Community Corner

Trout Season Gets Underway This Weekend

Fish will be stocked in areas throughout the state,

More than 180,000 freshly stocked trout will be awaiting anglers when they cast their lines on the opening day of trout season on April 9. The DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife for the past two weeks has been stocking nearly 200 streams, lakes and ponds across the state.

The season officially gets under way at 8 a.m. Saturday. An estimated 100,000 anglers statewide are expected to participate.

"Opening day of the trout season is truly a remarkable event, one that connects families and friends in a cherished tradition of spring," said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. "The Christie Administration understands just how important this tradition is to the many thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors who cast their lines for these prized fish, and the importance of protecting the environment around trout waters to ensure the continued high quality of water that is needed to support these fish."

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will continue stocking trout over the next couple months until a total of nearly 600,000 fish have been placed in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. These will include 6,000 big trout–3- to 8-pounders–that will join big trout released last fall and winter that eluded capture.

Nine ponds and small lakes each will get special allocations of 30 to 50 big trout that measure 16 to 24 inches and weigh 3 to 8 pounds. The locations of those nine sites and other important spring trout stocking information are posted on the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife website,www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/trtinfo.htm.

Weekly in-season trout stocking information is also available by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at 609-633-6765.

Fishing for trout in New Jersey requires a fishing license and trout stamp for anglers between the ages of 16 and 70. Anglers under age 16 and 70 years of age and older do not need a fishing license or trout stamp.

Buying a fishing license and trout stamp can be done through the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Automated Licensing System. Anglers can buy and print a fishing license and trout stamp online or can purchase a license and stamp at one of more than 200 license agent locations throughout the state.

All proceeds from freshwater fishing licenses are dedicated to improving fishing in New Jersey and protecting the quality of the state's waters both for fish and people.

More information about trout fishing and all other freshwater fishing in New Jersey, including regulations, stocking schedules, fishing access points and fishing tips can be found atwww.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishing_fresh.htm.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here