With the March 31 opening of trout season in 18 counties, the Department of Health and the Fish and Boat Commission this week reminded anglers that fresh trout can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when consumed according to recommended guidelines.

Fish are high in protein and are a valuable source of vitamins, minerals and beneficial oils that are low in saturated fat. Trout are especially high in vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cardiovascular health and brain development in children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, American Heart Association and other nutrition experts recommend eating up to 12 ounces, or 2-3 servings, of fish per week; except for certain large ocean fish.

Because exposure to high levels of various chemicals can increase certain health risks, the state conducts regular sampling and testing of wild fish, as well as hatchery trout released to Pennsylvania streams. This testing enables the commonwealth to make both general and specific recommendations.

All sport-caught fish in Pennsylvania are subject to a one-meal-per-week consumption advisory. This limit is especially recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, women of childbearing age and children. In some instances, testing of wild fish in specific areas suggests they should be eaten less often, or in rare cases, not at all.

More detailed consumption recommendations vary based on specific test results. For instance, trout raised at Pennsylvania’s eight hatcheries are regularly screened for polychlorinated biphenyls. In 2007, tests have shown no need for additional special guidelines for eating these fish.

Pennsylvania’s 2007 trout season begins at 8 a.m. on March 31 for 18 counties in southeastern and parts of south central Pennsylvania, and on April 14 for the entire state. For more information, including the location of trout fishing waters, select the ‘Fishing” link from the Fish and Boat Commission’s homepage.

The 18 counties in which Trout Season will open on March 31 are: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York. Mifflin County is also listed as part of the Regional Opening Day, but for East Licking Creek only.

Anglers can find more detailed recommendations in the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary Booklet issued when a PA fishing license is purchased. Recommendations can also be found on the Department of Environmental Protection Fish Consumption webpage.

NewsClip: Trout Season: New Angles

3/30/2007