The new normal is that nothing is normal these days with the corona virus and the social as well as health concerns it places on all of us.

Usually during this time of year, my friends and fishing buddies are stocking up on fishing gear and lining up their upcoming fishing trips for the spring and early summer. I caught my first changes to the times when the PA Fish & Boat Commission WCO announced to a group of volunteers that showed up to help with a pre-season trout stocking that they could not assist in the stocking.

The PFBC announced that trout stocking will be conducted on an accelerated schedule. To ensure public safety, volunteers will not be permitted to assist with stocking activities.

WCO Kay also reported that to complete trout stocking operations without the assistance of the public, the PFBC will modify stocking methods for this year. Likely there will be no or minimal in-season stocking done this year, but will have most fish in for opening day on April 18.

Add to this fact that the usual shoulder to shoulder fishing spots now are asking that anglers be six feet apart or further for safety reasons.

The earlier southeastern season was already canceled and moved back to the April 18 date. The PFBC has canceled programs at large events such as the Linesville State Fish Hatchery's Open House. That was a very popular program and I am sure that this will be a disappointment for many families.

Check your gearNow is the time for anglers to make sure that their fishing crafts are seaworthy. Charging batteries, checking trailers, looking over your PFD's and safety equipment should be completed before you get on the water.A reminder, that Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Wear runs through April 30 for anyone on boats less than 16 feet and in all canoes and kayaks.

Boat registrationThe registrations of motored boats are required on all powered boats (electric & gasoline) and should be taken care of before you launch. Due to current circumstances, the PFBC is allowing registrations and license purchases to be completed on-line with verifications on your smart phones as verifications until you receive a hard copy.

Reports of crappies and walleye being caught on the rivers and lakes are starting to come in and that is one place that you can be to have recreation and respect other people's space! No angler wants anyone too close to their boat while fishing, so everyone should be able to enjoy a day on the water away from any crowds of people.Reports of crappies, yellow perch and bluegills are being reported at Presque Isle Bay out near Misery Bay and the head of the bay. Kahle Lake in Clarion County reports are that anglers are catching bluegill and yllow perch as well. Where the Clarion River and Allegheny River meet, anglers are landing some nice walleye and muskellunge,

March 30 marked the anniversary of the PFBC, which was formed in 1866, and they are one of the oldest conservation organizations in the country.To help share a perspective of their history in conservation, they are offering a 400-page history book filled with vintage articles documenting their formation, stunning photographs and explaining their role in the protection of the Commonwealths' resources.Copies of the book can be ordered from the PFBC Facebook page.

Fake news has been spread about the 2020 hunting and fishing seasons through several social media outlets. The truth is that there has been no cancelation of either hunting or fishing activities for 2020.There have been some program cancelations due to social distancing, but the basic seasons are on as planned. These are difficult times and adding fake news to the mix is just plain irresponsible. If you don't know, don't add to the angst many people are feeling.

Right off the press is an announcement by the Slippery Rock Library Friends that they are sponsoring their Annual Lake Arthur Striper Fishing Tournament from June 15 through July 15.They decided on a later date to hopefully catch some dryer weather than in years past, but with the current changes across the county, this change of date really works out!Entry forms will be available from Slippery Rock Community Library, online with Visit Butler County or from tournament Director Tom Maher. Complete rules of this catch and release tournament will be available with the application.