2017 Spring Trout Fishing Information

The Buddy License is again available to anglers introducing a "Buddy" to freshwater fishing. The Fishing Buddy License offers both a current and a new angler (or two new anglers) reduced price fishing licenses! The discounted licenses are available to resident anglers ages 16 to 65, or nonresident anglers over age 16, who purchase their freshwater fishing license with a "Buddy." Eligibility requires at least one new angler.

Anglers are reminded that as a result of a disease outbreak at the Pequest hatchery (2013/2014) the division is rearing Rainbow Trout only. A silver lining to this is that studies have shown that rainbows are more aggressive and more likely to fall victim to a well-presented lure or baited hook, much to the satisfaction of more trout anglers, particularly on Opening Day.

Click to enlarge Sharing opening day with a youngster can't be beat.

For those anglers who just love to catch Brown Trout or Brook Trout, there are still opportunities out there. Waterbodies such as the South Branch Raritan River, Pequannock River and Big Flat Brook, (to name a few) have naturally reproducing trout in them that will surprise and delight many lucky anglers with their beautiful markings and coloration. There are also waters in New Jersey that remain cool enough to support trout year round and contain holdover Brook and Brown Trout from previous stockings. Releasing Brook and Brown Trout will help preserve these opportunities well into the future. These trout, in addition to the Rainbow Trout stocked this spring from Pequest will no doubt keep New Jersey as one of the top trout fishing destinations in the East. Ten lakes received an additional helping of large broodstock through the State's Bonus Broodstock program. Each year a different set of waters is selected statewide, and there's bound to be an opportunity near you. These waterbodies generally receive 30 - 50 of these extra large trout. The odds of catching a big one are in your favor if you try one of these waters: Birch Grove Park Pond (Atlantic), Burnham Park Pond (Morris), Dahnert's Lake (Bergen), Franklin Lake, (Monmouth), Hook's Creek Lake (Middlesex), Lower Echo Park Pond (Union), Mountain Farm Pond (Hunterdon), Shaws Mill Pond, (Cumberland), Sylvan Lake (Burlington), and Verona Park Pond (Essex). Bonus Broodstock Details.

Anglers should be aware that most trout-stocked waters are always closed to fishing during the 3 weeks leading up to Opening Day (March 20 - April 8, 2017 at 8 a.m.). There are several waters that remain open for fishing: Lake Hopatcong (Morris/Sussex), Mountain Lake (Warren), Prospertown Lake (Ocean), Lake Shenandoah (Ocean), Swartswood Lake (Sussex), and the section of Lawrence Brook from Davidsons Mill Rd. to Church Lane are open year round to fishing.

Catch and Release Only, Seasonal, and Year-Round Trout Conservation Areas and designated Holdover Trout Lakes are also open to fishing. However, trout caught in any of these waters during this period must be released immediately. Note that, fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on April 8, 2017. Trout can be harvested from the state's two Trophy Trout Lakes, Merrill Creek and Round Valley Reservoirs. Be sure to check the Freshwater Digest for regulations pertaining to these waters.

Fish and Wildlife will place "Hook-a-Winner" jaw-tags on 1,000 Rainbow Trout stocked in the spring. Anglers who catch a Hook-a-Winner trout can claim their prize (a certificate and patch) by contacting the Pequest Trout Hatchery 908-637-4173 ext. 113.

Don't forget that a fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish for trout if you are 16 years or older. Children under 16 and New Jersey residents 70 years and older can fish without a license. Licenses and stamps may be obtained through one of the many license agents statewide, or online.

2017 SPRING TROUT STOCKING UPDATES / CHANGES

5/11/17 - Rancocas Creek SW/B (Burlington Co.) was not stocked on its scheduled date (5/11) but will be stocked tomorrow, Friday, May 12.

4/10/17 - Merrill Creek Reservior (Warren Co.) which was scheduled for stocking today (Monday, 4/10) will be stocked Wednesday, April 12; Round Valley Reservoir (Hunterdon Co.), originally scheduled for Wednesday (4/12) was/will be stocked today Monday, April 10.

4/3/17 - Lawrence Brook from the Riva Ave. bridge downstream to Ryders Lane (Milltown, Middlesex Co.) is closed to all fishing due to a spill of transformer oil and subsequent cleanup operation.

3/9/17 - Stony Lake in Stokes State Forest (Sussex Co.) will not be stocked due to dam repairs. Trout allocated for Stony Lake will be spread out among the other trout stocked waterbodies in the area such as Lake Ocquittunk, the Big Flat Brook, and other nearby trout stocked waterbodies.

2/27/17 - Woodcliff Lake (Hudson Co.) will not be stocked due to dam repairs. Trout allocated for Woodcliff Lake will be spread out among other nearby trout stocked waterbodies.

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