Elimination of pre-season closures for 2026?

[Castaline]

I know there was a proposal floated out there in August about eliminating the closed March>opening day period. Does anyone know if this is fully adopted and in play for 2026?

[robtf]

I don’t know but interested to hear. We should definitely hear by the trout meeting

[Rusty Spinner]

I can ask. Last I heard it wasn't being changed. But they are stocked fish and I stopped caring long ago unfortunately.

[Drossi]

I know there was a proposal floated out there in August about eliminating the closed March>opening day period. Does anyone know if this is fully adopted and in play for 2026?

I don't think that made it but I believe the creel limit reduction from 4 to 2 after June 1st did get in.

[Rusty Spinner]

I know there was a proposal floated out there in August about eliminating the closed March>opening day period. Does anyone know if this is fully adopted and in play for 2026?

I don't think that made it but I believe the creel limit reduction from 4 to 2 after June 1st did get in.

That I happen to know is being implemented in '26. It took us years to convince the Division to make this change, but too many anglers complain about no or too few trout once summer temps drop enough to safely practice C&R for trout.

[Troutman]

interesting

[Pete]

As long as the Division relies on license sales for a significant portion of its finding, I doubt if it will happen.

To many people the faux "Opening Day" has become a tradition. A lot of them buy a license and trout stamp (for the same prices as avid fishers), and only go fishing once or twice a year.

[Drossi]

As long as the Division relies on license sales for a significant portion of its finding, I doubt if it will happen.

To many people the faux "Opening Day" has become a tradition. A lot of them buy a license and trout stamp (for the same prices as avid fishers), and only go fishing once or twice a year.

That plus many opening day fisherman will spend money on gas, food, bait, flies, tackle, it does provide a nice pop to local businesses. And really why should it go away just to placate the wishes of the few?