HARRISBURG, Pa. – With the summer season winding down, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to offer several special fishing opportunities to keep the fun going!

On Labor Day, September 2, resident and non-resident adult anglers (age 16 and older) will be able to purchase a fishing license for $1. The license — good for Labor Day only — provides an easy and affordable way for everyone to enjoy a special day with family and friends while fishing on the Commonwealth’s waters. The special license is now available for purchase online at www.GoneFishingPA.comOpens In A New Window, or by visiting one of more than 700 license issuing agents. A processing and vendor fee ($1.90) will be applied to the purchase of the license.

The second opportunity is the Mentored Youth Panfish Day also being held on September 2.  This provides youth anglers and their mentors a special opportunity on 20 waterways designated as Panfish Enhancement Lakes. These lakes are specially managed to increase the number and size of panfish, which include Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Redear Sunfish, which are collectively called sunfish; Black and White Crappies; and Yellow Perch.

On this date, youth who have obtained a free mentored youth permit or have purchased a voluntary youth license, and a properly licensed mentor 16 years of age or older may keep fish under the minimum size.  All other regulations and daily limits are in effect.

The 20 lakes will be open to all anglers all day on September 2, but only mentored youth participants (adults and kids) may keep fish under the minimum size.

The lakes included in the program are, by county:

• Berks:                               Blue Marsh Reservoir
• Cambria:                          Beaverdam Run Reservoir, Hinkston Run Reservoir, Wilmore Dam
• Centre:                             Foster Joseph Sayers Lake
• Chester:                           Chambers Lake
• Crawford:                        Pymatuning Reservoir
• Fayette:                           Bridgeport Reservoir
• Mercer:                            Shenango River Lake
• Monroe:                           Bradys Lake, Gouldsboro Lake
• Pike:                                  Lower and Upper Promised Land Lakes
• Somerset:                        Quemahoning Reservoir
• Washington:                   Cross Creek Lake, Peters Twp. Lake (Reservoir #2)
• Westmoreland:              Bridgeport Reservoir, Indian Lake, Lower Twin Lake, Northmoreland Lake, Upper Twin Lake

To participate in the mentored youth program, adult anglers (16 years or older) must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and be accompanied by a youth. Accompanying youth anglers must have either a free PFBC-issued permit or purchase a voluntary youth fishing license. Both permits and licenses can be purchased at www.GoneFIshingPa.comOpens In A New Windowor from a license issuing agent.

The PFBC is offering these special opportunities to remind anglers that fishing is a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year, well after the opening days of the trout or bass seasons. With fall just around the corner, anglers will soon be able to experience some of the most comfortable fishing weather of the year along with the scenic backdrop of changing fall foliage. With fall trout stockings still to come, the purchase of an annual fishing license in late summer or fall still holds tremendous value.