Despite the excellent fishing conditions on opening day, the trout were barely biting in most of our trout-stocked waters, leaving many anglers questioning whether trout were stocked. While anglers turned out in good numbers to fish their favorite waters and enjoy one of the most beautiful opening days we've seen in some time, the results were often disappointing.

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife assures the public that all trout-stocked waters received their pre-season allocation during the three weeks prior to opening day, and the trout were stocked at all the usual locations by experienced and reliable stocking crews. More than likely poor angler success over the opening day weekend was the result of high waters when many of the fish were stocked, which dispersed trout more than normal and colder than usual temperatures that made recently stocked trout less active.

By all accounts plenty of the fish stocked pre-season are still in the water and no doubt will begin biting as the water warms. Trout anglers undeterred by the unusual lack of success on opening day should see lots of action when conditions improve and newly stocked trout join pre-season trout still in the water. The best is yet to come.