The Fish and Boat Commission headed out to Parker Dam State Park Wednesday to stock multiple areas ahead of the start of Trout season.

Over 3,000 fish were brought from the Bellefonte hatchery, which is over 70 miles away. The fish were brought in by truck, where they are stored in tanks with water around 52 degrees and then sorted. 

A group of fish went into holding containers and then were taken to Gifford Run. While the rest of the fish were handed out in buckets, where community members helped stock Parker Dam, Laurel Run, and Bennett Branch. Wednesday, the turnout from the community was high. A volunteer says he believes it’s because of the nearby campgrounds that surround Parker Dam. A worker from the fish and boat commission said the average age of the fish are around 18 months, while the trophy fish could be able 3 years old. Trout Opening day will begin on Saturday, April 15th, at 8 a.m.