PFBC Advances Proposal of DHALO Regulation Changes
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has advanced proposed changes to Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) areas. Waters currently effected by DHALO regulations in the Northwest region include sections of Piney Creek (Clarion County), East Hickory Creek (Forest County), Neshannock Creek (Lawrence County), Cool Spring Creek (Mercer County), and Oil Creek (Venango County). For exact DHALO area locations, refer to the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary Booklet.
The current DHALO regulations only allow the harvest of trout between June 15 and Labor Day. Anglers are also limited to using only artificial lures within these sections. The waters regulated under DHALO rules are open to year around fishing but any fish caught outside of the June 15 through labor day time period must be released. There is a nine inch size limit and only 3 fish are allowed to be kept during the harvest period.
The proposed changes would allow the season to open the Saturday before Memorial Day. This will allow anglers to keep fish during several more weeks of the season. The size limit would be lowered to seven inches and anglers could use either bait or artificial lures during the harvest period. The creel limit would remain at three fish.
Anglers under the age of 16 will be allowed to use bait throughout the year according to the changes. PFBC Executive Director John Arway said, “The DHALO program is one of our most popular because it extends the traditional trout season. Today’s proposal should encourage more anglers, especially kids, to fish these areas and will make it easier for families to fish together.”
The proposed changes will be published as a notice of proposed rule making in the PA Bulletin for a 60 day public comment period. If adopted on a final rule making, the changes would take effect in during the 2016 fishing season.
For more information please go to http://www.fishandboat.com/minutes.htm .
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