Can't Chase The Smallies Cause I Don't Have A Trout Permit...?

I dont think you need a trout stamp to fish Erie but you do need the actual Erie stamp.

I believe you are correct, but the law reads that one if required if a person "takes, kills, or possesses, while in the act of fishing, a trout or salmon from any PA or boundary waters".

I don't kill or possess them, but I have taken them, albeit by accident. I feel that if I am seen catching one by the wrong officer, I would be in line for a citation. Or if I kill one upon release, and I don't have the trout stamp, I'm once again in violation. It's a nice $9 insurance policy!