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2007 Trout Fishing OutlookPrincipal Fisheries Biologist March, 2007 Another spring draws near and so, too, does the opening day of New Jersey's trout season. Many anglers have already marked their calendars for the big day, Saturday, April 7 at 8 a.m. This day is the single, most eagerly anticipated, day of the year for anglers who like to wet their lines for trout. Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends. This year, most children will be on vacation during the week following opening day, so it's a perfect time to take a child fishing for trout. Fishing is easy, and all the information you need to get started trout fishing in New Jersey is right here.
Springtime isn't the only time to fish for trout. Great trout fishing
opportunities can be found year round in the Garden State. Fish and
Wildlife also stocks trout in the fall and winter, and these 2-year
old trout are much bigger than the yearlings that are stocked in the
spring. You can also try your luck fishing for wild, naturally reproduced
trout born in the stream and not in the hatchery. Landlocked salmon,
lake trout, and sea-run
brown trout round out New Jersey's repertoire of coldwater sportfish.
The outlook for trout fishing in New Jersey looks GREAT! Provided
below is a rundown, complete with details, on what's new and in store
for trout anglers in 2007, as well as other helpful information. You
may also want to read the "Nonstop Trout … Jersey Fresh" article on
page 31 in the Freshwater
Digest for more about the amazing variety of trout fishing opportunities
New Jersey has to offer.
Tempting Places to Trout Fish Before Opening
Day (March 19 - April 6)
Most trout-stocked waters are closed to fishing during the 3 weeks
leading up to opening day (March 19 - April 7 at 8 a.m.). But during
this time there are waters that remain open for trout fishing. Here
are some great options to consider.
Holdover and Trophy Trout Lakes Wild Trout Streams Spring Trout Allocations & Changes
to Individual Waters
The spring allocations have been generated using our computerized
database which takes into account a variety of characteristics, including
such things as waterbody size, access, seasonal or year round trout
fishery, etc. The weekly allocations (and the day of the week stocked)
for each trout-stocked water can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/trt_allocation07_dates.htm.
Significant changes from last year's allocations are as follows:
Stocking has been temporarily suspended in two waters. The dam
at Bostwick Lake (Cumberland Co.) has not been repaired and the
lake is unsuitable for stocking this spring. Trout will not be stocked
at Dahnert's Lake (Bergen County) this spring due to an ongoing
lake restoration project.
On several streams some traditional stocking locations have been
dropped, or new ones added. In those instances, the mileage figure
(used in determining the stream's trout allocation) was updated
in the database and the allocations then adjusted accordingly. These
streams and the stocking point changes are:
Lopatcong Creek - Stocking has been discontinued above
the Rt. 519 bridge (this conforms to the established trout stocking
boundaries for the creek, plus wild brook trout inhabit the stream
in this upper reach). Further downstream, behind the Agway in Phillipsburg,
the stream has been re-opened to fishing now that the dam removal
and stream restoration project has been completed.
Pequannock River - The Generant Factory property will no
longer be stocked because the manager does not allow anglers to
park and access the river.
Pohatcong Creek - A number of new stocking points have
been added, with most on private land where the owner has agreed
to allow public fishing (by Herlemann Road, stretch between I-78
and Rt. 173, and several more locations off Ravine and Creek Roads).
Ramapo River - Stocking has been discontinued at four locations
(Duty Rd. bridge, Center Ave. bridge and nearby "stop sign", and
Bear Swamp Rd. bridge) due to poor access and/or poor river conditions
in those areas.
Wallkill River - An additional stocking point was added
below the Rt. 94 bridge (within walking distance of the bridge).
New Signs to Designate Trout-stocked Waters New signs will be placed along our trout-stocked waters this spring. They will state that public fishing is allowed at the posted location, and will also remind anglers to respect the landowner and their property. Gaining fishing access to a lake is rarely a problem, as state, county or local governments own most. But it's a different story on streams. They often flow through a patchwork of privately and publicly owned land. Private landowners are not required to allow public access to the stream, but fortunately a good many do. Fish and Wildlife may stock trout in streams that are privately owned, but only if the landowner allows public access for fishing. These signs will let anglers know with certainty that fishing is allowed. Leave your fishing spot as you found it, or even clean up after a thoughtless individual. This will help ensure that these privately owned stretches remain open to public fishing. Trout
Stocked Water - In-season Closures Sign (pdf, 11kb) Where Are the Trout-stocked Waters? Trout-stocked waters are listed by county in the Freshwater Digest on pages 14-15 (those with no in-season stocking closures) closed and page 19 (those having in-season stocking closures). Finding these waters, including specific access locations along streams, has never been easier. Check the access links below. When are Waters Stocked with Trout, and How Many Will Be Stocked? The weekly spring allocations and the day of stocking for each trout-stocked water are conveniently summarized in a 6-page handout. Or you may call the Trout Hotline 609-633-6878 to learn the stocking schedule for the week of your choosing. The schedule does change from year to year, and this year there were a number of changes in central and south Jersey (to make efficient use of the trucks and personnel that do the stocking). The trout will still be stocked during the same week, but not necessarily the same day, as last year. So it is a good idea to check this year's schedule before heading out to fish to avoid disappointment.
"Hook-a-Winner" With a New Twist For the 9th year in a row, Fish and Wildlife will place "Hook-a-Winner" jaw-tags on trout that are stocked in the spring. As in the past, 1,000 brook trout will be tagged and stocked before opening day. This year an additional 1,000 trout will be tagged and stocked during the 2nd week after opening day (April 16 -20). Anglers will have double the chance of catching a Hook-a-Winner trout. Those that do can claim their prize (a certificate and pin) and are automatically entered into a special contest sponsored by the State Council of Trout Unlimited. The tradition of awarding rod and reel combos to 12 lucky anglers will continue this year. This year, another 12 winners will be selected and invited to spend a day fishing for trout at the Fishing Education Pond at the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Each winner will be allowed bring up to three family members or friends. Landlocked Salmon - the Latest Buzz The salmon were stocked last May in Lake Aeroflex and Lake Wawayanda, and it is expected that they will attain 12 inches later this year (the minimum harvestable size). More salmon will be stocked this spring and Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor this unique, developing fishery and keep anglers apprised. Landlocked Salmon in New Jersey Fall & Winter-stocked Trout - the Big Ones Are Here to Stay! Fish and Wildlife will continue to stock 14-16" trout under the fall and winter trout stocking programs. The responses we received from anglers who went fishing for the trout stocked last fall and winter were overwhelming positive. This fall anglers can expect to see brown trout stocked in addition to brook and rainbow trout. The trout allocations and stocking schedule will be announced later on in the year. Getting Started Fishing for Trout - Techniques & Tips Helpful tips for beginners and seasoned anglers can be found in the Freshwater Digest. The best type of rod and reel to use, and what to tie on the end of the line that will get the attention of trout, can be found on pages 42-43 in the Freshwater Digest. Don't forget to purchase a fishing license if you are 16 through 69 years old, and also a trout stamp. These may be obtained through one of the many license agents statewide, or online. Trout Fishing Facts & Information (When, Where, How) (pdf, 20kb) |
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