishing regulations), has taken immediate action to temporarily modify fishing regulations at Lackawanna Lake, in anticipation of a drawdown of the lake. The Executive Director has lifted all seasons, sizes and creel limits for all species. The Executive Director has found that this action is necessary and appropriate for management of fish at this lake. These temporary modifications will remain in effect until March 1, 2027, unless the Commission shall by then, by appropriate action, have approved the designation or redesignation of waters or shall have approved the revision of the regulation in question. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Special Regulation Designation-Unnamed Tributary to Yellow Breeches Creek, Section 01

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider removing an unnamed tributary to Yellow Breeches Creek, Section 01 from its list of catch and release artificial lures only waters regulated and managed under 58 Pa. Code § 65.5 (relating to catch and release artificial lures only). Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the changes will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Special Regulation Designation-Oil Creek, Section 05

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider revising the section limits of Oil Creek, Section 05 on its list of delayed harvest artificial lures only areas regulated and managed under 58 Pa. Code § 65.6 (relating to delayed harvest artificial lures only areas). Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the change will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Special Regulation Designation - Powell Creek, Section 01

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider removing a portion of Powell Creek, Section 01 from its list of waters limited to specific purposes—exclusive use fishing areas for both children and special populations, regulated and managed under 58 Pa. Code § 65.21 (relating to waters limited to specific purposes—exclusive use fishing areas). Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the change will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Special Regulation Designation - Caroline Lake

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider adding Caroline Lake to its list of stocked trout waters open to year-round fishing regulated and managed under 58 Pa. Code § 65.19 (relating to stocked trout waters open to year-round fishing). Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the changes will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Rulemaking; Administrative Provisions (General Appeal Provisions)

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider an amendment to Chapter 51 (relating to general appeal provisions) to identify the Commission's provisions for its general appeals process. The amendment will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Changes to List of Wild Trout Streams; October 2026

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider changes to its list of wild trout streams, which include the addition of 11 streams or portions of streams to the list. Under 58 Pa. Code § 57.11 (relating to listing of wild trout streams), it is the Commisson's policy to accurately identify and classify stream sections supporting naturally reproducing populations of wild trout as wild trout streams. Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the changes will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Proposed Changes to List of Class A Wild Trout Streams; October 2026

      At its meeting on October 26, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission will consider the addition of 5 stream sections to its list of Class A wild trout streams. Under 58 Pa. Code § 57.8a (relating to Class A wild trout streams), it is the Commisson's policy to manage self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations as a renewable natural resource to conserve that resource and the angling it provides. Please refer to the notice for additional information. If approved, the changes will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Special Fishing Regulations; Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing; Increase MSL for Trout to 9 Inches

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 65.19 (relating to stocked trout waters open to year-round fishing) to increase the minimum size limit (MSL) for trout to 9 inches. The final-form rulemaking has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Special Fishing Regulations; Miscellaneous Special Regulations; Increase MSL for Trout to 9 Inches

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations), which  increases the minimum size limit (MSL) for trout to 9 inches. The final-form rulemaking has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Special Fishing Regulations; Extended Trout Season; Increase MSL for Trout to 9 Inches

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 65.26 (relating to extended trout season), which  increases the minimum size limit (MSL) for trout to 9 inches.The final-form rulemaking has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Seasons, Sizes and Creel Limits; Commonwealth Inland Waters; Increase MSL for Trout to 9 Inches

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 61.1  (relating to Commonwealth inland waters), which increases the minimum size limit (MSL) for trout to 9 inches. The final-form rulemaking has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; General Fishing Regulations; Miscellaneous Special Regulations (Ohio River Basin)

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations), which adds the Ohio River Basin to its list of waters subject to special regulations. The final-form rulemaking has been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; General Fishing Regulations; Measuring Fish

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to Chapter 63 (relating to general fishing regulations) to add § 63.58 (relating to measuring fish), which provides a standard definition for how fish should be measured in this Commonwealth. The final-form rulemaking was effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Fishing in Lake Erie and Boundary Lakes; Limitations on Gear

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to § 69.24 (relating to limitations on gear), which allows three fishing license holders to operate from the same boat while fishing in Lake Erie. The final-form rulemaking was effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Process for Temporary Boat Registration Issuing Agents

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved a proposed rulemaking to allow temporary boat registration issuing agents to use other forms of security, which may be less expensive than securing a bond. This may provide a more flexible and efficient onboarding process for the agents. The final-form rulemaking was effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Defining "Public Property"

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment defining "public property" in  58 Pa. Code § 91.2 to support the implementation of 30 Pa.C.S. Chapter 57 (relating to at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats) (ADV Law). The amendment was effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Special Regulation Designation; Yellow Breeches Creek, Section 03

      The Fish and Boat Commission removed Yellow Breeches Creek, Section 03, in Cumberland County from its list of catch and release artificial lures only waters regulated and managed under 58 Pa. Code § 65.5 (relating to catch and release artificial lures only). The designation was effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Administrative Provisions (Petitions and Requests for Regulations)

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to Chapter 51 (relating to administrative provisions) to further clarify the review process for regulations proposed by the public. The amendment will be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Rulemaking; Administrative Provisions (Public Comments/Virtual Committee Meetings)

      At its meeting on July 27, 2026, the Fish and Boat Commission approved an amendment to Chapter 51 (relating to administrative provisions) to permit the public comment period for virtual committee meetings to be provided prior to the date of the meeting. The amendment would be effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Approved Courses of Instruction in Boating Safety Education

      Under 58 Pa. Code § 91.6(a)(1) (relating to boating safety education certificates), the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission has updated the list of approved courses in boating safety education for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania residents, effective June 1, 2026. The changes were effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Criteria for Courses of Instruction in Boating Safety Education

      Under 58 Pa. Code § 91.7 (relating to criteria for courses of instruction in boating safety education), the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission has established updated criteria for Internet and Classroom Boating Safety Education Courses, effective June 1, 2026. The changes were effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please refer to the notice for additional information.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Changes to List of Wild Trout Streams; July 2026

      The Fish and Boat Commission approved changes to its list of wild trout streams, which include 56 new waters and listing or limit changes to 4 waters that are currently listed. Under 58 Pa. Code § 57.11 (relating to listing of wild trout streams), it is the Commisson's policy to accurately identify and classify stream sections supporting naturally reproducing populations of wild trout as wild trout streams. Please refer to the notice for additional information. The changes were effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

      NOTICE - Changes to List of Class A Wild Trout Streams; July 2026

      The Fish and Boat Commission approved the addition of 12 stream sections to its list of Class A wild trout streams. Under 58 Pa. Code § 57.8a (relating to Class A wild trout streams), it is the Commisson's policy to manage self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations as a renewable natural resource to conserve that resource and the angling it provides. Please refer to the notice for additional information. The changes were effective upon second publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

      Thermometer image showing the proposed designation is open for public comment.

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