Though the mid-April trout opener is many months away, plenty of stocked trout fishing options exist for anglers willing to pursue them.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's fall-winter stocking program will begin next month, jump starting action that will continue for some months to some.

Select lakes and ponds are stocked at certain intervals during the next few months, starting in October. Additional stockings occur during both early winter and late winter.

The commission's popular delayed harvest program also adds to the list of possible waters, as many of these streams receive a slight stocking of trout during the fall once water temperatures drop. Also, certain tailrace areas tend to hold trout throughout the winter months.

"The commission's fall-winter trout management program is designed to provide recreational trout angling opportunities at this time of year," said Tom Greene, the commission's Cold Water Unit leader. "When we are dealing with this time of year, the primary focus, stocking-wise, is on a selection of lakes."

Greene noted that two tailwaters areas at Shenango and Youghiogheny dams also are stocked. While the total number of fish stocked in a particular waterway may not change, staggering stockings from late fall through late winter spreads the recreation potential over a longer time period.

"There's a good following of anglers who utilize fall and winter trout-stocked waters," said Greene. "Certainly it's not as heavy as during the spring, when traditional trout angling takes place in Pennsylvania, but there are folks that are out there at this time of year. They enjoy the sport that's available.

"Stocking these lakes and tailwaters sections provides trout fishing recreation that otherwise would not be there," he added.

One of the first lakes in our area to receive trout through this program is Lower Hereford Manor Lake. Found in Beaver County, just west of the Butler County line, Lower Hereford Manor Lake is a good option for anglers from Butler County area. It is slated to be stocked on Oct. 23. An additional stocking will occur in late February.

Lower Herford Manor Lake is one of two lakes located on Doe Creek. The upper lake was drawn down about 15 feet a few years ago to provide storage protection for the lower lake. Lower Hereford covers about 45 acres.

Non-powered and electric motors are permitted on Lower Hereford Manor Lake. A good boat ramp is provided on the southeastern corner of lake, along with a large parking area. Vehicular access is found on both the east and west shores of the lake, which is located along Route 228, a few miles west of Zelienople.

Glade Run Lake, another lake popular with Butler County trout anglers, will be stocked in late February.