Class A Wild Trout Waters

The modern stream classification system of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, including Class A Wild Trout Waters, was developed with Operation Future, which marked a transition from recreation-based management to resource-based management, in 1983. Following statewide stream surveys in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission created a set of biomass standards for trout streams in the state. In the 2010s, the fact that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was considering adding seven urban streams to its list of Class A Wild Trout Watersthus ending stocking therecaused some criticism by anglers who believed that this would impact the quality of fishing in heavily fished streams such as Monocacy Creek and Little Lehigh Creek. However, the criticism was not universal, with proponents pointing out that a redesignation would provide extra protection for the streams. According to Pennsylvania Outdoor News Person of the Year Bill Anderson, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has become hesitant to classify streams as Class A Wild Trout Waters due to "'social' concerns". ==Description and distribution==

The official definition of Class A Wild Trout Waters is "streams that support a population of naturally produced trout of sufficient size and abundance to support a long-term and rewarding sport fishery". Class A Wild Trout Waters are the "best of the best" streams for trout fishing in Pennsylvania. Class A Wild Trout Waters are virtually never stocked with trout since they are managed solely for the propagation of wild trout. They may also be tributaries of streams that are stocked with trout. In 2014, there were 274 Class A Wild Trout Waters for brook trout, comprising of streams. There were 163 such stream segments for brown trout, making up a total of of streams, and 62 Class A Wild Trout Waters for both brook trout and brown trout, totaling . There were only 11 Class A Wild Trout Waters for rainbow trout, making up of streams. ==Criteria==

In order to be listed as Class A Wild Trout Waters, a stream must be surveyed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission biologists with "approved protocols" to determine that it meets the relevant standards. The official designation is carried out by the Board of Commissioners. There are several rankings with lower biomass requirements in the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's classification system: Class B Wild Trout Waters, Class C Wild Trout Waters, Class D Wild Trout Waters, and Class E Wild Trout Waters. ==Legal significance==

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection designates Class A Wild Trout Waters as High-Quality Coldwater Fisheries, provided that there has been an adequate period of public comment and participation. Under Section 57.8a of the Pennsylvania Code, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is to manage trout populations in Class A Wild Trout Waters as renewable natural resources, and to conserve the populations for anglers. ==Gallery==

File:Arnold Creek looking upstream 1.JPG | Arnold Creek File:Balliet Run near its mouth 2.JPG | Balliet Run File:Bow Creek looking downstream.JPG | Bow Creek File:Klingermans Run.JPG | Klingermans Run ==See also==