The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is noticing an uptick of citations and warnings for illegal steelhead fishing.

"There are a few bad apples," said Mike Parker, communications director for PFBC. 

According to the PFBC, between September 15 and December 15 of 2023, 258 citations were issued by waterways conservation officers, along with 245 warnings.

"Is it more people violating the law or are we doing a better job of attaching them? We think that it's probably a combination of both." Parker said.

He says snagging the fish with hooks and netting them in an unsportsmanlike manner are both illegal practices the commission has noticed.

People are only allowed keep three steelhead per day when caught legally, which is the law.

The two main areas of illegal activity are Trout Run at Avonia Beach and the Walnut Creek Access Area, both located in Fairview. There is also round-the-clock surveillance video operating at the locations. 

"Those fish are very visible [and] very accessible in that area," Parker said. "Unfortunately there are some opportunistic people out there who are taking advantage of that resource."

The commission encourages safe and legal steelhead fishing practices. If you notice illegal activity, you are encouraged to report it to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's northwest regional office at (814) 337-0444.

Address: 11528 State Highway 98, Meadville, PA 16335.