Class A Wild Trout Waters

For instance, they are typically classified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as High-Quality Coldwater Fisheries.

Most Class A Wild Trout Waters are subject to standard statewide angling regulations by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Class A Wild Trout Waters are virtually never stocked, although many were prior to receiving their designation.

As more streams were assessed, the number of Class A Wild Trout Waters grew rapidly.

[5][6] The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission eventually decided to classify them as Class A Wild Trout Waters, but continue stocking them in the spring to satisfy angler demand.

[1] Some Class A Wild Trout Waters are located in the Pocono Mountains or the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania.

[1] However, in that year, only nine counties contained at least 30 miles (48 km) of Class A Wild Trout Waters.

[4] In order to be listed as Class A Wild Trout Waters, a stream must be surveyed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists with "approved protocols" to determine that it meets the relevant standards.

[1] The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection designates Class A Wild Trout Waters as High-Quality Coldwater Fisheries, provided that there has been an adequate period of public comment and participation.

[4] This provides such streams with extra legal protections under the federal Clean Water Act.

[1] Some streams receive Exceptional Value status due to their classification as Class A Wild Trout Waters.

The vast majority (92 percent) of such steams are managed with the statewide minimum length of 7 inches (18 cm) and the maximum creel limit of five fish.