October 29, 2014
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife suggests those out enjoying the beautiful fall foliage with family and friends this fall also give channel catfish fishing a try. The Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery has recently stocked 12,780 channel catfish in 84 waterbodies throughout New Jersey's 21 counties, making them conveniently available to everyone. The fish average 14.4 inches in length and weigh approximately one pound each.
This year has been the most productive year since 2009 when the program switched from a spring to a fall stocking period. Since the change the hatchery has stocked more than 60,000 of these catchable-size catfish. They have been mostly targeted into waterbodies ranging from 2 to 25 acres, providing great shoreline fishing opportunities.
Fishing for channel catfish is open year-round, statewide. The size limit is 12 inches and the creel limit is 5 fish per day. Remember, in New Jersey kids under the age of 16 fish for free - so make it a family event!
The Division urges the public to give it a try and let us know how you make out send your photos and stories to: hatchery0@verizon.net.
List of Waters Stocked (pdf, 15kb)
Channel Catfish Information